xt7stq5r8g97 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7stq5r8g97/data/mets.xml Clay Monument Association. 1857  books b92-73-27213421 English Pub. by the Clay Monument Association, : [Cincinnati] : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Clay, Henry, 1777-1852. Clay Monument (Lexington, Ky.)Breckenridge, Robert Jefferson, 1880-1871. Report of the ceremonies on the Fourth of July, 1857  : at the laying of the corner stone of a national monument, to be erected near Lexington, Kentucky, to the memory of Henry Clay ; together with the oration delivered on the occasion / by Robert J. Breckenridge. text Report of the ceremonies on the Fourth of July, 1857  : at the laying of the corner stone of a national monument, to be erected near Lexington, Kentucky, to the memory of Henry Clay ; together with the oration delivered on the occasion / by Robert J. Breckenridge. 1857 2002 true xt7stq5r8g97 section xt7stq5r8g97 










PUBrLISHED



      CEREMONIES
             AT THE

  LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE
              OF THE


',1atinnaI 2aNumcnt,
               TO

   ]ENRY CLAY,
        NEAR LEXINGTON, KY.
              WIT.

 DR. BRECKINRIDGE'S ORATION,
         DELIVERED ON THE OCCASIO.





   PRINTED BY THE CINCINNATI GAZETTE COMPANY.
              185 7.



 
































                    ,i 4  
wG immiseav S2 bT+ E'

 


           REPORT
               OF THE
  CEREMONIES ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1857,
               AT THE


faping of tc Ctorner tonc

                OF A

 NATIONAL MONUMENT,
              TO BE ERECTED

     NEAR LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY,
            TO THIE MEMIORY OF

        HENRY CLAY;
            TOGETHER WITH TllE

ORATION DELIVERED ON THE OCCASION,
               BY THE
  Rev. ROBERT J. BRECKINRIDGE, D.D., L.L.D.







  PUBLISHED BY THE CLAY MoNUmENT ASSoCIATION:

               18.56 .

 


































       Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1857, by

TW3:B CrL.AN 3SOWI:JU            ISCtONW

           In the Clerk's Mffesm of the District of Kentucky.



SrMEOTYPED AND PRINTED BY THE
    CINCINNATI GAZETTE CO.


 



           LAYING THE CORNER STONE

                              OF THN


NATIONAL MONUMENT TO HENRY CLAY.



  THE ceremonies incident to laying the Corner Stone of the Clay Monument,
to be erected in the Lexington Cemetery, took place on Saturday, the 4th of
July. The time selected for the purpose-the anniversary of the birth of our
National Independence-was well suited to the grand and solemn occasion.
The day was auspicious-the heavens smiling cloudlessly above the brilliant
and patriotic display. The business houses and private dwellings on the
street leading to the Cemetery, were adorned with flowers and evergreens,
flags. and banners, and streamers; and the side-walks, windows and house-
tops, were thronged with men, women, and children, to witness the great
procession. Captain BuFOaD, the Chief Marshal, with his Staff, superbly
mounted and caparisoned, had every thing in order by nine o'clock, when
the line of march was commenced from "head-quarters," opposite the Pheenix
Hotel, amid the thunder of artillery and the enlivening music of some four
or five splendid Bands in attendance.
  The Masonic Fraternity, to whom the ceremonies were entrusted, were
largely represented, and their magnificent regalias added greatly to the
beauty and splendor of the pageant. The Odd Fellows were also out in con-
siderable numbers and in full dress.
  The military present consisted of Capt. Goins' Artillery Squad of Frankfort,
Falls City Guards of Louisville, Guthrie Greys, and Continentals, of Cincin-
nati, National Guards of St. Louis, Independent National Guards of Indian-
apolis, City Guards of Baltimore, and the Madison Guards of Richmond, Ky.
  The Fire Companies present were the Lafayette and Union Companies of
Louisville, and the several Companies of Lexington.
  The family carriage, which was presented to Mr. Clay by the Citizens of
Newark, N. J., in 1833, which was the only one in the procession admitted
into the Cemetery grounds, was ornamented with white funereal plumes and
wreaths of evergreens and flowers. It was occupied by Aasron Dupuy, an old
negro servant of Mr. Clay, who had been in his service for many years. In
the back seat was a bust of Mr. Clay, and the engraving of his leave-taking
of the Senate.
  Long before the procession arrived at the Cerietery, a large concourse had
assembled and were in waiting, occupying every eligible point to witness the
interesting ceremonies.
                                                         3

 


                                   4

  Upon the platform near the foundation of the Monument, were the mem-
bers of Mr. Clay's family, consisting of Thos. H. Clay and James B. Clay and
their families, Isaac Shelby and family, and others.
  The following distinguished gentlemen were observed on and in the
vicinity of the platform: John C. Breckinridge, Vice President of the United
States, Governor Morehead, Senator Crittenden, Hon. James Guthrie, Hon.
iarrett Davis, Ex-Go,. Trimble of Ohio, Chief Justices Geo. Robertson and
T. A. Marsball, J. B. Huston, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Ken-
tcky; lon. James Harlan, Attorney General; Hon. Richard Hawes; Dr.
Green, of the Normal School; President Bartlett, of the American Council of
the U. S.; Hon. Oscar F. Moore, of Ohio; Roger W. Hanson, Esq.; Zophar
Mills, Esq., of N. Y.; and the President and Directors of the Clay Monument
Association.
  The Masonic Fraternity occupied the enclosure where the ceremonies were
performed, while the Military, Firemen, and the rest of the procession, selected
iuch positions in different portions of the grounds as they preferred.
  In the stone was placed a box hermetically sealed, in a glass jar a history
of the occasion, with the names of the President and Vice President of the
United States, the Governor of Kentucky, the names of the Officers of the
Grand Lodge of Kentucky, and of the President and Directors of the Clay
Monument Association; a copy of each of the papers of the city of Lexington;
a picture of Cincinnati in 1802, published in the Cincinnati Gazette; also a
parchment prepared by the Cincinnati Guthrie Grays, in testimony of their
appreciation of the man who preferred to be right rather than to be President
of the United States; a medallion in copper, struck from the die of the Clay
Gold Medal, presented by the Clay Festival Association of New York, with a
,opy of all the festive songs and odes sung and read before that Association
for the last twelve years, and giving a history of that Association; also a
beautiful medallion likeness of Mr. Clay, by C. Younglove Haynes, Esq., of
Philadelphia, together with copies of Philadelphia papers from the same gen-
tleman, with coins of the present day, (American), in gold, silver, and copper;
t Bible and other articles.
  The President of the Association, H. T. Duncan, Esq., in a graceful manner,
assigned to the M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Mr.
T. N. Wise, the duty of laying the Corner Stone, and the solemn and deeply
interesting ceremonies were conducted by him in the presence of the assem-
hled multitude in the most imposing and impressive manner. The atone was
laid to its place, and pronounced by the Grand Master well formed, true, and
trusty, when corn, wine, and oil, were poured upon it, and the ceremonies
roncluded by prayer. During and preceding the ceremonies, the Newport
U. S. Band discoursed the sweetest music, and salutes were fired.
  After laying the Corner Stone, the procession was re-formed and proceeded
to the Fair Grounds, where the address was to be delivered. The vast am-
phitheater was filled to repletion, with the gathered beauty, intellect, and
worth of Kentucky. A spectacle more brilliant and beautiful has rarely
gladdened the eye or heart of the most enthusiastic. The gay colors of the

 


                                   6

splendid dresses of the women, intermingled with the immense crowd of
sturdy men, were picturesque in the highest degree; the whole bright circle
was like to a rich garland of flowers, overhanging the area of green below,
where the military marched and countermarched. The music was as fine as
ever thrilled a soldier's heart, or lent enchantment to a fairy scene. The
movements of the troops within the circle upon the green,
                    "With wavig   s ad b  erm bright,"
surrounded as they were by the beauty and chivalry of the State, presented
a grand and stirring spectacle, and aroused the most generous and ennobling
emotions. When the great crowd had become somewhat settled, the Band
struck up the national air of the Star Spangled Banner, in a style more
thrilling and touching than any we had ever heard. The fine toned instru-
ments seemed to breathe the very words of the truly beautiful and stirring
song, and inspired a deep and enthusiastic feeling of patriotism, pride, and
pleasure.
  After prayer by the Rev. E. F. Berkley of the Episcopal Church of this
city, the orator of the day, Rev. Ro. J. Breckinridge, D. D. was introduced
to the crowd by H. T. Duncan, Esq. The speech of Dr. Breckinridge was
alike worthy of the great Statesman in gratitude for whose public services
this magnificent ovation was gotten up; to the occasion itself which had
drawn together the largest assemblage of the free citizens of our common
,country that had ever taken place in the West, and to his own reputation as
one of the most chaste, classical, and eloquent speakers of the age. It was .
noble tribute to the life and services of Kentucky's most distinguished dead
son, by one of her greatest living sons, and was alike worthy of both. It
was not to be expected that any considerable number of this vast concourse
of people could hear this orution; no man was ever gifted with sufficient
power to have made himself heard by such an assemblage; but the few who
-lid hear it were delighted with this great effort of a master mind. We are
gratified to announce, however, that Dr. Breckinridge's speech is to be sbortly
presented to the public in an enduring form, as a just tribute to him to whose
memory this work of gratitude has now been dedicated.
  After the speech, dinner was served up, on the tables prepared in the shade
for the purpose, to strangers, while those from the more immediate surround-
ing country, had basket pie-nics on all parts of the ground.
  At 4 o'clock the military were reviewed by Governor Morehead, and this
was probably the most beautiful display in the whole proceedings of the day.
The military occupied the hollow on the city side of the Fair Grounds, whii-
the immense concourse of spectators, men, women, and children, occupied the
green sloping hill a little beyotd, commanding a full view of the evolutions
of the troops. The wind being favorable, every note of the splendid musii
of the Newport Band, which played alone during the review, was borne full
upon the ear of all present.-The glittering armor, waving plumes, and the
wonderful precision of the movements of the troops, presented a scene of
true grandeur, and one well calculated to inspire enthusiasm and make the

 


                                     6

pulses fly. The whole hill side, full length, was covered with gaily dressed
ladies, men, and children; and with the fine military display in the valley
below, presented a picture of unusual splendor and beauty. This closed the
regular proceedings of the day.
                 " Suh hbanrs lhea to her her paid,
                 And paeful slept the mighty HeD 's shade."

  A more brilliant Fourth of July it has never been our good fortune to
enjoy, and we can scarcely hope to see such another. Every thing went off
quietly and in the beat order.
  To the gallant Captain Buford, who conducted the affair, many thanks are
due for the able and soldierly manner in which he bore himself throughout,
and for the general satisfaction he rendered in the discharge of his arduous
duties.
  The monument, some 120 feet in bight, is to be built of the magnesian
limestone of this State, which resembles very much the famed Caen stone of
Normandy, and is a column modeled after the Corinthian style of architecture,
consisting of a stereobate, pedestal base, shaft and capital, the whole sur-
mounted by a statue of the Statesman in bronze.
  The stereobate, or sub-base, some 20 ft. in height, and 40 ft. square, is in
the Egyptian style, plain and massive, and has its appropriate cornice of very
simple character throughout its whole circuit, broken on each side around, a
projecting facade in the same style, but of more elaborate finish. In the
centre of the southern face is an entrance to a vaulted chamber, of the
dimensions 12 by 24 ft., and 16 ft. high in the centre, lighted from above by
heavy plate glass fixed in bronze frames in such manner as to be unseen from
without. The chamber is of polished marble of Kentucky, appropriately
finished as a receptacle for sarcophagi, and, if desirable, a life size statue.
The opening is closed by a screen of bronze. The remaining space within
the sub-base is a closed vault, access to which is had by means of a door-
way, ordinarily closed with masonry.
  Above the stereobate or sub-base is the pedestal of the column, divided
horizontally into two members, each with its base and cornice. The lower
one is 8J ft. in bight, and the upper 14 ft. in bight.  The faces of both
members of the pedestal are in sunk panel, to be filled ultimately with bas
reliefs, in bronze, if desirable.
  Above the pedestal rises the shaft, which, with the base and capital, is
69 feet in bight. The lower diameter being 6 feet 8 inches, and the uppe-
5 feet 10 inches, built solid. The shaft, instead of the ordinary 24 flutes,
with their intermediate fillets, is composed of a cluster of 13 spears (one for
each of the '"Old Thirteen"), the beads of which of bronze, interlaced and
grouped with corn leaves and appropriate national emblems, form the capital
of the column, conformable, in outline and proportion, to the best examples
of the order. On the abacus of the capital rests an acroter of bronze, of a
parabolic contour, and formed of ash and ivy leaves, serving as a pedestal to
the statue. The latter to be 12 feet in bight.



 




               CORRESPONDENCE.



               Letter from the Preidet of the Ursfed States.
                                          WAsm:NGTov, 13th June, 1867.
My DEAR SIR:
  I have received your kind note of the 6th instant, with an invitation from
the Committee to be present on the 4th July next, at the laying of the corner.
stone of the monument to the memory of Henry Clay.
  I can assure you I should esteem it a high privilege to witness the interest-
isg ceremony, and deeply regret that the pressure of public business renders
this impossible. I knew Mr. Clay well for many years before his death, and
although we often differed on political questions, I always admired his lofty
patriotism, his high and chivalrous character, and his commanding eloquence.
He has well deserved the monument his fellow citizens are about to erect to
his memory; because his life has added lustre to his country. It has
strengthened the bonds of that Union which he so dearly loved, and furnishes
a noble example as well as a precious legacy, to the future generations of his
countrymen.           - Yours, very respectfully,
  H. T. Duncan, Esq. A                          JAMES BUCHANAN.

                    Leerfrom Ez-Presidet FiUmore.
                                       BUrrFAo, N. Y., June 26th, 1857.
Hors. H. T. DNscAs,
  SMB:-Your letter of the 8th instant, enclosing an invitation from the Com-
mittee to be present in Lexington on the 4th of July, at the deeply interesting
ceremony of laying the corner stone of the National Clay Monument, ar-
rived here during my absence, and this must be my apology for any apparent
neglect in answering it.
  I can not be insensible to the honor you have done me by this invitation,
and as a friend and admirer of the deceased, nothing could be more gratify-
ing than to be permitted to unite with his neighbors and countrymen in lay-
ing the foundation of that monument which is to attest a nation's gratitude
to one of its noblest patriots and most gifted statesmen-but I regret to say
that my engagements are such that I am reluctantly compelled to decline the
invitation.
  With many thanks for the honor of being remembered on this most in-
teresting occasion by my friends in Kentucky, and to yourself, personally,
for the very flattering manner in which you have been pleased to communi-
cate their request, and
         With sentiments of the highest regard, I am truly yours,
                                               MILLARD FILLMORE.

                    Letter from Hon. Edward Eerett.
                                               BoTrON, 26th June, 1857.
  DEAR SIR:-On my return from the West a short time since, I found on
my table your obliging letter of the 30th of May, with the invitation of the
officers of the " Clay Monument Association,' to attend the ceremonial of
                                                         7

 


                                    8

laying the corner-stone on the ensuing 4th of July. It would have afforded
me the highest satisfaction to be present on an occasion of so much interest,
and to listen to a speaker of such distinguished ability, as the gentleman
who is to deliver the oration. But a series of engagements to repeat my
address on " Washington " in this quarter, will prevent my leaving Massa-
4Iusetts.
  I entertained the highest respect for the patriotic character and life-long
-ervices of Mr. Clay. I have often felt the transcendent power and charm
,f his eloquence; and I enjoyed for years the privilege of his personal
:acquaintance, and I may venture to add of his confidence. For these rea-
Cons, I hope you will allow me to add my mite toward the noble work you
are about to erect.
  With my best wishes for its successful prosecution, and assurances of
friendly personal regard, I remain, my dear sir, sincerely yours,
  H. T. Duncan, Esq.                              EDWARD EVERETT.

                      Letter from lared Sparks, E a.
                                            CAxBaLIDso, 1th June, 1857.
  My DXAE SIR:-Your favor of the 30th of May came duly to hand, enclos-
ing an invitation to me from the Committee of the Clay Monument Associa-
tion, to be present at the ceremony of laying the corner-stone on the 4th of
July. Allow me to express through you, to the Committee, my best acknow.
ledgments and thanks for this kind mark of their attention.
  My recollections of the personal qualities of M.. Clay, my knowledge of
his character and of the great services rendered by him to his country,
would alike conspire to give me a very deep interest in uniting with those
who will be assembled on that occasion to pay so just and honorable a tribute
t, his memory; hut my destiny turns me in another direction. I expect to
sail in two days with my family for Europe. We shall probably be absent
about a year. I can only express my best wishes, therefore, that the events
of the day may be as auspicious as the object is worthy of applause, and that
the Association will meet with all success in carrying out their noble under-
aking. I remain, my dear sir, sincerely your friend,
  Henry T. Duncan, Esq.                               JARED SPARKS.

                    Letter from Hin. Wim. A. Graham.
                                      HsILLsBOo', N. C., June 20th, 18,7.
4;ENTLENIN:
  I very sincerely regret that I cannot be present at the ceremony of laying
the corner-stone of the Clay Monument, in Lexington, on the fourth of July,
agreeably to your invitation.
  The occasion, however, will command my ardent sympathy. Henry Clay
was so extraordinary a character in American history, that a public monu-
,nent is not only due, as a memorial of his illustrious life and service to the
ltepublic, but as a memento of his patriotic teachings, and an incentive to
tei emulation of his noble example. For near half a century, that he was
-onnected with our national affairs, scarce any thing of moment was trans
acted, in which he did not bear an eminent part. Entering the halls or
Congress when the men of the Revolution were yet in full vigor, and in the
naturity of their faculties, he did not finally depart from them until their
graad-children had largely participated in the public counsels.
  Yet in the conflicts and competitions of three generations of states-e..
(many of them unsurpassed in any age or nation,) his position was through-
,,ut conspicuous and commanding: and never at any period challenging eo
g:eneral an approbation as in the sunset of his career, in 18490-0, when. for

 


                                    9

the third time, he gave peace to a distracted country. Admired always for
genius and eloquence, frankness and courage, he is most missed from the
public service, in his enlarged patriotism, his devotion to the Constitution
and the Union, his wisdom sad conservatism, and capacity for control. Am-
bitious, doubtless, with the weakness of noble minds, envy and the spirit of
faction found no place in his breast: and though disappointed in his aspira-
tions after power to do good, he breathed no sentiment of disloyalty to the
Government, nor did 'his soul contrive against his country aught." Though
the boldest of men, he cut no Gordian knots with the sword and prescribed
dismemberment for no disease of the body politic; but with a wisdom equal
to every emergency, he met events as they arose, adapted his means to the
ends to be accomplished, and overcame every difficulty without transcending
the legitimate powers of the Government. In diplomacy and foreign inter-
course, while keenly sensitive to the national honor and interests, he yet re-
garded war but as an agency for acquiring honorable peace, the enjoyment
of which was so essential to the growth and development of the nation, and
the permanent prosperity and happiness of the people.
  His monument, therefore, is a monument to the grandeur and progress of
the country during the first half of the nineteenth century-to national sen-
timents, and loyalty, and love to the Union, according to the true theory of
the Constitution-to American genius and character, of which no man was
ever a more true delineation and representative.
  Let it rise, upon the beautiful plains of his beloved Kentucky -middle
ground in the territories of the great Republic, but may the solitary in-
fluences of his noble and generous sentiments, and extended and purified
patriotism, be diffused by it from the Atlantic to the Pacific shore.
  Repeating my regrets, that T am unable to unite with you, in the imposing
ceremonies of the day, I am, Gentlemen, with great respect,
                                    Your obed't serv't,
                                                   WILL. A. GRAHAM.
To Messrs. H. T. Duncan, Benj. Gratz, Horace B. Hill, Henry Bell, Thomas
  A. Marshall.

                      Letter frem  son. Howell Cobb.
                                      WASnutoTox Crrm, June 15th, 1857.
GKXTLEsmN,
  It would give me sincere pleasure to accept your invitation to be
present at the laying of the cornerstone of the Clay Monument, on the
4th of July next, if my official engagements would admit of it. Being pre-
vented, however, from attending, I avail myself of the opportunity to ex-
press rny cordial concurrence in the motives which have induced this testi-
nonial to the worth, ability, and patriotism of the man whose memory is
thus to be commemorated. It was my lot to enter public life at the time Mr.
Clay was playing his last part in the political drama rendered so remarkable
by the association of his name and services. I had been taught to look
upon him as the formidable and dangerous enemy of the political faith in
which I had been reared. It is not strange then that in the ardent tempera-
ment of young manhood I should have regarded him as one not entitled to
soy generous confidence. Under these circumstances my personal association
with Mr. Clay in public life began. The time was the memorable session
of 1849-'50. The struggle which marks that era in our history is yet fresh
in the memory of every one who participated in it. Mr. Clay was a promi.
nent actor in the scene. My official position not only enabled, but required
one to observe with anxious solicitude the progress of every measure cos-
nected with the adjustment of those questions which then so immediately
threatened the peace and integrity of the Union. I was thrown thereby into
more intimate association with him and others who bore a conspicuous

 



                                   10

and controlling part in the scene, than, under other circumstances, I should
have been. It was then and there that I first learned the true character of
this great man. Discarding the prejudices of former years, and forgetting the
differences which had separated him from the political party with which I
had always been identified, I witnessed, with no ordinary satisfaction, the
zeal, energy, and power with which he labored to restore peace to a distracted
country, and give stability to the Republic. Whether agreeing with, or dif-
fering from him in the propositions which, from time to time, he presented to
the Senate and the country, I felt impressed with his ability as a statesman
and his sincerity as a patriot. Whatever criticisms may be made upon the
political life of Mr. Clay, it may be truly said of him, that he loved his country
with a freedom from simulation or hypocrisy that admitted of no question,
and a devotion that never faltered in its service. No word of mine can add
to his stature, or increase the regard in which his name and character are held
by his countrymen, but I claim the privilege, on this appropriate occasion,
afforded by your partiality, of uniting with them in the expression of sincere
regard for his memory as the ablest of statesmen, and the purest of patriots.
                          I am, very respectfully, your obed't serv't.,
                                                      HOWELL COBB.
  Messrs. H. T. Duncan, tenj. Gratz, Horace B. Hill, Henry Bell, Thomas A.
Marshall, Committee, Lexington, Ky.

                    Letter from Hon. R. C. Winthrop.
                                               BosTox, 26th June, 1857.

  I have the honor to acknowledge your obliging invitation for the approach-
ing 4th of July.
  It would afford me the highest gratification to witness the imposing cere-
monies with which you are about to lay the corner-stone of a Monument to
the great orator and statesman of the West. I should take peculiar interest
in listening to a fresh eulogium upon his career and character from the flow-
ing and gifted speaker who has been selected for the occasion, and I should
count myself fortunate, indeed, if I might add my humble tribute of admira-
tion for the many noble qualities of which HlENr CLAY was so long the
living embodiment.
  Engagements at home, however, leave me no further hope of being with
you, and I can only offer you my grateful acknowledgments for your kind
remembrance of me, and my cordial sympathy in all the emotions of pride
and of patriotism which will be excited by the occasion.
  The Lexington of Kentucky, like the Lexington of Massachusetts, will
snore and more become a place for the pilgrimage of all who delight to recall
the great events and the great men of our history,-and I trust that some of
us, who are deprived of the satisfaction of seeing the laying of the corner-
stone, may find an opportunity of visiting the Monument after its "' top-stone
shall have been brought forth with shouting."
       I am, Gentlemen, with great respect, yorr obliged and oh't serv't.,
                                                 ROB'T C. WINTHROP.
H. T. Duncan, Esq., and others, Committee.

                     Letter from Erastus Brooks, yq.
                                                Nsw YoRK, June 29, '57.
DEAR SIX:-
   In answer to the very kind letter addressed, through me, to ,the Henry
Clay Festival Association," to be present at the laying of the corner-stone of
the Clay Monument on the 4th of July, I have the honor to say that your in-
vitation has been most gratefully accepted.

 


                                  11

  It will not be in the power of the Association to attend as an organization,
nor will any large number of members be present as Delegates, but I may
say, without pretence or affectation, that the hearts and sympathies of our
whole body will be with you at Lexington on this interesting occasion.
  It is the privilege of Kentuckians to retain within their own honored Com-
msi-wealth all that is mortal of the distinguished dead. The dust of the one
mingles with the soil of the other. And in addition to all this, from the
beautifuil Cemetery of your hospitable city, there will rise a noble column.
not only pointing out the dwelling place of the dead, but in its lofty elevation
teaching present and future generations to aspire to imitate the patriotism
whI,,-h it commemorates. Yours, indeed, is a great privilege-but we of New
York, and Mir. Clay's countrymen every-where, feet that all hav- a common
share in the famne of one whose genius, stretching far beyond his native lanud,
wvas as boundless as humanity itself.
  WINe are reminded by our meeting this evening, that just five years have
passed this day since Henry Clay died at the Capitol of the Nation, but pass-
ing years and days only seem to teach us that we honor one who was the
bright particular star of his time and country.
  We send you some memorials of our Association, making up a part of the
,ncislcots of its history during the twelve years past, and in the hope that it
may he convenient to deposit them beneath the monument, and near the cor-
ner-stone which is to be laid under circumstances so imposing.
  With very sincere regrets that it will not be in my power to be with you
In person on the 4th of July,
     I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, your friend,
                                                  ERASTUS BROOKS.
                          In behalf of the Henry Clay Festival Assocation
Henry T. Duncan, Esq., President Clay Monument Association.

                     Letter from Hon. Henry Wilson.
                                          NATICK, Mass., June 20, 1857.
(;ENTLNXEN:-
  I have received your very kind invitation to be present on the occasion of
laying the corner-stone of the Monument which a grateful people are to raise
to the memory of the Orator and Statesman. It would afford me the most
sincere gratification to unite with the people of Kentucky, on the lovely spot
where rest the mortal remains of Henry Clay, in laying the foundation stone
of the Monument which shall rise to mark the place of his last repose. It
was my good fortune, but a few weeks ago, to visit his home, and to stand by
hIis grave, and I can assure you that, if it was in my power, I would gladly
go from Massachusetts to Kentucky to unite with you, on the 4th of July, in
beginning, with appropriate ceremonies, the pious work of erecting a memorial
to the memory of a Statesman who so largely influenced the public affairs of
this country and age.                   Yours truly,
                                                    HENRY WILSON.
To Messrs. H. T. Duncan, Benj. Gratz, H. B. Hill, Henry Bell, and T. A.
  Marshall.

                     refter from Hon. Percy Walker.
                                                 MOBILE, June 20, 1857.
GENTL=EME:-'  
  Your letter, inviting me to be present at the laying of the "Corner-stone of
the National Clay Monument" at Lexington, on the 4th of July next, has
been received.
  It is proper that Kentucky should pay such an honor to the memory of her
most distinguished citizen, to one whose genius and eloquence have shed

 


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upon her so much lustre-whose statesmanship was known and acknowledged
of all men, and whose name is one of the few that will not die.
  I regret that my engagements are such as to prevent my being present
upon as occasion so suggestive of national pride-so interesting to those who
regard the lives of such men as Mr. Clay as affording the best illustration of
the excellence of our Republican system.
  Whether on the hustiugs, where men were to be swayed by stirring