Distinguished statesman, US senator, secretary of state, speaker of the house, and three-time presidential candidate (1777–1852) who became known as the ‘Great Compromiser’ for his support of the Union prior to the Civil War. ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page, 8 x 10, October 14, 1844. Letter to fellow Whig Joshua Giddings. In full: “I am glad to learn that you were gratified by the perusal of my letter to the Edit. Of the Intell’r. My only regret in writing it was that there should have existed any occasion for it, which there would not have been if my previous letters had not been greatly perverted.
The information conveyed in your letter of the 9th that noble Ashtabula [County] has given a majority of 2400 for the Whigs relieves me from all fears about the Ohio election.
As my letter to Mr. H. has not been I hope it may not be published. Not that I have the smallest doubt of the opinion I expressed, but that it may give rise to fresh perversions.”
Second integral page bears an address panel in Clay’s hand, as well as red wax seal remnants and two docketing notations. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning, small repair to left edge, and a bit of light soiling.
Writing this letter in the weeks leading up to the 1844 presidential contest, Clay was locked in a battle against Democratic Party challenger James K. Polk and Liberty Party candidate James G. Birney. When all of the votes had been tallied, Clay was easily outvoted in the Electoral College, but the popular vote was extremely close between Clay and Polk. As he predicted here, Ohioan voters gave Clay a 6,000-vote victory over Polk. Historians maintain that Clay—who opposed admitting Texas as a state for fear it would reawaken the slavery issue and provoke Mexico to declare war—had many potential votes siphoned by the Birney’s anti-slavery campaign. RRAuction COA.
