ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page, 8.5 x 10.5, April 24, 1847. Letter to Mrs. MacGregor. In part: “You have added, my dear Madam, to instances of your previous kindness, and to my great obligations to you, by your friendly note of the 12th inst. transmitting some verses composed by you on the melancholy occasion of the death of my beloved son on the bloody battle field of Buena Vista. Among the many domestic afflictions of my life this last one of the severest and most heart-rending. If I could derive consolation from the kindest and most touching expressions of sympathy and condolence…I should be abundantly consoled. But alas! my dear Madam, as you have truly intimated, there are some wounds so deep and distressingly painful that they can be healed by no human agency. He only can dry up our tears, and assuage our grief, by those inscrutable dispensations they have been permitted to be inflicted. It is a mournful satisfaction to me that my son died where I know he preferred to meet death, if it must come, on the field of Battle, in the service of his Country. This alleviating sentiment would be stronger, if he had fallen in repelling an invading foe, or in the prosecution of a War, of which the necessity and justice were not so questionable as is this unhappy Mexican War.”
Intersecting mailing folds, (one through a single letter of signature), scattered light toning, trivial edge chip, and a small tape repair on reverse of horizontal fold, otherwise fine condition.
Clay had opposed statehood for Texas because he felt it would reawaken the slavery issue and provoke Mexico to declare war. His warnings came true as the state’s annexation did in fact contribute to the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Reflecting on his thoughts today, there is a definite sense of foreboding that Clay knew the imperialist actions of government would cause the war and the horrible death of his son. The Battle of Buena Vista, in which his offspring was killed, centered around a division of Mexican infantrymen who surprised companies of Kentucky and Illinois regiments. Lt. Col. Henry Clay, Jr. was among those bayoneted to death. A heartfelt letter revealing a father’s sense of agony in losing his son, while balancing the emotion with that of a patriotic statesman. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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