ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page, 8 x 10.25, June 23, 1849. Letter to Nicholas Carroll. In full: “Prior to the receipt today of your letter of the 18th inst. I had addressed a letter to Mr. Maxwell, the Collector, recommending you in strong terms for an appointment in the Custom House to some respectable office. I transmitted the letter under cover to Messrs Graham and Muir and I shall be most happy if I should be attended with success. I perused your letter with deep interest. Whilst I regretted the existence of circumstances which rendered it necessary that you should apply for office, I concur with your other friends in thinking that no considerations of delicacy ought to have restrained you from making the application. The public offices belong to the Nation, and the actual President, whoever he may be, is the mere administrator of the Nation’s patronage. A Cabinet appointment ought not to be solicited or retained by one who is opposed to the systems of policy which the President adopts; but that forms an exception to the general rule. Whilst I am sorry that you were disappointed at Washington, when circumstances often appeared so auspicious, I am very glad to hear that [Whig Senator Willie P.] Mangum took such an earnest and active part in your behalf. He is really a good hearted gentleman. You will have seen that my son James is to go to Portugal. The mission was tendered to him in a very handsome manner; and, altho’ happily his pecuniary situation is one of perfect Independence, I thought he was right to accept it. I perceive that inferences, most erroneously, have been drawn from that fact, that I am pledged to support the administration. I stand entirely uncommitted, anxious however that its measures may be such as Whigs have always contended for, and such as I can conscientiously support. In that case I shall most cheerfully co-operate with it.” Simply matted to an overall size of 12 x 14.25. Intersecting folds, one touching first initial of signature, and scattered toning and creasing, not affecting legibility, otherwise fine condition.
This politically intriguing letter followed Clay’s unsuccessful attempt to gain the Whig Party’s presidential endorsement over Zachary Taylor in the 1848 election. Carroll had asked why Clay was not in Taylor’s Cabinet, prompting this reply that if one is “opposed to the systems of policy which the President adopts,” that person should not seek a position in the Cabinet. However, that stance did not preclude Clay from asking the president for a patronage appointment for his son, James Brown Clay. Many in the Whig Party—including Clay—criticized the president’s use...or lack of...patronage appointments necessary to give the party the clout to push through various programs. Though permitting this particular appointment of the younger Clay as US charge d'affaires to Portugal, any goodwill between the two men was lost when the president, criticized for his decision, announced he had been asked for the concession. That admission encouraged the perception that the senator’s support could be purchased via patronage. An interesting look into the dark side of 19th century politics. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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