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, 7.75 x 9.5, May 8, 1812. Letter to a gentleman. In full: "I transmit you an order on the Commercial & Farmers' Bank of Baltimore for eleven hundred dollars on act. Of what I collected from Clarke & Anderson & c for C. & J. Comegys. The remittance has been delayed longer than I expected by circumstances, a detail of which wd. be entirely useless. I shall be unable to send you a precise statement of that debt until my return home, unless indeed you strongly desire it, in which case I will write…for requisite materials to make it." Second integral page bears a free-franked address panel in Clay's hand, franked in the upper right, "Free H. Clay." In fair to good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a few partial separations along folds, scattered moderate toning and staining, affecting legibility of several words of text, with another spot over signature, scattered creases and wrinkles, and several areas of surface loss. Second page is heavily toned and stained, with paper loss from removed wax seal, with address partially legible. An important financial letter sent shortly before the start of the War of 1812. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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