ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page, 8 x 10, November 28, 1843. Letter to Congressman Timothy Childs, marked at the top of the page, “(Confidential).” In full: “It has been a long time since I heard directly from you, and I am desirous to know your opinion how the land lies in the Western part of N. York, after the late election. At my distance from you, it looks badly. What is the cause? I had hoped for better things, and especially was I disappointed in Munroe and Rochester.
The Abolitionists, I observe are increasing in your quarter. Will they adhere to Birney, or finally go for Mr. V. Buren, if, as now suppose to be certain, he should be nominated?
How does it happen that whilst the South & S. West appear to be coming round to the Tariff, the North, judging from elections, is receding from the protective policy? The South is in favor of so adjusting a Revenue Tariff as to discriminate in behalf of the Manufacturing interest. I speak of the Whigs. Now, in that form, as much protection can be afforded as is needed or could be obtained in any other way. Do me the favor to transmit your answer under cover to the honble J.J. Crittenden, Washington.” Reverse of second integral page bears an address panel in Clay’s hand to Childs, and is franked in the upper right, “Free H. Clay,” and retains much of its black wax seal.
In part: “I am greatly in arrear to you in our correspondence, and hope you will attribute my apparent neglect to its true cause, my constantly moving condition. I am rejoiced to hear of the successful issue of your Spring elections, and I sincerely hope that your anticipations in regard to the Empire State may be realized. Without speaking of States, which lie ahead of me, I will give you a brief chart of those which are behind me. We shall run our adversaries hard, if we do not beat them, in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and even Alabama. Clay lost all four states. We shall lick them in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia.” Reverse of second integral page bears an address panel in another hand and red wax seal remnants. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and a bit of scattered light toning. Also included is a manuscript letter, one page, with Clay’s closing sentiment and signature having been clipped off, dated March 29, 1844, also to Childs, and marked “(Private),” at the top by Clay. On March 31, 1842, Clay resigned the Senate seat he had held since 1831 to prepare for the 1844 presidential election. On November 28, 1843, Clay sent the “Confidential” political letter here offered using the franking privilege to which he was no longer entitled. Clay, a democratic candidate for the presidency in 1844 running on a staunch anti-slavery campaign, lost to James K. Polk in a close contest which saw the Liberty Party candidate James Birney take votes that likely would have gone to Clay. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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