Description:

H. Clay ALS "I should have got the votes...which Genl. Taylor obtained"

2pp of a bifolium, measuring 9" x 10.25", Ashland, dated December 10, 1848. Signed "H. Clay" and addressed to his friend and political supporter John D. Hayes. Clay writes of his losing the nomination to General Taylor at the 1848 Whig National Convention, reading in part:

"…The Presidential election having terminated in the election of Genl. Taylor, we must all feel rejoiced in the overthrow of the Party which has so long afflicted our Country, and cherished anxious hopes that the new Administration may so conduct our public affairs as to assure the prosperity of the Country. In looking back upon the past, it must be matter of satisfaction to yourself and other friends who urged my nomination at Philadelphia, to be now perfectly convinced, that I could have been elected with ease. I should have got the votes of all the States which Genl. Taylor has obtained, and in addition, Ohio certainly, and Indiana probably. He has received a larger popular vote in the South Western States that I might have received, but I should have got a much larger one than he has in the New States. But this matter is now past, and is only interesting as affording a justification to the course of my friends…" There is an ink stamp to the blank integral page belonging to renowned surgeon and collector Dr. Max Thorek of Chicago. Accompanied by a custom gilt-stamped presentation folder, with a typed transcript of the letter. The letter has flattened folds, with repairs to the hinge and horizontal fold. Boldly signed.

Henry Clay came in second to Zachary Taylor at the 1848 Whig National Convention, due in part to Taylor's national reputation as a military hero. Clay had lost the previous election to James K. Polk but clearly believed himself to be the more logical candidate, despite Taylor's broader popular appeal. The letter provides a fantastic insight into the state of national politics of the time and Clay's own beliefs as a political leader.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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