Description:

Henry Clay
Lexington, KY, November 28, 1843
Henry Clay ALS & Free Frank on NY, Tariffs, and Upcoming 1844 Election, Timely!
ALS

An autograph letter signed by Henry Clay with Free Frank, speculating on the Whig election prospects in New York. 1p of a bifolium, measuring 8" x 10", Ashland, dated November 28, 1843. Signed "H. Clay" and addressed to T. Childs in Rochester. The letter, marked "Confidential," is a commentary on voting in New York, new tariffs, and Martin Van Buren prior to the 1844 presidential election. Addressed on the integral leaf in Clay's hand, and franked "Free, H. Clay" in the upper right corner. With expected mail folds and light soiling to address page. Some paper loss to address page where seal was broken. Boldly signed, very fine overall.

In part:
"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 Binney, or finally go for M. V. Buren, if, as I 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 form 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..."

Henry Clay (1777-1852) was a Kentucky representative in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and served as U.S. Secretary of State under President John Quincy Adams. He ran for president numerous times, receiving electoral votes in 1824, 1832, and 1844. He strongly pushed his "American System", which was rooted in the "American School" ideas of Alexander Hamilton. The system consisted of a tariff to promote and protect American industry, a national bank, and federal subsidies for infrastructure, especially transport systems. During the 1844 presidential campaign, Clay won the nomination for the Whig party but strongly argued against the annexation of Texas into the Union, stating that it would cause greater tension over slavery and war with Mexico. This political stance damaged his campaign in the South, and he was narrowly defeated by Polk.

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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  • Dimensions: 8" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

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