A Letter from Mr.. CIay-His Course in tho


Presidential Canvass.
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To the Eii,o-s Of .AI ..'l!i0R1i iH.slisEeaeer.


WASHINGTON. Nay 3. i5ii


GENTLEMEN: Prior 10 the commencement and
during the progress OF the Journey which have
recently made 70 some Of the Southern States,
received numerous invitations TO visit my fellow
citizens at various points of the Union. | was
compelled 10 decline accepting the greater nun;
ber of them; and, in most instances, transmitted
answers accordingly but. as may have omitted
to repv to some Of them and others addressed 10
me may not have reached me- to al such request
to be allowed, through the National lnte!iigen-
Ger, 10 communicate general and respectful an
swe7, and to state the ground on which shall
feel constrained to place any similar invitations
with which NAV be in future honored.


These popular demonstrations Of friendship.
attachment. and confidence towards me are high
IL gratifying to M !eelings and are entitled To
an expression Of mr. profound and grateful ac-
acknowledgements II It were suitable and proper,
in my Judgment, to meet assenbages OF my tcl-
low citizens on tie occasions proposed, | would
embrace the opportunity with pleasure and should
exchange friendly salut.tions with them with a
warmth and enthusiasm, on my part not exceed
ed by their own. But an event of Importance
took place on the first instant in Baltimore. a
Convention OF Delegates from the Wing party,
coming frem all parts OF the United States, act
ing in conformity with the well. ascertalned
wishes and sentiments OF the Wings OF the Uni
ted States, has formally announced my name as
candidate for the Office Of President Of the
United States, and, from high sense OF duty, L
have accepted the nomination. 1t has been,
moreover ratified bv another Convention. COM
posed of Delegates from every part Of the United
States, who assembled on the I'd instant in Ba!ti-
more Beng thus pl.ceJ, with nv own consent,
in the attitude Of candidate for that high Office,
I feel myself tound 10 respect and perform all
the duties and obligations which appertain to me
in that character


The election of a Chief Magistrate Of free,
great. and enlightened nation Is one OF the grav-
est and mos; rnomcntous functions which the
People can exercise. IL is emphatcally, and
ought to be exclusively, their own business. Up
on the wisdom of their choice depends the pre-
servation and soundness of free Institutions, and
the welfare and prosperity OF themselves. In
making it, they should be free, impartial, and
wholly unbiased BIZ the conduct of candidate
himself. Not only, in M opinion, Is 1t his duty
to abstain from all solicitation, direct or indirect,
of their sutfragcs, but he should avoid being vol
UNFAIRLY placed in situations TO seek or in which
he might be supposed to seek, to influence their
Judgment.


Entertaining these views of what becomes a
candidate for the exalted Office of President Of
the United States, shall act in strict conformity
with them. Hereafter, and until the pending
Presidential election is decided, ! cannot accept
nor attend any public meeting Of my fe!ow-citi
zens, assembled N reference to that object, TO
which may have been or shall be invited. 1t
is nv wish and intention, when leave this city,
to return home as quietly and quickly as posi-
bic, and, employing myself in my private bust
ness and affairs, there TO await the decision of
the Presidential election, acquiescing in it, what
ever it may be, with the most perfect submission.


hope those who have honored me with invi-
tations TO which have not yet replied, and those
who may have intended me the honor OF trans
mi,ting Others, will accept, without disapproba-
ton, this exposition OF the motives by which |
am governed.


am, gentlemen, your friend and obedient ser
want, fl. CLAY.