Description:

Henry Clay ALS Begruding Appointments of "original friends of Genl Taylor"

1p of a bifolium, measuring 8.25" x 10.5", Ashland, dated May 28, 1849. Signed "H. Clay" and addressed to Nicholas Dean Esq. The letter references Dean's recent attempts and successes in gaining a political office, reading in part:

"…I was extremely glad to learn that the office of Comptroller of the City had been so handsomely offered to you, affording as it did additional evidence of the high opinion entertained of you. On the other hand, I deeply regretted your failure to obtain the office of Marshall for which you applied. I feared that result when I learned that, from considerations of delicacy and dignity, you had determined not to do go Washington personally to solicit the office. That very course ought to have strengthened your claims. But there are only a few men who can fully appreciate it, or who can withstand the influence of personal contact & importunity, and I apprehend that the members of the Cabinet at Washington are not of that number. I suppose Mr. Talmadge, the successful candidate, was the late Representative from your City. He professed to be a warm friend of mine, and as you did not obtain the office, it ought to be some consolation to me that he got it. I have been apprehensive that the public patronage will be too exclusively confined to the original friends of Genl Taylor. If that should be the case it will be unwise and unjust."

Accompanied by the original envelope, postmarked from Lexington, Kentucky. The letter has flattened mail folds, with minor foxing and soiling. A few small holes present at the center horizontal folds. Boldly signed.

Henry Clay (1777-1852) was an American attorney and statesman who represented Kentucky in both the Senate and House. He served as the seventh House Speaker and the ninth Secretary of State of the United States. Clay had refused to campaign on behalf of Zachary Taylor, believing him to be just a "mere military man." Because of this, when Taylor did become president, Clay was denied any meaningful role in selecting Taylor's Cabinet or making any policy decisions.

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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