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Letter from Henry Clay, 15 November 1843

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Henry Clay

12 Apr. 1777–29 June 1852. Lawyer, public speaker, professor, statesman, politician. Born in Hanover Co., Virginia. Son of John Clay and Elizabeth Hudson. Episcopalian. Admitted to Virginia bar, Nov. 1797. Moved to Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky, Nov. 1797...

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, Letter,
Ashland

Kentucky estate of Henry Clay. Clay purchased 125 acres near Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky, Sept. 1804, and there built mansion constructed largely of sand brick. Clay resided at Ashland, likely by 1808. Size of estate eventually grew to approximately ...

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, Boyd Co., KY, to JS, [
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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, Hancock Co., IL], 15 Nov. 1843; unidentified handwriting; docket in handwriting of
Thomas Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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; one page; JS Collection, CHL.

Page [1]

Ashland

Kentucky estate of Henry Clay. Clay purchased 125 acres near Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky, Sept. 1804, and there built mansion constructed largely of sand brick. Clay resided at Ashland, likely by 1808. Size of estate eventually grew to approximately ...

More Info
15th Nov. 1843
Dear Sir
I have received your letter, in behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, stating that you understand that I am a Candidate for the Presidency, and enquiring what will be my rule of action relative to you, as a people, should I be elected.
I am profoundly grateful for the numerous and strong expressions of the People, in my behalf, as a Candidate for President of the
U. States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

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; but I do not so consider myself. That must depend upon future events, and upon my sense of duty.
Should I be a Candidate, I can enter into no engagements, make no promises, give no pledges, to any particular portion of the people of the
U. States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

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. If I ever enter into that high office, I must go into it free and unfettered, with no guarantees but such as are to be drawn from my whole life, character and conduct.
It is not inconsistent with this declaration to say, that I have viewed, with a lively interest, the progress of the Latter day Saints; that I have sympathised in their sufferings under injustice, as it appeared to me, what has been inflicted upon them; and that I think, in common with all other Religious Communities, they ought to enjoy the security and protection of the Constitution and the Laws.
I am with great respect, Your friend & obt. servt
H[enry] Clay

12 Apr. 1777–29 June 1852. Lawyer, public speaker, professor, statesman, politician. Born in Hanover Co., Virginia. Son of John Clay and Elizabeth Hudson. Episcopalian. Admitted to Virginia bar, Nov. 1797. Moved to Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky, Nov. 1797...

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Joseph Smith Esq
&c &c &c [p. [1]]
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Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter from Henry Clay, 15 November 1843
ID #
1655
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D13:270–274
Handwriting on This Page
  • Unidentified

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