WASHINGTON, February 18, 1848.
MY DEAR GENERAL, — I
received your favor this morning. I have written this winter no letters to
Kentucky on public affairs but in answer to letters which I received, and of
this description only three. That which you thought ought to have been
addressed to you was of that character.
I remain in my
passive position in regard to the Presidency. To this course I have been
strongly urged. It is generally approved. Whether and when I may change it
depends on circumstances. There is no occasion for precipitate action. Mine at
least shall be deliberate; having due regard to country, party, friends. If I
were to credit all I hear and see, there would be no doubt of my election, if
nominated by the National Convention, with my consent; but experience has
brought diffidence, and I do not lend too ready an ear to even agreeable
things.
I learn from New
York that there is not a particle of doubt that, if I were a candidate, the
vote of that State would be given me by an immense majority. The Legislature (I
mean the Whigs) have had a caucus, in which they passed a resolution, with I
believe unanimity, designating me, although not naming me, and excluding our
friend General Taylor, though not naming him. Our Kentucky and other friends
ought to know what an up-hill business that is of supporting the General in the
free States; and yet I lose no suitable occasion to impress on all union,
harmony and concord.
I am fully convinced
that no preference will be expressed next week in Virginia, at Richmond, for
General Taylor; most probably none will be expressed for any one.
I expect to be in
Philadelphia the two or three last days of this month and the first week of the
next. If I can give any impulse to your business there, I shall not fail to do
it.
SOURCE: Calvin Colton, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Henry Clay, p. 555
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