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Cassius M. Clay Collection, 1827-1901

By Kyle Beeler

Collection Overview

Title: Cassius M. Clay Collection, 1827-1901

Creator: Clay, Cassius Marcellus (1810-1903)

Extent: 1.47 Cubic Feet

Date Acquired: 11/22/2002

Languages: English [eng], Russian [rus], French [fre]

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This is an artificial collection brought together from several different sources. The bulk of the material is in scrapbook form. These were put together by C.M. Clay and cover many different subjects. They consist mostly of news clippings about C.M. Clay or articles and editorial comments about political issues that were relevant at the time. Also included is correspondence including letters from his mother and sister as well as other individuals such as J. Reid of the New York Tribune; the sculptor Joel Tanner Hart; Berea College President, William Frost and Curtis Field Burnam. Also included are speeches given by Clay at various venues, legal documents, photographs and a manuscript copy of Clay's autobiography.

Biographical Note

Cassius Marcellus Clay was born in Madison County, Kentucky, on 19 October 1810. He was the son of Green Clay, a Kentucky soldier of the War of 1812 and a cousin of Henry Clay. He was educated at Centre College, Danville, KY and at Yale, where he graduated in 1832. Influenced to some extent by William Lloyd Garrison, he became an advocate of emancipation and advocated a system of gradual emancipation. In 1835, 1837 and 1840 he was elected as a Whig to the Kentucky legislature, where he helped secure the establishment of a public school system and a much-needed reform in the jury system. In 1841 he was defeated on account of his anti-slavery views. In 1845 he established, at Lexington, KY an anti-slavery publication known as The True American, but in the same year his office and press were wrecked by a mob, and he removed the publication office to Cincinnati, OH. In the Mexican War he served as a captain of a Kentucky company of militia.

He left the Whig party in 1850, and as an anti-slavery candidate for governor of Kentucky polled 5000 votes. In 1856 he joined the Republican party, and wielded considerable influence as a Southern representative in its councils. In 1861 he was sent by President Abraham Lincoln as minister to Russia; in 1862 he returned to America to accept a commission as major-general of volunteers, but in March 1863 was reappointed to his former post at St. Petersburg, where he remained until 1869. Disapproving of the Republican policy of reconstruction, he left the party, and in 1872 was one of the organizers of the Liberal - Republican revolt, and was largely instrumental in securing the nomination of Horace Greeley for the presidency. In the political campaigns of 1876 and 1880 he supported the Democratic candidate, but rejoined the Republican party in the campaign of 1884. He died at his estate, Whitehall, in Madison County, KY on 22 July 1903.

Administrative Information

Accruals:

1981-027, copies of letters and photographs

2002-087, 7 letters from Sallie Dudley Clay and Eliza Smith; Cassius M. Clay's mother and sister.

2002-040, Cassius M. Clay Scrapbooks from Dorris Museum Collection.

2000-005, Miscellaneous items from Dorris Museum Collection.

Access Restrictions: Condition of the original scrapbooks varies but one is very fragile. Special handling required.

Acquisition Source: N/A


Box and Folder Listing

Box 01Add to your cart.
Folder 01: Cassius Clay Autobiography, Typescript (Folder 1 of 2)Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Folder 02: Cassius Clay Autobiography, Typescript (Folder 2 of 2)Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Folder 03: C. M. Clay Scrapbook No. 2, 1845Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

This volume contains a variety of news clipping that are primarily associated with politics, and the campaign of 1880 specifically, plus a series of four articles from Dec 1880 that are entitled Railroads; Common Sense and are signed CATO, White Hall, KY. The other clippings range in dates from 1848-1884. There is a printed copy of the Address of the Cuban Charitable Aid Society, 28 Jan 1870 and a handbill "To The Public" that is signed Capt. Split Log and deals with some violent street incident that took place in Lexington, KY in Aug 1845.

The majority of the news clippings appear to be letters to the editor from C.M. Clay that have been published, articles about him or speeches by him that were later published. These clippings have been pasted on the pages of an account book but the nature of the accounts is not clear.

Folder 04: C. M. Clay Scrapbook No. 4, 1864-1884Add to your cart.

The earliest news clipping in this volume is actually from 1862 and is entitled "The War in Kentucky." It is a letter from Grindstone relating news that Union regiments are heading for Richmond (KY) and that efforts to build a road to the Cumberland Gap are underway. There is also an 1863 speech by C.M. Clay before the Law Department of the University of Albany, NY. The other clippings do not have a coherent subject matter but range from Liberal Republicans to Russia and about Clay himself.

In addition to the news clippings, there is also a two page handbill entitled Call for a State Convention to the Republicans of Kentucky, 1872; a manuscript copy of a letter from Clay, while in St. Petersburg, Russia, to George D. Prentice, Louisville, KY, defending President Johnson's decision to veto the Freedman's Bureau Bill, 13 Mar 1866; an appointment schedule and transmittal letter from the Ohio Republican State Executive Committee for a series of meetings with County Committeemen, 18 Aug 1884.

These clippings have been pasted over the pages of Memorial Addresses on the Life and Character of William Pitt Fessenden.

Folder 05: C. M. Clay Scrapbook, J. C. Perkins, 1891Add to your cart.
This book is largely comprised of news clippings from the Erie Daily Times of a series of articles written by John C. Perkins and entitled "What Shall Be Done with the Railroads of America?," Mar 12 - Jul 29, 1889. There are also a number of clippings relating to the poor, farmers and the working class in general, 1889-1891 and about the railroads, 1891-1893. It contains a number of handwritten notations and comments.
Box 02Add to your cart.
Item 01: Scrapbook No. 7Add to your cart.

It is mostly speeches by C.M. Clay or articles about him and about politics.  Literature is more eclectic than the other books and contains far ranging topics.  The titles of some of the clippings are: "Dressing Mutton"; "The Clay-Harris nuptials"; "Honest Money = What is it?", and "Roaring Republicans."

This scrapbook contains articles that have been pasted over an account book that dates from 1868-1875.  Although it is mostly speeches or articles, as described above, the most interesting feature of this volume is the underlying text of the account book that includes copies of letters and notations about letters that Clay sent to various merchants about goods and services that he had ordered.  It was used for the Contingent Fund of Green Clay, deceased.

Item 02: Lithograph of a Dinner Party in Russia, 1866Add to your cart.
Dinner Given to the American Embassy 6 January 1866 by the Moscow Merchantry [merchant class] at the Practical Academy of Commercial Sciences (Original title in Russian) (From Dorris Museum Collection, #286)
Item 03: Russian Trade Pamphlet, 1865Add to your cart.
A volume in Russian with trade statistics from 1860-1861. (From Dorris Museum Collection, no accession number noted)
Box 03Add to your cart.
Folder 1: Correspondence to ClayAdd to your cart.
Item 1: Frederic Bancroft to Clay, 6 Jun 1893Add to your cart.
Informing Clay that he is writing a book on William H. Seward and would appreciate any letters that he has from him that would contribute to his research.
Item 2: Montgomery Blair to Clay, 27 May 1861Add to your cart.
Blair is sending a telegram informing Clay that it is important that Schurz has a place in Europe. He is also advising Clay to take Russia instead of Spain due to the fact that it would be a good investment.
Item 3: Henry C. Bowan to Clay, 19 Jan 1890Add to your cart.
Bowan is sending a letter thanking Clay for the letter that he sent regarding his son
Item 4: A.R. Burnam to Clay, 6 Feb 1886Add to your cart.
Legal advice concerning Clay
Item 5: C.F. Burnam to Clay, 14 October, 1901Add to your cart.
Wishes Clay a happy 91st birthday and mentions the upcoming 200th anniversary of Yale.  He wishes Clay could come to the reunion and believes that it will be his own last trip East but says that he will come to White Hall when he returns to talk it over with Clay.
Item 6: A.E. Carroll to Clay, 26 Jan 1876Add to your cart.
Letter discussing the politics of the time. Clay running for governor and Grant running for president.
Item 7: Gen. Henry M. Cist to Clay, 19 Jun 1889Add to your cart.
Thanking Clay for sending letters that was sent to him from members of the Lincoln Cabinet, that he was allowed to have for souvenirs. He also discusses other personal matters.
Item 8: J.G. Kingsbury to Clay, 8 Jan 1889Add to your cart.
Requests Clay
Item 9: A.R. Spofford to Clay, 26 Mar 1886Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Copyright information from the Library of Congress about Clay's book.
Item 10: Gene William Curtis to Clay, 24 May 1888Add to your cart.
Letter concerning his feelings over Mr. Blaine's possible nomination and how it could impact the Republican party.
Item 11: Wm. G. Frost to Clay, 29 October, 1901Add to your cart.
Letter about two new teachers at Berea College who are going to meet Clay at White Hall to discuss antislavery in Kentucky.
Item 12: J.M. Gordon to Clay, 4 Feb 1885Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

Indianapolis, Indy, February 4, 1885

My Dear Friend:

I often think of you, and always with pride and pleasure; and, yet I must confess, with regret. The real leaders of nations and races are never allowed to enter their promised lands; and, therefore, you are always coupled in my mind with regret. Moses could look at Canaan from the top of Pisgah, but might not enter with the people of God. He is the type of all true and truly great leaders . I once hoped that the Republican party would be great enough to honor itself, by placing at its head, in the day of its power, the real leader of its opinions; and the real exemplar of its manhood. You combined more of both than any other man. Your opinions are never so ideal and so distant from prac tical life as not to be capable of union with it; and by bravely accepting the duty of uniting them and it in all perilous times and places, your life became the expression

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John W. Gordon [illegible] Feb. 4, 1885

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of what the American People's life has to become before slavery could be ended, and the unity of the nation fully established. It was therefore fit, according to the dramatic uniting, that you, the embodiment of the contest, should have delivered the final blow to the infinite wrong of slavery, and placed the glorious crown of perfect liberty upon the head the nation. But we must be content. Standing in the rising dawn of the new day, your shadow will fall ahead of the march of the people for thousands of years, pointing out to them the true West, whether ”The Star of Empire wends its way.” I shall soon hunt my quiet grave, and go to sleep there in confidence that you will still live and march on, the leader and the exemplar of all true men and nations. [struck: 1. I have just ascertained that Vice President Hendricks' paternal Grand Father was Abram Hendricks. His maternal Grand father was a Mr. Thompson, or Thomson.]

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John W. Gordon. Ind [?] Feb. 4. 1885-

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[top left] 3641 [struck: GORDON & BAILEY, Attorneys at Law, OFFICE, 2, 5, 6 & 8 THORPE BLOCK.] [right margin] [struck: JONATHAN W. GORDON. LEON O. BAILEY.] 3. [struck: Indianapolis, Ind, 188_] [struck: 2. I will see Senator Moon as soon as he returns to his post, and learn the name of the reformed preacher whose name you ask; and when I learn it, I will let you know it.] [struck: 3. The Shanks family - father, mother and sons - are still living at Portland, Jay County, Indiana I will stir up ”their pure minds”, to day, touching the matters you refer to; and the lines between you and them will soon be open again. The young C.M.C. Shanks if alive and able, ought to write you. I understand Shanks' sons are well educated. It may be that they are away from home.] I am glad your work is drawing to a close; and doubt not that it might adopt for motto: ”Finis opus Coronat.” It was once my wish to have gone down the tide of time with you; and my heart often said in silence to you; O while along the stream of time, thy name Expanded flies, and gathers all its fame, Say, shall my little barque attendant sail,

page_0006 [top left] 3641 [struck: GORDON & BAILEY, Attorneys at Law, OFFICE, 2, 5, 6 & 8 THORPE BLOCK.] [right margin] [struck: JONATHAN W. GORDON. LEON O. BAILEY.] 4 [struck: Indianapolis, Ind, 188_] Pursue the triumph, and partake the gale.” [struck: and so to the end; but my thoughts are humbler now; and. I accept dust and silence, feeling, indeed, that it is hard, but accepting hardness as is meek for]+ [struck: -”hearts to break and give no sign Save whitening lips and fading tresses, Till Death pours out his cordial wine Slow - dropped from Misery's crushing presses; and that] + [struck: ”If singing breath or echoing chord To every hidden pang were given, What endless melodies were poured, As sad as earth as sweet as heaven”.] It may be that there is light on the other side, for me, and I humbly hope; and there, in that light, with you, I may cease to regret the failures of life here. I am whether in hope or despair, alike and always your friend. J.W.Gordon. Gen. C. M. Clay, White - Hall, Ky.

Item 13: Joel T. Hart to Clay, 17 Mar 1867Add to your cart.
Discusses foreign affairs with Russia, a convention to be held in France which Hart hopes Clay will attend with him, a monument to be built in Clay's honor, and a poem which Hart was asked to write for Washington's birthday.
Item 14: Hinton Rowan Helper to Clay, 22 Nov 1894Add to your cart.
Talks about Clay's recent marriage and also discusses the portrayal of Clay in a newspaper article which is also enclosed with the letter.
Item 15: Robert Clarke Company to Clay, 3 January, 1901Add to your cart.
A request from the company for a copy of Clay's autobiography which had been requested by a customer of theirs.
Item 16: H.C. Howard to Clay, 5 February, 1901Add to your cart.
A request for Clay to write a letter of recommendation to President McKinley on behalf of Howard as he is trying to be appointed to the position of district judge.
Item 17: Edwin H. Frost to Clay, 17 Dec 1897Add to your cart.
Letter requesting an updated price on some letters from notable people which Clay possesses. Frost claims that the previously discussed price is much too high.
Item 18: J. Reid to Clay, 23 Sep 1886Add to your cart.
Letter discussing Clay's subscription to the New York Tribune as well as the possibility of Clay running for congressional office and how they would help to further his interests in the matter should he choose to do so.
Item 19: J. Reid to Clay, 1 Oct 1886Add to your cart.
Discusses the printing of a card sent by Clay to the newspaper about a man named Hawthorne who apparently spoke ill of him. Reid seeks to dissuade Clay from insisting the letter be printed but agrees to if that is his wish.
Item 20: J. Reid to Clay, 18 Oct 1886Add to your cart.
Letter to Clay stating that the slanderous Mr. Hawthorne had withdrawn his statement and asked that it not be printed. It was withdrawn before Clay and Reid spoke on the matter, and Reid asks that a man such as Clay overlook the incident.
Item 21: J. Reid to Clay, 23 Oct 1886Add to your cart.
Reid writes to Clay saying that Hawthorne wrote him yet again saying how sorry he was over the whole matter and that he never meant to offend Clay.
Item 22: O.H. Palmer to Clay, 29 Apr 1869Add to your cart.
Copy of a letter sent to someone who bought stock from Clay for higher than market cost. Palmer assures the customer that Clay made a mistake and would surely reimburse them for the difference in price.
Item 23: G.S. Savage to Clay, 21 September, 1901Add to your cart.
Savage informs Clay that he received the copies of Clay's autobiography which had previously been requested.
Item 24: Wm. F. Schoalis to Clay, 7 October, 1901Add to your cart.
Schoalis informs Clay that he will be in Kentucky later in the month and that he would like to stop and have a visit with him as there are many things he wishes to discuss.
Item 25: Ed. L. Pierce, 6 Jul 1893Add to your cart.
Letter to Clay talking about issues raised by Clay over a book. Clay is also assured that one of the passages in the book was not meant to seem as if it were attacking him directly.
Item 26: C.A. Daria to Clay, 6 Aug 1886Add to your cart.
Letter thanking Clay for sending an article along with stamps, but the writer wishes to know what Clay wanted done with said stamps.
Folder 2: Sally Clay to C.M. ClayAdd to your cart.
Item 1: Sally Clay to Clay, 17 Dec 1827Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

Letter from Clay's mother telling him of his father's cancer and how it is progressing, the formation of what sounds to be a new city, and news of the rest of the family that is in the new area

My Dear Son  Monday Dec 17. 1827

I expect you have been anxious to hear from us, I had no doubt when we left you but we should have gone home before this time, but your fathers cancer began to look worse in a few days after we came here, the Doc began last saturday was a week to put on his powder more plentifully than he ever did, & continues puting it on every other day. it looks very bad, but the Docr says that is a matter of course from the application of the medicine, & that he has know doubt but he will perfect a cure. there is a good many of our friends in town now, the administration convention is to meet this evening in the Presbiterian meeting house your uncle Garrard is here, his son Wm that has just commenced the Practice of the law a promising youth, died about three weeks since. we often see the uncertainty of earthly prospects, oh that you woud take the admonition in the Bible, to remember your creator in the days of your youth the fear of the lord is the begining of wisdom, david irvine and five or six others is here from Madison. he brought us four letters from our children, they are all well. So Harrison intends to go home next saturday if we should not write then you must ask permission of President to visit him and enquire about your Father, I dont tell when we will go home. write to us by the [illegible] tell Mr Roberts your Father a walking cane from there we thought it was Mr Smiths, he says it is not his but he thinks it is Sidneys. we intend sending home when we learn whose it is farewell S. Clay

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Sally Clay Decr 17th 1827 1827-1836

[page turned] Mr Cassius Clay Politeness of Mr. Morehead Bardstown

Item 2: Sally Dudley to Clay, 30 May 1831Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

Clay's mother tells him about her new husband and how good he is, how people in the town are fairing, how she likes the town more than she thought she ever would, and how some of the relatives are doing as well as where they are.

May 30th 1831

My Son,

I am now at Sidneys he has been & is now very low with the Bilious fever, but is considerable better this morning, I have just read your letter to him, dated 1 May, I also read yours to Mr. Rodes, the last he received, I feel highly gratified at your improvment, but felt a little mortified when you said give my love to Mother and said nothing about Mr. Dudley. he being present and heard the letter read, he is much pleased with your letters. My son you must esteem him for my sake, he is on of the Best of husbands. we were in Madison last week and saw all of Mr Smiths family at Mr Rodeses they were all well. Betsy looks more cheerfull than I could expect under her great misfortunes. Mr Smith looks rather sour with the world, but I believe he is more attentive to himself than he was before Mr Rodes wrote to you when we were there I suppose he gave you the particulars of Mr Smiths situation. I went to Frankfore the third day after I was Married or rather started I do not intend to take much of the house hold Furniture away. It would injure the bedsteads to move them or it would be putting you to trouble to get more if it should be the will of the lord that you should return will you not want them. I take two beds the piano part of the silver ware and a few other small articles. there is no over seer at our farm, Nancy takes care of the house I think a trifleing over seer is worse than none and we could not

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get a suitable one. The negroes manages as good as I could expect Fanny is but little better than you left her, old harry her husband is dead. Nancy has a very sharp dog to guard the house if I had not her I cant tell what we should do. Sally Rodes lives with us and goes to school. I like living in town better than I ever expected I should. there is a good many Baptist Friends there that I am very Fond of, and have a better opportunity of hearing preaching than I ever had before which ought to be esteemed and is one of the great blessings bestowed upon us sinfull mortals for which I sometimes feel a greatefull heart, and would always if I could. it appears in your answer to Sidneys letter he has advised you to remem ber your creator in the days of your youth it is also the voice of inspiration. there is nothing like religion to support the depart ing soul. I often think of you altho I write but seldom you know I have accustomed myself through life to write but little and of course it is burdensome to me that is the reason and not for want of the tenderest affection for my dear children one and all. I have been at your aunt Pattys to day and told her I was writing to you she said give her love to you and tell you she had been very sick but was tolerable well now. Aunt Pricilla is as usual you get letters frequently and I suppose all the news they think interesting.

your Mother S.D

P.S I have only beeen here three days My jusband is in Frankfort) Mr Casius M. Clay New Haven Connecticut

Item 3: Sally Dudley to Clay, 17 Dec 1831Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

Clay's mother expresses that she and others are glad to hear that he is safe, thanks to the Lord. She talks to him a little about religion, who is getting married to who in the town, the misfortunes of some in the town, and the general news of happenings since their last correspondence.

My Dear Son Frankfort Dec. 17. 1831

I recieved your letter last night and hasten to answer it with every feeling of my heart glowing in thankfullness, to that devine Providence which has, I hope will protect you. we are but worms of the dust whether we feel it or not, oh that God would give us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us. I do not wish to cast a gloom over the chearfull spirits of my son, but why should I not speak of that which I view of more importance than all the world beside, religion never was desind to lessen our enjoyments in this world, but to teach us how to use gods blessings and not abuse them. your uncle Garrard called here this morning he is a member of the legislature & Mr. Dudley read to him your letter, they are both much pleasd with it. Edward is gone to a wedding his cousin James is to be married or rather is married I suppose to Miss Russel, daughter of the late widow their neighbour, son of James Dudleys. his daughter was Married a few weeks since to a son of the same widow. the Family and friends are pleased with the Marriages. we recieved the catalog you mentiond, if you mean Miss Warfield or Miss Ross they

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[The senders address is written vertically beside the recievers address that is written horizontally.] 25 Casius M Clay Newhaven Connecticut [vertically written: Sally Dudey Dec 17. 1831] [written in blue pencil: 1831]

page_0003 have both been in town this winter. Miss Ross is here now & has been to see me. Eliza Payne & Ann Eliza Allin & Ann Maria Gerrard has spent about two weeks with us lately. the two conventions is to sit here next week I suppose our town will be much crowded then, Mr. J Marshall occupyes the Mansion house. I havent seen Brutus & Amelia for two months, but expect they are much pleased at the prospect of an heir some time next spring. Betsy has another son I was there in october when he was born but have not seen her since, they spoke of calling him Brutus but I have not heard their conclusion Paulina has lost her dear little Wm Cassius he died with the hooping cough, and Mr Rodes had his Factory burned about six weeks since, & the child died the week afterward I havent seen either of them since but understand his Factory was partly insured so that his loss will not be very great, poor man he is very industrious & makes great exertions, but providence seems to cross his designs, by permission, Paulina wrote me a very affecting letter lately she has chosen that good part like Mary in the gospell, that shall never be taken from her and has felt the goodness of the lord in her afflictions. Betsy wrote to me she had recieved a long letter from you since I was there, they are going on slowly with their building but expect they will get in it next summer. I made a mistake you see & wrote on the wrong side of my paper

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as to temperance I say yes with all my heart Join it, and God grant you may be temperate in all things, dont be extravagent. it is a great deal easier to spend money than to make it, as to what you say about slavey I know to be true by sad experience, I am greatly relievd in that respect since I came here, only I am too far from my dear chioldren, if any of them is sick it takes me too long a time to get to them, but if any woman on earth coud be happy on earth I ought to be, but I do not expect perfect happinss in this life it is not to be found here Sidney has a son about a month old, I have not heard his name yet but expect Sidney here next week, he is preparing to build a dwelling house next summer, Brutus has built hi horse Mill something like sidneys but on an improv.d plan, he has been very attentive to business & has improvd his place much, [[login]] as we call her has been to see her children & stayed three weeks she says she will stay at our farm untill you return, I havnt seen her since she got home, but Jack told me she only saw [[tabitha]] her, sons was gone on board of a steem boat, we had no overseer at the farm untill last August, & now I believe we have not bettered ourselves, the overseer wants as much, watching as the negroes, but under all circumstances they have done better than I expected, you said you intened to leave your clothes at Mr Johnsons office he says you left nothing there, I got your saddle bridle & trunk from your boarding house, if you left any thing else name it in your next letter they had a small Majority for clay in the Legislature & have elected him senator for congress, Richard Johnson was his opponent in [strikethrough] the Jackson party, the conventions are to nominate a Governor, your uncle Garrard spoken of Mr Dudley & myself are in good health farewell your Mother Edwards health is not very Good S. Dudley [written in margin: Miss Brann was to be Married this week I havnt hear from there to man from Lewsville I am told M. Johnson wants to Marry again, Martha woods is Married to James [Lestilly?] harry goodloe to Miss Dunkin

Item 4: Sally Dudley to Clay, 23 Nov 1833Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

Clay's mother informs him that she regrets living so far from him, asks him whether or not he wanted to retain her slaves, and tells him not to worry about the money he owes.

Nov. 23-1833

My Dear son

I often think of you & regret that I live so far from you, Mc queen says Nancy was very sick last week when he was there. I am very sorry to hear it, write to me how you all are, has Brutus sent for his negroes yet, you didn't say in your letter whether you want to keep any of my negroes or not, if you do not, I want you to hire them out, I would prefer their living in the community, when that Beef is fat will you send it, or must I send for it, dont be uneasy about the money you owe me, I do not want you to sacrafice your property to get now, I woud rather see you contented in the enjoyment of religion, than to have all you possefs beside on this terristial globes my son you cannot conceive the feelings of a Mother towards her children give my love to Mary Jane farewell, your Mother S. Dudley

page_0002 Casius M. Clay

Madison County

Sally Dudley

Novr 23d 1833

Item 5: Sally Dudley to Clay, 2 Aug 1840Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

Clay's mother writes to him expressing her concern and sorrow over hearing that he was to be involved in a duel and informs him of the consequences that God will bestow upon him for disobeying his law.

August 2th 1840

Ephesus My Dearly belo'd son you don't know the anxiety I have felt since I heard you became a candidate, last night I heard there was a report in town that you & Rob Wickliff were expected to fight, altho I can't believe it; still I feel unhappy knowing your disposition & nice sense of honour. How can a rational man think it honourable to disobey his makers law which says thou shalt not kill? How does it look for man to go out with their [illegible] with them to try to take each others life and one kills the other? The survivor lives a miserable life here & without the soverign mercy of God dies and is miserable to all eternity! Oh, my son, think of the shortness of life and the vanity of all earthly fame, surely you will not take it amiss for your Mother to exhort you to be upon your guard, you are very dear to my heart; there is no earthly tie stronger than the love an affectionate mother feels for her children; don't be too anxious and if you are not elected show your philosophy - that is more noble than vengeance, which the Almightysays belongs to himself. I hope the Lord will protect you: farewell. My love to M. Jane and the childen.

Your mother S. D.

Note. This letter so full of good and coming from one whom I loveth above all the world determined me never again to fight or duel: and I never have. E. 1884

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[Between the address lines are 2 words written in blue pencil.

Red sealing wax is in the center of the page with a small hole.]

C M. Clay Esq

Lexington

Mrs. Sally Dudley

1840

Folder 3: Eliza L. Smith to her brother, C.M. ClayAdd to your cart.
Item 1: Eliza L. Smith to Clay, 31 Mar 1831Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

Eliza writes to her brother stating that she is very grateful for his help during her time of need. She lists everything that Clay has done to help her and thanks him numerous times. She cites her husband as the reason for going broke, and she hopes that he will better attend to his business in the future, provide better for his family, and quit politics.

Oakley,

March 31st 1831

My Dear Brother,

I write to you for the purpose, of expressing to you my gratitude for your kindness to me, and my dear little Children, I have often heard it said a friend in need was really a friend indeed, but I never expected to realise it as I have, every thing we possessed in the world was sold, except the land my dear Father left me in his will and the megnoes, and you know the only ones of them that are now of much service Mother took, the amount of what was sold I believe was nearly ten thousand dollars, Mr. Rodes told me you had authorised him to go as far as my necessities required, that you would never see me suffer while you had plenty, he bought for me in your name 42 acres of land that Mr. Smith bought of Wm. Harris, and gave 210 dolls. and for the 308 acres where we live the watson land. 300 dolls. for Mr. Smiths wright of occupancy, and 10 for all of the land East of Muddy creek, and [[Cavalloe]] at 450 dolls. they ran him up higher than any negro that was sold because he was my carriage driver, and they expected some of the family would give him to me, and [[Louisa]] at 335 dolls. my Carriage horses at 90 dolls. and Mr. Smiths riding horse at 70 dolls. for which my dear Cassius I shall always feel under the greatest obligations, you have been one of my best friends. Brutus gave me [[Allifair]] and [[Cafs]], Mother bought my furniture, carriage and a few stock, Corn, Bacon, for which I was so very thankfull, Mr. Rodes made the Children several little presents, but Sidney my Oldest brother, showed so little feeling for me, he never will feel like you and

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Brutus to me again, Mr. Rodes told me he wrote a very feeling letter to him, stating my situation and that if it was not convenient for him to come over to the sale, to write and authorise him what he should do, Brutus was in Bourbon and came by for him, ask him if he was not coming over, he said no, ask'd him if he was not a going to write to Mr. Rodes, he said no, he had no word to send. I know Father gave me a great deal and Mr. Smith has spent it, but it was not any of my extravagance or fault, he seems very much mortified at what he has brought his family two, but I do hope he will here after attend to his business and quit politicks, and be able to support his family decently, he was very attentive to his business last count and came home almost every night and off in the morning very early. Sally ann poor Child is very much mortified, the girls at school throw it up to her, and tell her, her father is broke. Mr. Rodes bought [[Mercer]] for you, the rest of the boys sold for upwards of 400 dolls. and Mr. Rodes did not get them for you I have kept Mercer untill I hear from you, I hope by next year Mr. Smith will be able to make some better arrangement, Mother thought I ought not to keep Mercer, but send him to Mr. Rodes's. Brutus was to have moved over home to day with his wife. our friends are all well I believe.

Farewell my dear Brother and believe me ever your affectionate

Sister E.L. Smith

Item 2: Eliza L. Smith to Clay, 12 Jul 1867Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

Eliza writes to her brother informing him that their mother had passed away. She tells him of her final days and assure him that she was "at herself" the entire time. She goes on to say that her last wish was only to be able to see Clay before being taken.

E L Smith

July 12. 1867

passed ausd. July 12th 1867

My dear Brother,

On Monday night the 1st our dear Mother was taken with Colera Morbus, was cramped in her feet and up to her knees several times for two days, after that we all thought she was a great deal better, she suffered very little still her bowels acted more than we wanted, Cunan was with her all the time, and Sister Rodes. Saturday at 2 Oclock she died, she was perfectly at herself all the time bore her sufferings with a great deal of patience and resignation, was ready and willing to go, she said to her peacefull home, the greatest regret she had, was that she could not see you again, she wanted to see you more than every one else on Earth, and we all hoped so much she would, she was looking better than she had for a long time up to the night she was taken, the weather was excessively warm, and we have a great variety of fruit,

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Cherrys, Gooseberrys, Raspberreis, and fine vegetables, and she would eat every thing and as much as she wanted, said she had allways done it, and it would not hurt her, her Funeral was preached in the Baptist Church in Richmond by Mr. E. Burnam and she was buried in the Cemetary in the Lott opposite mine and Mr. Rodes's. I shall miss her more than any of the family, I have not been seperated from her scarcely a day since she came to live with me, she selected the clothes she wished put on her, and the Hymn she wanted sung at her Funeral, she was the youngest and had the most pleasant countenance, I ever looked at, I regretted so much you, and Brutus did not see her, he was not at home. I would have liked so much for my Fathers remains to have been moved at that time. your friends are all well, Speed joins me in much love to you, I hope the Lord will spare our lives, and that we will meet again,

affectionately your sister

Eliza L Smith

Item 3: Eliza L. Smith to Clay, 12 Dec 1867Add to your cart.View associated digital content.

Eliza thanks her brother for his monetary aid, tells him the recent activities of other siblings, informs him that their brother, Brutus, is going to move his dead sons to the same plot with their mother, expresses her joy of hearing that Clay plans to move their father to the plot as well, and tells him how happy the family would be to see him as soon as possible.

Dec 12th 1867.

My dear Brother,

I received your letter of Oct 26th and feel very gratefull to you, for your promp aid to my necessities, you have ever proved a good kind and affectionate Brother to me, for which I shall never forget. Speed carried your Notes to Mary Jane yesterday, and got your Check, she and all the Family were well, Sally expects to start to Chicago in a few days to spend several weeks, with Mary who is also very well. Sister Rodes' health is much improved, Sally Stone is teaching school in Missouri and has her two youngest brothers with her, she is trying to take care of herself, I understand her Father said his health was so bad, they must not expect him to support them, he is [underlined: a strange Man.] Brutus has been to Richmond and paid $ 200 for the Lott Mother is buried in, he had never, removed the remains of his

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two little boys from Mr. Fields Garden he will now remove them in the Lott with Mother, I am so glad you intend haveing the remains of Father, and all of our dear ones put in our own Cemetary, there is great interest taken in improveing it, and it is looking so much cared for, our dear Mother felt indifferent about such things, and often reproved me for feeling so much interest about the resting place of the dead but there was a great change in her feelings in the last few years, she wanted you to bring your Monument over, and she wanted to be near her Children, that that was one reason she wanted to leave Frankfort, she did not want to be buried there I had not the least Idea I would miss her, and feel the loss of her so much, she was so blest with health, that she was so cheerfull, and company for every body, and she wanted me to tell you the great love she had for you, we are all very anxious my dear brother for the time to come when you will return to your home, and we shall meet again, Speed joins me in much love to you

your Sister Eliza L Smith

E L. Smith

Dec 12the 1867 Passed.

Folder 4: Documents and LettersAdd to your cart.
Item 1: Deed to T. Taylor from Clay, 11 Feb 1837Add to your cart.
Deed discussing land perimeters, price, and so on. The land is in Jackson's Branch within Madison County.
Item 2: Loan Contract to McMickin and Co. from Clay, 17 Dec 1853Add to your cart.
The terms and agreements between Clay and McMickin and Co. for a loan of $10,000.
Item 3: Labor Contract by Clay, 15 Sep 1854Add to your cart.
Clay drafts an agreement between two parties which concerns labor and renovation being performed in buildings in Cincinnati, Ohio. Both parties sign the agreement and promise to abide by the conditions as dictated within contract.
Item 4: Receipt between J.J. Coombs and Jno. H. McDowell, 7 Aug 1855Add to your cart.
Receipt of payment from J.J. Coombs to Jno. H. McDowell.
Item 5: Clay's letter to Editor of NY Tribune, 26 Jan 1872Add to your cart.
Clay writes to the New York Tribune editor about a letter that talks about Clay indirectly in a slanderous manner and asks that they not print it as the allegations within the letter are completely false.
Item 6: Letter to E.W. Coggeshall from Clay, 23 Apr 1880Add to your cart.
Letter from Clay telling of whom he and the state support in an upcoming election as well as what he thinks will help the candidate as well as what will hinder him.
Item 7: Clay to T.D. Caudeman, 26 May 1884Add to your cart.
A letter confirming that they will be at the first Blair and Logan Club. They are also stating that they will meet him at the guest house in Louisville on Friday afternoon.
Folder 5: Correspondence from AmbassadorshipAdd to your cart.
Item 1: Prince Gortchakow Invitation to Clay, 9 Jan 1862Add to your cart.
Letter to Clay which is an invitation from Prince Gortchakow of Russia to a conference. (Composed in French)
Item 2: Release of Responsibility, 4 Sep 1868Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Releases C.M. Clay from responsibility of Green Clay. (Composed in Russian)
Folder 6: Clay Biographies, 1851, 1892Add to your cart.
Item 1: Illustrious Deeds of C.M. Clay by Samuel Willeford, 1851Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
A handwritten poem, purported to be written by Samuel Willeford or Wilberforce in 1851; however this version was likely written much later. Dr. Jonathan T. Dorris had the poem transcribed and attempted to improve it at the same time. He believes that the poem is written in Clay's hand. (From the Dorris Museum Collection, N.116.1)
Item 2: N.B. Frow Biography of Clay, 1892Add to your cart.
Biography of Clay including his educational and political history.
Folder 7: Speeches, 1848-1895Add to your cart.
Item 1: Col. W.H. Caperton Speech and Cassius M. Clay Response, 7 Feb 1848Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
This is a typed transcription of a speech by W.H. Caperton given upon Clay's return home from the Mexican War, as well as the speech Clay made in response. These documents give a lot of insight into Clay's role in the Mexican War. (This typescript came from the Dorris Museum Collection and the whereabouts of the original is unknown.)
Item 2: Address of Cassius Marcellus Clay, 28 Jun 1887Add to your cart.
Before the Alumni of Yale University, 3rd edition.
Item 3: Oration of Cassius Marcellus Clay, 10 Sep 1891Add to your cart.
Before the Maumee Valley Historical and Monumental Association of Toledo, Ohio on the anniversary of the capture of the British fleet by Oliver Hazard Perry.
Item 4: Oration of Cassius Marcellus Clay, 16 Oct 1895Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Before the students and historical class of Berea College discussing his role in international affairs and the like in regard to the annexation of Alaska.
Item 5: Oration of Cassius Marcellus Clay, 16 Oct 1895Add to your cart.
Original typescript of the oration at Berea College.
Folder 8: "Icarus" by Clay, 15 Jan 1894Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Small book written by Clay which discusses the differences between males and females as well as what duties best suit them based on these differences. Also discusses what each sex should stay clear of based on their attributes.
Folder 9: Clay to Editor of London Times, 20 May 1861Add to your cart.
Clay writes to the editor and presents his ideas on why the Union is justified in quelling the Confederate States of America. He also provides reason as to why the United Kingdom should support the Union and not the Confederate States. Included with the typed document is the original hand written draft by Clay.
Folder 10: Miscellaneous DocumentsAdd to your cart.
Item 1: Petition to Judge Lily, ca. 1883Add to your cart.
A typescript of a petition pleading for the release of Mr. James Pearson who is in jail, presumably in Beattyville. The item is signed by a number of prominent Madison County citizens. (From the Dorris Museum Collection, whereabouts of the original is unknown, R258)
Item 2: The Clay BattalionAdd to your cart.
A typescript describing how the battalion was created and describes the Clay Battalion photograph.
Folder 11: PoetryAdd to your cart.
Item 1: Poem of battle at White HallAdd to your cart.
Poem about Clay's battle at his home at White Hall.
Item 2: Lines to C.M. Clay, 1845Add to your cart.
Two poems which seem to describe Clay's heroic attributes in regard to his resolve in abolition and the pursuit of doing good for mankind.
Folder 12: PhotographsAdd to your cart.
Various pictures of Clay in different times of his life, photos of White Hall, and a few other photos to include one of a lady dressed in Native American garb.
Item 1: Joel T. Hart bust of C.M ClayAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Photo of C.M. Clay's bust upon a pedestal beside a mirror.
Physical Description: 8x10
Item 2: An unidentified family at "The Meadows" home of Dr. Elisha WarfieldAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Photo of the home along with people outside of it.
Physical Description: 8x10
Item 3: Cassius M. Clay on the front porch of White Hall, 13 Nov 1894Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Photo of an elderly C.M. Clay on the porch of his home at White Hall.
Creator: Jenks, IC
Physical Description: 8x10
Item 4: The "True American" office in LexingtonAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Photograph of the "True American" building in Lexington, KY.
Physical Description: 8x10
Item 5: Cassius M. Clay outside of White Hall, 13 Nov 1894Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
Photo of an elderly Clay outside of his home at White Hall.
Creator: Jenks, IC
Physical Description: 8x10
Item 6: Cassius M. Clay in Federal uniformAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Photograph of C.M. Clay in a federal military uniform.
Creator: Ogden, Winchester, KY
Physical Description: 8x10
Item 7: Cassius M. ClayAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Photograph of C.M. Clay with his hand upon books.
Physical Description: 8x10
Item 8: Mary Jane Clay, 1863caAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Photo of Mary Jane Clay; C.M. Clay's wife.
Physical Description: 8x10
Item 9: Joel T. Hart bust of C.M ClayAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Close range photo of a bust of Clay's head upon a pedestal.
Physical Description: 8x10
Item 10: Cassius M. ClayAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Photo of C.M. Clay in a seated position.
Physical Description: 5x6
Folder 13: C. M. Clay Scrapbook, Loose PapersAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
This folder contains the loose papers from the scrapbooks. In addition to various clippings there are several pamphlets and fliers. These include: a pamphlet entitled Constitution, or Articles for the Government of the Fayette Legion, adopted 27 Mar 1843. The volunteer companies listed are: Lexington Light Infantry - Lexington Greys - Lexington Grenadiers - Transylvania Cadets, Co. A - Transylvania Cadets, Co. B; a flier promoting the Waters of the Celebrated Blue Lick Springs by M. Benckart; an 1872 circular letter about the Union Republican party of Kentucky; and a speech by C.M. Clay entitled The New Era printed as handbill with a notation on back "Centennial= 1889"in Clay's hand.
Item 1: Blue Springs BrochureAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Brochure describing the springs, including the chemical analysis and medicinal uses for the spring water. The proprietor was M. Benckart.
Item 2: Constitution or, Articles for the Government of the Fayette Legion, 1843Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
The volunteer companies listed are: Lexington Light Infantry - Lexington Greys - Lexington Grenadiers - Transylvania Cadets, Co. A - Transylvania Cadets, Co. B.
Item 3: A Pioneer Emancipator, 1881Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
A small, brief biography of Cassius M. Clay reprinted from the Nashville American.
Item 4: News Clippings and Abstracts, 1845-1888Add to your cart.View associated digital content.
News clippings written by or about Cassius M. Clay. Topics the Mexican War, politics, emancipation, free trade and the True American, to name a few.
Item 5: Copies of letters and form lettersAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
Folder 14: Additional Cassius M. Clay ResourcesAdd to your cart.View associated digital content.
This includes finding aids to the Cassius Clay Papers at Lincoln Memorial University.
Box 04Add to your cart.
Folder 1: Manuscript of AutobiographyAdd to your cart.
Handwritten manuscript of Clay's autobiography.