Cassius M. Clay Collection, 1827-1901 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

By Kyle Beeler

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Collection Overview

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Biographical Note

Subject/Index Terms

Administrative Information

Box and Folder Listing

Box 01

Folder 01: Cassius Clay Autobiography, Typescript (Folder 1 of 2)

Folder 02: Cassius Clay Autobiography, Typescript (Folder 2 of 2)

Folder 03: C. M. Clay Scrapbook No. 2, 1845

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, 1864-1884

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, 1891

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 02

Item 01: Scrapbook No. 7

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, 1866

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, 1865

A volume in Russian with trade statistics from 1860-1861. (From Dorris Museum Collection, no accession number noted)

Box 03

Folder 1: Correspondence to Clay

Item 1: Frederic Bancroft to Clay, 6 Jun 1893

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 1861

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 1890

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 1886

Legal advice concerning Clay

Item 5: C.F. Burnam to Clay, 14 October, 1901

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 1876

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 1889

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 1889

Requests Clay

Item 9: A.R. Spofford to Clay, 26 Mar 1886

Copyright information from the Library of Congress about Clay's book.

Item 10: Gene William Curtis to Clay, 24 May 1888

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, 1901

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 1885

Praises Clay for his work in abolition and commends his character as a man and leader. Grief is also expressed by Gordon as it seems he may be dying soon and leaving Clay's side which he clung to dearly.

Item 13: Joel T. Hart to Clay, 17 Mar 1867

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 1894

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, 1901

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, 1901

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 1897

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 1886

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 1886

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 1886

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 1886

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 1869

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, 1901

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, 1901

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 1893

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 1886

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. Clay

Item 1: Sally Clay to Clay, 17 Dec 1827

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.

Item 2: Sally Dudley to Clay, 30 May 1831

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.

Item 3: Sally Dudley to Clay, 17 Dec 1831

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.

Item 4: Sally Dudley to Clay, 23 Nov 1833

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.

Item 5: Sally Dudley to Clay, 2 Aug 1840

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.

Folder 3: Eliza L. Smith to her brother, C.M. Clay

Item 1: Eliza L. Smith to Clay, 31 Mar 1831

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.

Item 2: Eliza L. Smith to Clay, 12 Jul 1867

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.

Item 3: Eliza L. Smith to Clay, 12 Dec 1867

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.

Folder 4: Documents and Letters

Item 1: Deed to T. Taylor from Clay, 11 Feb 1837

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 1853

The terms and agreements between Clay and McMickin and Co. for a loan of $10,000.

Item 3: Labor Contract by Clay, 15 Sep 1854

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 1855

Receipt of payment from J.J. Coombs to Jno. H. McDowell.

Item 5: Clay's letter to Editor of NY Tribune, 26 Jan 1872

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 1880

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 1884

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 Ambassadorship

Item 1: Prince Gortchakow Invitation to Clay, 9 Jan 1862

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 1868

Releases C.M. Clay from responsibility of Green Clay. (Composed in Russian)

Folder 6: Clay Biographies, 1851, 1892

Item 1: Illustrious Deeds of C.M. Clay by Samuel Willeford, 1851

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, 1892

Biography of Clay including his educational and political history.

Folder 7: Speeches, 1848-1895

Item 1: Col. W.H. Caperton Speech and Cassius M. Clay Response, 7 Feb 1848

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 1887

Before the Alumni of Yale University, 3rd edition.

Item 3: Oration of Cassius Marcellus Clay, 10 Sep 1891

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 1895

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 1895

Original typescript of the oration at Berea College.

Folder 8: "Icarus" by Clay, 15 Jan 1894

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 1861

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 Documents

Item 1: Petition to Judge Lily, ca. 1883

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 Battalion

A typescript describing how the battalion was created and describes the Clay Battalion photograph.

Folder 11: Poetry

Item 1: Poem of battle at White Hall

Poem about Clay's battle at his home at White Hall.

Item 2: Lines to C.M. Clay, 1845

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: Photographs

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 Clay

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 Warfield

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 1894

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 Lexington

Photograph of the "True American" building in Lexington, KY.

Physical Description: 8x10

Item 5: Cassius M. Clay outside of White Hall, 13 Nov 1894

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 uniform

Photograph of C.M. Clay in a federal military uniform.

Creator: Ogden, Winchester, KY

Physical Description: 8x10

Item 7: Cassius M. Clay

Photograph of C.M. Clay with his hand upon books.

Physical Description: 8x10

Item 8: Mary Jane Clay, 1863ca

Photo of Mary Jane Clay; C.M. Clay's wife.

Physical Description: 8x10

Item 9: Joel T. Hart bust of C.M Clay

Close range photo of a bust of Clay's head upon a pedestal.

Physical Description: 8x10

Item 10: Cassius M. Clay

Photo of C.M. Clay in a seated position.

Physical Description: 5x6

Folder 13: C. M. Clay Scrapbook, Loose Papers

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 Brochure

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, 1843

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, 1881

A small, brief biography of Cassius M. Clay reprinted from the Nashville American.

Item 4: News Clippings and Abstracts, 1845-1888

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 letters

Folder 14: Additional Cassius M. Clay Resources

This includes finding aids to the Cassius Clay Papers at Lincoln Memorial University.

Box 04

Folder 1: Manuscript of Autobiography

Handwritten manuscript of Clay's autobiography.