By Kyle Beeler
Title: Cassius M. Clay Collection, 1827-1901
Primary Creator: Clay, Cassius Marcellus (1810-1903)
Extent: 1.47 Cubic Feet
Date Acquired: 11/22/2002. More info below under Accruals.
Subjects: Clay, Cassius Marcellus, 1810-1903.
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.
Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives
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
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 were 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
page_0002
John W. Gordon [illegible] Feb. 4, 1885
page_0003
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.]
page_0004
John W. Gordon. Ind [?] Feb. 4. 1885-
page_0005
[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.
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
page_0002
Sally Clay Decr 17th 1827 1827-1836
[page turned] Mr Cassius Clay Politeness of Mr. Morehead Bardstown
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
page_0002
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
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
page_0002
[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
page_0004
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
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
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
page_0002 [postal cancellation: Frankfort]
[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
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
page_0002
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
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,
page_0002
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
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
page_0002
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.
