ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page, 8 x 9.75, embossed letterhead, November 4, 1836. In a letter regarding the purchase of an exotic animal, Clay responds, in full: “I am greatly obliged by your two favors relating to be proposed sale of Spanish Apes. I have been so often disappointed as to this kind of animal when I have judged of them from description without seeing them, that I must decline purchasing these! A first rate Jack (?) is very valuable, but an inferior animal not worth having. I sincerely hope that your anticipations as to the result of the Penns[ylvania]a election, which takes place this day, may be realized. We were mortified and disappointed with that of the October election. Whatever the issue may be, I pray you always to be assured of my regard and friendship.” Intersecting folds, one of which affects the first letter of the signature, a few light diagonal and corner creases, light toning and a few stray ink marks, and a small separation on the right edge, otherwise fine condition.
Senator Clay loved exotic animals, but politics was his game. In 1836, the Whigs devised a strategy to pit Martin Van Buren against multiple Whig candidates to prevent the Democrat Van Buren from winning the presidential election. They put up William Henry Harrison as the northern and border candidate, Hugh Lawson as the southern candidate, and Daniel Webster as the Massachusetts candidate, hoping such a plan would prevent Van Buren from attaining the 148 electoral votes needed to win the election and force the House of Representatives to decide the election. The strategy failed when Pennsylvania voted for Van Buren on November 4, 1836 and the House remained firmly under Democratic control. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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