ALS signed "H. Clay," one page, 8.25 x 10.5, May 28, 1849. Handwritten letter to Nicholas Dean, referring to Dean's recent attempts and successes in gaining a political office. In part: "I was extremely glad to learn that the office of Comptroller of the City had been so handsomely offered to you, affording as it did additional evidence of the high opinion entertained of you. On the other hand, I deeply regretted your failure to obtain the office of Marshall for which you applied. I feared that result when I learned that, from considerations of delicacy and dignity, you had determined not to go to Washington personally to solicit the office. That very course ought to have strengthened your claims. But there are only a few men who can fully appreciate it, or who can withstand the influence of personal contact & importunity, and I apprehend that the members of the Cabinet at Washington are not of that number. I suppose Mr. Talmadge, the successful candidate, was the late Representative from your City. He professed to be a warm friend of mine, and as you did not obtain the office, it ought to be some consolation to me that he got it. I have been apprehensive that the public patronage will be too exclusively confined to the original friends of Genl Taylor. If that should be the case it will be unwise and unjust." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Clay's hand and franked in the upper right, "Free, H. Clay."
Clay had refused to campaign on behalf of Zachary Taylor, believing him to be just a 'mere military man.' Because of this, when Taylor did become president, Clay was denied any meaningful role in selecting Taylor's cabinet or making any policy decisions.
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