ALS signed "H. Clay," one page both sides, 9 x 10.5, December 10, 1848. Letter to friend and supporter John D. Hayes, in part: "The Presidential election having terminated in the election of Genl. Taylor, we must all feel rejoiced in the overthrow of the Party which has so long afflicted our country, and cherish anxious hopes that the new Administration may so conduct our public affairs as to assure the prosperity of the Country. In looking back upon the past, it must be a matter of satisfaction to yourself and other friends who urged my nomination at Philadelphia, to now be perfectly convinced, that I could have been elected with ease. I should have got the votes of all the States which Genl. Taylor obtained, and in addition, Ohio certainly, and Indiana probably. He has received a larger popular vote in the South Western States than I might have received, but I should have got a much larger one than he has in the new States. But this matter is now past, and is only interesting as affecting a justification to the course of my friends."
An ink stamp to the blank integral leaf identifies the piece as from the autograph collection of renowned surgeon and collector Dr. Max Thorek, Chicago. In fine condition, with repairs to hinge and central horizontal fold. Accompanied by a custom gilt-stamped presentation folder. Clay had come in second to Zachary Taylor at the 1848 Whig National Convention, with Taylor having recently emerged as a national military hero. Clay-who had lost the previous election as the Whig candidate against James K. Polk-clearly felt as though he too would have won, despite Taylor's broader popular appeal as a non-career politician. A fantastic letter with Clay's observations on the state of national politics in the mid 19th century.
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