Lot #156

Henry Clay Autograph Letter Signed

Description

Henry Clay sends thanks for a poem "on the melancholy subject of the death of my lamented son," killed in action at the Battle of Buena Vista

ALS signed "H. Clay," one page, 8 x 10, September 28, 1847. Handwritten letter to Nicholas Dean, thanking him for sending some poetic verses written about the death of his son, Henry Clay Jr., who was killed in action at the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican-American War. In part: "I received, with great pleasure, your friendly letter under the date the 12th Ulto. and the first instant, transmitting the beautiful and pathetic verses of Miss Frances Jane Crosby, on the melancholy subject of the death of my lamented son. I thank you for them. Considering the most unhappy privation under which she labors, they are a very remarkable production. I request you to present to her my grateful acknowledgments for them, and my fervent prayers that she may live long and enjoy every blessing…I was most anxious for a greater opportunity of individual intercourse with you than I found it possible to enjoy amidst the shining scenes of that animated place. It is one of my misfortunes, in respect to such an intercourse, that I am wholly cut off from it by the crowds which press around me, wherever I go. But I cannot avoid feeling gratitude for the sentiments towards me which prompt these manifestations, however inconvenient they some times are." In fine condition.

The referenced poet, Frances Jane Crosby-better known as Franny Crosby-was an American mission worker, poet, lyricist, and composer. She was a prolific hymnist, writing more than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, with more than 100 million copies printed.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: #631 - Ended March 09, 2022

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