1309. CLAY (Henry), Opposition to Jefferson.—
It is true, as you have heard, that a
distance has taken place between Mr. Clay
and myself. The cause I never could learn,
nor imagine. I had always known him to be an
able man, and I believe him an honest one. I
had looked to his coming into Congress with an
entire belief that he would be cordial with the
administration, and, even before that, I had
always had him in my mind for a high and important
vacancy which had been, from time to
time, expected, but is only now about to take
place. I feel his loss, therefore, with real concern,
but it is irremediable from the necessity
of harmony and cordiality between those who
are to manage the public concerns. Not only
his withdrawing from the usual civilities of
intercourse with me (which even the federalists
with two or three exceptions keep up), but his
open hostility in Congress to the administration,
leave no doubt of the state of his mind as a
fact, although the cause be unknown.—
To Thomas Cooper. Washington ed. v, 183.
(M.
Sep. 1807)
