“I hope you know me too well to suppose that I have countenanced the charge of corruption which has been reiterated against you.  The truth is, I approved of your vote when it was given, and should have voted as you did between Jackson and Adams.  But candor compells me to say, that I disapproved of your accepting an office under him.”

In replying to this letter Mr. Clay remarked:—­

“I do, my dear sir, know you too well to suppose that you ever countenanced the charge of corruption against me.  No man of sense and candor—­at least none that know me—­ever could or did countenance it.  Your frank admission that you would have voted as I did, between Mr. Adams and Gen. Jackson, accords with the estimate I have ever made of your intelligence, your independence, and your patriotism.  Nor am I at all surprised, or dissatisfied, with the expression of your opinion, that I erred in accepting the place which I now hold. * * * * * * * The truth is, as I have often said, my condition was one full of embarrassments, whatever way I might act.  My own judgment was rather opposed to my acceptance of the department of state.  But my friends—­and let me add, two of your best friends, Mr. McLane of Delaware and Mr. Forsyth—­urged us strongly not to decline it.  It was represented by my friends, that I should get no credit for the forbearance, but that, on the contrary, it would be said that my forbearance was evidence of my having made a bargain, though unwilling to execute it. * * * * * * * * These and other similar arguments were pressed upon me; and after a week’s deliberation, I yielded to their force.  It is quite possible that I may have erred * * * * * * I shall, at least, have no cause of self-reproach.”

In 1829, after Mr. Adams had retired from the Presidential chair, in reply to a letter from a committee of gentlemen in New Jersey, who had addressed him, he spoke of Mr. Clay as follows:  “Upon him the foulest slanders have been showered.  Long known and appreciated, as successively a member of both Houses of your national Legislature, as the unrivalled Speaker, and at the same time most efficient leader of debates in one of them; as an able and successful negotiator of your interests, in war and peace, with foreign powers, and as a powerful candidate for the highest of your trusts, the department of state itself was a station which by its bestowal could confer neither profit nor honor upon him, but upon which he has shed unfading honor, by the manner in which he has discharged its duties.  Prejudice and passion have charged him with obtaining that office by bargain and corruption.  Before you, my fellow-citizens, in the presence of our country and heaven, I pronounce that charge totally unfounded.  This tribute of justice is due from me to him, and I seize with pleasure the opportunity afforded me by your letter, of discharging the obligation.  As to my motives for tendering to him the department of state when I did, let that man who questions them