Henry Clay

Clipped closing and signature from a letter by noted statesman Henry Clay, reading “I am respectfully / Your obedient Servant / H. Clay.” Included above is a separately clipped date line reading “Ashland 10th Nov. 1851.” Both were penned in a bold hand on lightly toned paper. A fine example suitable for display.

Henry Clay (April 12, 1777 – June 29, 1852) was an American lawyer and statesman who represented Kentucky in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. He was the seventh House speaker as well as the ninth secretary of state. He unsuccessfully ran for president in the 1824, 1832, and 1844 elections. He helped found both the National Republican Party and the Whig Party. For his role in defusing sectional crises, he earned the appellation of the "Great Compromiser" and was part of the "Great Triumvirate" of Congressmen, alongside fellow Whig Daniel Webster and Democrat John C. Calhoun.

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