[AFTER his resignation as senator, and retirement to private
life, at Ashland, near Lexington, Kentucky, his fellow-citizens
of that place and its vicinity, gave a festival in honor of
him, on the above-named day, when Mr. Clay addressed them in the
following words, in which he takes an interesting retrospect of
his long career as a public man, and enters into a sketch of the
most important political events which had affected the condition
of the country, concluding with an exhortation to his political
friends to continue their efforts to promote the best interests
of their country.
Judge Robertson, who presided, offered the following sentiment,
which he prefaced with appropriate remarks
HENRY CLAY――_farmer of Ashland, patriot and philanthropist――the
AMERICAN statesman, and unrivalled orator of the age_――illustrious
abroad, beloved at home: in a long career of eminent public
service, often, like _Aristides_, he breasted the raging storm
of passion and delusion, and by offering himself a sacrifice,
saved the republic; and now, like _Cincinnatus_ and _Washington_,
having voluntarily retired to the tranquil walks of private life,
the grateful hearts of his countrymen will do him ample justice;
but come what may, _Kentucky will stand by him_, and still
continue to cherish and defend, as her own, the fame of a son
who has emblazoned her escutcheon with immortal renown.
After the evidences of feeling which this sentiment elicited had
subsided, Mr. Clay rose and spoke as follows.]