[From _The Private Correspondence of Henry Clay_, edited by Calvin
Colton (New York, 1855)]
Baton Rouge, La., December 28, 1847.
My dear Sir,--Your kind and acceptable letter of the 13th instant,
congratulating me on my safe return to the United States, and for the
complimentary and flattering terms you have been pleased to notice my
services, I beg leave to tender you my sincere thanks.
The warm and hearty reception I have met with from so many of my
fellow-citizens, where I have mingled among them since my return, in
addition to their manifestations of their high appreciation and
approval of my conduct while in Mexico, has been truly gratifying, and
has ten-fold more than compensated me for the dangers and toils
encountered in the public service, as well as for the privations in
being so long separated from my family and friends; yet there are
circumstances connected with my operations in that country which I can
never forget, and which I must always think of with feelings of the
deepest sorrow and regret.
I left Mexico after it was determined the column under my orders was
to act on the defensive, and after the capital of the enemy had fallen
into our hands, and their army dispersed, on a short leave of absence,
to visit my family, and to attend to some important private affairs,
which could not well be arranged without my being present, and which
had been too long neglected. After reaching New Orleans, I informed
the Secretary of War that should my presence in Mexico be deemed
necessary at any time, I was ready to return, and that a communication
on that or any other subject connected with my public duties would
reach me if addressed to this place. I therefore feel bound to remain
here, or in the vicinity, until the proper authorities at Washington
determine what disposition is to be made of or with me. Under this
state of things I do not expect to have it in my power to visit
Kentucky, although it would afford me much real pleasure to mix once
more with my numerous relatives and friends in that patriotic State,
to whom I am devotedly attached; as well as again to visit, if not the
place of my nativity, where I was reared from infancy to early
manhood. And let me assure you I duly appreciate your kind invitation
to visit you at your own hospitable home, and should anything occur
which will enable me to avail myself of it, I will embrace the
opportunity with much real pleasure.
I regret to say, I found my family, or rather Mrs. Taylor, on my
return, in feeble health, as well as my affairs in any other than a
prosperous condition; the latter was, however, to be expected, and I
must devote what time I can spare, or can be spared from my public
duties, in putting them in order as far as I can do so.
Should circumstances so turn out as will induce you to visit Washington
the present winter, I trust you will take every precaution to protect
yourself while traveling from the effects of the severe cold weather you
must necessarily encounter in crossing the mountains, particularly so
after having passed several of the last winters in the South.
The letter which you did me the honor to address to me, referred to,
reached me on the eve of my leaving Monterey to return to the United
States, and was at once replied to, which reply I flatter myself
reached you shortly after writing your last communication; in which I
stated, although I had received some letters from individuals in
Kentucky, calculated, or perhaps intended, to produce unkind feelings
on my part toward you, even admitting such was the case, their object
has not been accomplished in the slightest degree, and I hope it will
never be the case.
Please present me mostly kindly to your excellent lady, and wishing
you and yours continued health and prosperity, I remain, with respect
and esteem, etc.