accuracy in the statement of facts, with a clear delineation of the marked features of Clay's public and private character. The Biographic part claims, moreover, to be something more than a mere abridgment or compilation. It aspires to the dignity of an original portraiture.
In the Selections from Clay's speeches, the rule observed was this; to present the political opinions of the great leader in his own words, rendering him, thus, as far as possible, the author of his own political biography. To this end, extracts have been made to convey, not always 80 much an impression of the beauty and force of his diction, as of the peculiar sentiments which he entertained, the form in which he held them, and the arguments with which he defended them. They have been arranged with express reference to their biographic value.
In regard to the contents of the latter part of the volume, we need only say, that they can not but have a value while the memory of HENRY Clay shall live, as indicating the mode in which a mighty nation gave expression to its grief, at the loss of its favorite son.
The volume then as a whole, we trust, will vindicate its pretensions, notwithstanding defects which, doubtless, exist in it, to be considered truly a monument to the memory of HENRY CLAY.
PARIS, KENTUCKY March 1, 1857.