CLAY, Henry (1777-1852). Autograph letter signed ("H. Clay") to John Woods of Hamilton, Ohio.

CLAY, Henry (1777-1852). Autograph letter signed ("H. Clay") to John Woods of Hamilton, Ohio. Ashland [Kentucky]. 4 June 1830.

1p, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. (sight) stampless cover framed to 19 1/4 x 13 1/2 in. (creasing, toning, unexamined out side frame).

Clay writes to his friend Woods regarding a potential speaking engagement, and detailing ongoing political events in Washington, D.C. including the recent passage of the Indian Removal Act which had been signed into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830. "Congress has adjourned and I think the results of the Session must have a powerful effect in undeceiving the people and demonstrating the incompetency of the present administration. The poor Indian ... are to be cruelly treated by the cooperation of Georgia and the General Government and this at the expense of some fifteen or twenty millions of the public treasure." He then continues with a reference to the proposed Maysville Road which was to connect Maysville, Kentucky, to the National Road in Zanesville, Ohio. "Whilst it is thus squandered away in Georgia, a paltry sum is refused to a most important Highway in K. The rejection of the Maysville Road has produced immense excitement. Already we know that many have denounced Jacksonism, and thousands will follow the example."

An interesting letter which demonstrates the political animosity between rivals Jackson and Clay.

[With:] Framed receipt dated 7 September 1835 and signed by John Woods (1794-1855). A history from the Butler [Ohio] County Historical Society indicates that John Woods was of Irish ancestry, and was a veteran of the War of 1812 during which time he served under General Harrison "who became his life-long friend." Woods later became a lawyer like his friend Henry Clay, practicing in Butler County until his death in 1855.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.