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“OUR FUGITIVE SLAVES ESCAPING INTO CANADA MAY BE RECOVERED”
10
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CLAY, HENRY. Letter Signed,“H.Clay,” as Secretary of State, to John T. Langhorne,
promising to recommend him for a Postmaster General position, explaining that he soon
expects to learn the result of negotiations with the British concerning the recovery of fugi-
tive slaves in Canada, and noting that he is not optimistic that the negotiations would be
successful. 1 page, 4to; faint scattered staining, short closed tear in bottom edge, docketing
verso, folds.
Washington, 27 September 1827
[800/1,200]
“
. . .Among the objects of negoti-
ation with which Mr. Gallatin is
charged, is that of endeavouring
to effect an arrangement with the
British Government by which our
fugitive slaves escaping into
Canada may be recovered. With
what success the negotiation may
be attended we shall very shortly
know. I do not feel very sanguine
in regard to it.”
On July 5, 1827, U.S. Minister
to the UK Albert Gallatin, then
in negotiations with British min-
isters concerning the recovery of
fugitive slaves in British territo-
ries, related the statement of the
ministers:“[I]t was utterly impos-
sible for them to agree to a
stipulation for the surrender of
fugitive slaves.” When Henry
Clay then renewed negotiations
conducted by another U.S. minis-
ter, the result was similar: “[T]he
law of Parliament gave freedom to
every slave who effected his land-
ing on British ground” (William
Jay,
Miscellaneous Writings on Slavery
, Boston, 1853).Although Clay was a slaveholder, he sup-
ported a policy of gradual emancipation and was instrumental in the success of the Compromise of
1850.
PAY FOR A DERANGED OFFICER
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CLINTON, GEORGE. Autograph Letter, unsigned, written in the third person, as
Governor, to Colonel Marinus Willett (“Colo.Willett”), suggesting that the treasurer pre-
pare warrants for the pay of officers, including a deranged one. 1 page, oblong 8vo;
docketing verso, folds. (MRS)
Np, 4th June 1783
[350/500]
“
The Gov’rs Compliments to Colo.Willett. He rec’d his Message by Doct’r Clarke yesterday
Evening; but before he could procure a Copy of the Law it was too late to prepare anything but
this Note to send by the Post. His Gov’rs Warrant for the Pay to the deranged Officer is to be
founded on a Return . . . to be made to the Treasury. His BetterWay however would be for the
Treasurer to prepare Warrants agreeable to the Returns in his Office in the Order he would
claim them & transmit them to me to be signed & sealed . . . .”