Henry Clay & Dolley Madison, 1834

CLAY, Henry (1777-1852). Autograph note signed (“H Clay”), Washington, 28 January 1834. [On verso:] MADISON, Dolley P. (1768-1849). Autograph sentiment signed (“D P Madison”), to Elliot Cresson [Washington, January 1834].

Two pages, 73 x 191mm (mounting revenants at left margin and weak center vertical fold). Housed in a clamshell case with a portrait of Madison.

Henry Clay offers his support to Elliot Cresson’s colonization campaign with a verse of support from Dolley Madison. Clay writes, “Go on, Mr. Cresson, in the noble cause of Colonization which you have so zealously espoused; and may you enjoy the joint blessings of America and Africa, and hereafter higher blessings.” On the reverse, Madison has added a short verse: “Habit and Hope, the crutches which support our march through the vicissitudes of life.” With a a near-contemporary note of explanation written below in an unknown hand.

[With:] MADISON, Dolley. Autograph manuscript, n.p., n.d. One page, 171 x 112mm. An eighteen line poem: “I tremble for thee! — Ah! Be wise…”