Cassius M. Clay To Edmund Quincy

Lexington, Kentucky, } May 14, 1844. $ Edmtind Quincy, Esq. : Dear. Sir - I have receivedyour letter of the 3d instant, informing me of the resolution of the Board of Managers of he Massachusetts A. S. Society, which most gratefully appreciate. I regret that t will not be in my power to meet the true defenders of the principies of '76 in peron, and accept of your proposed hospiality. When I regard the moral firmness and exaltedself-sacrifice of the 'orignal' abolitionists of New England, I can eceive from no set of men more acceptible sympathy in the common cause in vhich we are enlisted. # # # #I very much regret the diflerence beween the Anti-Slavery Society and Librty party, for I would be glad to see harmony among all the opponents of slavey in the North and South. For altho' many men join the party for selfish and mbitious purposes, yet it seems to me entirely proper that no aid should be reused which tends to the accomplishrnent f our final purposes. I have read that )ortion of your annual address, wherein you refer to the origin of the Liberty pary, and I can fully appreciale your fee1ngs towards some of the leaders of that arty; yet it seems to me that they re acting out, in the most efficiënt way, he principies laid down by yourselves ; ut of this, perhaps, I am not in the most avorable position to form a correct idea. t seems to me, however, that whatever 9 the. result, whether you join the Librty party, or stand alcce, that impartía!history will award you the first place, be sides lhe more valuable rewards of a good conscience, and of hoving dischargec yjur duty. I am dceply sensible of the fiattering consideration which you are pleased to express on the part of your compatriots. You, and you only, can rightly weigh the legionary difficulties and sacrifices which surround one taking the position which ] have laken. I hope I shall not fait er in the battle. If I have received any Iight from the North, I trust I may in some small way reflect back a portion of the rays - mutually speaking heart to heart, and adding llame to flame, till the whole land shall be lighted up witb revolutionary fire, in which slavery shall be consumed, no more to deface our glorieus land forever. Return once more my thanks to your associates, and believe me, truly, your friendand ob't serv't,