Page:Biography of Henry Clay.djvu/15

 LIFE OF HENRY CLAY.

usage might require us to give the pedigree of the distinguished individual who forms the subject of the following memoir. Many considerations, however, combine to induce a departure from this usage. In the first place, we are strongly disposed to question the practical utility of it; and in the second, to doubt our ability, even after the most diligent search, to exhibit what is ordinarily the object of such a search — an illustrious pedigree. Indeed, we regard it as very problematical, whether we should be able to get beyond the pale of republican simplicity. But the most cogent consideration is the belief that our efforts would not be more highly appreciated than were those of the emperor of Austria by Napoleon Bonaparte. The Austrian monarch, desirous of proving his future son-in-law royally descended, was busily engaged in making the searches requisite to establish the fact. Napoleon, becoming acquainted with his intention, immediately visited him, and exclaimed, ‘Stop, stop, sire! I alone am the author of my fortune, and desire it to be so understood: neither royal descent nor royalty has contributed any thing to its achievement, and though I might legitimately claim both, would not mention either.’ We do not know that a similar indifference was felt by Mr. Clay, relative to his lineage, but his plain, unostentatious habits, and firm adherence to republican principles, warrant us in presuming that such was the case. Certain it is, however, that for the elevated position he occupied, he was as little indebted to any adventitious advantages of birth or fortune, as was the mighty conqueror; and with equal propriety might he have said, in view of the means by which he had attained that position, I alone am the architect of my fortune. Without attempting, therefore, to invest his origin with the splendors of a titled ancestry, it may suffice to observe, that family reminiscences render it certain that his imme- VOL. I. 2