Page:Life of Henry Clay (Schurz; v. 1).djvu/321

Rh and I have found in him, since I have been associated with him in the executive government, as little to censure or condemn as I could have expected in any man.” With chivalrous loyalty Clay stood by his chief, and Adams gave him his full confidence. Adams's Diary does not mention a single serious difference of opinion as having in any manner clouded his relationship with the Secretary during the four years of their official connection. On several occasions, when Clay's ill health seemed to make his resignation necessary, Adams with unusual warmth of feeling expressed the high value he put upon Clay's services, assuring him that it would be extremely difficult to fill his place, and earnestly trying to dissuade him from his purpose. Toward the close of his presidential term, Adams offered Clay a place on the bench of the Supreme Court, which Clay declined. John Quincy Adams probably never spoke with more fervor of any public man than he spoke of Clay shortly after the close of his administration, in answer to an address of a committee of citizens of New Jersey: —

“Upon him the foulest slanders have been showered. The department of state itself was a station which, by its bestowal, could confer neither profit nor honor upon him, but upon which he has shed unfading honor by the manner in which he has discharged its duties. Prejudice and passion have charged him with obtaining that office by bargain and corruption. Before you, my fellow-citizens, in the presence of our country and Heaven,