Henry Clay
Ashland, KY, August 11, 1836
Henry Clay 3x Signed Letter on Horse Breeding and Return Visit from Shakers
ALS

An autograph letter signed three times by Henry Clay concerning horse breeding and cows, Ashland, Kentucky, dated August 11, 1836. Signed at the conclusion "H. Clay", after the postscript as "H.C.", and free franked on the address page as "Free H. Clay." Addressed to R. D. Shepherd, Esq. 1p of a bifolium, measuring 8" x 10". With a black wax seal on verso, which has caused minor loss to the address page. Flattened mail folds and faint edge soiling. Further minor soiling on the address page. Boldly signed, very fine overall.

In full:
"I recd your favor on the 3". I sent you a few days ago a remittance of $200 on acc. of the price of the whole Cow, which I hope will safely reach you. I have made an arrangement with a man to go in for Derby, but he cannot leave here until the first of October. I hope the delay in sending for him will put you to no inconvenience. I submitted to it because the man has great experience with Lead horses, and on that account, I have engaged him to keep Derby throughout the season of next year. I thought therefore that it was best that he should be answerable for the care of bringing him out. The horse is to be kept at a place of mine near Ashland and extremely well schooled; and I have agreed to give him fifty dollars per month during the Season, and $25 out of season, and I pay all expenses.

I refused the other day $1000 for one of the Jacks, hoping to get more. Should you import any Cows, let them be young and in Calf and attend to these points 1st their form & pedigree. Stud book pedigrees are much, too much, relied on. 2d let them be roan, white or liver reds. & 3d avoid black noses. Will your vessel return to the port of N. Orleans or an Atlantic port? Could it bring my sons' mares? Is it the same Captain who brought the Asses?

P.S I made a narrow escape from Orozembo on his return from the [Shawnee Run] Shakers. I was sitting on a horse directly before him viewing his parts, when he made a plunge at the horse and gave him a terrible gore where the neck joins the body. The horse wheeled round and I dismounted. I thought it a mortal wound, and lead him to the house but I believe he will recover."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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8" x 10"