CASSIUS M. CLAY, "LION" - The Filson Historical Society

1957] Cassius M. Clay 139
possession of the country will have to be resorted to. We are on parole
confined to the bounds of the City, and except that we are continually
liable to assassination by the "greasers" or common people, we spend
our time very agreeably. Living in this City is higher than in any
place in the world and in consequence we are somewhat troubled to get
the means of support. E. W. Smith, a NEw Englander has accommodated
us with money so far; and we have given him a draft upon
Coleman of Louisville for eleven hundred dollars $300 of which is
mine, which I trust you will take means immediately of placing at his
command at Louisville, as I do not want to put him to any inconvenience
on my account. The Mexican government only pays us fifty cents per
day. I have received a letter from Mary Jane dated April 3rd, which
I answered, but as the regular intercourse between the countries is
cut off I am discouraged about writing as there is no certainty of my
letters coming to hand. As it is very uncertain when I shall get home
I wish you would press and close all my suits as some money is owing
me and it would thus lighten my debts. What has become of my suit
against the mob? I wish you to make some contract with the N.Y.
Tribune and fulfill the obligations of our subscription book--that is
where we owe papers to substitute the Tribune for the unexpired time.
Either so, or refund, which is much more difficult and expensive. I
suppose the country now regards this war as no trifle---ruinous--if not
infamous. Can any man tell me why all this expenditure of blood and
money. Have we not land enough? Do we want eight millions of
revolutionary Indians and half breed, to increase the difficulties of the
elective franchise and the stability of the Union? Surely this administration
will have a heavy load of responsibility to carry. I hope they
will every where be defeated. They have carried their party feelings
into the military appointments and attempted to disgrace eminent men
who were risking all for their country--Will our people stand all this?
How can they expect volunteers to reenlist when civilians are put over
the heads of war worn soldiers ? Is not such conduct sufficient to disgust
all men?4s
Taylor is said to be advancing upon San Luis and Scott and Worth
are at Pueblo and expected every day to march upon this City--but of
these things you will know better and sooner than I. And I am not
allowed to write of the preparations or arrangements of the-Mexicans
as it would be a violation of my parole. Give my love to your wife-and
Mary Jane and the word that you have heard from me. Believe
me ever truly and aff'y
Your brother
C. M. Clay