Henry Clay

Henry Clay (April 12, 1777 in Hanover County, Virginia June 29, 1852 in Washington, D.C.) was an American statesman and orator who served in both the House of Representatives and Senate. He also made five failed bids for the presidency, but was nevertheless extremely influential in U.S. politics. He was known as the "Western Star" and the "Millboy of the Slashes". He was a dominant figure of the Second Party System from the 1820s to his death.

6 Quotes

Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.
— Henry Clay

Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.
— Henry Clay

I'd rather be right than President.
— Henry Clay

Statistics are no substitute for judgment.
— Henry Clay

In a scheme of policy which is devised for a nation, we should not limit our views to its operation during a single year, or even for a short term of years. We should look at its operation for a considerable time, and in war as well as in peace.
— Henry Clay

Yes, sir, from Constantinople, or from the Brazils; from Turk or christian; from black or white; from the dey of Algiers or the bey of Tunis; from the devil himself, if he wore a crown, we should receive a minister.
— Henry Clay