As Mr.
Crawford, on account of the critical state of his health, was considered out of the question, Mr.Clay was left to choose between Mr.Adams and Gen.

Jackson.
In this posture of affairs, Mr.Clay saw, that however patriotic the principles on which he acted, and however pure the motives by which he might be governed in making his selection, he must inevitably expose himself to the severest animadversions from the defeated party.

But he did not hesitate, in the discharge of what he believed to be a solemn duty he owed his country, to throw his influence in behalf of the man whom he believed the best fitted to serve that country in the responsible office of the presidency.

Long before it had been foreseen such a contingency would occur, he had expressed his want of confidence in the ability and fitness of Gen.

Jackson for the executive chair.