constitution for Kentucky, and in 1798, when he zealously entered the field against the celebrated alien and sedition laws. As soon as he was eligible, he was elected to the legislature of Kentucky. He was a leading member until 1806, when he was sent to the senate of the United States, to fill the place occasioned by the resignation of General Adir. This, however, was only a fraction of a term; and at the close of the session, Mr. Clay was again chosen to a seat in the legislature. He was speaker several years. In 1809, he was a second time elected to the United States senate and to fill a fractional part of a term. This expired in 1811, when he was elected a member of the house of representatives. On the first ballot he was elected speaker, which office he filled with distinguished ability. It is no more than justice to remark, that thus far Mr. Clay had proved himself equal, and more than equal, to every place which he had been called upon to fill. Indeed, he was a member of the republican party, and so signal had been his eloquence, his patriotism, his influence and his efficiency, as to have attracted the eyes of the nation. He nobly sustained the administration of Mr. Madison and the war of 1812. After the conclusion of the treaty of Ghent, Mr. Clay, with Mr. Adams and Mr. Gallatin, went to London, where a commercial convention between this country and Great Britain was concluded. Mr. Clay was again elected to the house of representatives in 1815, and again made speaker. Subsequently, after two years absence from congress, he was reëlected in 1823, and again made the speaker, which place he filled until 1825, when he was appointed secretary of state by John Quincy Adams. Mr. Clay was speaker of the house from 1811 to 1825, with the exception of two years, during which time he voluntarily retired from congress.
Mr. Clay continued in the office of secretary of state until 1829. Two years later, in December, 1831, he was again elected to the senate of the United States, and continued a member of that body until March 31, 1842, when he resigned. Mr. Clay lived in elegant retirement at Ashland, until he was again (1849) elected to the senate. And here, after a brilliant parliamentary career, he closed his life, as his friend John Quincy Adams did, with his harness on—still serving the country for whose welfare his heart so fervently beat. He died on the 29th of June, 1852.
HON. JUDGE WOODBURY.
The subject of the accompanying likeness is one, perhaps, as well known
to the people of this country as any name engraven upon its political scroll.
His long public service has been such as to keep him prominently before
the public eye for forty years, during which period he has sustained an
unsullied reputation, and has commanded the respect and a large share of
the confidence of all parties. Mr. Woodbury graduated at Dartmouth
College in 1809, and immediately applied himself to the study of the law,
which he subsequently practiced with credit and success until 1816, when
he was appointed secretary of the senate of the United States, and during
the following year judge of the superior court. Shortly after this
we find him a member of General Jackson's cabinet, and in 1823, governor
of New Hampshire. In the year 1825, Mr. Woodbury was chosen
to the United States senate. In 1831, we find him secretary of the navy.
In 1834, we find him secretary of the treasury, and find him again
