James Barbour letter to Henry Clay, 7 March 1832

Barboursville, March 7, 1832.

Dear Sir, You have obliged me much by furnishing me with your speech on the Tariff. It is the strongest view I have ever seen on the subject. If the facts are true to which you refer as the basis of your argument, your argument is unanswerable. I duly appreciate the necessity which induced you to introduce some remarks merely ad captandum. Contending as you are with an enemy using poisoned weapons, the right of defense extends to the employment of what otherwise might not be considered very legitimate means.

Your positions are judicious, and you have ably defended them. Great perspicuity is your leading characteristic.