Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1884 — A Relic of “Harry of the West.” [ARTICLE]

A Relic of “Harry of the West.”

Mrs. Col. Alexander, residing near the city, on the Workhouse road, is the owner of a very magnificent trunk, which possesses an additional value as a relic. During the memorable and hotly contested race for the Presidency iu 1844, between Henry Clay, of Kentucky, and James H. Polk, of Tennessee, a number of ardent admirers of Mr. Clay, being thoroughly satisfied in their own minds that he would win the election and become President of the United States, ordered for him the finest leather trunk that could be made. It was manufactured in this city, regardless of cost, and is a marvel of elegance and durability, being especially designed to convey the clothes of Mr. Clay, as President, to Washington City. It is a splendid piece of handiwork, and contains a remarkably correct likeness of the grand old Kentucky “Commoner,” wrought in hand in the leather. But, alas! “the bestlaid plans o’ mice an’ men, gang aft agley.” The election came on. The vote was very close. As in the last oontest, New York was then the battlefield, and New York, gave Mr. Polk a majority of about 5,000, insuring for him her electoral vote and his election to the Presidency. Under the circumstances it was decided not to present the trunk to Mr. Clay, hut to raffle it. Col. Alexander was induced to take a chance, and drew the prize.— Louisville Courier-Journal.