Henry Clay’s Alledged Experience

When the dissolution of the body is gradual, it not unfrequently occurs that in proportion as the external senses are obscured, the soul experiences an immortal quickening; so that the forms of departed spirits are rendered visible, and the other life becomes a present occurrence, and tangible reality. This is but a natural occurrence, and can not excite the “special wonder” of any one at all familiar with the philosophy of the change denominated death. A similar experience happens to many persons who have never before, and while in health, been conscious of exercising their internal senses. We have seen an account, in some paper, of a remarkable vision in which George Washington appeared to Hon. John C. Calhoun but a few days before the latter bade adieu to earth. It is, moreover, an interesting fact, as we learn from the Washington correspondent of the Philadelphia Ledger, that HENRY CLAY was attended, in his last hours, by the spirits of his immortal friends and guardians. How long will Materialism close its eyes and resist, with the power of its stony heart, a truth which contains the highest elements of solemnity, of beauty, and of consolation. The following is an extract from the Washington correspondent:

One of the most remarkable phenomena accompanying the sickness and gradual dissolution of Mr. CLAY, was a species of second sight—a living dream, dreamed with the perfect consciousness that it was a dream, which brought to his bedside not only the persons of his living friends, but also those who had departed this life for many years. What a blessing it must have been to a man of such warm affections as Mr. CLAY, to be thus surrounded by all he loved, or had loved—to have the grave, which was about to encompass him, surrender the dead, by the magic attraction of his departing spirit!

Will some friend send us Mr. Calhoun’s experience, above referred to? We should be pleased to publish it in the TELEGRAPH. [Ed.]

Spiritual Telegraph, (New York: Charles Partridge, Vol. 1, No. 13, July 31, 1852), p.2.