There was a pause, the party was uneasy.  There were more than Mr. Holmes present who were startled at both Crawford’s and Randolph’s speculation as to the value of the Union.  They had ever felt that this was anchored safely in every American breast, and was paramount to every other consideration or interest.  It was a terrible heresy, and leading to treason.  This was not said, but it was thought, and in no very agreeable mood the party separated for the night.

Mr. Clay had just arrived from Kentucky.  There had been many speculations as to what course he would pursue in this delicate matter.  Many had suspended their opinions awaiting his action.  The members from Ohio were generally acting and voting with those of the East and North.  Some seemed doubtful, and it was supposed Mr. Clay would exercise great influence with all the West, and those from Ohio, especially.  Hence, his coming was universally and anxiously awaited.  But now he was in Washington, all were on the qui vive.

Randolph’s declaration was whispered about in the morning, and little coteries were grouped about the hall of the House of Representatives.  Randolph was in conversation, near the Speaker’s chair, with the clerk, who was pointing and calling his attention to something upon the journal of the House.  The hour of meeting was at hand, and the crowd was increasing upon the floor.  Mr. Taylor was in conversation, near the fire-place, on the left of the Speaker’s chair, with Stratford Canning, the British Plenipotentiary, Harrison Gray Otis, and Governor Chittenden, of Vermont.  Mr. Clay entered in company with William S. Archer, a man whose only merit and sole pride was the having been born in Virginia; whose pusillanimous arrogance was only equalled by the poverty of his intellect, and who always foisted himself upon the presence of eminent men, deeming he was great because of his impudence and their association.  All eyes were turned to Clay, and the members flocked about him.  Releasing himself from these he came up the aisle toward the Speaker’s chair.  Mr. Randolph stepped into the aisle immediately in front of the chair.  At this moment Clay discovered him and, towering to his full height, paused within a few feet of him whose eye he saw fixed upon his own.

Randolph advanced and, without extending his hand, said:  “Good morning, Mr. Clay.”  Clay bowed, and Randolph immediately said:  “I have a duty to perform to my country; so have you, Mr. Clay.  Leave your seat here, sir, and return to your people, as I will to mine.  Tell them, as I will mine, that the time has come:  if they would save themselves from ruin, and preserve the liberties for which their fathers bled, they must separate from these men of the North.  Do so, sir; and, though I never did before, I will follow your lead in the effort to save our people, and their liberties.”  Mr. Clay listened, and without apparent surprise remarked, with a smile:  “Mr. Randolph, that will require more reflection than this moment of time affords,” and bowing passed on.