The rancor of his enemies had pursued Mr. Clay as though he had been a devastating monster, laying waste the fair and fertile fields of his country, instead of enriching them by his toils. It overstepped, not only the bounds of prudence, but of propriety and decency. It followed him to the sanctuary of his home, and violated that. In a letter written in May, 1828, he thus speaks of their attempts to destroy his pecuniary credit. ‘The variety in their modes of attack, and the industry of my enemies, are remarkable, if not always commendable. I observe that some of them about Lexington, have carefully searched the records of Fayette, and extracted from them a formidable list of mortgages, which are paraded as evidence of my bankruptcy. The fairness of this proceeding, in my absence on arduous public service, and without inquiry into the fact whether the mortgages be extinguished or not, is submitted to my fellow citizens of Fayette. I do not consider, that a man who honestly fulfils his pecuniary engagements, is entitled to any special praise, or I would not observe, that I can confidently appeal to all with whom I ever had pecuniary transactions, to bear testimony to the fidelity with which I have discharged mine. I invite the severest scrutiny into my conduct in that respect, and request a comparison of it with that of any one of those who now assail me. I never was sued in my life, for an uncontested debt; indeed, I have no recollection at this time of having ever been sued for any ascertained debt, contested or uncontested, and whether I was principal or endorser. I am not free absolutely from debt. I am not rich. I never coveted riches. But my estate would even now be estimated at not much less than one hundred thousand dollars. Whatever it may be worth, it is a gratification to me to know, that it is the produce of my own honest labor, no part of it being hereditary, except one slave, who would oblige me very much if he would accept his freedom. It is sufficient, after paying all my debts, to leave my family above want, if I should be separated from them. It is a matter, also, of consolation to me, to know that this wanton exposure of my private affairs can do me no pecuniary prejudice. My few creditors will not allow their confidence in me to be shaken by it. It has, indeed, led to one incident, which was at the same time a source of pleasure and pain. A friend lately called on me, at the instance of another friend, and informed me that they were apprehensive that my private affairs were embarrassed, and that I allowed their embarrassment to prey upon my mind. He came, therefore, with their authority, to tell me that they would contribute any sum that I might want, to relieve me. The emotions which such a proposition excited, can be conceived by honorable men. I felt most happy to be able to undeceive them, and to decline their benevolent proposition.’