Cassius M. Clay, of Kentucky, who made the first Abolition speech for “freedom” in that State, and who has been engaged for twelve years in fanning the embers of sectional- strife—all for the rights of man!—has received, as his reward from the Lincoln administration, the office of Minister to Spain. The appointment of Cassius was urged by his Black Republican friends in the Northern States avowedly on the ground of his valuable, services and great sacrifices in their cause. His position is, by general consent, a most unenviable, a most inexcusable one for a Southern man to occupy; but, on one account, his appointment is not regretted by the people of his section. Kentucky is truly fortunate in getting relieved of the presence of a citizen who has acquired so unenviable a notoriety as a disturber of her peace. He will do infinitely less harm in the country to which he is sent. Let him ride his abolition Rozinante to his heart’s content in the country of Don Quixote.
Richmond Enquirer, Richmond, VA
Clay’s Diplomatic Position
Clay was actually appointed by Lincoln as Minister to Russia.
A further article in this paper on recent appointments states “Cassius M. Clay is dissatisfied with the Spanish mission. That of Russia will be offered him, which he will probably accept.”