Henry Clay Monument in New Orleans

When William J. Orendorff (1829-1897)—a partner with his brother-in-law William Parlin in the manufacturer of plows in Canton, Fulton county, Illinois—attended the First Grand State Fair in New Orleans, hosted by the Mechanics & Agricultural Fair Association of Louisiana in November 1866, he was struck by the inscription on Henry Clay’s Statue that stood on Canal Street in the Crescent City:

Inscribed on Henry Clay’s Monument which stands in Canal Street, New Orleans

“If I could be instrumental in eradicating the deep stain, slavery, from the character of our country, I would not exchange the proud satisfaction which I should enjoy for the honor of all the triumphs ever decreed to the most successful conquerer.”

First Grand State Fair held at New Orleans, La., November 28th 1866

— W. J. Orendorff