Richmond enquirer. [volume], January 21, 1840, Image 3

About Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867

Image provided by: Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA

                
.1 . ('nioii, as well as the inju
'. ?.>< that these petitions were i
/."Selves at home to their coi
IS well as the injury to the slaveholding|
causing, would address
(in-inseivi-a ui constituents?go to tlicm
, , their towns, their fields, and their villages, and tell
that they are tampering with the peace and hap
of the South: that they are endangering the j
? 1 ? J ? *l... n..?
some length in
that the Re
tliat the |
\bolitionists!
action ot'l
an cnd to lho,n ,?
P?.i "ui 1)1)1.K, after proceeding at
, , Mr l*'?eper, of (ieorgia, said, all tha'
T<?'V. ntives from the North wished was,
!> ..hi take out of the mouth of the Abo
? ""ror wh.'h they were afforded by the ?
*'u i? ? nn their petitions?take that aw a\ , and tlu\
th-' V.rth would put down Abolition. Take away
p! l , J made there, the difficulty which disarms
the u-'? ?*' t!iat difficulty, and all danger would be at j
r l-i h s remarks lie had no anxiety to operate
a:1 . ' imtituencv either in the North or the South, but
r!'^lirt simplicity of purpose, give his views as to
v i rourse for the House to pursue. He was thankful
lh M , hid pursued a course which permitted gen
tl,0 ll.uiM ,^n themselves and define their position,
tjemou i vcas am| na..? did ?0t show. He fell
*n!C1 position," fortunately, was one which enabled
th~ Loach this subject with periect freedom. He
11 !;! ground at home, in reply to Abolitionists,that
took - .)<(jl0nt to grant the prayer of the petitioners,
"u ' ..,,^10 for them to interfere in the question
8 .i?nV,r his part, though he had been represented as j
*' .' i j^t. lie would no sooner abolish slavery at j
12 '\l>?In he would vote to re-establish slavery in
" 9t:ul"; , lie was not even disposed to take it up as
philadfip'"'1: V(?8ted in thllt body At home,
a va,i? he h.'.J challenged his competitor to
during -nions 01X this subject; but he observed
t.jpresJ iii? 1 ? the rfreat quC8t,on involving the peace
I;i:r!;'Ct "'''trv. he could not be drawn forth. It was
Sthat he could be defeated by that gentleman ,
sr.t|C', -?? ? sjjence on that subject, and the bold stand
beca"?-' l'_ middle) had taken in defence of the rights ,
. \ i.? ,mdor the Constitution.
Mr' B said he had come there with great dislike to
? ?r?:rsc 0f the petitioners: and although impressed
1 ' sUC>, feelings, lie had, from the course ot that
u Si .'id the denunciations which gentlemen heaped
,n them, almost at times wished himself a rank Abo
Ernst, that he mieht reply to such denunciations n
j','', ,*.lirit of one. The whole object of these petition
Ir- "he said, was confined to the abolition of slavery in
.hoPitrict of Columbia: and the question was whe
.jn-r their petitions made a reasonabl request. Mr. \ an
I' .ren he said had taken the ground himself that Con
" * had the ri-'ht to legislate as much on this subject
* ?v other for"the District, and to the same extent
Sat the States of Maryland |and Virginia had previous
he cession. The South, too, had elected him in
ti,e face of these opinions, and consequently ratilu
,hMr VANDERPOEL here interrupted Mr. Riddle,
bv asking liiiu if Mr. Van Buren did not also say that,
notwithstanding this power existed, he considered the
exercise of it so dangerous to the stabi ily o the l
-so inexpedient?that he would veto any bill
should be passed bv Congress lor such purpose.
"Mr. BIUDLE replied, did not every gentleman on
? .at tloor who presented Abolition petitions sa\ the
Lue thing; but the question was as to the sincerity ol
''ifPa question of expediency merely, with
Join did the power rest to decide it? Certainly with
i nn '-ess the subject was at the mercy of C ongress,
and consequently at the mercy of public opimon-not
of the State, but of the whole I n.ted States; and
I n e It was of the utmost importance that they should j
not disregard it. If the object of the pet.t.oners was a j
natter within the scope of legislative action, why j
( .uld thev pretend to treat those petitioners differently ;
other citizens who petition on any other subject.,
Is" we treat them differently merely because we enter-,
tain a theory of expediency, what was there to pre-1
u'.,t them from treating petitions on any other subject,
, the s ime wav: The pre-emption law might become ;
t?V'i"ientlv* obnoxious?petitions might be sent in upon
t: at subn et,and thev could, with equal propriety, spurn j
them trom the halls of Congress, as petitions upon
the subject of slavery.
?pu* was a matter which public opinion at last must
decide and he thought the course of that House was the
! 3,'ideU that could be adopted to allay the excitement
ctkmi this question, and to gain a correct public opinion
Bv tiie course pursued by Congress, the Abolitionists
have been sent forth to the country as apostles of a great
principle: but on the other hand, if you receive these
petitions, you would place in the hands of the Represen
tatives fr-'in the North a banner most precious to a free
i?op!e under which to do battle. If gentlemen would
into the harvest field at the North they would not
thes*- i?etitioners a dishonest, ignorant people. If
ther be t"ld, as they have been told, that the prayers
oftiiP petitioners caniivt i>e granted without endangering
t!it* I'nion, and was inex'K-dient, they would reply, why
has not Congress t;>l?l us so?why has it not pointed
oatt<> us the uswrs .naMeness of our requests. It was
?m honest feeling w?tJi tiiese petitioners; but they look
?:pon tf.e course of Congress as an act of despotism;
there is something wrong, they think, in dodging the
ciucstion. Mr. 15. said, you give currency and triumph
to these petitioners, when you treat them as if there
was something which could not be exposed to the light
of open day. If this be a subject which it is believed
inexpedient to legislate upon, he thought it proper for
Congress to make such a report to them as would en
li^'htva them, and thus put an end to the agitation of
the question forever.
Mr WATTKRSON was opposed to the reception of
Abolition petitions in any form whatever. He would
neither receive them, read them, nor refer them to a
committer He did not consider the right of petition
it ill invaded bv refusing to receive them, because
'.He Abolit*. ni>ts petitioned about a matter which did
not concern them?they having no grievances to re
D.-rss?and a matter about which Congress had no
power to legislate. He hoped the Representatives
from tho slavcholding States would stand firm, and
not yield an inch, for they must be well aware that
the rankest ot the Abolitionists only expected to
accomplish their objects by degrees. Let them
ri.-?t establish the right to have their petitions re
ceived and read, and the next thing they would do,
would be to prescribe the mode of action on them.
Mr W. replied to the remarks of Mr. Monroe and Mr
(imjrrer the < ther day with regard to the right of peti
tion, and noticed the remark that the battle of Aboli
tion sni must be fought at the North. Mr. W. showed
the connection at this time existing between the Aboli
t rnuts and the Whig parties, and asked if it was
lichtin^ the battles of the South that the Whigs had
f iected a thorough-going Abolitionist as Governor of
New York, lie asked if it was fi<fhtin? the battles of
tiif- South when the Whigs at the ilarrisburg Conven
Kn nominated for the Presidency a gentleman (Gene
ml Harrisi n,) who was in favor of appropriating the
surplus revenue to the purposes of emancipation. Mr.
^ referred to the resolutions of Mr. Athevton of last
session, which were introduced for the purpose of pre
venting the evils growing out of the presentation of
Aboi.tion petitions, and said that of the ">Si votes that
were given against it, 48 of them were Whigs. Mr.
W s r- iuarks will be given hereafter.
?Mr STANLY' replied at great length to the remarks
' f Mr. Watterson, of Tennessee. He reviewed the
Course ol the two wreat contending parties at previous
??-?onus of Congress upon the subject of Abolition pe
titions, and explained his previous votes upon the pro
positions introduced with reference to the disposition
ol them, and disclaimed any connection with Aboli
lion He thought the question itself, and the votes of
members on that floor on the question, had been used
effect party purposes. He then read the written opi
nions of some of the friends of the Administration on
Siiut door expressed at home, and published in the
newspapers of the day, for the purpose of identifying
'?icm with the cause of Abolition, which drew from
ii<ein disclaimers. He particularly referred to a publi
*>a':?n of Mr. Parmenter, of Massachusetts, which he
thought committed him to that cause.
Mr. t'AUMKNTER did not know if he understood
precisely what the gentleman from North Carolina
meant by an Abolitionist I should like to hear him
r' !? r to any remark or writing of mine on that subject,
"?* to any vote 1 have given, other than for the refer
ence to a committee.
? ANLV said lie should like to kn?w what the
leni.einajj himself considered an Abolitionist, and read
? letter written by Mr. I'arnienter. in which ho mw
?u;u ne sliould wish Congress immediately to adopt
measures to abolish slavery in the District of* Columbia
and the Territories, without any regard to the conse
quences. Jt was true, that he, in common with a very
'??fire portion of the people of Massachusetts, believed
slavery to be a ve? 4 ?' *' * ???"?
tlier 11'"1 ?* 'he Abolitionists, and accordingly
Mr sTi'v m-a bcd-v ?eainsl him
f., ^ 1 Wl'nt on w'th his remarks, and spoke
mi wiui ins remaras, anu spoac
^ n nuinlwr of distinguished members of the Demo
^fat c party whom he stigmatized as Abolitionists. Mr.
ffad some extract?lrum an address of Mr. Mortou,
whose rec.-nt r-i.^.: '?*
-e recent election as Governor of Massachusetts,
jne Pcmocratic party hailed as a triumph, to show that
wa? alSn an Abolitionist.
Mr. PARMENTER wished to make one remark in
'elation to Mr. Morton, the Governor elect of Massa
cnus??tts. The gentleman had read some extracts
"here f.nv. Morton spoke his sentiments very strongly
2?iinst slavery. But the gentleman did not draw the
distinction between anti-slavery and Abolitionism.?
' he one was a mere matter of belief, while the other
v " an mention to carry its objects into effect with
"Ut any regard to tlie con^cqucnccs. He would make
mother remark. The abolition paper printed at Bos
l?n opposed the election of Governor Morton, and re
<">mnunded it to the Abolitionists to support another
candidate. Mr. P. wished the gentleman would define
an ideas of Abolition more distinctly
Mr. STANLY said he wished the gentleman would
define Jus.
Mr. PARMENTER said he would define what he
considered to he the views of nn Abolitionist. It wns
a desire that Confess should abolish slavery in this
District, und in the Territories, without regard lo the
rights ot others, the peace and tranquility of a large
portion of the country, and the safety of the Union.
After some further remarks from Mr. STANLY, in
which he was two or three times corrected bv Mr
WELLER, '
Mr. BOTTS obtained the floor, and explained his
vote a few days ago on questions connected with this
subject. He was understood to be opposed to the course
the House had heretofore pursued on this subject, and
the plan proposed lo be pursued by the gentleman from
South Carolina, (Mr. Thompson.) He thought the
| petitions ought to be treated with some respect?that
| they ought to be received. He believed that the ex
| citcment oil this question bad been kept alive for po
I litieal purposes; and that the course of gentlemen on
[ that floor had connected the subject of Abolition with
the right of petition, and thereby advanced the pros
! pects of the Abolitionists. It was a subject upon which,
as a Southern man, he did not intend to become
excited. He would look upon it with composure, until
his contituiional rights of property should be attempt
ed to be violated, and then lie would defend it to the
utmost of his abilities. At the present aspect of the
question, he thought Southern gentlemen should pur
sue a more liberal course than formerly; and he should
not feel at liberty to break off from them if thoy wish
ed to pursue such a course. He thought it only want
| ed a proper vote of that House to crush Abolitionism
forever. As much as had been said by gentlemen of
the infection of that body with its principles, he did
j not believe Unit there were twenty in both parties, but
j thought there were as many on one side as the other.
| If there were more he desired to know it, both for
himself and his constituents, and it was for that reason
| he wanted such a vote by the House as would indicate
! it.
At the suggestion of Mr. HOFFMAN, previously
made,
Mr. BOTTS moved that the rules, as amended, be
adopted for one week from that day, which motion was
agreed to; when,
On motion of Mr. COLQUITT,
The House then adjourned.
Friday, January 17, 1840.
IN SENATE,
Mr. CUTHBKRT appeared in his seat to-dav.
The resolutions ol Mr. WILLIAMS were taken up
: for consideration, to which Mr. RU GO LI'S had offered
! the following amendment:
Rrsti/rrdJurlher, 1 hat the President be requested lo
| communicate to the Senate, 90 fur as may not be incom
i patible with the public interest, whether any, and, if
I any, what measures have been taken, under the act of
Congress of March, 1S30, or otherwise, to causc the
removal or expulsion of the British troops, which have
I taken possession of a portion of the territory of Maine
claimed by Great Britain; and especially whether, since
| tlii- last session of Congress, any military posts have
j been established in Maine, or any other military mea
sures adopted, preparatory to a just vindication "of the
! honor and rights of the nation and of Maine, as con
nected with the persevering claim made by Great
Britain to a portion of that State.
On this question there was a very interesting debate,
in which Messrs. BUCHANAN, RUGGLES, DAVIS,
CLAY of Kentucky, ALLEN and WILLIAMS parti
cipated, and the resolution as amended was unanimous
ly agreed to.
~ THE INDEPENDENT TREASURY HILL
Was then taken up, and after being discussed by
Messrs HENDERSON, WRIGHT, DAVIS, BUCHA
NAN, WALKER, and \OUNG, and the adoption of
some unimportant amendments, was ordered to be en
grossed for a third reading by the following vote:
\tos-?Messrs. Allen, Benton, BroVn, Buchanan,
Calhoun, Clay of Alabama, Cuthbert, Fulton, Grundy,
Hubbard, King, Linn, Lumpkin, Mouton, Norvell,
Pierce, Roane, Sevier, Smith of Connecticut, Strange,
Tappan, Walker, Williams, and Wright?tH.
Aw ys?Messrs. Betts, Clav of Kentucky, Crittenden,
Davis, Dixon, Henderson, Knight, Merrick, Nicholas,
Phelps, Prentiss, Preston, Robinson, Rugglcs, Smith of
Indiana, White, and Young?18.
The Senate then adjourned until Monday next.
HOl'SE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
i Mr. MITCHELL asked the permission of the House
; to lav before it the letter to Gen. Green, which had
' been referred to on yesterday. He had, since his re
; marks at that time, received a copy, which he read to
j the House, as follows :
Washington, December lc?, 1830.
I Dkak.Geni.p.ai.: As we shall, in a few days, elect a
I Printer to the House for the Twenty-sixth Congress, it
| has occurred to me and other of my political friends,
. that such an arrangement could be made with you as
would justify the entire Whig party in supporting you
J for that office. We neither expect or ask you to sacri
j fice a single principle which you profess, nor to do any
act not justifiable to your conscience and to the world.
I am satisfied that Gales and Seaton cannot beelect
ed; and that, if the contest has to come to a strife be
tween them and Blair, the latter, in my opinion, will
|succeed.
I Now, what had passed through my mind, was sim- l
plv this: that you should, in the event of your election,'
i offer Gales and Seatfm to share equally with theft), re-!
; spectively, the profits of the office, after allowing them i
? a fair compensation out, for their personal services; they
j to do all the work at their office, and you to be clcctcil !
! to the station. ^
, The profits cannot be less for the whole Congress !
j than $30,000; this would give you $10,000, you having !
no trouble or responsibility whatever. Now I suggest j
i this on my own responsibility, but nevertheless, 1 ha-1
j zard nothing in the conjecture, that if you are here and j
?put in, the thing can be managed adroitly enough to!
ensure success. I have a strong desire to defeat Blair, i
j and would be glad to do so in a way to oblige you per- j
i sonally. Write me by the receipt of this, and if you i
. can, be in this citv at the earliest possible moment. 1 i
direct this to Baltimore, and also in duplicate, to Cum- '?
berland.
Truly, in haste,
Your obedient servant and friend,
CHAS. F. MITCHELL.
Gen. Green, Baltimore.
Now, Mr. Speaker, the House can judge whether
there is any thing in this letter to justify the charge of
an attempt at bribery by um. It is simply a proposi-!
tion for Gen. Green to become a candidate for public !
printer; and he to receive a proportion of the profitsI
arising therefrom. He made no proposition to any par- ]
ty?to Green s personal friends, or to any one else.
The suggestions were made by me merely as an in- j
ducemcnt for him tt> become a candidate.
The gentleman from North Carolina, (Mr. Fisher,) j
stating the contents of the letter, to the best of his re-1
collection, commenced by saying "that it is pretty well i
ascertained that Gales and Seaton could not be elected,!
i and that the writer's aversion to Blair was so great, I
| that he wished General Green to come on and be a
j candidate, believing that if he could get a few of his
friends to vole for him, he could be elected; that the
printing would be worth about ?30,000, and as Gene
ral Green probably had not the means of executing it,
he could make an arrangement with Gales and Seaton
to do it for him?he retaining $10,000, without any risk
or responsibility whatever, and Gales and Seaton re
ceiving the remaining $20,000 for doing the work and
incurring the trouble and responsibility." Now, it was
rather remarkable that that gentleman should remem
ber what the letter did not contain, when he was stating
that which it did contain. He did not state that I "did
not wish General Green to do any thing not justifiable
to his consciencc and to the world." He thought the
gentleman had a very peculiar memory, but he would,
however, leave that lo be settled by his own con
science.
The gentleman from South Carolina, (Mr. Holmes,)
shrunk from it, and was so astounded, that he could
not sufficiently express his holy horror of the letter.?
That gentleman spoke of the propositions made lo
him. He had made no proposition to him. He had
but written the single letter to Gen. Green and none
others. If there were other letters he thought they
should be produced.
Mr. M. here made some remarks in defence of Gen.
Green, who, he said, hadnotacted in way dishonorable
in the transaction, and then read the following letter
from that gentleman :
"Dear Sir: I hand you a copy of your letter. I
cannot withhold my surprise at the use that was made
of it; but 1 cannot believe that Mr. Fisher or Mr. Hun
ter have authorized the language in the Globe. I will
give that attention to this matter which it requires at
my hands. Your friend, DUFF GREEN."
The Speaker, he said, had already disclaimed having
authorized the language which characterized this letter
as accuse of bribery, in the statement published in the
Globe. The gentleman from North Carolina also, in
acknowledging that he gave permission to the Editor
of the Globe to publish the statement, disclaimed hav
ing stated to that Editor, that either he or the Speaker
had so characterized it as a case of "bribery," but that
it was a third person, a gentleman not of this House.?
He cared not from what quarter that charge came, he
pronounced it a falsehood, and he demanded that the
author should be produced.
Mr. FISHER, who was absent at the time Mr.
Mitchell made his explanation, came in at a subsequent
part of the proceedings, and, by permission, made the
following remarks:
Mr. t. observed, that since reaching his seat this
morning, he had been informed that the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Mitchell) had, in his absence,
made some additional remarks on the subject of his let
ter to General Green, and had introduced a copy of
that letter. He hnd only to remark, that this was all
proper enough, though it would have been as well if
the original itself had been introduced. In the course
of the gentleman's remarks, he understood that he
had indulged himself in some reflections on his (Mr.
F.'s) course, which he could not, at this time, take
any noticc of, for the rc&aon that he had not heard
them. He was absent in discharging the duties of
the committee to which he belonged?the Commit
tee of Elections. His object, Mr. F. said, in now
asking the attention of the House, was, that the fact of
his absence might be known, and go forth with the re
marks of the gentleman; and to say that to-monow,
when the gentleman's remarks would be published, he
would then be able lo judge whether they were of a
character to require his notice. If they slwuld prove
to be such, he would notice them; but if not, he w ould
let them pass f??r what they might be worth. W hilc
up he .would make another remark. Tin-'gentleman
had alluded to the remarks of' his friend from Sout.i
Carolina, (Mr. Holme*,) and he would therein- take
the occasion to say that that gentleman was also
absent. ? , . , r
Mr. J. W.JONES, chairman of the Committee ot
Ways and Means, by general consent, reported iroin
that committee the following bills:
A bill making appropriations for the support of Revo
lutionary and other pensioners for the year le'40;
Also, a bill making appropriations for the current
and contingent expenses of the Indian Department,
and for the Inllilnient of the various treaty speculations
with the Indian tribes for the year J"40;
Which bills were twice read, and, on the motion o.
Mr JONES, referred to the Committee ol the Whole
on the state of the Union.
Mr. JONES also laid before the House a document
from the Indian Department, giving a detail'd state
ment. of the estimates made by the Indian Department,
to accompany the bill above reported; which was or
dered to be printed.
The SPEAKER then announced the order of the
day to be on the motion to reconsider the vote laying on
the table the following resolution of Mr. Cules as an
amendment to the rules:_
"All petitions, memorials, and papers touching the
abolition of slavery, or the buying, selling or transfer
ring of slaves to any State, District, or Territory of the
United States, shall, upon their presentation, be laid on
the table, without being debated, printed, read, or refer
red, and no further action whatever shall be had there
"Mr. GRAVES then moved a call of the House,
which was agreed to, and the roll having been called
over 1!?0 members answered to their names; and after
the absentees had been called, some of whom coming
in answered to their names,
Mr. HOPKINS moved that further proceedings
under the call be dispensed with.
Mr. COLQUITT thm submitted to the Chair that
he having out of courtesy, yesterday yielded the floor
to the gentleman from Kentucky, to enable him to make
his motion, ought not to be debarred the privilege ot
expressing his views on the subject before the House;
BD'Phe SPEAKER having decided that the motion for
reconsideration had precedence, _ .
Mr. COLQUITT appealed from that decision.
Mr BLACK asked if it would be in order for him to
move to lay the motion for reconsideration on the table.
The SPEAKER replied that it would be in order for
the gentleman to moke such a motion, provided he
couhf get the floor.
Mr. GRAVES said it was not his purpose to prevent
gentlemen from expressing their views on this subject,
and he would therefore move to postpone the fin ther
consideration of the subject until three o'clock, and
make it the special order for that hour.
Mr. COLQUITT having withdrawn his appeal to
make way for Mr. Graves's motion,
After some further remarks from Messrs. GRAN LS,
EVANS, and WILLIAMS of Kentucky, the last
named gentleman renewed the appeal.
A debate on the appeal then ensued, in which Messrs.
WILLIAMS of Kentucky, EVERETT, CUSH1NG,
WADDY THOMPSON, GRAVES, and LINCOLN,
took part. . ...
Mr CRAIG called for the previous question, which
beinc seconded by the House, the main question was
put, and the decision of the Chair was sustained?yeas
123, navs 72. -
Mr TILLING!!AST moved to lay the question ol
reconsideration on the table; but withdrew the motion,
when . , ,
Mr GRAVES moved to postpone it, and make it
the order of the day fur to-morrow, at twelve o^lor.k ;
and after some further remarks from Messrs. BELL,
GRAVES, TILLINGHAST, and WILLIAMS, ol
North Carolina,
Mr. TILLINGHAST renewed his motion.
Mr. DROMGOOLE called for the yeas and nays,
which were ordered; when
Mr GHAVES said, to relievo the House from em
barrassment, and permit the discussion to go on, he
would withdraw his motion for reconsideration.
Mr. CAMPBELL of South Carolina, and Mr. \ an
derpoel, submitted to the Chair, whether, the House
bavin" divided on the question, it was competent for
the gentleman from Kentucky to withdraw his motion.
The SPEAKER was of opinion that the gentleman
had a right to withdraw his motion
Mr. COLQUITT, who was entitled to the floor, then
addressed the House in an exceedingly eloquent speech
of great length, in opposition to the reception ol Abo
lition petitions.
Mr. SLADE then obtained the floor, and commenc
ed an explanation of his views on the subject, and of
the course he should take with regard to it.
Mr. SLADE gave way toa motion to adjourn; which,
having failed, he was about resuming his remarks,
when . . .. .. .
Mr. GENTRY, by his permission, gave notice that
he would, when in order, introduce a bill providing for
the assumption of certain debts of the Stales, and ap-.
proprinte the proceeds of the public lands lor that pur
^?Mr. SLADE here made a motion that the lloose ud-1
joum; and the yeas and nays having been ordered upon
said motion, were?yeas 73, nays 05.
So the House refused to adjourn.
Mr J W JONES again renewed his proposition to
extend the power of the Clerk to provide ^ suitable
person to execute the necessary printing until Monday
week next. He said it was indispensably necessary to
have the printing executed by some person.
Objection being again made to the introduction of
the resolution,
Mr. JONES moved to suspend the rules for that pur
pose; but before taking the question,
Mr STANLY moved an adjournment, and the yeas
and nays having been ordered upon the same, he with
drew his motion. , I
The question then recurred on the motion to suspend
the rules, and on that,
Mr. R. GARLAND demanded the yeas and nays,
whicli were ordered, and were?yeas lt>2, nays G7.
So the rules were not suspended, a vote ol two thirds
being necessary for that purpose.
Mr. CURTIS here gave notice that lie would, on
the first opportunity afforded, ask leave to introduce a
bill for the relief of certain insolvent debtors ot the
United States, and to repeal certain acts relating to
such debtors.
On motion, ... .
The House then adjourned till to-morrow morning
12 o'clock. ?
mii ?????? ;n ?
(From the ?V. Y. Journal of Cammrrcc.)
awful calamity. I
Loss of Steamboat Lexington, Capt. Childs, with
nearly every soul on board, in number from L.0 to J)U
PCOnrScommunity has been thrown into great excite
ment and grief, in consequence of the news of the loss
of the steamboat Lexington, which left here on Monday
afternoon for Providence, and nearly all the persons
on board perished.
A letter from Norwalk, received some hours s,nc<^
announced the fact that a steamboat had been burnt ofT
that port, and that it was supposed to be the Lexington.
But the full extent of the calamity was not known,
nor scarcely anticipated, until half an hour since, on
the arrival ofthe Nimrod, Capt. Brooks, from Newport
Among the passengers, we understand, were Robert
Blake of Wrentham, a Mr. Fow ler of this city.
Win A Green, firm of Allen & Green, Providence;
Samuel Henry, of Boston; Chas. H. Phelps, Ston.ng
ton; R- W. Dow, firm of Dow & Co., N. ^ork, Capt.
\ anderbilt. Q^fe 0j (jic ]{fpVi,licun Standard, )
BnmcF.roKT, Tuesday evening, Jan. 14, le40. J
appalling calamity.
Steamboat Islington destroyed by Fire, and nearly lico
Hundred Lives I^ost!
The Lexington left New York for Stonington on
Monday, 3 o'clock, P. M., having, it is believed about
ont hundred and fifty passengers. A large ?f
Cotton was placed upon her decks At o clock
when about two miles from Eaton s Neck, the cotton
took fire near the smoke pipe.
The boat was headed for the shore as soon as the ef
forts to extinguish the fire proved unsuccessful. She
was provided with three boats?yet such was the panic
which took possession of all mindt^ that tliey were
hoisted out while the boat was still- under headway
and immediately swamped. The engine a few min
utes after gave way, leaving her utterly unmanageable.
The sci-ne which then ensued, is described as most ap
!,S Chester Hilliard, of Norwich,' a passenger on
board, from whom we have gathered these few particu
lars, states that soon after the engine stopped, the pas- ^
senders began to leave the boat on boxes, bales, tec.
In company with one of the firemen he was so fortu
nate as to secure a cotton bale to which he lashed him
self. He remained upon this bale, the wind blowing
off Long Island shore, until 11 ?'clock thl9
when he was taken up by the sloop Merchant, of Soutli
P?His companion in the mean time had been released
by death from his sufferings. Two others were token
up by the sloop, a fireman and the Pilot of the(boat.
Both were nearly insensible. His surprising thsit an)
should have survived the exposure. There is too much
reason to fear that the three are the only survivors. It
is, however, possible that others may have been saved
The Boat drifted up the Sound with the Jldc'a"
was off this harbor about midnight. Capt. H-states
that she sank at three o'clock, as he marked the tunc
by his watch. . . . ... ? ?
' The efforts which last night were made, in this vici
nitv and at Southport, to go in aid of thc 8uff^r"s
proved, owing to the ice in the harbors, and to other
untoward circumstances, entirely unavailing.
We learn that a boat which succeeded m getting out
of Southport harbor, after reaching the middle of the
Sound, was compelled to return. _ ,
The account which we have given of thi? awful ca
taatrophe is exceedingly imperfect. It may be well
imagined that our informant is hardly in a .ituaUon to
fUFu^r?Jr?c5ari.-The Editor, of the Journal of
Commerce have been favored with the following letter
from Captain Brooks, of the Steamer Nimrod, dated
Stkamer Ximrod, )
Jan. 15, 1640. J
1 have srrn Captain Chester Hilliard, one of the
survivors from the destruction of the steamer Lexing
ton on Monday rue-lit lo.it liy fire, and from him gatlier
the following pari^i-ulnr-*. The boat left New York at.
3 o'cl.iek?lie thinks with about 150 passengers and
full freight.
About half past 7 in the evening, heard the cry of
fire; he ran on deck, and saw the fire bursting through
the wood work round the chimney. All was confusion
and terror in a moment. He ran up to the wheel to
advise running for the shore, which Capt. Childs in.
formed him they were doing1, he being up at the wheel
He then ran down on deck.
An attempt had been made to rig the fire engine on
board, but did not succeed. They rushed for the boats,
nnd jumped in, to the number he thinks of 20 in each,
and lowered them down, while the boat was uJlder full
headway, and they were filled immediately, and he is
of opinion that not one of them escaped.
The Life Boat was thrown over but caught the wa
ter-wheel and was lost, lie saw several floating with
life-preservers, but Capt. 11. thinks none survived until
morning, lie advised to tumbling over the cotton
bales, and assisted, he thinks, in getting over 14) or 12,
and lashed himself to one.
When the steamboat stopped, which she did from
some cause to him unknown, a man by the name of
Cox, employed on board, got on with him about 8
o'clock, and the braces under the guards were full
of persons, having gained that position as the last re
sort.
He remained on the bale of cotton, and was taken oil'
by Captain Meeker of sloop Merchant, of Southport.?
They discovered the fire soon after it broke out, and
attempted to get out of the harbor, but it being shallow
and the tide falling, they caught aground, and did not
get out till morning tide. Cox died about d o'clock,
on the bale with him.
Captain Manchester, the pilot, and Charles Smith,
boat hand, and Capt. Ilillyer, are supposed to be all
that are saved. Two bodies were found, one supposed
to be the steward, and Cox as mentioned above and
were taken to Southport. Capt. liillyer is now on
board, from Bridgeport to New York.
Your obedient servant,
JOHN* BROOK'S.
The number saved, according to a statement in the
Republican Farmer in connection with the correspond
ence of the U. S. Gazette, must have been four, viz:
Captain Hillard, Capt. Stephen Manchester, the pilot,
and an engineer and a fireman clinging to a fragment
of the boat and taken up by the sloop Merchant. The
number on board is supposed to have been 175, of whom
150 were passengers. Among the number were five or
six females and several children. The fatal consum
mation of the disaster is in all probability attributable
to a violation of a law of Congress, in the use of hempen
tiller ropes instead of chains, which were no sooner burnt
than the boat of course became unmanageable. The
scene on board was awful beyond description. The fire
being midway of the boat, cut off all communication
from one end to the other. The passengers crowded
together in the bow and stern, moaning and bewailitig
their fate, till compelled to cast themselves into the wa
ter)' deep, to escape the flames.
The boat drifted with the tide, and sank at H o'clock
oft* Bridgeport harbor.
We are extremely pained to learn by letters received
in this city that Mr. John W. Keirle, and Mr. G. W.
Walker, Sir. Keirle'sson in law, left New York in the !
steamboat Lexington on the day of her fatal disaster. j
There are also strong grounds for belief that Mr. j
Church, formerly of the firm of Messrs. A. Lilly ?.V. Co.,
and Mr. A. Weston, of the firm of Weston, Pendextcr
& Co., of this city, were on board.
It it also supposed that there were among the pas
sengers Mr. Robert Blake ofWrentham; a Mr Fowler;
, of this city; Wm. A. Green, firm of Allen and Green,;
| Providence; Samuel Henry, of Manchester (Eng.;) |
Chas. H. Phelps, Stonington, R. W. Dow, firm of Dow i
and Co., New York; Captain Vanderbilt.
The N. Y. Correspondent of the U. S. Gazette fur- I
nishes the following list:
Dr. Follen and lady, formerly professor of German ;
literature at Harvard University.?J. Corlev, Provi
| deuce.?S. Henry, Manchester, England.?Henry;
Crai", of the House of Maitland, Kennedy and Co.? j
H. S. Finn, of Newport, the Comedian.?Charles
Woolsev, of Boston, some say with a wife and seven ^
children.?John Brown, of John Brown and Co., Bos- |
ton.?Charles Lee, of Boston.?Mr. Mason of Glou- ?
coster?Geo. Child, of Stonington, Commander-??
Jesse Comstock, of Providence, Clerk.?Capt. Ste-1
plien Manchester, pilot, (saved.)?N. P. Newman, j
Steward.?Ed. Therber, Mate.?D. Crowly, 2d Mate. |
Courtland Hempstead, Engineer.?Wm. Quimby, 2d
do.?Martin Johnson, Wheelman.?Joseph Robinson,!
(colored) Cook.? Oliver Howell, do. 2d do.?R. Peters, j
do. :<d do.?Job Sands, head waiter, (colored.)?5
others.?8 deck hands, 1 boy?1 firemen.?2 wood
passers.?Susan Hulconib, chambermaid.?C. II
Phelps of Stonington.?John Cosley of Providence.
1 have no time to add further particulars, amid the
general excitement.
Sale* of Stuck* yesterday, nl the Cojr'ec-Jloise.
20 Shi.res of Rank of Va., .C9I> 25 to 05
James River A Kanawha Scrip, dO 25
CO-PARTNERSHIP.?The mercantile business heretofore car- j
ried on by John Readies, will in future be conducted under j
the firm nnd st? le of Beadles <k Lipscomb.
JOHN BEADLES,
JOS. LIPSCOMB.
Louisa Courthouse, Jan. 2, 1^40.
Jan 21 60?St |
VKTILLIAM SKEEN, .Ittornry at Late, Covington, Virginia, !
* * will practise regularly in the Superior and Inferior Courts of j
Alleghany, Botelouit, Rockbridge and Greenbrier, and in the Su
perior Courts of Bath and Pocahontas,
Jan 21 80?3m j
A X OVERSEEN WANTED.?A sincle man who i^qualified to 1
manage the business of a farm, and ran come recommended, j
will meet with liberal wages, if early application is made to the
subscriber, residing at Fine Creek Mills, Powhatan Countv.
TIIOS. It. BASS.
Jill 21 p'i)?2w
By the Governor of the Common walth of f'irgiiiia.
A PROCLAMATION*.
WHEREAS, '? 'ias '"'en represented to me hy the Sergeant of
*' the cor|Hjration of Fredericksburg, that FRANCIS 1? \VIL
KIXSON, a fugitive from justice from the State of Massachusetts,
who had been arrested in this I 'oiuinon wealth and confined in the j
Jail of Fredericksburg, has made his escape and is now going at
large:
Therefore, I IUvm CA?trr.r.ix, Governor of the Commonwealth
aforesaid, have thought it proper to offer a reward of two hundred
dollars to any person or |>er*ons who will apprehend the above
named fugitive, and deliver him iui? the Jail of Fredericksburg. ,
And I do hereby requin all officers, civil and military, and request :
the good people of this Commonwealth, to use their best exertions i
to apprehend and secure the said fugitive, in order tiiat he may bo 1
dealt with as the law directs.
Given under my hand as Governor, and under the lesser
[seal.] seal of the Commonwealth, at Richmond, this 2oth diiv
' of January, 1HI0. OAVII) CAMPBELL. "
Jan 01 80?3w
WRITING.
.1nli-.1n^nlar Sti*trm of It'ritin
MESSRS. AIKEN tc WELLINGTON, Authors and Teachers;
of elegant Penmanship, from New Vork, h :ve the pleasure ;
to inform the I.idies and Gentlemen of Richmond, that they will, .
by special request, remain here a short time, to give a course of les- !
sons in their nttc and/a.-Ai?n?'</e -Hie of Writing.
Classes are now forming, forenoon, afternoon, and evening, at i
their Writing Jiradcniy, where all those who wi.-li to become tie 1
sant and fashionable writers, may have an opportunity by entering
the Classes immediately.
Messrs. A. A. W. pledge themselves to impart to Ladies and
Gentlemen, of every age from 10 to W1 years, in our course of les
.-ons, the most splendid and highly finished style of Writing, Com
mercial or Epistolary, Expeditious for the Counting-Room, elegant,
delicate, and truly becoming for the Ladles?no matter how bad,
deformed or cramped the pupil's present writing may be.
Terms rea"ouuh/fi?nnri they warrant entire satisfaction to all
who may honor them with a call. ^
Writing Room opposite Farley's, E, or Main-street, Richmond.
Ojien a few days for the reception of pupils and risiturs, where
an exhibition of specimens, and the improvements of 1000 persons
wiio have attended these lessons during llic past month, may be
seen. Ladies meet at 11 o'clock, A. M., daily.
Jan 21 eo?:it*
MR. WILLIAM I. WATKINS, take notice that I shall proceed
on the 24th day of February, 18-10, at the Tavern of James
Smith, at Palmyra, in the County of Fluvanna, and State of Vir
ginia, between'the risins and setting of the sun, to take the depo
sition of William A. Strange, William E. Shepherd and others:
and on the 2titli day of February, at the house of Itirhnrd Omo
hundro at Wilmington, in said County, to take the deposition of
Jaines i'lannncnn and others: and at the home of George Oiiio
Inindro, in said County, on the Stli day of March, IHtO, lake the
deposition of said Omohundro and others: anil at Louisa Court
house, nt the Tavern of G. B. Taylor, on the !ith day of March,
1840, take the deposition of Jonathan T. Cowherd, Philip 11.
Jones and others: and on the ltith day of March, 181U, at the Bell
Tavern, in the city of Richmond, Va., take the deposition of Si
las Oniohundro and others: and oil the Irtli of March, 1840, at the
Bollingbrook Hotel, in the town of Petersburg, Va., take the depo
sition of Thomas nnd Goodman Davis, and continue to take the
said depositions at the places and time above named from day to
day, between the rising and setting of the sun on cacli day, until
all are taken; to be read as evidence in a certain injunction de
pending in the Circuit Superior Court of Law and ( hanccrv, for
the County of Fluvanna, In which you nnd others are defendants,
and I am plaintiff?at which time and places you may attend if
you think proper. WILLIAM FONTAINE.
Jan 01 f0?lawSw
J' AND FOR SALE.?Dr. H. T. Minor, wishing to change his
-J residence, offers for sale his farm, containing 430 acres, and
laid off into four fields?the poorest for pasture. The land is of
fair quality and susceptible of great improvement by clover and
plaster, as has been proven by experiment. The dwelling house
in of brick; new, commodious, and in the best order, with suffi
cient nnd suitable out-bouses. There are also young orchards of
apple and peach, a well of excellent water, an ice-house in the
yard, and a fine spring near. The furin is most conveniently wa
tered, in an agreeable and intell gent neighborhood, within a" mile
and a half of Spotsylvania C. II., and adjoins the lauds of Staple
ton Crutchfield, trtjo. Pollitt and others. The purchaser will have
the privilege of seeding wheat.
To a Physician desiring a country residence, this location holds
out strong inducements, as the range for practice is extensive, and
the people independent. The terms of sale will be liberal, and
can be ascertained by applying to the subscriber, on the premises,
or by letter addressed to Spotsylvania Courthouse.
II. T. MINOR.
Jan 21 60?w4w
RAPPAHANNOCK ACADEMV.?The Exercises of this insti
tution will be resumed on the 15th of January next, under the
superintendence of Mr. Foster, as Principal, assisted by Mr. Buck
ner. The remarkable healthfulncss of its site, comiuoiliousness of
its buildings, and extent and selection of its library, are advantages
with which the public has long been familiar, whilst to its highest
recommendation in the enlarged and varied capacity and zeal of its
Principal, from his brief official exercise here, it i* comparatively
a stranger. The trustees therefore feel it to be due to the public,
and to the Institution, to express their unqualified assurance- of the
signal manifestations of these qualifications in the proficiency dis
played by the different classes at their late examination, and their
full-grounded conviction that it wiB in future disappoint no just
expectations.
Tsalts?For Board. Tuition and Bed, f 140 per annum.
Jxo. IL BERNARD,
PrWt Board of Twits*.
Jin 21 80?2awtf
WM. BUR WELL SMITH, Attorney at La?. will attend the Su
perior and Inferior Courts of -Notton-ay, Amelia, Dinwiddle,
mad Petersburg. Address Nottoway Court house.
Bsc 04 ' 09?w4w
RICHMOND, TUESDAY, JANUARY 21.
further accounts from Albemarle confirm the re
ports ^ which had reached this city, about Mr.
having declared for General Harrison. The
Prpsses liave long been prepared for such a
somerset; and express their astonishment, at our beim?
a all surprised at it. A Correspondent of the Peters
urg Intelligencer, writes lroin Richmond, on the Nth
here can be little doubt, that Mr. Rives is in faror of
>en. Harrison;" that "Mr. Rives will be re-elected to
e Senate and that his course in that body will show
r? It- %\orld that hr isf at the least, the 'uncumpromisiw
opponent oj the. re-election of Martin Van Buren.'
(Ana yet there are men, who affect to be the friends
ot the Administration, who talk of voting for him, in
pre erencc to a friend of the Administration! A fear
responsibility will wait upon all such.) The Globe,
on i s part, asserts that it has long expected surli an
apostacy on the ,,art of Mr. Rives. Indeed, Mr. Rives
must henceforth be set down as the friend of Gen. Har
rison, until the contrary be shown?and no man ex
pects that evidence to be produced.
^'nce wr?ting the above, we have (yesterday) seen
letters from two of the most respectable citizens of
Albemarle, which dissipate every possible doubt about
Mr. Rives s position. It i8 no secret at home. It i,
founded upon no declaration made at his own fire-side,
and under the eaves of his own house-but made on
the Court-Green ot the County of Albemarle, on its
court-day?and not made to one person, but freely,
fully in the presence of several. We feel ourselves at
perfect liberty to refer to them. We state the follow
?ngasUiesubstance ofthese letters, viz: that one gentle
man (Col. W.) distinctly understood Mr. It to say in
conversation, that lie would support Gen. Hnrrison
lliat the General was underrated?but that he (Mr. II.)
id not mean to give any public pledge on the subject
Another gentleman states, that he was present at a con
versat,on between Col. J. (an intelligent Conservative)
and Mr. Rives, m which Mr. R. remarked, that it was
well known, that he was opposed to the present Admi-1
nistration. The Colonel then asked him, how he would
stand affected between Van Buren and Harrison r? j
His reply was, that he decidedly preferred llarri-'
son; hut as lie at present stood iri relation to the Sena
torial Election, a public avowal of his preference
might subject him to the imputation of seeking votes
lor his support. One of the writers of these letters
says, "you will perceive, from the above, there can be
no doubt of Mr. Rives's opinions." We, for one, are
now constrained to say, that we have none. "And to
tins complexion has he come at last!" Such is the me-!
lancholy triumph of the passions, over the judgment I
principles, and all!
Gen. Jackson in New Orleans!
After a protracted debate in the H. of R. of Louisiana
(now in session,) on the 7th instant, a resolution was
finally adopted, appointing a committee of five on the
part of the Senate, and of seven on that of the House
to unite with the citizens in the celebration of the 6th'
of January.?On the same day, the Municipality (No.
1) determined that the Mayor and Council should pro
ceed in a body to greet Gen. Jackson on his arrival in
the city.?On that evening he was expected, and the I
Levee was lined with a crowd waiting his arrival ?
Next morning, a long Programme was published, an
nouncing the manner of his reception. It was nearly
noon of the 8th, before the Old Hero arrived?The im
mense crowd gave him a hearty and brilliant reception
He was conducted to the State House, then to the Pub
lic Square. He was surrounded bv the veterans of'14
and I.->?The military procession was splendid. In the
evening, he attended the Theatre, where an original
address and an anthem, Ac., were received with accla- '
mat ion.
On the IOtli, he was to visit the Battle-ground?and
in the Evening, lie was to be welcomed bv all "the
beauty and fashion of the City" at the Society Ball.?
We shall publish the particulars of his reception, as
soon to*, we receive the in.
The citizens of Natchez have held a meeting and
adopted some eloquent resolutions, inviting him to a
public dinner. Arrangements, too, have been made for
his visit to Jackson, the seat of Government, where the I
Legislature are now in session. i
The James River above and below Mavo's Bridge
exhibits the most singular spectacle we have ever wit
nessed. It is one field of rough ice, from the Falls J
(which are in fact concealed by the accumulation of the
ice) down to Rocketls. It resembles a rough-ploughed ; '
field; for, the ire coming down in large flakes, and be- i
coming wedged up against each other" have been a<*ain '
frozen und welded together. The Bridge is in immi- ]'
nent danger. If a sudden thaw comes on, it will be'1
swept avvav; and yesterday, the temperature of the air i'
was so mild as to bring on a dissolution. On Sunday
evening, hundreds of spectators were on the Bridge to j!
witness the rough and extraordinary scene which the I ?
whole river exhibited. Barriers have been put up at the '
extremities of the Bridge, to prevent heavy wagons I
from passing it. Indeed, it was said that it was in
tended to take away many of the timbers, &c. We are j 1
afraid, that a destructive ice fresh will take place as1'
soon as the river again breaks up above the city. I i
Last Ercning?They have begun to take up the'
Bridge, with the design of saving the timbers. The1
field of ice below the Bridge was traversed in all direc-11
tions, to Rocketts, to the Dock, &c., by hundreds?la-' I
dies as well a^ gentlemen. The scene was highly pic- I
turesque. " ) {
Mr. Calhoun has addressed a letter to the Charleston I |
Mercury, noticing the Reports which had appeared in .
that paper about the Succession, Col. Benton, &c. He 11
distinctly declares: "1 am no aspirant to the Presiden-1,
cy, or ever expert to be. To hold me up as such is to ! t
do me great injustice, and weaken me in my effort to 11
carry out the principles and policy for which I have! I
long contended, and which 1 hold far more dear than
any thing in the gill of the Government or People."
"As to the political movements here, to which your (
correspondent alludes, in relation to what he calls 'the j
Succession,' and which lie says is absorbing every thin"
else, I know' nothing. If they exist, he does well in :
representing me as passive as to what is going on. All ;
who know me know that there is not a member of Con- 1
gress who takes less interest in that to which he al- ]
ludes." We shall publish the whole article hereafter. <
Loudoun Election.?For Congress, McCarty (Whi<r1 ! I
G?m;, Powell (Whig) :J.-7. For Senator, ?lcllhnny !
(Whig) (i-lf?, Rust (L)e id.) 1172. The Alexandria Ga-j'
zetlc says, it is believed that McCarty is elected. There !
is no doubt of Mcllhany's election 1'
Election of Senator of the United States.
It will be seen by the proceedings of the Senate of (
yesterday, that the Election of Senator of the United i
States will come on on Thursday, (the 2Hd.)
We have resigned our paper almost entirely to the 1
proceedings of Congress. We have not even room,
for the Expose of the Globe with Gen. Green's letter 1
to the Baltimore Republican, and other documents on ?'
that curious affair. The Madisoaian charged Messrs.
Blair & Rives with making a bargain with General '
Green, for the public printing. But it turns out that 1
the boot is on the other leg?and that it was Mr. Mitch
ell, a Whig member of Congress from New York, who
sought (by a douceur of $.'10,000) to unite the vote of
Green, with the friends of Gales & Seaton, for their
mutual benefit. The whole transaction is utterly dis
creditable to Mitchell. But there is more yet to come.
The Debates on the Abolition petitions occupy a
great deal of the time of Congress, and of the space of
the newspapers. Wrill no experience enlighten the
minds of Messrs. Monroe, Botts, &c? They urge a re
ference to a Committee, Reports, &c. Can they ex
pect by any Reports to stop the march of such in
sane fanaticism? Has it not been twice tried, in a few
years, as for instance, in Pinckney's Report?and was
it not tried in vain? We have had discussion and re- |
ports enough?and too much. Handle not; touch not,
the unclean thing at all.
The tone of the R. Whig is a disgrace to the Press.
Its attack of yesterday upon an able and respectable
member of the II. of D. must be repulsive to every
man of decency and taste. No cause can prosper un
der such auspices. Its party may condescend to use it
with the idle hope of answering its purposes, or until a
more decent organ can arise to take its place.
IfT A Meeting of the members of the Legislature,
who are friends to the Administration and re-election
of Martin Van Buren, is requested this Evening, in the
Senate Chamber, at half past 7 o'clock.
.fry A Caucus of the Whig party in the Legisla
ture assembled in the Capitol last night. It is re
ported all over town, that they met for the pur
pose of determining upon their candidate for the Se
nate. It is whispered about, that they have some
design of pitching Mr. Rives overboard?and ral
lying upon some other pis aller. Among the names
mentioned are those of Judge Upshur, Judge Al
len, and letters from Washington, it is said, urge the
name of Mr. Hunter. W hat a strange state of things
is this! First they run upon W. C. Rives, strong anti
Sub-Trcasur^?then they talk of Upshur and Hunter,
strong Sub-1 reasury. Thus, they fly from one extreme
to another. from an snti-Sub-Treasury and Expungcr,
to a Sub-Treasury Whig?with the visionary hope of
carrying their own party purposes, and breaking up the
Republican Administration?and ye/, if any man ad
heres to that Administration, although he happens to
differ with it on one single question, he is denounced as
a turn-coat and an apostate. Such are the piebal J Whigs
?made up of all sorts of discordant elements?of the
odds and ends of all sorU of parties?of "candle ends
and cheese parings"?of ancient Federalists and a few
State Rights men! who have now per force taken re
fuge under the wing of Gen. Harrison?a candidate,
who"has n<. cne ?reat constitutional principle it; com
moii with those of Virginia.
Judge J udson of the IJ strict Court of Connecticut
has decided, in the Ainistid case, that Gedney and
others are entitled to salvage in the vessel and carjjo,
I>ut not in the slaves?that Antonio is a Creole, an?#
legally a slave, and must be given up to his master in
Havana, under the treaty of ?I-??t that the other
negroes have been recently imported from Africa, and
in violation of the laws of Spain, and shall n<.i be given
up to Ruiz A- Montez, who reclaimed them tiirougli tho#
Spanish Minister?but that these Africans must t/e de
livered to the President of the United States, under the
act of March, 1819, to be transported to Africa.
The Whig Legislature of New York have re-elected
Nathaniel P. Tailinadge to the Senate of the United
States !
,< a v. ? , F0H the i.XQiihr.R.
?' m Southwestern Virginia."
l-nder this head we perceive some Editorial remarks
in the Richmond Whig, prefacing an article copied
from the "Southwestern Virginian," published in
Abingdon. In those remarks, the Editor of the South
western Virginian is eulogized and highly compliment
ed as an "able, consistent Conservative," whose paper
is "to infuse terror into the hearts of the Tories iiere
and in Washington." The Whig further states, that
"the honest people of this section have heretofore <ri
ven a blind and unmurmuring support to all the abomi
' measures at Washington; but the time has pass
| t'd. The able and independent Editor of the South
; western \ irginian is to supply the light."
j That of course (according" to the Whig) is to dispel
j he ignorance that has so long enveloped the people
of the South-western part of the State. Unfor
tunately for the Editor of the South-western Vir
ginian, lie has been as long submerged in the "bl;nd
unmurmuring support" of the measures at Washing
i ton, as any other person in the South-west, until very
recently, and now occupies the attitude ol'a disappointed
Conservative. The character of the ft. Whig is so cor
rectly appreciated in this part of the State by nine
tenths of the people, that neither its calumnies nor
eulogies produce any impression here.
But to the subject. Nothing can be more absurd
than to suppose that Gen. Harrison is to get votes hi
this part of the State. It would be perfectly futile to ar
ray facts and arguments to prove that Southwestern Vir
ginia will go "almost in a solid" column lor Van Buren
and against Gen. Harrison at the next Presidential elec.
j tion. In fact, of the few Whigs that are in this section;
since the issue is Harrison and Van Huron?many of
t hem will support \ an Buren. I speak from * thorough
knowledge of the fact. As it regards the "able and con
sistent Editor of the Southwestern Virginian," (true,
not only able, but a gentleman of flie finest qualities of
Jieart, > it may be necessary to notice his consistency uii n
the subject of the claims of Gen. Harrison to the'Prcsi
? nc_\. K.ome two or three years ago this same Editor
was invited to Marion, Smyth co., to make a speech
against Gen II., who was before the people as a candi
date for the I residency The Editor, then a warm friead
to the election of Mr. \ an Buren, held up Gen Harri
son s qualifications as so inferior and far below those
requisite for a President of the U. S., that it was an in
sult to the American people to bring his name before
them for that distinguished office?that he did n<>t en
tertam a single principle in Federal politics that was in
harmony with the Democratic Republicans of the State
?Vc., Xc True it was, he said, Gen. H. had fought'
some Indian bottles., though with so little distinction,
that the ladies of Cincinnati had, in derision, voted the
General a petticoat in honor of some of his military
achievements. This was his language. Now nobody
contends that Gen'. Harrison's politics have undergone
the slightest change since '36. In that year, weVr
ceive, the Editor of the South-western Virginian in
direct contrast with him, upon the whole subject of
national politics, and at the same time arraigning him a<
an Abolitionist, though in the short space of three years,
lie has brought himself into the most harmonious rela
tion with this same individual, whom he denounced m
an ultra Federalist.
Truly, this part of the State would be almost as igno
rant as it has been represented to be by the R. Whig, in
giving a "blind and unmurmuring support to the abomi
nable measures at Washington," if it could be trans
ferred to the support of Harrison by anv thing that,
could be said in his favor by the editor of the Abingdon
paper. This same editor, "in '37, perceived nothing in
the military character ot General Harrison that was
teen praiseworthy, though in 3'J he appreciates his
military claims as equal to General Jackson's!!?
lor he says, in one of his inflated encomiums of Gene
ral Harrison, that General Jackson was supported in
South-western Virginia entirely 011 bis military claims;
md certainly Gen. Hurrrison's are equal to Gen. Jack
son's! (What folly!) If this is the sort of light that
is to be supplied by the South-western Virginian, ac
:ording to the W hig, heaven preserve us from it!
A SOUTH-WESTERN VIRGINIAN.
(D3 And yet this aforesaid Editor, who has boxed
.he compass, is pleased to stigmatize us as renegades,
jecause we wiil not follow him (a shameless deserter)
nto the enemy's camp. Let him go ?
e learn, that various letters were received yester
day from the South-west, all of which show conolu
iively, that the People standfast; that they will not
swallow Gen. Harrison; that Mr. Van Buren will re
reive a much larger vote in "Little Tennessee,"' than
lie obtained in "17 ? and that 'he current is running
itrongly against Mr Rives. How irresistible will ;t
lecome, when they understand that he Cocs for Gcr..
Harrison
Proceedings of the Legislature.
rriday ? I he Monongalia Election was the- principal
juestion before the House. We shall lay a sketch of
he Speech of Mr. Scott of Fauquier before our readers
n our next.
t Saturday's Proceedings.
We are compelled to lay over the details of this day,
ilthough they are not very extensive. The principal
?art 0! the day was taken up with the Monongalia
?.lection. Mr. Bayly was the only one who Fpokc,
ind lie in favor of Mr. Allyn s substitute, anJ against
he Resolution 01 the Committee of Privileges and
elections. (\\ e must lay over the Synopsis of his ar
gument..) The question on the substitute, which de
?lares tiie election illegal, so far as Mr. Evans is con
cerned, was decided, ayes 60, noes 69. The lJous<?
hen concurred in the last resolution of the Committee,
vhich scctircs the seat to Mr. Evans, the sitting mem
>er, by a vote of G7 ayes, to G2 noes (4 absentees.)
Yesterday's Proceedings.
We have no room to-day for the details of the Pro
:eedings of the House. A variety of resolutions were
Ldopted, bills reported from Pommittees, &c.
The following resolution proposed by Mr. Venable,
md amended on motion of Mr. King of Giles, was
idopted : ilI\fsolted, That the Committee of Schools,
ffce. be instructed to enquire into the propriety of al
owing the School Commissioners of the Common.
.vealth to pay more for teaching the children of indi
gent parents than*they are now authorized to pay."
The following supplemental resolution wao proposed
>y Mr. Coleman, and also adopted: "Required, That
.he Committee of Schools, Sic. he instructed toenquiro
nto the expediency of establishing the District Free
School System in Virginia," &e.
The bill "concerning the County and Corporation
Courts" (proposing to reduce the number ofQuarterly
Courts to tiro in each year,) called forth much debate?
ind on Mr. Crutchfiefd's motion, was indefinitely post
joned.
Mr. Gregory called up the bill "To change the time
)f General Elections in the Commonwealth," on its
tecond reading.
Mr. Powell moved its indefinite postponement?and
ifter a considerable debate, he called the previous ques
ion, which was carried The indefiuite postponement
.vas loBt, ayes 44, noes 76.
Senute of Virginia.
Yesterday, there was a lone debate in the Senate
upon the Resolution from the House, for proceeding on
Thursday next to the Election of a Senator of the 1
States. The resolution was finally adopted, by a vote
sf 15 to 13.
By Last Evening's Northern Mail.
The Mail reached us last night alter 7 o'clock.
The H. of It. on Saturday last, alter listening to a
further explanation between Messrs. Fisher and Mitch
ell, and to some tirades from Messrs. Graves and Stan
ly on the Globe, proceeded with the Anti-abolition Re
solutions. Mr. Slade had the floor until they adjourn
ed.
The Garrick and Burgundy had arrived at N York,
with dates from Liverpool to the 14th, and Paris to the
loth ult. It is said that Mr. Jaudon has completed his
new loan, through the intervention of the Rothschilds.
The bullion in the Bank of England was increasing?
An universal opinion is said to prevail in the English
market that the prices of good American flour will
soon rise very high.?Money Market rather easier.?
The French were hard pressed in Africa, by Abd-cl
Kader, and had mostly retired into Algiers, wliero
they expected to be attacked by 25,(?00 Arabs.?Rein
forcements would soon arrive to the French.
The Lexington.?More accurate accounts reduce the
loss of lives. Some that were originally on the list are
now said not to have embarked. It is estimated, that
there only 72 passengers, of whom one only was saved
?and 33 of the crew; 2 only saved?Total 105.
Ten oat of thirteen of the Committee have reported,
that Morton was elected Governor by one mojority
only. It is not believed, that the Whigs will attempt
to disturb the result.
Governor Pennington in his Message of the 15th to
the Legislature of New Jersey, "regrets that an event
should have occurred so calculated to disturb the friend
ly relations which have hitherto subsisted between this
State and the Federal Legislature."?That is to say, he
first threw the torch, and then regrets that the building
is on fire.
We understand that the Committee of Elections of
the H. of R. have requested the contesting parties to
prepare in writing their respective views of the facta
and legal points which relate to the New Jersey case.
The five Democrats laid their statement on Saturday
be/ore the Committee. Copies of these have been laid
before cach of the 5 Whigs, who have been requested
to prepare their Reports by Tuesday (this day.) Should
the Committee require no ore tenus argument from the
parties, a decision is expected on Thursday or Friday