Gambar halaman
PDF
ePub

Two or three other sinall amendments were made to make the parts of the bill correspond with preceding amendments.

state of Missouri, as Indian territory, to be secured to them forever.

After a few remarks by Messrs. King and Sevier, in favor of this amendment, and by Messrs. Tipton and Linn, adverse to it, without taking any question, the senate adjourned till Monday.

April 30. Mr. Clay, of Kentucky, rose and said he had received and had been requested to present a petition signed by a number of benevolent individuals, and printed by them, petitions similar to which, and signed by a vast number, had been received by the other house, praying that, in the adjustment of our difficulties with Mexico, an amica. ble arbitration might be employed.

NAYS-Messrs. Allen, Bayard, Benton, Buchan-vised for the protection of Missouri, Arkansas, and an, Calhoun, Clay, of Alabama, Clayton, Cuthbert, Wisconsin, against any hostility on the part of these Hubbard, King, Linn, Lyon, Merrick, Morris, Indians; and it was also the best if not the only Nicholas, Niles, Rives, Roane, Robinson, Spence, measure to civilize the Indians, and save them from Trotter, Williams, Wright-23. destruction. Mr. L. thought it would be an imporOn the suggestion, or motion of Mr. Wright, an tant incidental benefit of the bill to give the Indians apparent inconsistency in the bill was so altered as the hope of honorable office; it would hold out to to make the provision authorizing the summoning ambitious men the inducement to elevate their chaof witnesses general, instead of its being contin-racters, and would, in some measure, take the place gent on the application of claimants. of their warlike propensities. Represented here by a delegate or agent would also be a means of holding them the more strongly to the United States. In confirmation of these views, Mr. Linn read a portion of the memorial on this subject from the legislature of Missouri. Mr. L. also urged, that The petition also recommended earnestly the these Indians had now got to the jumping-off place, propriety of the establishment of an international and now, if ever, was the time to save them. congress; or tribunal for the settlement of the diffi Mr. Lumpkin gave a succinct history of the pro-culties which arise between nations, thus avoiding the calamities of war. The petitioners had for a long time held this object in view, and had addressed several legislative bodies on the subject; and Mr. C. understood that the respectable Massachusetts legislature had given countenance and encouragement to the object.

Mr. Benton, moved to amend the bill by requiring that no member of congress, or delegate of a territory, should appear before the board as agent, attorney, or advocate, in presenting any claim, nor act as such in any way whatever.

On motion of Mr. Sevier, all persons holding of-gress of events and proceedings touching the relafice under the government were added; and the tions of the Indians and the United States, and he amendment, so amended, was agreed to. urged with much earnestness the adoption of the measure proposed.

Mr. Ruggles moved that no case should be referred to this board which had already been favorably reported on in congress. Negatived.

vote:

With

Mr. Clay, of Alabama, said he had now looked at the bill, and he was happy to perceive that, in reAfter a few remarks by Mr. Morris, against the gard to the obnoxious point, it was peculiarly Mr. C. was glad to find by the morning papers bill, and by Mr. Hubbard in favor, it was ordered guarded, so that the remonstrants had no right to that one of the objects of these petitioners, namely, to be engrossed for a third reading by the following object to it. Mr. C. here read from the bill the the reference of our difficulties with Mexico to an provision that it should not be binding on any In-arbitration, had been lately accomplished. YEAS-Messrs. Bayard, Buchanan, Clay, of Al-dians, unless they consented to it by their tribe in respect to the other and greater and more compre. abama, Clayton, Crittenden, Cuthbert, Fulton, council, or by their delegates. Mr. C. was not hensive object of the petitioners, all must admire Hubbard, King, Linn, Lyon, Merrick, Nicholas, aware of any other objection to the bill. As to the and share in the philanthrophy which suggested Niles, Pierce, Prentiss, Rives, Roane, Robinson, objection of the senator from Michigan, Mr. C. dif- suck a measure, and must wish it to be finally acSpence, Swift, Tipton, Williams-23. fered from him, and argued that it was better in complished, if it be practicable. The petitioners Cal-point, both of economy and of attaining the requi- were desirous that this country should take the inisite information, to have a single delegate instead tiative in adopting it; and whether it should be done of the delegations, whose expenses were now usuor not, all must do justice to the motives of the peally borne by the government. The expectation of titioners; and Mr. C. had no doubt that a great porhaving such a delegate had also been heretofore tion of the difficulties between nations might be held out by the government to the Indian tribes. found capable of a satisfactory adjustment without

NAYS-Messrs. Allen, Benton, Brown, houn, Clay, of Kentucky, Lumpkin, Morris, Norvell, Ruggles, Sevier, Smith, of Connecticut, Smith, of Indiana, White, Wright, Young-15.

Mr. White, chairman of the special committee on the case of Mr. Ruggles, made a supplemental report, relating to charges made against him by an individual (à Dr. Graham) in North Carolina. The report was read, from which it appeared that the accuser was confined in North Carolina for debt, and unable, therefore, to obey the summons of the

committee.

a resort to war.

Mr. Norvell now modified his amendment, so as to strike out "delegate" to receive the same pay as The improvements in the use of steam, by bringmembers of congress; and insert agent, and also to ing together nations that were distant from each strike out that portion of the bill (the preamble) other, by means of railroads and other intercommuwhich assigns as reasons for the passage of the bill nications, would soon render it impossible that one that it would tend to civilize and otherwise benefit nation should go to war with another without injurthe Indians, and bind them more closely to the go-ing the business, and detracting from the prosperi

A resolution was appended to the report, discharging the committee from the farther considera-vernment and the country. tion of all matters of investigation on which they had not been before reported.

Mr. Allen spoke at considerable length in favor of this amendinent, and against the wole bill, espeting of the report, as he deemed it improper, or in-up and s rengthen a people who are our natural ene: Mr. White said he should not move for the prin- cially as a measure designed and calculated to raise expedient under the circumstances. mies, and thus to work mischief to ourselvs, and still more to our decendants.

The resolution was agreed to without dissent.
The senate then adjourned.

April 27. After the presentation of a number of petitions, &c. the bill to establish a board of commissioners to hear and examine claims against the United States, was read a third time, passed, and sent to the other house for concurrence.

On motion of Mr. White, the senate took up the bill to provide for the security and protection of the emigrant and other Indians west of Missouri and Arkansas, [to establish an Indian territorial government.]

Mr. White said he should not make any additional remarks to those he made yesterday, unless the bill should be opposed; but in that case he should feel himself called on to say something more. The administration had recommended this measure in strong terms, and he hoped it would be finally acted

on now, as the session was far advanced. He would now hear with pleasure any objection that might be advanced against it.

length as a measure salutary and highly important.
Mr. White advocated the bill at considerable
the bill, and in reply to Mr. Allen.
Mr. Smith, of Ia, also spoke at length in favor of

Mr. Swift briefly urged the propriety of retaining
was only in name, and the government had stipula-
the name of delegate, inasmuch as the difference
ted with the Indians for a delegate; and he also
thought it better to leave the compensation to be
fixed hereafter.

ty of all; this at no distant period would lessen if whether it was possible or not that such a tribunal not entirely prevent the recurrence of war. But posed by some philosophers, among whom was our as was now asked for should be established, remained yet to be seen. It had been suggested or proown Franklin, and also by some enlightened moncur with Mr. C. in sharing in the feelings and aparchs: Henry the fourth of France suggested the same idea; and at all events the senate would conproving the motives with which this proposition was presented.

On motion of Mr. Clay, the memorial was laid on the table, and ordered to be printed.

make an inquiry of the chairman of the committee Mr. Clay said, while he was up, he wished to

on finance. Mr. C. said he had no doubt of the concurrence of the honorable chairman of that commit

Mr. Davis spok in favor of the bill, and urged the tee that we had now arrived at a very important propriety and obligation resting on us of treating moment in the monetary affairs of the country. the Indians with courtesy, liberality, and humanity. Some of the banks in Boston and New York had Mr. Niles spoke in opposition to the bill, and resumed specie payments, and others would proba earnestly advocated the principle of letting the In-bly follow this good example in the course of a few dians alone to take care of themselves, affording days; and Mr. C. hoped that it would be generally them only protection.

done, at least as far as the banks were able; though he was aware that some of them were not prepared. Mr. C. wished, therefore, to ascertain of the chairman of the committee of finance whether there was Morris, Niles, Norvell, Pierce, Smith, of Con., before that committee, or whether the executive had Trotter, Wright, Young-16. any intention to bring forward any measure of any NAYS-Messrs. Clay, of Kentucky, Clayton, description other than that which now lay on the taCrittenden, Cuthbert, Davis, Fulton, Linn, Lump-ble in the other house, with a view to aid, strengthkin, Lyon, Monton, Nicholas, Prentiss, Preston, en, and encourage the banks in the resumption and Rives, Roane, Robinson, Ruggles, Sevier, Smith, continuance of specie payments. If there was no of Indiana, Spence, Swift, Tipton, White, Wil-intention in the committee or the executive branch liams--24. of the government to do any thing on this subject,

Mr. Norvell's amendment was lost as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Allen, Benton, Brown, BuchanMr. Clay, of Alabama, said he had not yet ex-an, Calhoun, Clay, of Alabama, Hubbard, King, amined the bill as fully as he desired, and he hoped the senate would consent to let it lie till to-morrow. Mr. White said he was naturally disposed to comply with this request, but he did not feel that it was properly a matter for his discretion. Mr. W. went into a brief history of the events which had at last led to this measure, and he urged it as one of great importance, both for the benefit of the Indians, several tribes of whom were urgent that it should be Mr. Hubbard renewed a portion of Mr, Norvell's thus leaving the banks to go on unaided in this carried into effect; and also for the protection of the motion, namely, to strike out the preamble assign-operation, it might be the duty of others to suggest white people in the neighborhood of those Indians.ing the reasons for passing the bill. Negatived some measure for this desirable purpose. If the senate thought proper to postpone it till to-without a division. Mr. Wright said there was nothing on the subject morrow he should now make no further objections. On motion of Mr. Sevier, the name of "Neosho" before the committee which had not been referred Mr. Norvell said he hoped never to see the day was given to the proposed territory. to them by the senate, and of that t! ere was nowhen an Indian or a negro would be admitted on Mr. Linn spoke in reply to Mr. Allen, and thing on which they had not already reported. As the floor of congress. He therefore moved to strike strongly in favor of the bill. to what th executive was doing, or intended to do, from the bill the provision for a delegate from the Mr. Crittenden moved to provide for a compen-Mr. W. was as ignorant as the senator from Kenproposed Indian territory. sation of $2 a day to the members of the Indian tucky, and he had nothing to say on that subject. councils, in addition to their expenses; and he spoke Mr. Clay said, that being the state of the case, briefly in favor of the bill. that, as far as the honorable chairman knew on the subject, neither the committee on finance nor the executive design to bring forward any measure, be would now offer the following joint resolution:

Mr. Linn said he thought the senator had mistaken the nature of that provision; the delegate would not be entitled to a seat in congress.

Mr. Norvell said he understood it; but this would be the entering wedge to something more.

After a sharp opposition from Mr. Niles, and a suggestion by Mr. White, that it might disaffect the neighboring Indians, this amendment was withdrawn.

Mr. Linn remarked that it was one great object of the bill to make the Indians think the privilego Mr. King moved to amend the bill by setting offered by the bill a matter of consequence. It was apart all the country east of the Rocky mountains, really the most effectual measure that could be de-north of Missouri river, and north and west of the

[ocr errors]

"Resolved by the senate and house of representatives of the United States in congress assembled, That no discrimination shall be made as to the currency or medium of payment in the several branches of the

public revenue, or in debts or dues to the government; and that, until otherwise ordered by congress, the notes of sound banks which are payable and paid on demand in the legal currency of the United States, under suitable restrictions, to be forthwith prescribed and promulgated by the secretary of the treasury, shall be received in payment of the revenue and of debts and dues to the government, and shall be subsequently disbursed, in a course of public expenditure, to all public creditors who are willing to receive them "

Mr. Grundy said he wished to draw the attention of the senator from Kentucky to a single point, namely, whether the resolution ought not to be restricted in its operation to banks in the vincinity of the places where the revenue was to be received.

Mr. Clay said he did not enter into details in drawing the resolution; this point would come up when they should consider it. But if the senator had more fully attended to the reading of the resolution, he would have seen that it provided that the notes were not required by it to be received without limitation, but under such suitable regulations as should be published and promulgated by the secretary of the treasury. This discretion in the secretary of the treasury would be amply sufficient to meet all cases; but this subject would of course come up when they should consider the resolution. Mr. Grundy was understood to say that he had merely desired to call the attention of the senator to this point, that he might consider whether the resolution should not be so worded as to give the secretary of the treasury express power on this point.

The resolution was now read, and ordered to a second reading.

the Rocky mountains, north of Missouri river, north
and west of the state of Missouri, and west of the
Mississippi river-

Mr. Lumpkin spoke at length in opposition to the
amendment.

Mr. King expressed his regret at the prospect that the amendinent would not prevail, and argued at some length in its favor, chiefly on the ground of maintaining a suitable balance between the north and the south.

ultimo, transmitting copies of all correspondence between the government of the United States and the government of Mexico, and of all instructions given to our minister at the court of Mexico, since the late Mexican treaty.

A communication was received from the commissioner of public buildings, in obedience to a resolution of the house, transmitting copies of all the contracts made by him in the year, 1837, with the names of the applicants for said contracts, and the amount of their respective bids. Also, a communication from the postmaster gen

The debate (to be given hereafter) was continued by Messrs. Sevier, Calhoun, and King, in favor of the amendment, and by Messrs. Tipton, Linn, eral, transinitting the information called for by the Swift, Davis, Southard, Young, and White, in oppo-house on the 16th instant, in relation to a claim sition to the amendment, and in favor of the bill. against Samuel B. Crockett, late postmaster at The objection to the amendment most insisted on Frankfort, Ky., and Anthony Crockett and F. P. was that it would embarrass and weaken a general Blair, bis sureties. measure of very great importance.

The amendment was negatived as follows:
YEAS-Messrs. Calhoun, Clay, of Alabama,
Fulton, King, Merrick, Mouton, Nicholas, Preston,
Roane, Sevier, Spence-11.

Mr. Sergeant presented resolutions of the corpo. ration of Philadelphia, requesting the delegation of the state of Pennsylvania in congress to aid in obtaining the passage of a law to establish a drydock at the navy yard, Philadelphia.

NAYS-Messrs. Allen, Benton, Brown, Clay, of The reports of the committee upon the late duel,
Kentucky, Clayton, Crittenden, Cuthbert, Davis, being the unfinished business was resumed, and the
Grundy, Hubbard, Knight, Linn, Lumpkin, Lyon, clerk proceeded in the reading of the testimony ta-
Morris, Niles, Norvell, Pierce, Rives, Robbins, Roken before, and reported by, the select committee.
binson, Ruggles, Smith, of Connecticut, Smith, of After the testimony had been read,
Indiana, Southard, Swift, Tallmadge, Tipton, Wall,
White, Williams, Wright, Young-33.

After some remarks by Mr. Calhoun, expressive of much doubt in regard to this measure, and of a preference that it should be postponed to the next session, and by Messrs. Lumpkin and White in favor of its immediate adoption,

The bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading by the following vote:

Mr. Wise asked to have the journal of the committee (being a part of the report) read, which was ordered; and the journal was accordingly read by the clerk.

The reading was concluded at half past 2 o'clock. The reading of the reports, evidence, and journal, having been completed, the debate on the pending motion to print and to postpone was resumed by Mr. Toucey, and continued by Messrs. Grennell, Mr. Davis presented a petition from citizens of YEAS-Messrs. Clay, of Alabama, Clay, of Rariden, Elmore, Wise, Graves, Johnson, of MaryCandor, New York, in which they expressed their Kentucky, Clayton, Crittenden, Cuthbert, Davis, land, and Robertson, who had not concluded his rebelief that the late treaty with the Cherokee In-Fulton, Grundy, Hubbard, King, Knight, Linn, marks, when, on motion of Mr. Menefee, (to whom dians was unauthorised, and that it would be op- Lumpkin, Lyon, Merrick, Morris, Mouton, Nicho- he gave way,) the house adjourned. pressive for the government to enforce it. Laid on las, Pierce, Preston, Rives, Roane, Robbins, Robin- Saturday, April 28. Mr. Robinson, a member the table. son, Sevier, Sanith, of Connecticut, Smith, of Indi-elect from Maine, appeared, was sworn, and took ana, Southard, Spence, Swift, Tallmadge, Tipton, his seat. Trotter, Wall, White, Williams, Wright, Young, NAYS-Messrs. Allen, Benton, Brown, Cal.

-38.

Mr. Wall presented a remonstrance from 134 men and 77 women against the admission of any new state into the union. Also, from 130 men and 84 women, against slavery and the slave trade in the District of Columbia. Motions to receive se-houn, Niles, Norvell-6. verally laid on the table.

Mr. Wright presented a petition against slavery and the slave trade in the District of Columbia, from citizens of Litchfield, N. Y. Motion to receive laid on the table.

Mr. King presented a petition from Joshua Kennedy; and Mr. Rives from another individual. Referred.

Mr. Evans and Mr. Noyes presented certain documents from the government of the state of Maine, in relation to the north eastern boundary; which were referred to the comittee on foreign atiairs. The senate's bill, establishing a board of com

the United States, was read twice, and referred to the committee of claims.

Mr. Clay, of Kentucky, expressed his desire that, by the unanimous consent of the senate, the resolu-missioners to examine and establish claims against tion introduced by him this morning, for the reception of bank notes in payment of revenue, should be made the special order for day after to inorrow. Mr. Wright and Mr. King objecting, this object was not attained.

The senate adjourned.

May 1. But little business was transacted in the senate to-day, that body having adjourned at an

The house then proceeded to the unfinished business, being the consideration of the reports from the duel committee and the question being on the motion of Mr. Toucey, chairman of the select committee to postpone the consideration of the report for two weeks, and, in the mean while, to print it, with the amendment moved by Mr. Robertson, to refer it to May 2. After the reception of some petitions a committee of privileges, to report the proper and resolutions, (to be noticed hereafter,) and pass-course for the house to pursue, ing the bills ordered to a third reading on Monday, Mr. Robertson resumed his speech in opposition the senate took up, on his motion, Mr. Clay's curto the postponement and printing, and in support of rency resolution. the proposition he had moved.

On motion of Mr. Prentiss, the committee on public lands was discharged from the further consideration of the petition of the trustees of Allegba-early hour. ny college, Pennsylvania, praying for the grant of a township of land; the petition of the trustees of the Kentucky Baptist Education society, praying for a grant of land to each of the colleges in the United States; and the petition of the corporation of South Hanover college, Indiana, praying for the donation of a tract of land in aid of that institution.

The senate took up the bill to grant to the states and incorporated companies engaged in the construction of roads and canals the right of way through the public lands of the United States.

Mr. Lyon moved to amend the bill by giving states and companies the pre-emption right to the sections of the public lands through which their roads and canals might run, at $125 per acre.

After a sharp opposition to this amendment by Messrs. Davis, Linn, King, Tipton, and Clay, of Alabama, chiefly on the ground of its embarrassing a very important measure, it was withdrawn by the mover. Mr. King moved to allow a width of 200 feet for the roads, &c. authorised by the bill. Mr. Davis said experience at the north had shown that 89 feet was amply sufficient, and if more were allowed, it would remain covered with brush and rubbish, and disfigure, rather than add any ornament to the country. Mr. King stated that some southern trees were 80 feet below the limbs, and that therefore the fall of a single tree across a road of that width might obstruct it entirely.

The width of 200 feet was agreed to. On motion of Mr. Linn, the provisions of the bill were extended to companies incorporated by the territories, as well as by the states.

The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.

The senate resumed the consideration of the bill to provide for the security and protection of the emigrant and other Indians west of Missouri and Arkansas.

The question being on Mr. King's amendment. to set apart as Indian territory, to be secured to them forever, all the public lands to which the Indian title had not already been extinguished, east of

Mr. Naylor, spoke earnestly in condemnation of the course of the committee, as having transcended their powers and violated the constitution, and being worthy of the censure of the house.

Mr. Bronson replied, and vindicated the committee's course.

Mr. Toucey wished to have a correction made in the journal of the committee: and, while up, responded to some of the remarks of Mr. Stanley.

The resolution having been read a second time, He was succeeded by Mr. Stanly, of North CaMr. Wright moved that it be referred to the com-rolina, on the same side of the question. He opmittee on finance. This motion led to an animat-posed the postponement, and advocated Mr. Adams ed debate, which lasted till 4 o'clock. The refer- plan of recommitment of the report, with instrucence was advocated by Messrs. Wright, Calhoun, tions to state only the facts of the case. Benton, Niles, Buchanan, and King, on the ground of usage in regard to all propositions of importance originating with individual members, and also for the purpose of ascertaining how far it might or might not conflict with existing laws, &c.; and it was opposed by Messrs. Clay, Davis, Preston, and Tipton, on the ground that the resolution, being free from details, did not require a reference; that the reference proposed was to a committee hostile to the resolution; that it would produce delay; and that the object, as disclosed by the debate, was only to give the committee an opportunity to make an argument against it in the shape of a report, &c. &c. [The debate will be given hereafter.] The question on the reference being at length taken. was carried in the affirmative by the following vote: Mr. Boon made some remarks, saying, among YEAS-Messrs. Allen, Benton, Brown, Bucha-other things, that the Pottowattomie psalm book nan, Calhoun, Clay, of Alabama, Cuthbert, Fulton, might as well be quoted to him as Jefferson's Grundy, Hubbard, King, Linn, Lumpkin, Lyon manuel, when it was against all truth and justice. Morris, Nicholas, Niles, Norvell, Pierce, Roane, Robinson, Sevier, Smith, of Connecticut, Trotter, Wall, Williams, Wright, Young-28.

NAYS-Messrs. Clay, of Kentucky, Clayton, Crittenden, Davis, Knight, Merrick, Prentiss, Preston, Rives, Robbins, Ruggles, Smith, of Indiana, Southard, Spence, Swift, Tallmadge, Tipton, Webster, White-19.

The senate then adjourned.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, April 27. A message was received from the president of the United States, in partial compliance with a resolution of the house of the 21st

Mr. Wise warmly remonstrated against the least alteration of the committee's journal or report, as it nearly concerned his reputation, and might not be changed in a letter or a point.

Mr. Stanly rejoined with some severity to the :emarks of Mr. Toucey.

Mr. W. Cost Johnson went at large into an examination of the committee's report, on which he passed very decided censure. During his speech several explanatory statements and brief replies were made by Mr. Toucey and Mr. Grantland, and he was several times checked by the chair for touching on the merits of the report.

Mr. Cambreleng made an appeal to both sides of the house on the delay of the public business, which he said must be sacrificed if this trial should pro

ceed.

Mr. Menefee commenced a speech of much animation, warmly remonstrating against the idea that after having collected testimony, and published it

to the world, the members implicated were to betion of Mr. Pickens was lost by the following vote: ( perplex the committee than to relieve it from emdenied a fair and open trial by the house. He had yeas 28, nays 167. proceeded some time, when he yielded to a motion of Mr. Bell for an adjournment.

On this motion Mr. Cushman demanded the yeas and nays; and the motion was negatived: Yeas 76, nays 96. Mr. Mallory then moved a call of the house; and on this motion Mr. Jenifer demanded the yeas and nays; which were ordered; whereupon, Mr. Polts renewed the motion to adjourn; which prevailing, the house adjourned about half-past three o'clock.

Monday, April 30. John P. Kennedy, member elect from Maryland, was announced by his col league, Mr. Jenifer, appeared, was sworn, and took

his seat.

By leave several petitions were presented, and the following resolutions offered and adopted: On motion of Mr. Glascock, Resolved, That the committee on accounts be instructed to inquire into the expediency of vesting the appointment of librarian in this house, and of uniting the office with that of keeper of public documents.

On motion of Mr. Russell,

The debate was resumed, and was still going on at a late hour; which we shall notice hereafter. Tuesday, May 1. The Speaker laid before the house a communication from the secretary of war, transmitting information in obedience to the resolution of the 16th inst. relating to the selection of sites for military posts on the western frontier of Arkansas and Missouri.

Mr. Cambreleng presented a communication from
the secretary of the treasury, stating the condition
of the treasury on the 30th ult. by which it appears
that the amount of available means was about
900,000 dollars, being, as Mr. C. stated, about
600,000 less than the amount stated in a previous
communication from the secretary, of the 28d ult.
Mr. C's object in submitting the communication,
was to show the house the urgent necessity of a
speedy action on the financial measure which had
been reported by the committee of ways and means.
The reduction of the revenue was owing exclu-
sively to the premature redemption of the treasury
notes authorised to be issued under the act of Octo-
ber last.

The following is a copy of the communication:
Treasury Department, April 30, 1838.

Resolved, That the president of the United States be requested to communicate to this house copies of all correspondence and communications which I transmit for the information of the committee have passed between this and any foreign govern- of ways and means, the enclosed statement, marked ment, and the officers or agents thereof, relating to A., showing the condition of the treasury on this the introduction of foreign paupers into the United | day, as to its available resources. States: also, what steps, if any, have been taken to prevent the introduction of such paupers into the United States: provided such communications are not incompatible with the interest of the United States.

[blocks in formation]

Messrs. Birdsall and Maury had leave to present memorials.

Mr. Calhoun, of Massachusetts, made an effort to take up, as in committee of the whole, the bill to prevent the explosion of steam-boilers. Mr. Cambreleng objected.

The motion to suspend the rules for the purpose (requiring a vote of two-thirds) was lost.

The reports on the duel subject.

This subject, being the special order, came up, and was further discussed by Mr. Menefee.

As soon as Mr. M. had finished his remarks, Mr. Pickens rose, and said he had voted for the resolution of Mr. Fairfield, under which this investigation had proceeded, as a matter of courtesy to the mover, who was the friend and classmate of the deceased; and he should do the same on the request of any gentleman. But, considering the pressing state of public affairs, the important questions impending over this house, the extent to which this discussion has been and may be carried, and his own decided opposition to any resolutions of censure or expulsion, he should move to lay the whole subject on the table, nor should any solicitations, from any quarter, induce him to withdraw his proposition. And on this motion Mr. P. demanded the yeas and nays.

Mr. Graves rose, and expressed the earnest hope that the member from South Carolina would not thus interpose to prevent his being heard on this question before it was disposed of.

Mr. Wise followed with the same request, appealing to the friendship of Mr. Pickens, and to his justice as a member of that house, to withdraw his motion. Mr. Pickens said he was very sorry that he could not comply with these requests. He would do it with much pleasure, but he could not, con scientiously.

The Yeas and nays were then ordered. Mr. Cushing asked a call of the house; which was or dered unanimously. The call proceeded, and 197 members were ascertained to be present.

I remain, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

LEVI WOODBURY,
Secretary of the Treasury.

The Hon. C. C. Cambreleng,

C. C. ways and means, house of rep's.
A.

Amount of treasury notes issued up to April 28th,
inclusive, per treasurer's state-
$9,423,959 31
135,000 00

ment

Will probably be issued 30 April

[ocr errors]

9,558,959 31 $10,000,000 00

Not issued on the 1st of May, '38,
about
441,040 69
Treasury notes received for duties, lands, and in
payment of debts due to the United States, per
returns received at this office up to the 30th
April, '38, about
$5,150,000 00
Other funds available and subject to draft, (deduc-
ting $400,000 in the mint, $590,000 treasury
funds,) about (less than)
$500,000 00

A number of resolutions of enquiry were offered,
after which the house resumed the unfinished busi-
ness of yesterday, being the consideration of a mo-
tion to recommit the consideration of the report of
the select committee on the late duel, with instruc-
tions to report only the facts of the case, and dis-
charging them from the consideration of the ques-
tion of a breach of privilege, and from the various
petitions in relation to the subject.

Duncan to amend the instructions by striking out
The immediate question was on a motion of Mr.
the words "a paper purporting to be the," [report
ing on the committee.
of the committee,] which he considered as reflect-

Mr. Adams, (who had moved the instructions,)
after some explanations justifying the use of those
words, consented to withdraw them, and modified
his motion accordingly. Mr. Reed complained of
misrepresentation in the papers as though he had
opposed the inquiry at the outset, though he had
voted for it, and deprecating a similar misrepresen-
tation of his vote in the present case as evincing a
desire to suppress the testimony, which he dis-
claimed, and, on the contrary, avowed his desire
that it should all appear, but at the proper time.
Mr. Mercer demanded that the question on the in-
structions be divided, so as to take it first on the
first part of them separately. He was in favor of
the first part of the instructions, but opposed to the
latter. Mr. Fletcher, of Vermont, moved an
amendment to the instructions, which he withdrew
on explanations from the chair.

barrassment. Mr. May moved an adjournment, (on account of the thinness of the house.) On this motion, Mr. Whittlesey of Ohio, demanded the yeas nays. Mr. Rives suggested that, if the house should adjourn, the amendments, instructions, &c. might be printed, 30 that the house might more clearly understand them. The question was taken on adjournment, and decided in the negative: Yeas 7, nays 156. The question was then taken on the motion of Mr. Thomas to strike out the latter part of the instructions, and decided by yeas and nays as follows: Yeas 96, nays 68.

So the house refused, in effect, to discharge the committee from further proceedings on the question of privilege. Mr. Rariden now moved an amendmendment, by way of substitute for Mr. Adams' proposition of amendment, that the committee re-arrange their journal, so as to show, in a connected series, the questions put, the answers given, and what questions were rejected, On this motion Mr. Toucey demanded the yeas and nays.

Mr. Rariden consented to withdraw this amendment for the present. in order to offer it at a subsequent stage, after the question of recommitment should have been settled.

Mr. Mercer suggested to Mr. Rariden to amend his motion, when made, by adding to the instructions that the committee report a bill to prevent duelling in the District of Columbia.

Mr. Elmore stated that the senate bill on that subject had been considered in the committee, and amendments proposed to it, and was ready to be reported. Mr. Toucey said he had the bill on his table for the purpose of reporting it when in order. Mr. Adams commented with severity on the irregularity of the committee's proceedings, in not noticing this bill on their journal; which was the principal thing prayed for in the greater part of the memorials referred to them. Mr. A. then accepted Mr. Rariden's motion instructing the committee to re-arrange their journal. &c., with the addition proposed by Mr. Mercer, to instruct the committee to report a bill against duelling as a modification of his own motion. The question now, therefore, was on adopting this instruction. Mr. Toucey defended the committee. Their journal applied only to the investigation of the causes and circumstances of the duel.. This bill was a separate matter, and there was no propriety in mentioning it upon their journal. Mr. Elmore explained what the committee had done in relation to the senate's bill. Mr. Legare expressed his regret that Mr. Adams should have accepted the suggestion of Mr. Mercer; it only went to complicate the question, and to propose a measure which must be practically inefficient in suppressing the evil it aimed at. Mr. Thomas opposed the instructions as modified.

Mr. Bell then addressed the house, and was desirous of entering on the general subject of the regularity of the proceedings of the committee, and the power of the house in the premises; but, after many explanations touching the question of not in order in the debate on the motion for inorder, the chair persisted in the opinion that it was structions, to go into those questions; and Mr. B. reserved his remarks for a future stage of debate. Mr. Chambers spoke at length in support of the instructions, and in the course of his remarks glanced, with no little severity, at the manner in which evidence had been taken in the committee. The house, however, being nearly empty, (owing, as was understood, to the horse races on the neighboring course,) he moved an adjournment. He withdrew the motion, however, at the request of

Mr. Sherrod Williams, who moved a re-consid

eration of the vote by which the house had rejected the latter branch of Mr. Adams' instructions, discharging the committee from the consideration of the question of breach of privilege, and from the memorials on the subject of the duel.

Mr. Boon suggesting that there was no quorum present. After some confusion, the chair counted the house, and reported that 105 members only were within the bar.

There being, therefore, no quorum

Mr. Adams moved a call of the house. He observed that as the religious services of the day were probably nearly over, the house might expect those who had been attending upon them soon to return to the public business.

Mr. Legare moved to suspend further proceed ings under the call. Ordered. Mr. Garland, of La., asked if, provided this motion prevail, the reports, &c. would appear among the printed documents, or on the printed journal of the house? After sundry questions and replies in relation to The Speaker responded in the negative. Mr. M. questions of order, and the effect of the instructions, Morris desired to know whether the senate bill re- Mr. Thomas expressed his hope that the house ferred to that committee would be included in this would clearly indicate its wish as to what the commotion? The Speaker responded in the negative. inittee should do before it sent the report back, and, Messrs. Robinson, of Maine, and Kennedy, of Ma- as a test of the opinion of the house on this head, ryland, (new members,) were, upon request, ex-moved to strike out the latter part of the instruccused from voting on this question. Mr. Elmore tions, which propose to discharge the committee asked leave to be excused also. Refused. Mr. from the question of a breach of privilege, &c. Jones, of Wisconsin, begged the gentleman from Mr. Elmore, expressed great satisfaction at this South Carolina to withdraw his motion. Mr. Wise motion, as tending to relieve his mind from embar Mr. Adams withdrew his motion; but, under

said it would be useless to lay this question on the table. He should demand it, as his privilege, to be tried at the bar upon this accusation. The mo

rassment. Mr. Petrikin demanded the yeas and
nays on the motion, and they were ordered. Mr.
Adams opposed the motion, as tending rather to

Mr. Chambers moved an adjournment. On this motiun Mr. Adams demanded the yeas and nays; which, being ordered, resulted as follows -Yeas 60, nays 68. A quorum thus appearing to be present

standing that the question on reconsideration must be taken immediately, he renewed it. Mr. Mckernan moved an adjournment; but withdrew the mo

tion on request of Mr. Toucey, who, by unanimous consent of the house, reported the senate's bill for the suppression of duelling within the District of Columbia, with amendments, and it was referred to a committee of the whole on the state of the union, and ordered to be printed. Mr. Cambreleng addressed the house, making some inquiries about the motion to reconsider; when Mr. McKennan renewed his motion to adjourn. Mr. Adams demanded the yeas and nays. Mr. McKennan withdrew his notion. Mr. Yell proposed that the present subject should be postponed until to-morrow; and that the house, meanwhile, take up the army bill. Mr. Graham moved an adjournment.

Mr. Yell demanded the yeas and nays; which were thereupon taken, and resulted in the affirmative-Yeas 78, nays 56. So the house, at three o'clock, adjourned.

159

when in order to present an amendment to the pro- so far as to instruct the committee to report spe-
Mr. McKennan said that it was his intention,
position of the gentleman from Massachusetts, cially, if any member shall prove to be involved,
Mr. Reed moved to amend Mr. L.'s amendment
which he hoped would challenge the approbation without proceeding against him. This proposition
of a large majority of the house, and would put a
termination to this protracted discussion. He asked noved an adjournment. Mr. Grant demanded the
that it might be read for information. It was as yeas and nays, which were ordered; and the house
was debated by Mr. Reed, and then Mr. Mallory,
follows:
the negative. Mr. Sherrod Williams moved a call
vote of 88 yeas to 88 nays. The chair voted in
refused to adjourn, (at half past 4 o'clock,) by a
of the house; and on that motion,

by the resolution of the 28th February, 1838, and the
1. Resolved, That the report of the committe raised
evidence and other papers which accompany said re-
port, be recommitted to the committee with instruc-
ions to report nothing more than the evidence by them
and excluded by the committee.
taken, and such part of the journal as will show the
evidence which may have been offered by any party

has not heretofore proceeded against any one concerned 2. Resolved, That in consideration that this house Wednesday, May 2. and Williams, of New Hampshire, presented each a just to pursue the parties implicated in this instance, By leave, Messrs. Petrikin count of words spoken in debate, it may not appear in the numerous duels which have occurred on acpetition, which was, in each case, referred. until notice shall be given that this house designs to The unfinished business was then resumed. maintain its privileges in like cases; and that the omisThe question was that raised by Mr. S. Williamssion in this instance to enforce the undoubted rights yesterday, to reconsider the vote whereby the in- ered as a precedent, it is hereby declared that the chalstructions moved by Mr. Adams were, on motion lenge of a member of this house for words spoken in and duties of this house may not hereafter be considof Mr. Thomas, stricken out from the motion to debate is a violation of its privileges; and whenever recommit. brought to the notice of the house by one of its memhereafter any such breach of privilege shall be to punish such offence. bers, it will, in the judgment of this house, be its duty

M. Connor, of North Carolina, moved a call of the house. Ordered. members answered to their names. The names of One hundred and forty the absentees were then called; one hundred and seventy-five members were found to be present. A motion was then made to suspend further ceedings under the call. Mr. Wise hoped a full probench of judges would be had before deciding this question.

The motion to suspend was lost. The doors were closed, and the names of the absentees were called over.

The members following were excused, for reasons given by gentlemen present:

the further consideration of the resolution and memo-
rials to them referred, except as ordered by the first
3. Resolved, That the committee be discharged from

resolution.

a

sition was offered; and, after he closed his remarks,
Mr. Adams, obtained the floor before the propo-
amendment he wished to offer he had hoped that
the house would be able to meet on some middle
Mr. McKennan said that in giving notice of the
satisfactory manner without further discussion,
ground, and put an end to this unpleasant affair in
slightest wish to embarrass the proceeding, or to
widen the door of discussion. The subject on the
and without doing injustice. He had not the
preliminary question had been, he thought, dis-
cussed long enough in all conscience, and he did
not want to protract it. The gentleman from Mas-
sachusetts, and others, seemed to think that his
debate in all its bearings, and its widest range; and,
proposition, if offered, would open the subject to
Re-action of the house, he would not, at this time,
as it was not his wish to embarrass or to delay the
persist in offering his amendment.

Messrs. Bruyn, Buchanan, Bynum, Chaney, Evans, Fillmore, Grennell, Clowney, Garland, of Virginia, Jackson, of New York, Lincoln, Marvin, Mason, of Ohio, Maxwell, Palmer, S. W. Morris, Philips, Plummer, Potter, Rives, Sheffer, Sheplor, Snyder, Toland, Thompson, Vail, Turney, J. L. Williams, and Whittlesey, of Con.

Pending the call, Mr. Davies, of Pennsylvania, moved to suspend all further proceedings. fused.

Mr. Cushman demanded the yeas and nays.

The motion of Mr. Davies was lost, and the call of absentees was proceeded in, and was nearly finished, when Mr. Reed moved to excuse all the absentees, as every kind of excuse seemed to be accepted. A successful notion was then made to sus pend the call, and one hundred and eighty nembers were found to be present. The yeas and nays

were ordered on the motion to reconsider.

Mr. Adams to recommit the report with instructions. The debate was continued by Messrs. Adams. The question then recurred upon the motion of Thomas, and Boon, (whose observations will be given hereafter.) Mr. Murray moved to lay the whole subject on the table. Mr. Polts demanded the yeas and nays; which were ordered; and the followig vote: Yeas 47, nays 124. The question then recurred on Mr. Sherrod Williams' motion to motion to lay on the table was negatived by the reconsider the vote on striking out part of the proposed instructions; and the debate was further continued by Mr. Elmore, (whose remarks will be given hereafter.) The question on the motion to reconsider was decided as follows: Yeas 82, nays 90.

ques

Which

instructions, viz. to arrange the journal, and to re-
tion recurred upon striking out the other part of the
So, the house refused to reconsider; and the
port without comments or arguments.
proposition was negatived by the following vote:
Yeas 82, nays 93. The question recurred upon the
motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Fletch-
an amendment, with regard to the reference of the
er, of Vt., renewed his motion of yesterday, as
petitions and memorials on the subject of the late
the yeas and nays.
duel to the select committee; and on this he asked
amendment, referring, also, to the committee all
the petitions upon the subject of the late duel,
Ordered. Mr. F. moved an
with instructions to report thereon. Mr. Slade

Mr. Williams, of North Carolina, moved the yeas and nays; which were ordered.

Mr. Russell noved that the house adjourn; and on that motion,

were ordered; and the house refused to adjourn, (at Mr. Hoffman demanded the yeas and nays, which 5 o'clock,) by a vote of 88 yeas to 97 nays.

liams, that there be a call of the house, was decided in the negative, by a vote of 74 yeas to 99 The vote upon the motion of Mr. Sherrod Wilnays. Mr. Mitchell moved that the house adjourn; which motion (at 20 minutes past 5 o'clock) pre

vailed.

the rules to allow him to make this motion. Objection being made, he moved a suspension of

And the house adjourned.
Monday, and stated that that space of time would
that, when the house adjourn to-day it adjourn to
Thursday, May 3. Mr. Bell asked leave to move
be required to clense the hall, take up the carpets,
lishment.
and put the house upon the usual summer estab-

but the house refused to order them, and the rules
Mr. Montgomery demanded the yeas and nays;
Sary two-thirds of the members present.
were suspended by a vote of more than the neces-

pose it, and would not do so if it should be passed
made, Mr. Cambreleng said he was reluctant to op-
The motion for an adjournment over having been
Monday would take up the public business.
with the express understanding that the house on

would consent to no such pledge, express or impli
ed; and if the house passed from the consideration of
Mr. Wise gave notice to all the house that he
the business immediately before it for any purpose
whatever, it would be without his consent.

lowing executive communications:
The Speaker who laid before the house the fol-

withdrew his motion at the request of
The adjournment over to Monday was agreed to.
Mr. Bell then moved that the house adjourn, but

tives a report from the secretary of state, in answer
to that part of their resolution of the 19th ultimo
I herewith transmit to the house of representa-
requesting the communication of all correspon
dence with any foreign government in regard to the
title or occupation of the territory of the United
States beyond the Rocky mountains.

To the house of representatives of the United States:

M. VAN BUREN.

message be postponed until this day week, and that
Washington, April 30, 1838.
Mr. Cushing moved that the consideration of this
To the house of representatives of the United States:
it be printed. Agreed to.
of engineers, the works upon which they were en-
contains the information required by the resolution
I transmit herewith a report and accompanying
documents from the acting secretary of war,
which
aged during the last year, and the other matters
of the 16th ult., respecting the officers of the corps
embraced in the resolution.

To the house of representatives of the United States:
M. VAN BUREN.
Washington, May 1, 1838.
This message was laid on the table.

with their resolution of the 16th ultimo, respecting
an attack alleged to have been made by a Mexican
by me to the house of representives, in compliance
The report of the secretary of state, transmitted
armed vessel upon an American steamboat, having

Mr. Tillinghast said he was opposed to the reconsideration. He believed the vote, striking out the second branch of the instructions, was given without misapprehension as to the effect. He was not himself under any misapprehension. He believed the second branch of the instruction to have been unnecessary, inasmuch as the object which appeared to be intended by it was fully attained by report the evidence, journal, &c. only. A report, the first branch, which instructs the committee to according to and under this instruction, will be a full performance of the duty originally imposed upon the committee as well in relation to the inquiry whether there has been a breach of privileges as to other facts. When they have taken and reported the evidence respecting a breach of privilege, according to the instructions of the house, they will have fulfilled the duty of inquiry as to that. be also thought that the second branch, if retained, But would be inconsistent with the real intention of the house. A part of the evidence which the house intends to instruct the committee to report would be evidence taken with a view to the inquiry as moved an amendment to this amendment, which stated that no information on the subject had at to breach of privilege. By discharging the com-did not prevail. After some remarks in favor of that time reached the department, I now transmit mittee from that branch of the inquiry, the authori- his amendment, and in opposition thereto, by another report from the same officer, communicatty for taking and reporting such evidence, and the Messrs. Adams and Slade, the amendment was de-ing a copy of a note from the Mexican minister, foundation on which it rested, would be removed. cided as follows-Yeas 89, nays 86. So the amend-with an accompanying document, in reference to He was against impairing the original resolutions ment of Mr. Fletcher was adopted. Mr. Loomis the act alluded to, which have been received at the appointing the committee. Therefore he had voted noved an amendment, the effect of which is to department since the date of the former report. for striking out the second branch of them, and was give to the committee instructions to report arguagainst a reconsideration. This motion was discussed by Messrs. Loomis, ments and comments on the breach of privilege. Naylor, and Legare. Mr. Fairfield called for and M. VAN BUREN. obtained the yeas and nays on the amendment. To the hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Washington, May 2, 1838. Mr. Legare, alluding to the thinness of the house, MR. MARTINEZ TO MR. FORSYTH. [TRANSLATION.] tion, in the known absence of many of its memand the attempt now made to reverse its former acbers, moved an adjournment. Mr. Cambreleng demanded the yeas and nays, which were ordered; and the house refused to adjourn, (at 4 o'clock,) by a vote of 88 yeas to 97 nays.

Mr. Mercer took the ground that the committee were functi officio now that they had reported on all the points referred to them; and would be bound only by any further instructions that might be given them.

Mr. Pope thought not. The report of the committee had not been yet received; and it was proposed to return their report to them. The original resolutions would therefore be in full force unless altered or rescinded.

Secretary of the state of the United States. have been committed against the flag of the United Mexican Legation, New Orleans, April 20, 1838. States in the waters of Texas, by the Mexican SIR: Whilst the notices of an insult pretended to brig of war Inturbide, were confined to the public newspapers, and I had no documents by means of

which I could repel the calumny, I abstained from addressing you on the subject. But as, according to the papers, the attention of the honorable chamber of senators of the congress of the union has been directed towards the charges published against Mexico, by the passengers of the steamboat Columbia, and I am in possession of an official statement from the commander of the said brig, relating to the occurrence with the said boat, I have the honor to send you, sir, the annexed extract from that document, with the hope that you will submit it to the notice of his excellency the president. The captain of the Columbia, and the captain of the Iturbide, as will be here seen, provoked the attack to which this note refers, and the former shouln, therefore, be responsible for the result, whatever it may be.

Permit me, sir, to repeat to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration.

FRANCISCO PIZARRO MARTINEZ.

[Translation of the enclosure.] Extract from the official communication of the commander of the Mexican brig of war Iturbide, respecting her encounter with the steamboat Colum

bia:

To the COMMANDANT GENERAL

of the Mexican squadron. Brig Iturbide, under sail in lat. 29 deg. 6 min., long. 88 deg. 48 min. west of Cadiz, 5 o'clock in the afternoon of this day, March 24, 1838.

reported the bill to the house without amendinent. It from the necessarily hurried statements which they
was then committed to the committee of the whole contain:
on the state of the union.

[ocr errors]

The whole area, with the exception of a few Mr. J. L. Williams presented a petition. houses from St. Philip street to the waters of CooMr. Bell then renewed his motion; the house re- per river, bounded by Hasell and Society streets, is fused the yeas and nays, and it was carried, where-swept through, as by an avalanche, leaving nothing upon, the house adjourned to Monday. but bare and blackened chimneys.

[blocks in formation]

We learn with the deepest regret, by passengers from Charleston, who arrived here this evening by the Carolina railroad, that the city of Charleston has been visited by one of the most awful and destructive fires that has ever visited any city in the United States. One third of the city was laid in ashes at the departure of the cars this morning at six o'clock, and the fire was raging as if it would

consume at least one-third more..

"The fire was arrestsd in all quarters about 12 o'clock M. having burnt for 15 hours unremittingly." From the Cincinnati Whig-Extra. Wednesday night, 8 o'clock, April 25 h, 1833. AWFUL STEAMBOAT ACCIDENT. It becomes again our painful duty to record one of the most awful and destructive occurrences known in the terrible and fatal catalogue of steamboat disasters.

This afternoon about six o'clock, the new and elegant steamboat Moselle, captain Perkin, left the wharf of this city-full of passengers-for Louisville and S. Louis, with a view of taking a family on board at Fuiton, about a mile and a half above the quay, proceeded up the river, and made fast to a lumber raft for that purpose. Here the family was taken on board, and during the whole time of the detention, the captain was holding on to all the steam that he could create, with an intention of showing off to the best advantage the great speed of the boat as she passed down the whole length of the city. The Moselle was a new brag boat, and had recently made several exceedingly quick trips to and from this place.

raft, the boat shoved off, and at the very moment her Soon as the family were taken on board from the wheels made the first revolution, her boilers burst with violent clap of thunder. The explosion was destruca most awful and astounding noise equal to the most tive and heart-rending in the extreme, as we are as sured by a gentleman, who was sitting on his horse on the shore, waiting to see the boat start. Heads, limbs, bodies and blood, was seen flying through the air in every direction, attended by the most horrible shrieks and groans froin the wounded and the dying. The She seemed to be torn all to flinders as far back as the boat, at the moment of the accident, was about thirty feet from the shore, and was rendered a perfect wreek. gentlemen's cabin, and her hurricane deck (the whole length) was entirely swept away. The boat imme diately began to sinks rapidly and float, with a strong current down the river, at the same time getting farther from the shore.

The fire broke out last night at a quarter past eight o'clock, in a paint store, on the western side of King street, corner of Beresford street. The wind blowing strongly from the southwest, blew the flames diagonally across King street, and at the time of the departure of the cars the whole section of the city above Beresford street, up to society street, and east of King street, to the bay, was burnt down or burning. From Beresford to Society are four streets-from King street to the bay about At the moment when you, sir, announced, by as many, or perhaps more. The fire had also exyour signals, that you saw sails in the third quar-tended four or five blocks west of King street, and ter, I made out the vessel to be a steamboat, coming was still progressing with terrific rapidity up that from the north; and I discovered that she was not street in the direction of Boundary street, when the same to which we had given chase this morning, the cars left. Our informant believes it impossible and which was, apparently on her way to Brazoria, to calculate what will be the ultimate extent of the as this boat has two chimneys, and the other only fire, as it seemed in no way checked at 6 o'clock one. As soon as you gave the signal for chase this morning. with all speed, and without our closing, (sin sujecion a formacion,) I endeavored, by a churches, the new theatre, the splendid new hotel Among the buildings consumed are a number of press of sail, to cut her off, steering southeast, recently erected, and the whole market, except the clearing away to be ready for action, and taking the fish market. Nearly all the large merchants, in the other precautions; but, on seeing that she was bear centre of business, on King street, were burnt out, ing down on my starboard bow, I ordered all my men among them, Parish, Wiley & Co., G. H. Kelsey to take their proper fire and cutting arms, to be & Co., Boream & Co., and all in that neighborhood, ready for an attempt to board. While we were and the large storehouse of Miller, Ripley, & Co. thus sailing towards each other, as you saw, our on the corner of King and Society streets, was distance was necessarily becoming less; and seeing catching the flaines when our informant left. The that her stern flag was that of the United States, Merchants' hotel, formerly Miot's, had not caught, hoisted nine with a pendant, and fired a gun with-but it was believed to be impossible to save it. At out ball. I clewed up my mainsail, in order that she should stop her engine for me to examine her; but this was not done; and as, on the contrary, her movements towards me were very suspicibus, I ordered another gun to be fired, with ball, in a direction very A large number of houses had been blown up, wide of the steamboat; which was done as a notice to no purpose. All the powder in the city was exfor her to stop. Instead of doing so, however, she hausted, and all the water in the pumps: the peocontinued on her course, as if with a view getting ple, wearied with a whole night's incessant and un-ed, however, before they could be rescued from a wa past me to leeward. When I got within speaking availing toil, found themselves, this morning, able distance, I hailed her three times, with a trumpet, to make but a feeble resistance to the still raging and she did not deign to give any reply to either and devouring flames. A number of persons had call. On the fourth call, an individual answered, been killed by the blowing up of houses and throw-wringing his hands in agony, imploring these present to loading me with abuse, and telling me, that if I wanted to see his papers, I should come on board his boat. All this was spoken without the speaking-trumpet; and, although he was called on to stop, in order that

Norris' hotel, still higher up King street, and on
the west side, they had removed all the furniture
and bedding, in almost certain anticipation of being
burnt out.

ing furniture into the streets. The steamboat Nep-
tune, lying in the bay, caught on fire, but it was
fortunately extinguished.

ward.

The captain was thrown by the explosion entirely into the street, and was picked up dead and dreadfully mangled. Another man was thrown entirely through fragments of bodies scattered about the river and shore the roof of one of the neighboring houses, and limbs and covered to be rapidly sinking, the passengers who rein heart-rending profusion. Soon as the boat was dis mained unhurt in the gendemen's and ladies' cabins, became panic struck, and with a fatuity unaccountable jumped into the river. Being above the ordinary business parts of the city, there were no boats at hand except a few large and unmanageable wood flats, which were carried to the relief of the sufferers as soon as possible, by the few persons on the shore. Many were drowntery grave, and many sunk who were not seen afterWe are told that one little boy on shore was seen save his father, mother, and three sisters, all of whom were struggling in the water to gain the shore, but whom the little fellow had the inisfortune to see perish The trunks directed to this office and to the con- one by one almost within his reach. An infant child stitutionalist office, from the newspaper offices in belonging to this family, was picked up alive, floating Charleston, failed to come this evening, as we pre- down the river on one of the fragments of the hurricane sume no papers were printed there last night; and as the regular mail was closed last night before the in-law to Dr. Wilson Hughey, of the U. S army, and brotherIn consequence of these proceedings, I fired two fire broke out, no other information has been re- Hughes, of the Pearl street house, is doubtless among our estimable fellow-citizen, Wilhan P. cannon, and three muskets, not aimed at the steamer, ceived here than that from passengers, which is ne- the slain, as he was kown to have been on board, and for the purpose of intimidating her, but that she cessarily limited as to particulars. some peices of the military coat he had on were picked should do as required. She, however took no notice This is indeed a mournful catastrophe! A flourish-up among the fragments. of it, but continued on her way, letting off her stean, ing city laid in ashes, her people burnt out of home which was very high, so near me that the ashes and substance, and millions of property destroyed and some warm water fell on board my vessel.in a single night! The insurance companies of God and liberty! Charleston, we learn, are of small capitals, and will every one, no doubt, be ruined, and still be unable to make good but a small portion of the losses. Hundreds of families must be utterly ruined by this general calamity. Years cannot make Charleston what she was.

his papers and his boat should be visited, he did not do so; but, on the other hand, continued to in sult my political insigniu by the grossest obscenetics and language.

This message was referred to the committee on foreign affairs.

deck.

Grew, of this city, is also supposed to be lost, as he was Mr. Powell, a highly respectable grocery merchant, of Louisville, and brother-in-law of Mr. Wilson Mcon board, and no tidings have since been heard of him, notwithstanding the active inquiries of his friends. We are unable, as yet, to particularize any other per son lost, as the boat sunk in about fifteen minutes after The Speaker also laid before the house a letter the accident, leaving nothing to be seen but her chanfrom the secretary of war, transmitting a report neys and a small portion of her upper works, and also from the second auditor of accounts of persons charged with the disbursement of money, goods, as a scene of distress and confusion immediately ensu P. S. Since the above was written, we have beened that altogether bafles description. Most of the suf&c. for the benefit of the Indians for the year end-shown a letter from Charleston, closed a little before ferers are among the hands of the boat, and the steer ing September 30, 1837. Laid on the table. 4 o'clock this morning, and brought up by a pas- age passengers. The bill from the senate, to provide for the secu-senger, which confirms all the important facts statIt is supposed that there were about two hundred perrity and protection of the emigrant and other Ined above. It also states that the rigging of many venty-five are believed to have escaped, making the es sons on board, of which number only from fifty to se dians west of the states of Arkansas and Missouri, of the vessels lying at the wharves had been burnt.timate loss of lives about one hundred and twenty-five!! was read twice, and referred to the committee on Indian affairs.

.

LATER. It appears from slips received from the offices of the Charleston Courier and Patriot, which fortunately escaped destruction, that the fire began about nine o'clock on the night of Friday, April 27th, and was not checked until about noon on the next day, having raged with great fury for fifteen hours.

O, tale of woe!

imprudence and carelessness. The captain of the boat The accident unquestionably occurred through sheer was desirous of showing off her great speed as she passed the city, and to overtake and pass another boat which had left the wharf for Louisville a short time be The clerk of the boat, we understand, escaped unhurt. fore him. Dearly has he paid for his silly ambition. learn. In to-morrow's Whig we shall no doubt be able These are all the particulars we have yet been able to

The bill from the senate, to grant to the state and incorporated companies engaged in the construction of roads and canals the right of way through the public lands of the United States, was twice read, and referred to the committee on public lands. Mr. J. Q. Adams, from the committee on manufactures, to which was referred the bill from the The number of houses burnt is stated in these senate to refund to the Georgia railroad and bank-slips (which come down to 5 o'clock on Saturday) to give the names of many others who have been lost or ing company certain duties paid upon railroad iron, at one thousand. We add a few of the particulars killed.

« SebelumnyaLanjutkan »