a witness, but that his own protest should be receiv-ly to make a remark or two, in relation to the course ed, unless prevented by some insuperable views of public convenience, which he did not, in this case, perceive.

"Besides, major Vandeventer is a public officer, in whose character the public has an interest. He is the chief clerk of the very department, the former administration of which has been arraigned. If he has been unjustly inculpated, he is entitled to be heard, more especially in a form in which he asks so little.

"Let it not be said that no part of the measure of justice which is meted out to so high a functionary as the vice president, should be accorded to a more subordinate officer. The principles of an exact and equal justice apply to both.

It is true, sir, that the vice president has been most vilely slandered by a base calumniator: for we have fallen on evil times indeed But, sir, whilst the department of war has repudiated all knowledge of the dissemination of this calumny, I should have lik ed [Here the speaker called Mr Hamilton to or

which Mr. McDuffie has thought fit to pursue, and which, he seems to believe, was necessary to the protection of his character.

The mis statement of facts which be made is acknowledged by him. Denial would have added nothing to his justification.

He regrets exceedingly that Mr. Campbell and myself in correcting his erroneous statement of the facts, should have thought it necessary to make the allusion we did, to the vice president. And why so? Because, he says, the vice president "had no agency in the production of the letter which had proved so offensive, further than to suggest the erasure of one or two sentences, and the mitigation of the language of perhaps as many more." Icertainly have no disposition to rob Mr McDuffie of the credit of being the author of that letter; whilst, at the same time, I conceive, that it was made out with the knowledge and approbation, and under the direct sanction, of the vice president

I, therefore, felt myself called on to notice it, with full authority to name that gentleman. What part he may have taken in drafting and preparing it, and how far the rashness of the avowed author may have been bridled by his suggestions, are matters about which I feel the most entire indifference, nor are they at all material to my purpose.

der.] "I submit, sir, I was, however, about to conclude by saying, that the characters of our public officers are worthy of our conservation. In these evil times, the reputation of the best and purest men among us are not safe: even so evil, sir, that notwithstanding the obligations of truth and honor under which you are known to act-notwithstanding the regard youhan willing myself to avoid any controversy; and But Mr. McDuffie adds, "I should have been more are known to pay to the refined and sober decencies there is certainly nothing in the substance of the of life-you have been elsewhere most injuriously communication of gen Metcalfe and Mr. (ampbell, charged with having packed a jury for the trial of that I should have deemed it necessary to notice in this very issue. [Here Mr. Hamilton was called to

order by Mr. Webster and others.] Sir, said Mr. H. do I understand the gentleman from Massachusetts? Does he call me to order for calling you an honest

man?"

[The speaker here declared Mr. Hamilton to be out of order, and required him to take his seat, which put an end to his remarks.]

this public manner, but for the terms which they have characterized the error which I committed." And again that he will not assume the responsibility of interpreting our languuge, for fear he should do injustice," &c What, under such circumstances, man? It was the terms in which his error was charshould have been Mr. McDofhe's course as a gentleacterized to which he objects If those terms were offensive to him, bis remedy, as a man of honor and bravery, was obvious. If the language was so "equi vocal" that he could not "assume the responsibility" of interpretation, it was not less plain. Its interpretation, or any honorable satisfaction, if called for, would have been promptly furnished. He seems to have forgotten, that, whilst he thinks he has laid aside his own judgment in the construction of the language used, and has acted on his fears of what might be the construction of others, he must necessarily be considered as viewing that language as of

What would have been said if Mix, also, had tendered his vindication? We cannot place the character and conduct of major Vandeventer alongside of Mix's but in a matter of right before the house of representatives, every witness stood upon the same footing, and there cannot be one measure of justice for the latter and another for the former, infamous as he is. But it is additionally stated that maj. V. is a "public officer," as though that gave him a claim to be heard without having been accused. See the lengths to which this principle would extend, and the danger of the precedent! Another question, bow-fensive. ever, occurs--was major V. an "officer" of the government? He had not been named by the president and approved by the senate; but obtained and held his place on y by the will of the secretary of war, and had no particular discretion or duties, but by direction or sutterance of the head of that department. We think that a clerk is not an officer of the govern

ment.

From the National Intelligencer, of Feb. 23. The following is the reply of Mr. Metcalfe, of Kentucky, to the communication from Mr. McDuffie, inserted in the last REGISTER.

A publication in the Nati nal Intelligencer of the 19th instant, over the signature of George McDuffie, has attracted my notice; and shall receive an answer, which would have been promptly furnished, but that I was then associated in the affair with another gentleman and friend, whom I considered it my duty to consult, before I proceeded to act singly, and on my own responsibility. Having been justly regardful of that duty I now proceed to state, that it is not my intention, upon this, or any other occa-Bion, to engage in a pewspaper controversy; but mere

Opprobrious epithets are not the weapons with which men of honor should settle their controversies. I will not descend to them. It is sufficient for my purpose that Mr. McDuffie considered himself as insulted. Otherwise, his replication was uncalled for; and that, without demanding an explanation, he has, by his publication, attempted to redeem himself from the influence of that supposed insult.

THOS METCALFE.

To the editors of the National Intelligencer. Gentlemen: The controversy which led to the subjoined correspondence, having appeared, in the first instance, in your paper, I submit it to the public without commentary beyond a mere statement of the fact, that, as my friend Mr. McDuffie, has been altogether ignorant of the negotiations which have ensued the de very of his challenge to gen. Metcalfe, if any obligation or sensibility of honor has been neglected, the blame is mine. 1 beg leave to subscribe myself, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HAMILTON, junior. Feb. 28th, 1827.

Washington city, Feb. 23d, 1927. Sir: On the appearance, in the N tional Intelligencer, of the joint letter of yourself and Mr. Campbel, feeling no disposition, gratuitously, to assume the responsibility of determining that it was your design to charge me with intentional misrepresentation, I, nevertheless, felt it due to myself, as such a responsibility might

Washington city. 24th Feb. 1827. be assumed by others, unequivocally to declare the charge, if it Sir: Your note of to-day was this moment handed me. I will were made, wantonly and absolutely false. Your letter, however, of this morning, appearing less ambigu-fford you an interview, as soon as the situation of my private business will permit. My friend judge Clarke, will arrange with ous in its character, I am induced to inquire whether I am to un your friend, major Hamilton, the time and terms of our meeting. THOS. METCALFE. ders and it to have been your purpose, in either of those commu Your obedient servant, mications, to charge me with intentional misrepresentation in my Hon. George McDuffie. letter to the select committee of the house of representatives. GEO. MCDUFFIE. I am your obedient servant,

House of representatives, 21th Feb. 1827. Sir: Your communication was received, in which, alter mentioning the publication in the Intelligencer, under the signature of Mr. Campbell and myself, and that under my signatur only, you enquire whether you are to understand it to have been my purpose, in either of those communications, to charge you with intentional misrepresentation in your recent letter to the select Committee of the house of representatives. Had I received au inquiry of you of similar import prior to the publication in the same paper, of your answer to the joint communication of Mr. Campbell and myself, I should have felt myself bound, hy that undisguised frankness which has ever characterized my conduct, to have rendered to you a prompt solution. But the language employed by you in that answer, forbids any such solution on my part, unless I shall be assured, that, by the use of that language, you did not intend to insult me.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

THOS. METCALFE.

House of representatives, Feb. 24th, 1827 Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of gen. Metcaite's let ter to Mr. McDuffie, and trave handed it to that gentieman. In the present state of the affair, I assume the responsibility of determining that Mr. McDuffie cannot continue the correspon deuce with gen. M tcail, except at a point, the necessity of which I am sincerely desirous of averting

In reply, however, to the most material part of gen. Metcalfe's letter, which leaves the interence that he did not intend to charge Mr. McDuffie with intentional misrepresentation, and that he is only restrained froin stating the fact, in consequence of not dis tinetly apprehending the purpose of his communication in the Intelligencer of Monday last, I think it proper in me to decíare, that, having participated in Mr. McDuff's confidence from the Commenerment of the controversy, that he intended but in a sin gle contingency to insult gen. Metcalfe, which was, in case gen, Metcalfe intended to charge him with intentional misrepresentation.

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient ser-
J. HAMILTON, junior.

vant

Hon. Mr. Buckner, house of representatives.

Washington city Feb. 24, 1827. Sir: A few minutes since, your communication of this date was received, in which you acknowledge the receipt of gen. Metcalfe's As the reply, of this morning, to the letter of Mr. McDuffie. friend of Mr. McDuffie, you say that you think it proper to de elare, that he intended but in a single contingency to insult gen. Metcal; which was, in case gen. Metcalfe intended to charge his with intentional misrepresentation.

I beg leave to assure you, that I reciprocate with you, very sincer ly, those feelings of anxiety, which you express, of averting the disagreeable issue of this controversy to which you allude. But as the friend of gen. Metcalfe, I must remark, that if Mr. McDuffie has thought proper so far to rely upon us construction of the im port of the language employed by Mr. Campbell and general Metcalfe, in the communication under their joint names, as to in tend to insult the latter gentleman, further correspondence with a view to an amicable adjustment, whilst that insult is not with drawn, will be unavailing.

I have the honor to remain very respectfully, your obedient ser. RICHARD A BUCKNER. vant,

Hon. James Hamilton.jr.

Washington city, Feb. 24, 1827. Sir: I regret to remark that the purport of your letter, just received, in no degree removes the only and single difficulty in the way of an accommodation of the altercation between general Metcalfe and Mr. McDuffie.

I had hop d my frank and voluntary disclosure would have led to that result. No other alternative is now left on my part, but to request you to hand the enclosed communication to your friend, general Metcalfe, which contains a peremptory call on the part of my friend, Mr. McDuffie.

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient J. HAMILTON, Jr. servant, Hon. R. A. Buckner, house of representatives. [When this correspondence commenced between Mr. Buckner and Mr. Hamilton, he informed Mr. H. verbally, that gen. Metcalfe had requested him to act as his friend, to which he had consented, if the general should insist on it. That, for reasons which he named, he should persuade him to speak to some other friend; and it was, therefore, to be understood, that gen. Metcalfe reserv. ed to himself such a right, to which Mr. Hamilton_consented.]

House of representatives, Feb. 24, 1827.

Sir: Your letter of this morning, and the subsequent occur rences, leave me no alternative but to request that you will favor me with an interview as soon as your convemence will permit, prepared to adjust the existing difference, in the mode customary among gentlemen.

Washington city, Feb. 25, 1827. Sir: The enclosed paper contains the terms on which gn. Métcalfe expects the meeting, between him and Mr. McDuffie, will take place 1 should have called and handed it in person to you, but, to pre vent observation from the curious, I thought it best to send it by I have the honor to be, with respect, &c.

a servant.

JAS. CLARKE. P. S. The blanks can be filled up when we see each other. To the hon. James Hamilton, Jr.

J. C.

The terms of the contemplated meeting between the honorable Mr.
McDuffie and gen. Metcalfe

1st. The weapons to be rifles, each party to have one.
24. The distance to be ninety feet.

3d The man er of holding the rifles shall be, with the buts on the ground at what is called at an order, and this to be understood in th strict m litary sense.

4th. The word shail be: "are you ready?-fire-one, two, three, four, five, six-stop." The rifles are to remain at an order un touched with the left hand, and the parties to stand back to back until the word fire is given. Between the word fire and the word stop, each party may turn and fire at his pleasure from the place where he was first stationed; but, should either party not have fir ed before the word stop, he shall be considered as having lost his fire, and shall not thereafter be permitted to fire. The count to be not more rapid than that used in ordinary conversation. 5th. The right of giving the word, and the choice of stands shall be decided by lot.

rifle.

6th. The parties are to stand on the ground on which they are placed, and not to occupy more than two feet and a halt on wheeling aud firing, and each party shall receive the fire of his adver sary in a position as erect as is commonly observed in shooting the o'clock, on the 7th. The meeting shall take place at -day of 8th. The parties who shall be present at the meeting, shall be a friend and a surgeon, with each party.

at

Seven buildings, Washington, Monday morning, February 26 1826. Sir: A severe indisposition, last evening, prevented my reply. ing to your communication, which was received at seven o'clock. On my own exclusive responsibility, I decline acceding to the use of rifles, which, (as you inform me), gen. Metcalfe desires for the purpose of deciding his difference with Mr. McDuffie. My objection to this weapon is insuperable.

The

My friend, in a previous duel, had the bone of his left arm bro ken, the nerves and muscles so essentially shattered, that he is, to a considerable degree, deprived of its use, at least for all purposcs requiring quickness, steadiness, and muscular energy. rifleeing a weapon requiring the unimpaired strenth of both arms, I am satisfied gen. Metcalfe was ignorant of the fact of this disability, when he suggested the proposal.

My friend, Mr. McDutlie, I have neither seen or written to since the receipt of your letter, enclosing general Metcalfe's terms He has, therefore, no knowledge of those terms, or of my refusal to accept them, nor do I intend that he shall have until our negotiations are brought to a close, and he is summoned to the field.

Were not this disability of my friend a conclusive and sufficient objection, other considerations would decide me to decline the proposal. They rest on the known and approved grounds of the sentiment and usage which have assigned the pistol as the appro priate weapon for the decision of controversies of this character, and which admits of an entire equality in all respects. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient J. HAMILTON, Jr. servant, Hon. Jas. Clarke:

Davis's,

Washington city, Feb. 27th, 1827. Sir: In your note, handed to me at the house, on yesterday, you have declared your determination on your own "exclusive responsibility," to decline acceding to the use of rifles.

Without pretending to be skilled in the rules by which con tests of this kind are regulated, I must say, that I have always understood and believed it to be the undoubted right of the party chal 1-nged, to name the weapons to be used, the time when, and the place where, and the manner in which, the affair should be con ducted.

In this case, Mr. McDuffie has requested an interview with gen. Metcalfe in the usual terms, and unconditional, and without men tioning any disability. As such, it was accepted by general Metcalfe, without a knowledge of such disability as that which you entertain, believing that he would have the right of dictating the terms. He owes it to himself, and to his family, to insist upon the right of naming the weapons, and this right cannot be yield

Majot Hamilton is authorized to make the necessary arranged.
GEORGE MCDUFFIE.

ments.

Your obedient servant,
Gen. Metcalfe.

I abstain from making any other proposition than what is contained in the terms I have heretofore furnished you with, because you say, after mentioning the disability of Mr. McDuffie, "were

་

not this disability of my friend a "conclusive and sufficient objec
tion, other considerations would decide me to decline the propo-
sal. They rest on the known and approved grounds of the sen-
timent and usage which have assigned the pistol as the appro-
priate weapon for the decision of controversies of this character,
which admits of an entire equalty in all respects. 39
The known dexterity of Mr. McDuffie in the use of the pistol,
and gen. Metcalfe's entire want of it, having never fired one half a
dozen times in his life, would, as I am pursuaded you will readily
perceive, make the contest between them, with such weapons, al-
together unequal.

Had you not stated your objections in such terms as to exclude the use of all weapons except pistols, general Metcalfe would, without admitting the rifle to be an improper one, have proposed the broad sword, and thereby have manifested additional evidence of his sincerity to afford the interview which has been requested. In conclusion. I must say, that general Metcalfe, being the party challenged, denies to Mr. McDuffie the right to insist on the use of the pistol.

With great respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient ser
Major J. Hamilton.

vant,

JAS. CLARKE.

of January, of a species of dropsy, at the house of the
The duke of York died on Friday evening, the 5th
duke of Rutland, in the 64th year of his age, and was
interred in the royal mausoleum at Windsor. The pa-
pers are filled with panegyricks on his life and charac-
ter.
on the duke of Clarence, who is the presumtive heir
By his death the succession to the crown falls
would succeed the duke, as commander in chief of
to the throne. It was supposed that lord Wellington
the army.

by which much damage was done to a number of ves-
A violent storm had been experienced in London
sels principally American.

Portuguese frontiers, is to be limited, it is said, to Spain. The Spanish army of observation, on the 6,000 men, and some doubts are entertained whether even that number can be supplied in the state of Ferdinand's military force.

Washington, half past 12 o'clock, P. M. Sir: Your communication of this morning has just reached me. February 27, 1827. Having taken on my own responsibility, the grounds on which The news from the Peninsula is still of a conflictI thought proper to decline the acceptance of the proposal of geuing uncertain character. Mr. Lamb had not quitted Metcalfe, to use rifles in the adjustment of his altercation with Madrid on the 2d ult. but letters of that date state, Mr. McDuffie, I have nothing to add to my letter of yesterday, except to furnish you with an explanation of what I mean, when (according to the Quotidienne), that the Spanish goEngland, is actively preparing the means of defence, vernment, without being alarmed at the threats of in order, "that if the British cabinet should proceed provided." Troops are proceeding in all directions to acts of aggression, Spain should not be taken un

I say that "a pistol admits of an entire equality in all respects." It is briefly this: That I am willing that my friend should meet yours, either with one pistol, or two, at any distance, from twenty paces to one pace, to fire in any time, from one second to twenty minutes, and in a mode which, on the solemu obligations of my bonor, I will engage that my friend has never practised, or thought Yu say, that "the known dexterity of Mr McDuffie, in theo the frontiers of Portugal, and several parks of aruse of the pistol, and gen. Metcalie's entire want of it, having tillery, it is said, have taken the same direction. never fired one half-a-dozen times in his life, would, as I am pur- Some regiments have also been despatched to the snaded you will readily perceive, make the contest between them, with such weapons, altogether unequal." camp of San Roque, to watch Gibraltar.

of practising.

The argument which you here urge, in behalf of your friend, appiles, with equal force, to mine, who, I believe, never tired a ri tle in his life.

But the grounds I have previously assumed, render all discussion on this point superflous, and it merely remains for me to say, that any skill which may have been attributed to bim five years ago, though at that time absurdly exaggerated, may, be supposed to have been lost, from the fact of his not having prac with equal justice, tised since, or even had a pistol in his hand for two. over deem it important that you should know, that such has been Aud I more my desire that the utmost equality should be reached in the expected combat between gen. Metcalfe and Mr. McDuffie, that the pistols with which he would have fought, are yet in my posses sion, nor would he have touched one, until I had ascertained from you, whether you desired that the parties should have gone out without the exercise even of a preliminary shot. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient J. HAMILTON, Jr. Hon. James Clarke.

servant,

Sir: I have received your communication, in answer to mine of Washington city, Feb. 28th, 1827. yesterday, in which you give an explanation of what you meant in your former note when you said "a pistol admits of an entire equality in all respects."

The party giving the challeng, has, in no case whatever, as I conceive, the right to name the weapon, or dictate the terms. It will be unavailing, therefore, to continue this correspondence farther, unless Mr. McDuffie accepts some one of the propositions With great respect, I have the honor to be, &c. JAMES CLARKE. Major J. Hamilton, Jr,

sutumitted.

The Quotidienne, a French ultra paper, and the organ of the apostolicals, states positively that Ferdinand has rejected the demands of the British government with more firmness than civility; and the London Courier, a paper likely to be well acquainted with the matter, speaks of the state of the negotia church, the only body possessed of wealth in Spain, tions as most unsatisfactory. It is stated that the has offered to support Ferdinand with all its treasure and its influence, and an army estimated at from 8 to 16,000 men, is assembling on the frontiers of Portu gal.

Portugal. The disorders on the frontier of Portugal are not as yet put down. It is stated, that on the 20th of December, the fortress of Almedia, the most Portuguese royalists The garrison, 1000 strong, proimportant place in Portugal, had surrendered. to the claimed the infant don Miguel, king, swearing to maintain his title till death. him, has been established at Lamgo, the marquis of Chaves, president. A regency, to act for

That you believe that the mode alluded to, by you. would, in the use of pistols, produce such equality, I do not doubt. Whether the assertion be correct or not, is not now needful to be determined. But, if correct, is it not apparent, that the use of rifles may be made, in every respect, as equal? To effect this, let each of from the London Times. "There is at length good Greece. The following important intelligence is the combatants, who may think proper to use it, have a prop, on ground for congratulating Europe on the adoption of which to place his rifle, which by riflemen, is commonly called a rest. 1, therefore, for gen. Metcalfe, make this as an additional a final and decisive measure on behalf of Greece, by proposition, which, if accepted, will require a corresponding al- the three great powers of Great Britain, France, and terstion of the terms heretofore proposed. Russia. The cabinets of London and St. Petersburg had, some time ago, transmitted their ultimatum to Turkey on this subject. The court of the Thuileries has acceded to the policy of its allies within the last fortnight, and resistance by Turkey to their joint demands is wholly out of the question. The point insisted on amounts to nothing less than a full recognition by the porte of the absolute and entire independence of the Greek nation, which recognition is to be a given day; failing which the ambassadors of the alofficially communicated to the parties requiring it by lied Christian courts are, on that same day, simultaneously to quit Constantinople. Consuls were, at the expiration of the ultimatum, to be sent to Greece from England, France and Russia."

House of representatives, Feb. 27, 1827.

Sir: 1 consider my previous communications as a sufficient

answer to yours of this morning

As I am brought to the conclusion, that gen. Metcalfe declines giving Mr. McDuffie satisfaction, in any of the modes I have met tioned, with the ordinary weapon. I concur in the opinion that you have expressed, that it would be unavailing to continue this cor respondence." I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your J. HAMILTON, jun.

obedient servant,

Hon. James Clarke.

The last account from lord Cochrane represented him as being at Marseilles, on the point of departing for Greece.

Cuba. A serious outrage has been committed upon an American citizen in the port of Havana. The

following is a statement of the case-capt Mott of the ship Canton, had some cordage on the quay, which he was about to have removed, when some negroes, who pretended to have some demand against him for services officiously rendered, threatened to prevent its removal until he should satisfy them. He however, ordered his men to take it away; when some disturbance took place, and a soldier struck capt. M. severely, and would probably have killed him, but for the interference of an Englishman who spoke Spanish. The next morning a meeting of all the Americans was called, and a committee appointed to wait upon gen. Vives, who, as soon as he heard of the outrage, issued orders to have the whole of the guard on duty the day previous, arrested, assuring the gentlemen that any aggression from abuse of military of civil power, shall, at all times, be promptly redressed.

would become the depot whence the produce of this country would be conveyed to the colonies. The flour of New York would also be conveyed to Quebec, and thus the restriction would not be effectual. Desiring that this country should actually effect what the bill proposed, he moved to strike out the words "by sea," so that the restriction might be complete. Mr Sanford spoke at some length in opposition to the motion, which he thought misapplied. The bill was a navigation act, and was, therefore, distinct from a merely commercial subject.

of his motion, Mr. Tazewell expressed himself in faMr. Holmes replied and maintained the propriety vor of the amendment as proposed by Mr. Holmes.

marks of his which had been touched upon by Mr. Mr. Johnston, of Louisiana, rose to explain some reTazewell. He gave a detail of the circumstances atcommittee for retaining the words "by sea," to be decided upon by the senate. Mr. Tazewell disclaimed any intention to impugn the motives of the commit

In consequence of the above procedure, the Ame-tending the bill reported, and the reasons of the ricans at Havana have addressed a memorial to the senate of the United States, the object of which is to

procure for our citizens the same privileges granted the French and Dutc; and the fact that four fifths of the vessels entering that port belong to American merchants, demonstrates the necessity of having a tribunal to which they can appeal for redress, the commercial agent resident there not being official ly recognized by the Spanish government.

tee.

counter to the constitution, which declares that all Mr. Macon thought the bill as reported would go duties and imposts shall be equal on the different states. It could not be believed that one part of the people would content themselves to be excluded from a trade which another was enjoying. He Haytt. The magazine at Port au Prince, contain-thought that the amendment must be adopted, or the ing about 4,000 pounds of powder, recently blew up, whole given up. and killed thirty one persons; president Boyer was Mr Smith of Md. addressed the senate in reply to present but a few minutes previous to the explosion, Mr. Sanford. Mr. Sanford replied, and then the queswhich was caused by driving iron nails with an irontion was taken on the amendment of Mr. Holmes, hammer.

Nineteenth Congress-2nd Session.

IN THE SENATE.

which was adopted by the following vote:

YEAS.-Messrs. Barton, Benton, Berrien, Branch, Chambers, Chandler, Clayton, Cobb, Dickerson, Eaton, Harrison, Hayne,

Holmes, Jobitson, of Kentucky. Johnston. of Louisiana. King,

McKinley, Macon Randolph, Reed Ridgely, Rowan, Ruggles,
Susbee. Santh, Md Smith of S. Carolina, Tazewell, Ibuas,

February 23. The bill from the other house, mak-Whit, Willy Williams, Woodbury-32.
ing appropriations to defray the expenses of the navy
of the United States during the year 1827, was read
twice.

NYS.-Messrs, Bateman, Bell, Edwards, Hendricks, Kane, Knight, Marks, Noble, Robbins, Sanford, Seymour, Van Buren,-12.

Mr. Hayne moved to refer the bill to the commit tee on naval affairs, on which some conversation took place. The motion was opposed by Messrs Cobb, Holmes, Smith, of Md. and Macon, and supported by Mr. Harrison.

Mr. Hayne said that he had merely made the motion as a duty; the bill having been referred to the committee on naval affairs last year. He was not anxious as to the reference, but wished that some rule might be fixed for the future, as to the reference of bills of this description.

M. Holmes then moved further to amend the bill, by inserting the words "upper and"-so as to extend the restriction to both Upper and Lower Canada. The motion was agreed to.

The bill, on motion of Mr. Holmes, was further amended, by inserting the words "boat or other crait," after the word vessel, so as to exclude vessels of ali descriptions from carrying on the trade.

Mr. Cobb moved also to add, "wagon, cart, or sleigh," so as to make the restriction apply to land as well as water carriage.

After a short conversation on this motion between Messrs. Holmes, and Harrison, Mr. Cobb not pressing

Mr. Chandler moved the reference to the finance his motion, committee.

The question on referring to the naval committee was then put and negatived, and the bill was referred to the committee on finance.

The unfinished business of yesterday was then taken up, being the bill to regulate the intercourse between the United States and the colonies of Great Britain, the amendment offered by Mr. Smith of Md. pending.

The question occurred on striking out, in order to insert the substitute offered for the bill by Mr. Smith; before the vote was taken

On motion of Mr. Eaton the senate adjourned. February 24 Mr. Smith, of Md. from the committee on finance, to whom the bill making appropriations for the military service of the United States for the year 1827, was referred, reported the same without amendment.

Mr. Johnston, of Lou. then addressed the senate in The chair presented a letter from the postmasterfavor of the bill reported by the committee, and in an-general, transmitting a statement of the mail corswer to Mr Smith, of Md. tracts made during the year 1826.

Mr. Holmes, in moving an amendment to the bill, Also, a letter from the secretary of state, transmit made some remarks on the aspect of the bill as re-ting a statement of the number of passengers who ar ported, considering that a restrictive system ought to rived in the United States in the year 1826. be entirely such in fact. The object of this measure The bill from the other house, making appropriawas to coerce the British into a concession of what tions for fortifications, was read twice, and referred we thought our right, and yet it would give them all to the committee on finance. that they wanted, as the trade would go to the West Indies through Canada. The bill now restricted intercourse only "by sea," which would concentrate the commerce on the lines. Passamaquoddy bay would not come under the restriction, and Eastport

The bill. from the other house, making appropriations for the Indian department, was read twice and referred to the committee on finance.

The report and resolution from the select committee, to whom was referred the petitions for indemni

fication for depredations committed on the property of the petitioners, by the French government prior to the year 1800, were taken up. After some conversa tion between Messrs Holmes, Chandler, Tazewell, and While, they were, on motion of Mr. King, postponed to Tuesday next, and made the order for that day Mr. Johnson, of Ky from the committee on the poster. Cobb, Dicker on Eaton, Findlay, Hays, Holmes, Jahnson, of offie and post roads, to which was referred the bill re Ky Kane, Kis g. McKinley, Macon, Mrks, Randolph, Re d. Ridge guiating the post office department, reported the same ley, Rowan, Sith of Md. Smith, of S. C. Tazewell, Van Buren, with an amendment, allowing the privilege of frank-White Williams, Woodbury-9. ing to the secretary of the senate.

NAYS- Messr, Barton, Benton, Berren, Branch, Clayton, Cobb, Eaton Findlay, Hayne. Johnson, of Ky Johnston, Lut. Kane, Macon, Randolph, Reed, Rowan. Sanford, Saith, of Md. Smith, of S. C. Tazewell, Van Buren, White, Williams. Woodbury-25. Mr. Smith, of Md. rose, and spoke about one hour and a half in reply to Mr. Johnston, of Lou and intiation for the completion of barracks, store houses, support of his amendment.