MAY, 1824.] Western Boundary of the Territory of Arkansas. Mr. TAYLOR hoped that the House was prepared to act on the resolution without delay. Mr. MODUFFIE moved to lay it on the table; and, the question being put, it was carriedayes 92. Mr. FORSYTH then moved that a copy of this report be transmitted by the Clerk of this House to the President of the United States. He observed, that the same courtesy which had dictated the former communication, when the memorial was presented, and the committee had sent for Mr. Edwards, was proper on the present occasion. Mr. WEBSTER said, that, with great deference to the honorable gentleman from Georgia, it appeared to him that, when the resolution proposed in the report of the committee should be adopted, it would then be proper to make such communication, but not in the present stage of proceeding. [H. OF R. to consent to remove the line farther west, and does not violate any treaty. It had received the deliberate consideration of the Senate, and he hoped it would pass this House. Mr. RANKIN rejoined. If this extension of the limits be allowed, the whole must be received as a State, or a small section of its western part must remain (probably forever) a Territory, or else the Indians must be driven still farther west. Mr. CLAY responded. If Louisiana was not as large as the gentleman could wish, it was an argument rather for than against this bill. He (Mr. C.) had opposed the treaty by which Texas was ceded, and Louisiana consequently reduced in extent. If Louisiana was comparatively weak, the greater need that the adjoining frontier State should be a strong one. noes 56. And then the House adjourned. The debate was further continued by Mr. WOOD, Mr. F. JOHNSON, and Mr. ISACKS, when the committee rose, and reported the bill to the Mr. FORSYTH then moved to lay the resolu- House; and, the question being put on its final tion he offered on the table, till the determina-passage, it was decided in the negative-ayes 52, tion of the House with respect to that reported by the committee should be known.-Agreed to. Western Boundary of the Territory of Arkansas. On motion of Mr. CONWAY, the House, in Committee of the Whole, (Mr. SHARPE in the chair,) considered the bill to fix the western boundary line of the Territory of Arkansas. On this bill an animated debate of considerable extent arose, in which Mr. RANKIN opposed the extension of the present boundary of that Territory, as violating the provision of Indian treaties, as giving an improper size to the future State into which this Territory will soon be formed. He denied the right of the settlers to the lands they occupied, and contended that that Territory ought to afford a resting-place to the Indians from the eastern side of the Mississippi, &c. Mr. CONWAY remonstrated with warmth against forty thousand Choctaw Indians turned in among the settlements of Arkansas, to turn out those who had subdued the wilderness, and were surrounded with improvements, the fruit of their own labor, fields, mills, cotton factories, distilleries, &c. He contended that the limits of the Territory should be removed farther to the west, to allow room for these Indians having a separate home from the whites, &c., and to give strength to Arkansas as a future frontier State. Mr. Wood made some remarks in opposition to the bill. WEDNESDAY, May 26. Western Boundary of the Territory of Arkansas. House do reconsider the vote, taken yesterday, A motion was made, by Mr. Ross, that the on the question, "Shall the bill from the Senate, line of the Territory of Arkansas, and for other entitled 'An act to fix the western boundary purposes,' be read a third time?" and on the question, "Will the House reconsider the said vote?" it passed in the affirmative. read a third time?" and passed in the affirmative. The question was again put, "Shall the bill be of the said bill. The bill was, accordingly, read To-day was then assigned for the third reading a third time. And, on the question, "Shall it pass?" it passed in the affirmative-yeas 70, nays 58, as follows: YEAS.-Messrs. Abbot, Adams, Alexander of Virginia, Alexander of Tennessee, J. S. Barbour, Breck, Brent, Buckner, Cocke, Condict, Cook, Craig, Cushman, Findlay, Floyd, Foot of ConnectiIngham, Isacks, Jenkins, Jennings, F. Johnson, cus, Forward, Harris, Henry, Holcombe, Houston, Kent, Kidder, Kremer, Lawrence, Leftwich, Litchfield, Little, Livermore, Livingston, McArthur, McDuffie, McKim, Martindale, Metcalfe, Mitchell of Pennsylvania, Mitchell of Maryland, Moore of Kentucky, Neale, Patterson of Pennsylvania, Patterson of Ohio, Plumer of Pennsylvania, Reynolds, Richards, Rich, Rose, Ross, Scott, Sloane, Standefer, A. Stevenson, J. Stephenson, Stewart, Strong, Swan, Mr. CLAY advocated the passage of the bill-Taliaferro, Tattnall, Taylor, Test, Udree, Van represented the hardships of the circumstances of the settlers-considered the new Territories as younger daughters in the common federative family, and, as such, entitled to an indulgent policy denied that the size of the Territory must necessarily govern the size of the future State to be formed out of it, and even if it did, he urged the policy of making Arkansas a strong frontier State. The bill only asks the Indians Mr. CONWAY explained. Wyck, Warfield, Williams of North Carolina, James NAYS.-Messrs. Bartlett, Beecher, Blair, Cambre- H. of R.] Case of Ninian Edwards. [MAY, 1824. It was very shire, Poinsett, Rankin, Reed, Sharpe, Alexander | to his residence in Alabama. Smyth, Spaight, Thompson of Georgia, Thompson desirable that the committee should be filled of Kentucky, Tomlinson, Tucker of Virginia, Tuck- up; and, with a view to that object, he moved er of South Carolina, Vance of North Carolina, that two members be added to the commitVance of Ohio, Webster, Whipple, Whitman, Wil- tee, to supply the place of the two members liams of Virginia, Wilson of South Carolina, Wood, absent? and Wright. Case of Ninian Edwards. Mr. LIVINGSTON moved for the consideration of the resolution reported yesterday by the Committee of Investigation in the case of Ninian Edwards. Carried-ayes 83, noes 26. On motion of Mr. LIVINGSTON, the resolve was amended so as to direct that the Clerk cause the final report of the committee to be printed, and transmit a copy to each member of the House. The question then recurring on the resolution as amended Farther debate took place. In the course of it, Mr. A. SMYTH moved to lay the resolve on the table; which motion was negatived-ayes 49, noes 58. The question being put on the resolution as amended, it was decided in the affirmativeayes 74. So the resolve was agreed to. Claim of Beaumarchais. Mr. McDUFFIE offered the following resolution : "Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to avail himself of all the means in his power, to ascertain whether any farther evi Mr. TAYLOR moved that the Clerk, on the order of the chairman of the committee, pay witnesses who may attend the Committee of Investigation, the usual allowance per diem for their attendance. Agreed to. Mr. TAYLOR moved the following: "That a committee be appointed on the part of this House, jointly with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate, to wait on the President of the United States, and notify him that unless he may have other communications to make to the two Houses of Congress, they are ready to adjourn." After a short time, Mr. TAYLOR, from the Joint Committee, appointed to wait on the President, reported that they had performed that duty, and that the President had informed them that he had no farther communication to make to Congress. Ordered, That a message be sent to the Senate to inform them that this House, having completed the business before them, are ready to close the present session of Congress by an adjournment on their part, and that the Clerk go with the said message. On motion of Mr. Foor, of Connecticut, the House was then adjourned by the SPEAKER till the first Monday of December next. dence can be obtained in relation to the claim of the heirs of Baron de Beaumarchais; and that, if any such evidence shall be obtained, that he com- REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF INVESTImunicate the same to this House, at an early period in the next session." Mr. MCDUFFIE stated the reasons in favor of the above resolution; the principal of which was, a wish to show the French Government that this country is disposed to do justice in the case of the Beaumarchais claim. Mr. FORSYTH stated that it formed a part of the instructions of our Minister to France, to negotiate on all just claims of citizens of the two nations against each other's Government, which included this case, and that this proposi tion was therefore unnecessary. Mr. MCDUFFIE thought, that, though this was true, yet it was expedient to adopt the resolution, to prevent mistaken impressions, which might be produced by the late vote of this House on that claim. THURSDAY, May 27. Case of Ninian Edwards. Mr. TAYLOR then rose, and said, that it had yesterday been decided that three members of the Committee of Investigation, in the case of Mr. Ninian Edwards, should not be a quorom of that committee. He had understood that one of the members of that committee had left the United States, and that another was gone home GATION. The select committee, (of the House of Representatives,) to whom was referred the memorial, or address, of Ninian Edwards, having, in obedience to the resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 26th of May, continued to hold its sittings, after the adjournment of the House, until the 21st day of June, have agreed on the following report: [The report shows that the whole case had been gone over again in the presence of Mr. Edwards, and a full hearing had of all that his testimony presented, or that he himself chose to submit in writing; and then concludes with the unanimous reiteration of the point arrived at in the first report. The following is this conclusion:] The committee do not deem it necessary to extend their report, by protracted observations on the various parts of the evidence, as the whole is submitted to the House. They content themselves with saying, that, in their opinion, nothing has been proved to impeach the integrity of the Secretary, ability of his administration of the public finances. or to bring into doubt the general correctness and To this point, as the main object of the inquiry, the chief attention of the committee has been directed; and they have come to the result, which has now been stated, with the unanimous concurrence of the members present. Other points there MAY, 1824.] EVIDENCE. Case of Ninian Edwards. [The committee reported the whole of the testimony taken, among the rest, that of Senator NOBLE of Indiana; of which the following is a part:] Q. Have you had any conversation with Governor Edwards concerning Mr. Crawford's management of the Western banks, and concerning his authorship of the A. B. letters? [H. OF R. are, of less importance, but which may, neverthe- | ed currency. The notes on various banks being less, be supposed not to have escaped consideration depreciated, after the effect and operation of the by the committee. These, however, under all the war in that portion of the Union, and the banks, by circumstances, they have thought it proper to leave, attempting to call in their paper, having exhausted without observation, in the light in which they are their specie, the notes that were then in circulation placed by the evidence. became of little or no value. Many men of influence in that country, said he, have united to induce the Secretary of the Treasury to select certain banks as banks of deposit, and to take the notes of certain banks in payment for public lands. Had he not done so, (meaning Mr. Crawford,) many of our inhabitants would have been turned out of doors, and lost their lands; and the people of that country would have had as universal disgust against Mr. Crawford; and I will venture to say, said Mr. Edwards, notwithstanding I am considered his enemy, that no man in this Government could have conducted the fiscal and financial concerns of the Government with more integrity and propriety than Mr. Crawford did. I farther remarked to Governor Edwards, in speaking of his nomination, that, inasmuch as he was nominated by the President, unless some charge was brought against him, I had already evinced in the Senate my disposition to vote for the confirmation of his nomination, without any previous consultation with him; but added, if I had the power of making the nomination, I would not have nominated him; and, as an evidence of it, I had written a letter to Mr. Monroe, urging the nomination of William Henry Harrison, and with that letter I had enclosed the unanimous recommendation of the members of the Legislature of Indiana in favor of General Harrison. A. I have; and it was introduced by himself. Q. State that conversation, with the time and circumstances. [The following extracts from the testimony three other witnesses are also given:] Charles H. W. Wharton sworn, on the part of Mr. Crawford. Question by Mr. Forsyth. Have you ever had a conversation with Mr. Edwards about the authorship of the A. B. publications? If yes, relate it. Answer. Yes. I have had a conversation with him on that subject in December or January last, at his lodgings, at Mrs. Queen's. Mr. E. said he was not the author of the A. B. plot, that he did not know any thing about it. A. The precise day I cannot recollect; it was pending his nomination made by the President of the United States to the Senate, as Minister to Mexico; and it was after the 21st or 22d of February last. I make this statement from the fact, that on the 21st or 22d of February, I went to Mrs. Queen's to board, where Governor Edwards resided, and this conversation was after I went there. He stated that he was about to be attacked in the Senate of the United States for the purpose of defeating his nomination; that party and political spirit was now high: that he understood that charges would be exhibited against him, and that it had been so declared in the Senate Chamber. I remarked to Governor Edwards that he well knew, according to the rules of that body, while on Executive business, secrecy was required; that I was not at liberty to mention any occurrence, or the remark of a single member, excepting so far as related to myself; that I was not governed by party or political feelings or motives; that I adhered to the expression made use of by Jefferson-and the only inquiry with me was, is he capable, and is he honest? Governor Edwards then remarked, that, although secrecy was required in that body, yet he was informed almost every day of the transactions and remarks of individuals when his nomination was called up; and he added, "Noble, I shall not forget you." I then replied, that I did not understand his meaning. He said it was unimportant-he was satisfied I was not governed by the party feelings which were then prevailing. It was on the day, in the evening of which this conversation took place, that I had moved to take up his nomination in the Senate. This must have been his meaning, when he said he would not forget me; for he explained it the next A. I called upon Mr. Edwards for the purpose day, and said he had heard that I had done so. of procuring recommendations to the different SecMr. E. farther remarked, that he knew me to be retaries of the Departments with a view to obtainthe decisive friend of William H. Crawford; and, ing for myself a clerkship. He stated that he was said he, I am considered as being his bitter enemy intimately acquainted with all of them, and could and I am charged with being the author of the give letters to all of them, except Mr. Crawford, numbers signed A. B.; but, (raising his hand,) I and a letter to him would do no good, for, (to use pledge you my honor, I am not the author, nor do his own expressions,) that he and Mr. Crawford I know who the author was. Crawford and I, said "did not set horses together;" that Mr. Crawford Mr. Edwards, have had a little difference, but I was under a belief that he was the author of the have always considered him a high-minded, honor- d-d A. B. plot, the authorship of which he disable and vigilant officer of the Government; he has avowed; and he concluded by saying that he conbeen abused about the Western banks and the un-sidered Mr. Crawford a very clever and honorable available funds; (leaning forward and extending his hand) he added, now d-n it, you know we both live in States where there are many poor debtors to the Government for lands, together with a derang Q. In what manner was this denial made, and in what words, so far as you can recollect? A. The manner appeared to be solemn; the expressions were "He would be dd if he knew any thing about that d- -d A. B. plot." Q. How came he to say any thing about the A. B. plot? man. Q. by Mr. Cook. Are you certain that Mr. Edwards, in speaking of an A. B. plot, did not say that he knew nothing of any plot? H. OF R.] Case of Ninian Edwards. [MAY, 1824. A. I have correctly stated the conversation as it I said, if we would publish his defence. I asked him occurred. what defence-a defence against whom? He replied, that he expected to be attacked, and whenever he turned upon his enemies, he generally got the better of them, (or words to that effect.) He further said, (and this I remember distinctly, for he twice or thrice repeated it,) that when he commenced, he never stopped at the line of just retri bution. I answered him, that, if he was attacked in our paper, he should have the free use of it to defend himself; that if he was attacked anywhere else, he should have the same rights extended to him as were extended to all other citizens; but he could have no positive promise of publication, until we had read the matter which he wished published. Passing then from that subject, Governor Edwards said he knew that we had thought him for some time hostile to us, on account of that foolish business of last session, (or that A. B. affair of last session-I do not recollect which phrase he used,) William W. Seaton sworn, on the part of Mr. Craw- but he had nothing to do with it. Mr. Gales was ford. Question by Mr. Forsyth. Did you ever have a conversation with Mr. Edwards, relative to the authorship of the A. B. publications? Answer. Mr. Edwards spoke of those papers to me, incidentally. He came to our office to have, as he said, a free and frank conversation. It was the first time he had been there, to my knowledge, for a year. It was during the pendency of his nomination before the Senate as Minister to Mexico, and some time before Mr. Crawford's report was made to Congress. He wished to know, he present during the greater part, if not the whole of this conversation. It was on the authority of this conversation alone, that we expressed in the paper our belief that Mr. Edwards was not the author of the A. B. publications. [In consequence of these two reports of the Committee of Investigation, and the accompanying testimony, Mr. Edwards was required by President Monroe to resign his appointment of Minister to Mexico, and also to refund the outfit and quarter's salary which he had received.] DECEMBER, 1824.] President's Message. [SENATE. EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.-SECOND SESSION. BEGUN AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 6, 1824. PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE. MONDAY, December 6. This being the day fixed for the opening of the Second Session of the Eighteenth Congress, Mr. GAILLARD, president pro tempore, in the absence of the Vice President, took the chair; and the roll being called over, it appeared that & quorum of members was present, and a committee was appointed, jointly with such committee as the House of Representatives might appoint, to wait on the President of the United States, and inform him that the two Houses were assembled, and ready to receive any communication he might have to make, &c. TUESDAY, December 7. On motion of Mr. BARBOUR, the Senate concurred in the resolution from the other House, respecting the reception of General LAFAYETTE. A written Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, by Mr. EVERETT, as follows: President's Message. Fellow-Citizens of the Senate, us, under wise regulations, the opposite effect. and of the House of Representatives: The view which I have now to present to you, of our affairs, Foreign and Domestic, realizes the most sanguine anticipations which have been en- In adverting to our relations with foreign powers, tertained of the public prosperity. If we look to which are always an object of the highest importance, the whole, our growth, as a Nation, continues to be I have to remark, that, of the subjects which have rapid, beyond example; if to the States which com- been brought into discussion with them during the pose it, the same gratifying spectacle is exhibited. present administration, some have been satisfacOur expansion over the vast territory within our torily terminated; others have been suspended, to limits, has been great, without indicating any de- be resumed hereafter, under circumstances more cline in those sections from which the emigration favorable to success; and others are still in negotiahas been most conspicuous. We have daily gained tion, with the hope that they may be adjusted, with strength by a native population in every quarter-a mutual accommodation to the interests, and to the population devoted to our happy system of Govern- satisfaction, of the respective parties. It has been ment, and cherishing the bond of union with frater- the invariable object of this Government, to cherish nal affection. Experience has already shown, that the most friendly relations with every power, and the difference of climate, and of industry, proceed-on principles and conditions which might make them ing from that cause, inseparable from such vast domains, and which, under other systems, might have a repulsive tendency, cannot fail to produce, with permanent. A systematic effort has been made to place our commerce with each power on a footing of perfect reciprocity; to settle with each, in a spirit |