First session of the 16th congress. Admission of Maine and Mis- souri. Missouri question. Origin of slavery, and its introduc- tion into the American system. Excitement on the subject. Tariff discussion. Separation of the committee of commerce
Debts due for the sale of lands. Western banks. Charges against the secretary of the treasury. Report of a committee thereon. Piracies in the West Indies; their principal haunts. Armament for their suppression under Commodore Porter. Key West; its situation. Foxardo affair. Charges against Commodore Porter;