Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1808-01-22
CON G r S.
HOUSE Of REPRESENTATIVE
Thursday, 9anua'y7.

ord,y: Ordered, that Mr.. John Ran.
dolph, representative in congress from
the state Of Virginia, and Mr.. Daniel
Clark, delegate from the ew>Orleans
Territory be requested to lay on the
Clerks table all the papers in their pos
session relative to the conduct of Briga-
der general James WiAinsO", while ID
the service Of the United States, in cor.
ruptiy receiving money from the govern
rnent, or agents Of Spain.
Mr.. Randolph moved to amend the
resolution, by adding, after the word
~papers" the words :" or other informa-
ton" He believed that the delegate
to from New.O Orleans was possessed Of in
formation which perhaps he had not on
PAPER. ..~-,
The resolution gave rise to a long and
Interesting debate, which principally re-
lated to the character and conduct Of gen.
Wilkinson.
The question was taken by ayes and
noes on agreeing to the above order, and
il was carried, ayes go, noes 10.
Before the question was taSen on the
original resolution Of Mr.. Randolph, an
adjournment was called for, which pre-.
vailed.
Friday, January 8.
The house this day took up Mr.. Ran
dolph's resolution (respccting an inquiry
into the conduct of gen. Wikinson.)
A motion was made by Mr.. Taylor
that the resolution lie on the table.
This occasioned considerable debate.
Mr.. Rowan (ofKentueky) made most
impressive speech against the motion,
and in favor Of making an inquiry. In
tie course Of his remarks, he observed,
& that he hadi 1t in hisPower to name persons
Mho could give very important informa-
ion on this subject. He then moved
@tke following resolution: Resolved,
That a special committee be appointed
to enquire into the conduct of brigadier
general Wilkins8n, in relation to his
having at any time corruptly received
money from the government or agents of
Spain; aud that the committee have
power to send for persons or papers, and
to force die Artendmee md Production,
and that they reptor, the result thereof to
this house. Mr.. Rowan then read the
deposition Of Judge hines, Of Keutucky,
respecting the conspiracy. He mr.. R.)
secuted the idea ola commander IN chief
being tried by subahern offters; and en-.
forced the necessity Of the house making
the inquiry. He said the house ought
to feel no improper dehcacy in this sub
iuct ; and observed, that the president
of the United States had himself set the
example of making such Inquiries, by
art an indirec. though strong implication in
his message, charging a Coordinate
branch Of tie government with an impro-
per and corrupt administration Of the
law. MfyMr. r. also read an extract from
the proceedings Of a special committee
of the Kentucky legislature, who declar-
ed, that, i, appeared t~hatjudge Sebastian
. had been in the hahi. Of reeeiving an an
nual pension of two thousand dollars
from the Spanish government, and Of
corresponding with its agents. He ex-
pressed his belief that. unless vigorous
measures were soon taken by the govern
mcnt. we might, Notwithstanding all our
vigilance, ere long hear unpleasant news
from Louisiana.
= Mr.. Spitie oppressed his surprise that
the proceedings before the Kentucky leg
ialature had not been communicated to
the government.
Nr. Rowan stated that he himself, as.
secretary to the state of Kentucky.
Rad Immediately transmitted al ac-
count Of them to the president OF the o.
nted States.
Mr.. Smile spoke at length against
The resolution, denying the power of
the house. to make the inquiry.
MI. Clark observed that he was will
Eng 10 give any information in his power
> 10, the house ; but he wished to do it in
Eiting to prevent Misrepresentation.
Mr.. Holland inquired when the gen.
,lsroar ,vo,Id he ready m rive the infor.,