The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-04-27

: Thc question was taken on the passage of the
/, bill about 5o'ciock, and carried 81 to 40.
\ Mr.. Loco proposed resolution substantially
similar To that which the House refused 10
consider yesterday which the House again re.
/ fused 10 consider.
FRIDAY. April 90.
The Speaker laid before the House the
follow iag letter, which was read:
WASHING TON, April 90.
SIa,
After a tedious passage from New.
T,rleans, arrived at Baltimore On the 10Th
iestant. and reached this city the next day.
My absence has been necessarily protract.
ed by the selection of papers from a mass of
twenty years accumulation, for the estab.
lishment Of facts, to reiute the multifarious
and diversified calumnies by which have
been assaiied.
Inow present myself to the Representa-.
tive Body of the nation, the guardians of
the public veal and the protectors of indi
vidual rights. to express my earnest desire,
that they may constitute some impartial
tribunal which may be governed with strict
ness by the principles of the Constitution and
the laws OF evidence. to investigate the con-
whereby justice may be done. and my an
exampied persecution be terminated.
aver:my innocence of the foul offences
which arc imputed TO me, and declare my
ability tosupport it before any appropriated
court. Through you, sir. appeal to my
country. and claim that right, which is not
refused to the most prchigate--the right Of
confronting my accusers. The Representa-.
tives of the Peple will not, am persuaded,
suffer teilow-citizen, who has been devoted
70 the public service for more than 25 years,
and has nothing left him but conscious fide
Iity and attachment to his native country, to
uein vain for justice.
The enclosed letter to the Secretary of
war was written anterior to the receipt of
my notification Of recall from the com ,nand
on the Mississippi. and will evince my rea-
diness and my desire for full investigation
Ct my conduct.
With perfect respect,
have the honor 10 be,
Sir.
Your obedent servant,
JAS: WILKINSON,
Tie Honorable
y. 81. Varnuan, Esq.
Sneaker Of the House of
Retresentdtiues.
COLUMBIA SPRING, Oct. 1s, 1909.
Sir.
Having received information that GER.
tain imPutations have been aledged against
me by the late captain George Peter, and
Certain subaltcrs in Office, which are calcu-
lated TO affect my character as military
oihcer,, 1t is my earnest desire that court
OF enquiry should be ordered to examine in
10 my conduct from the commencement of
my military service, with iniunctions to re-
port an opinion. Or should my enemies have
been hardy enough to prefer formal charges
against me, which are deemed worthy of
investigation, that an arrest may ensue. and
general Court MARTA! be appointed for nv
trial. '
IN making this request, am moved by
a consciousness OF my integrity, by sa.
cred regard to my character, and the self
conviction. that i have served nv country
with zeal and fidelity, and that have never
deceived it (; disciaiming at the same time.
all advantages to be derived from any act or
clause OF limitation.
. but as this has been the theatre of nv
command, generally, for eleven years past
asmy companions in service and the evidence
OF my conduct, (many of whom have retir-
ca 10 the walks OF private life,) are now in
this country, it will be impossible for me "a
command at any distant point. the testimony
necessary to rebuff the fictions OF fa!sehoods
OF my enemies, or to illustrate nv humble
services as public officer: l, therefore.
nope the request may not he deemed an un :.
reasonable one. that the enquiry or court.
martial should be held at some military post
within this territory the more particularly.
as the main body Of the army is here. and
suitable court can be formed with more
convenience to individuals who NAV com
poseit, and with the less expence to the Dub.
lie.
"A general officer to relieve me from com
'mand, and to preside at the Enquiry. will
DE the only person necessary to be ordered
out and. under the circumstances. fat
ter myself, no gentleman in commission will
aeem this duty hardship.
With perfect respect,
1 am, &c.
Jas: WILKINSON.
The Honorable
Secretary Of War.
Mr. RandoLhh. from the committee to
whom was referred the resolution respect
Ing the reduction of the naval establishment.
reported the following till which was
twice read and referred to a committee of
the whole
81 6tH 10 reduce the Naval Establishment
ofthe u. Stakcs.
BE H enacted by fhe Senate and House
81 Refrescntc 'iUes ofIhe United States off
-S"'frsca. in Congress assen6icd, That the