The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-03-20
Vol. s------No. 400.

I o'laintiag. This was the old course If Dri-
earn, tipde and conquer. The existence
II such agencies was sufficiently known be-
iJre. These papers only Went to prove it.
lie president would not have sent these
papers publicly to Congress, it he had not
intended they should go to the public
ME. WNlGdI rose in explanation Of his
former remarks. He wished it to be dis
ttmetiy understood that he had no objection
to the publication of these papers.
| MIR. MiLNOR; said his purpose in rising
now was to express the anxious desire he
ieit that on this question the re might not be
the least division Of sentiment manifested
| in the House He should be extremely
sorry at any time above ali, at a period
OF our national progress when it was thought
that a Change OF circumstances of the most
! important kind was about to take place /:
That at this time an opinion should be imbi-
bed that any portion CT the people of this
country Were favorable to England. The
candor OF the gentleman frcm MARYLAND
| (Nir. Wright redounded to his honor. He
WAS extremely SlaG to find gentlemen ac-
knowicge, with respect tothe party in which
he stood enrolled, whatever might be cur
internal differences, &c. that they could not
be suspected of hostility to the Union
there could be noidea entertained by sensi-
bic men of either party that there was a.
mongst us any considerable portion of men
who are inimically disposed to the Union of
the states.
That these papers proved dishonorable
attempt ON the part of the British govern
'nent, Mr. M. said he had no dou6t Al
though strong sensation would probably bo
produced by the discovery of this circuln-
stance, and it might be perverted much TO
the injury OF the feelings of particular indi-
viduais, he hoped the good sense of the COM
munity would induce them, whilst they
properly appreciated this attempt of a
foreign government, not to be led into rash
or injudcious measures. He really wished
tile affair Nigh be probed to the bottom !; &c.
that the British minister having in one case
Gene forward with n disayowal for his GO
vernrnent, would say in some shape or other
what was the real state Of the case now be-
| fore the House
MIR. RHEA again spoke in amplihcation
OF ms former remarks. He said that be this
man. Mr.. Henry, who he might, he had done
an important service to the country in ex~
posing the views of the British government :
land 1t beloved the House to ascertain their
The motion for Printing qvas unanimouss
ly agreed TO.
Mr.. BlBB moved to- amend his motion for
reference to the Committee of Foreign L ELLA
tons so as to give the committee power to
send tor persons and papers.
Mr.. IROUP said, that on occasions OF
The Housc be hurried by a momentary ey-
tcltement into an act Of preoipitancy. He
hatl confidence IN the discretion of the COM
mlttee OF foreign relations, but the vestine
such power in the committee might be con-
sideredas an instruction by the House te
proceed under any circumstances to bring
! Mr.. Henry before item. He had TO fonhr.
IN his own mind, that the communication
had been voluntary on the part of MIR. Hen,
~ bnt re entertained as little that there
may have been certain stipuiations and con-
/ ditions which the Executive would feel it
sell under the strongest obligations of GOOD
| ialth 70 comply with and which would ex1
seen'Pt the individual making the disclosure
rom any responsibility Of any kind What
ever may be thought of the motives CT MIR.
Henry in making HE disclosure, or whatc-,
yer the epithets applied to hin, in debate.
CERTAIN it was, blr. Henry had done services
20 the Country, and ought to be protected bv
IT.. LIZ the committee should, on exan,;Dati-
on, think proper toproceed to summon perA
sons, or call for papers, the House would
net hesitate to vest them with the necessary
| powers.
Mr.. GRUNDY stated what was his i'm
preston as to the course he should incline
to pursue as member of the Committee oa
foreign relations, if these papers should be-
referred, as proposed, to that committee,
III any engagement, express or implied, had
! taken place between the administration and
Mr. Henry, that he should be free from de-
tention. &c. he should not, as one CT the
com mittee, Consent to violate that engage
| mcnt.
4 Mr.. BIB said. as there appeared to be
considerable difference of opision on this
subject, and as the committee could apply
Tor the power fthey wished it, he should for
the present withdraw his motion.
Mr.. RANDOLPH renewed it.
\ Mr. PIIKlN spoke i'll favor of the moti@
on. lie thought this course due to the peo-
pie IN that section of the Union whose cha-
racter was implicated in these papers
/ Mr. FISK said, there was no fear of this
person absconding he was not that sort of
a man. But were this man ont of the world.
there is evidence enough to prove the trutl,
OF all he has said without a syllable from
him. rs to this course being due to those
; implicated, Mr.. +. said he came from one
: OF the states (Nermont) about which most
was said in Henry's letters, and he felt no
uneasiness on that score; and he could not
see why others should
Mr.. BlBB accepted Mr. Randolph's pro-
tposltion as part Of his motion, as he had
only been induced to Withdraw it by a de-
sire to accommodate.
Mr.. MACON required division Of tho
Question AMI
The question on reference was carried u
unanimously. =
The question TO clothe the committee.
y \ al H.