Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-09-28

ing an enquiry into the amount of private pro. 4
perry destroyed. 800
MIR. Lewis said he was as dcsirous az The
gentleman from Kentucky could possibly be
Tor a iuii and early enquiry, but he did think
mat every thing relating to the occurrence with |
IN the District would come fairly within the en- |
curry. The town OF Alexsndris was an i'm
portant part ofthe District. The whole dis \
tret rs equally under dc exclusive jurisdiction
ct Congress. and Mar. l. said it was due TO ali |
that the enquiry should be general But. as
the gentleman was unwilling 10 accede TO sucl
an amendment as he wished to propose, would
wave It Tor the present, an ofcr it in the shane
OF distinct resolution.
Mr.. Grosvenor OF N Y said he was sorry he
could not accord 10 the proprety of Withdraw
! ng the proposed amendment. The subiect Of
the capitulatien of alexandria, s. the previous
destruction of Fort Warburion. was closely
CONNECTED with that Of the captu: of the CITY.
This District, under the exclusive controui Of
Congress, had been approached by the enemy
| IN dinerent directions, up the Patuxent and IN.
| rotcmacs by Two. divisions o Tie same force.
1t was premature now to give any opinion
where the b lie, if any, fwhat bad happened
should rest. lie hoped it would rest no where
that the recent disaster woull be found to be
tue result ofthe particular situation OF the coun
Try, which preciuded any adequate defence. But
1
thorough one one which would satisfy the ma.
ton where the blame ought to rest In this
view, he thought II would be idle to enquire
why the Capitol fell, distinguishing it FROM any
y other part of the District Fort Warbarton was
: one OF IT'S deiences ;the destruction Of It car.
y rsrs on It's iace great cause OF suspicion--ani
u ought therefore TO be particular subject q,
enquiry and. certainly, if any part oftHe sub
! was worthy OF enquiry, this was. The gen
tieman from Maryland being absent, he would
/ therefore propose an amendment in the follow
s ing words, g and into tie causes which Undue
; Lea the destruction OF Fort Warburton and ca.
: pi,nlation OF Alexandria,"
Mr. johnson had objection to INCLUDING
Fort Wsrtrton in the enquiry, but objected. Il
also including Alexandria. &. -
Mr.. CASTOR OF N c. said he did NAT do,b
shat the object of all those who interes.e sd them
4 selys IN this matter, waa to have full invest
N Saton @! The subject ina national view In.
: stead, then, otenquirirg into the particular de
tails, he should wish 60 have the enquiry rene
raj, and couched IN the very terms In which I'll.
President had brought it before Congress- i
his me sage, and he should move TO amend hi,
motion accordingly. Mr.. @. then stated his bro
pos amendment
Mr. Grosvenor withdrawing his supposed
amendment, Mr. h son accepsed Mr.. Gas
r ton $ amendment To this motion. making i.
with further modification sngsested b,
e Mr. GrosveDor, read As follows
If . .RcsotDed That comnittee be an.
: pointed to enquire into the causes of the
c success OF the enemy in his recent enterpri
e yes against the Metropolis, and the neigh
= oonrins townof Alexandria,. and into the
. manner>n wirch'the public buildings and
properly were destroyed, and the amodn,
thereof, and that they have power TO send
: Tor persons and papers" 80
Mr.tWrlght of Md took occasion to state
ms opluion that it would have been more
Parliamentary to have enquired into the
| causes OF the failure of the United States to
defend the district, than of the enemy's sue.
{ Cess IN his enterprise against it. But MIR. w.
u'u not Woyf any amendment.
|, tAe motion as j, Tow stands was agrees,
e to, without dissenting voice.
!, The House then proceeded to ballot for a
!, chaplain when, after three ballotings. the
! Rev Obadiah Brown, of this CITY. was de-
; CARED 10 be duly elected, T
Ana the house adjourned to Monday.