The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1822-12-13
MIR. LEIGIl'S LETTER.

that, in obedience TO the commands Of the
general assembly, as expressed in the act
of the last session, entitled San act APP
pointing a commissioner 10 attend the le-
gisature of Kentucky and for other pur-
poscs," by which was appointed commits
sioner for the purposes mentioned III the
act. repaired TO Kentucky in the month
of May last, in order that might be pre-
sent at an extra session of the legislature
Of thai state, which, | was informed, would
then be held, and thus avail myself of the
earliest opportunity of fulfilling the duties
entrusted TO me.
Immediately on my arrival at Frankfort,
| addressed letter 10 his excellcncy the
governor OF Kentucky, informing him of
the general purposes Of my mission, &C
companied with copies of the act of assem-
bly, by which ! was deputed, and of the
preamble ard resolutions on the subject of
the claims Of the officers and soldiers, sal
1ors and marines, entitled to bounty in
lands Of military service all ofwhich re-
quested him to lay before the legislature,
at its then approaching session. A copy
ofmy letters that occasion, is herewith
communicated, No. [.
His excelency, IN compliance with this
relu s, communicated, by a special mes
sage, to the general assembly, at an early
day of its session, my letter and the accom-
panying documents. 1t belonged TO that
honorable body, to prescribe the manner
in which should communicate with it on
the business of my mission and Joint
committee of both houses was promptly
appointed, TO confer with me on that sub
lect. The result of this conference was,
that, conformably with my own wishes, the
general assembly was pleased TO resolve,
| that il would receive from me such COM
| munication as ] might be authorized to
make, to he addressed to both houses; and
| that, for that purpose, should be pcev-
ed at the bar of the house of representa-
| tives, on Friday the nth May. A copy
| of these resolutions is herewith communi-
Gated, No. 2.
On that day, therefore, appeared be-
fore the legislature Of Kentucky, and used
my best endeavors To procure the enact
ment of such laws by that legislature, as
would best comport with tine views Of
ours, as expressed in the preamble and 're-
| solutions on the subject Of the claims 10 mi
litary bouniies, above referred to: explain
ing the history, foundation and nature Of
those claims enforcing the justice and O.
putty Of them, to the utmost OF my power,
and the duty of Kentucky, to provide for
the adjustment and satisfaction of them, by
hsr own voluntary act aud il, notwith-
standing, the legislature of Kentucky should
still be of opinion, that it was under no OBJ
hgationto acoedc to the proposed measures
for the satisfaction of the military clai-
mRnts, | then p,esscd the alternative,
winch III that case was authorised and in
str'icted to ask--that il would cooperate
with the legislature Of Virginia, in crgani-
gang board of commissioners, noniorma-
bly, with the eighth article of the compact
between the two states, with authority to
decide all matiers in difference between
them. And this, took the liberty to re-
present, >Nirginia had perfect right to re-
quirc, rs wcllby the merits Other own con
duet towards Kentucky, as by the plain
terms of the compact; and in this, there
fore, no disappointment was anticipated.
1.-THE result OF the deliberations of the &C.
neral Assembly of Kentucky on the sub
lect, at that session, will appear by the pre-
| amblc and resolutions adopted by that bo-
tdy, and approved by the governor on the
Goth May last; ofwhich ] herewith COM
mGnlcate a copy, No. 3
1t thereby appears, that the legislature
OF Kentucky. being of opinion that the
claims set forth by the legislature of Nir-
s,nia, on behalf tho claimants Of military
bountcs, ought not TO be recognized as
valid against the state'of Kentucky, refu-
sed to accede to the measures proposed
| he AT .f hat
the same time declared, that as Virginia
had preferred the claim, a respect for her,
and sacred regard for Justice, induced the
legislature of Kentucky, in the spirit OF
Cancellation and friendship promptly to ac-
ccde TO the proposition to organize board
OF commlvsoners-mo especially as Ken
lucky had herself sisniied Il desire to re-
fer 10 the decision ofsuch a board, the va
liidity of certain laws of that state, in rela-
ton To occupying claimants of lands, and
Virginia protested herself willing tohave
board organized with general powers
! Therefore, IT was resolved, that ii was eX-
pcdicnt to appoint Il board of commission
crs, as desired by the state of Virginia, UNI
der the eighth article of the compact, to de
| ternliae all matters in difference between
the two states ; and that commissioner
should be appointed on the part Of Ken
lucky, to enter into arrangements ard sti-
| pnIaions with me, preparatory to the or
/ ganlzaton of the tribunal under the COM
pact, aud to report the same to the legisla-
ture OF Kentucky at its next session,
which reportwas 10 be aGsject toits control.
These resolutions were communicated
to me by bis exceIency governor Adair, in
aletter Of the 3oth May (herewithen oospd,
No. ~ by which | was also informed, that
Henry Clay esquire was appointed commits
siuner on the part of the state of kentuc-
ky, TO concert with me the necessary ar
| rnnmemrnts and stinLl.linns nrnnnrnt n1.,.