sure I suggested in mine, of adjourning for
consultation with their constituents, was not brought forward; but on
Tuesday three resolutions were moved, which you will see in the public
papers. They were offered in committee to prevent their being suppressed
by the previous question, and in the committee on the state of the
Union, to put it out of their power, by the rising of the committee and
not sitting again, to get rid of them. They were taken by surprise,
not expecting to be called to vote on such a proposition as 'that it
is inexpedient to resort to war against the French republic'. After
spending the first day in seeking on every side some hole to get out
at, like an animal first put into a cage, they gave up their resource.
Yesterday they came forward boldly, and openly combated the proposition.
Mr. Harper and Mr. Pinckney pronounced bitter philippics against France,
selecting such circumstances and aggravations as to give the worst
picture they could present. The latter, on this, as in the affair of
Lyon and Griswold, went far beyond that moderation he has on other
occasions recommended. We know not how it will go. Some think the
resolution will be lost, some, that it will be carried; but neither way,
by a majority of more than, one or two. The decision of the Executive,
of two thirds of the Senate, and half the House of Representatives, is
too much for the other half of that House. We therefore fear it will be
borne down, and are under the most gloomy apprehensions. In fact, the
question of war and peace depends now on a toss of cross and pile. If
we could but gain this season, we should be saved. The affairs of Europe
would of themselves save us. Besides this, there can be no doubt that a
revolution of opinion in Massachusetts and Connecticut is working. Two
whig presses have been set up in each of those States. There has
been for some days a rumor, that a treaty of alliance, offensive and
defensive with Great Britain, has arrived. Some circumstances have
occasioned it to be listened to; to wit, the arrival of Mr. King's
secretary, which is affirmed, the departure of Mr. Liston's secretary,
which I know is to take place on Wednesday next, the high tone of the
executive measures at the last, and present session, calculated to raise
things to the unison of such a compact, and supported so desperately in
both Houses in opposition to the pacific wishes of the people, and
at the risk of their approbation at the ensu