We are raising our western force to
five thousand men. The stock-jobbing speculations have occupied some of
our countrymen to such a degree, as to give sincere uneasiness to those
who would rather see their capitals employed in commerce, manufactures,
buildings, and agriculture. The failure of Mr. Duer, the chief of that
description of people, has already produced some other bankruptcies, and
more are apprehended. He had obtained money from great numbers of small
tradesmen and farmers, tempting them by usurious interest, which
has made the distress very extensive. Congress will adjourn within a
fortnight. The President negatived their representation bill, as framed
on principles contrary to the constitution. I suppose another will
be passed, allowing simply a representative for every thirty or
thirty-three thousand, in each State. The troubles in the French island
continue extreme; we have, as yet, heard of the arrival but of a few
troops. There begins to be reason to apprehend, the negroes will perhaps
never be entirely reduced. A commission has issued to Mr. Carmichael and
Mr. Short, to treat with the court of Madrid on the subjects heretofore
in negotiation between us. I suppose Mr. Short will be in Madrid by the
last of May. We expect Major Pinckney here hourly, on his way to London,
as our Minister Plenipotentiary to that court.
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