The Arkansas Advocate

From the New York Courier & Enquirer.

Washington, March 10.

This is one of the most amusing Congresses that ever convened. They meet regularly every day; they talk regularly on every question; they quarrel and make up as regularly; they draw their pay all—and, in short, they are the most regular set of irregular fellows that ever made laws for an honest, credulous people. Here we are in the midst of March—the birds singing—the buds bursting—the whole face of nature alive: and yet, the tariff—the bank—the apportionment bill, &c. &c. are as far from settlement as ever. The only decisive act, is the coup de grace to the bill of poor Mrs. Decatur. When a woman is in the way—how valorous! how noble! how patriotic! how careful of the public money!

In the House, for the last few days, the principal topic has been the United States Bank. A great deal of bitter feeling has broken out on this subject. The town yesterday was alive with the "rencontre" between M'Duffie and Wayne of Georgia. Mr. M'Duffie treated some question put to him by Mr. Wayne with contempt. Mr. Wayne retorted severely, and talked of certain "silken valour." The House was in commotion; more excitement never was seen. Charles F. Mercer, of Virginia, undertook to be peace-maker. Wayne very magnanimously made the amende honorable on the spot, and the clouds of anger immediately disappeared. On the bank question, General Root made a speech, which is spoken of variously in various circles. He unfortunately introduced into the House, our little pleasant family quarrels in New York. These are excellent enough at home, but are in rather bad taste at Washington. The pleasant divisions and agreeable dissentions of a great State should never be introduced at Washington—they are a bore. These things are, or ought to be, sacred as our "house-hold gods."

The season here, thus far, has been brilliantly fashionable. The succession of gay people has been immense—greater than on any former occasion.—Many are still coming in. The last "drawing-room" will be given next Thursday, and it is to be the greatest jam of the season. The fashionables are delicious game, and I must devote several whole epistolaries to them.—Many originals have flitted across the horizon, whose graces and air are worth catching. I shall set my "springs to catch woodcocks." Adieu,