Litchfield Enquirer

Extract of a letter dated Washington, March 26.

The Senate was not in session to-day. In the House, the bill granting a compensation to the family of Captain Decatur and others, who aided in destroying the Frigate Philadelphia in the harbor of Tripoli, was considered in the committee of the whole, and amended. When the committee rose, the further consideration of the bill was postponed till next Friday.

The bill as amended, gives Mrs. Decatur the interest on $30,000 for life. At her death two-thirds of the sum is to be divided among the blood kin of Commodore Decatur, and one-third is left at Mrs. D.'s disposal. Heretofore the whole amount was reported for the use of Mrs. D. alone, which prevented its passage. Its present amended shape, seems to have gained it some additional friends.

The bill, besides the provision in relation to the Decatur family, has something for the family of Captain Lawrence. Lawrence, at the time, he assisted in the destruction of the Frigate in the harbor of Tripoli, acted as a midshipman; his share will go of course to his family. It is said that he has an only daughter, now residing with her mother in the state of New Jersey.

The ground upon which this grant rests is the taking of the frigate from the enemy. If it is considered that the little phalanx of brave tars, headed by Decatur, in burning her, did in effect capture her, they ought therefore to be entitled to compensation for that noble deed. They perilled as much, if not more, in their boarding and destroying her, than if they had met her upon the high seas and taken her from the enemy. Justice has been tardy in this matter, but we hope, at last, that Congress will do justice to all concerned, by passing that bill intended for their relief—an act of justice that will be applauded every where by the patriotic people of this country.