Alexandria Gazette

We understand that Mr. Preston's proposition for a retrocession of the District of Columbia, to the States of Maryland and Virginia, is attracting much attention, especially amongst the Southern members of Congress. And this is induced principally by the continued attempts of the Northern abolitionists to effect their work of mischief, by commencing their vile efforts in the territory under the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress. It is thought by many that a retrocession of the District will be the most certain and efficacious way of putting a stop to the fanatics forever. They would have then, no ground on which even to look, much less to stand. The incendiary wretches would then have to howl at home in impotent rage at their own want of power, whilst the South could defy their malice and their means. This is the just reason why Mr. Preston's resolution is so much talked of. There are other reasons, of course, operating upon the minds of Congress and the public.