The Ottawa Free Trader

FROM WASHINGTON.

Correspondence of the Free Trader,

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.

DEAR SIR:—

The senate met to-day, but merely to adjourn: and the house up to 3 o'clock, was taken up with random discussions about those three great subjects: liberty, union, and independence. Patriotism was poured out in abundance, and fresh plasters were placed over the confederacy. After this day's discussion, I think our country is safe. And all this about a poor negro, whose case has just been referred to the judiciary committee. We have northern and southern fanatics, who talk about slavery let what will come up.

There is no telling who will be U. S. Supreme Judge, as the candidates are so numerous.

On Sunday morning last, we had one of our Illinois duels, wherein nobody was injured in any way. The parties got mad about shaking hands, and after shooting at each other at eighty yards, with rifles, made peace again. They were strangers here.

The weather is remarkably mild, and our Illinois delegation are all well, senators and representatives.

The house has just suspended the rules, by a vote of two-thirds, to go into a committee of the whole (all the whigs voting against it) in order to take up the bill on Jackson's fine. Mr. Stephens (whig) of Georgia, proposed a substitute, so that the bill imply no censure on Judge Hall. Not adopted. Mr. Slidell, of New Orleans, is now advocating the bill. Its fate will be sent you, as soon as it is known.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30.

The result of the bill refunding the money to Gen. Jackson, is not yet decided. Mr. Slidell (not J. L. Branch, as some mistook) made an able and interesting speech, detailing the whole history of the capture of Pensacola and the defence of New Orleans, which city he now represents. There was not much of Judge Hall left, when he had finished. His speech, when published in a pamphlet form, I will send you.

It was our intention to pass the bill that night though we staid till day-break, and we had nothing to eat save breakfast. But Mr. Barnard got the floor and began to abuse the old General in the old fashioned federal style, and said the bill might pass this house but it could not the other. Whilst he was talking, he gave way to a motion to adjourn, and the house adjourned over, by a small vote, until Tuesday, but not with my aid. The whigs will do all they can to oppose this bill but whether they will pass the relief bill for Gen. Hull through the senate, I cannot say.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1, 1844.

This has been the most beautiful New Year's Day that I ever knew. Ladies and gentlemen are promenading the streets in full dress, without over-coats of any kind. It equals any day in our Indian Summer, and the sun beams out brightly.

The rush to see the president to-day, was tremendous. All the foreign ministers and the officers of the army and navy, were out in full costume, and the marine band of music was playing all the time in the most enchanting strains. Every avenue to the house was crowded, and each man had to bide his time. We all got a good, cordial shake of John Tyler's hand, and one of the sweetest, most delicate smiles in the world from Mrs. Robert Tyler. These were the lions of the occasion, and they displayed themselves to great advantage.

I was in the crowd about three hours, but could get nothing new, except that the president had about made up his mind to nominate Mr. Spencer to the supreme judgeship, and to promote Mr. Henshaw to Mr. Spencer's place, and to offer Gov. Shannon, of Ohio, the office of secretary of the navy. This, however, may be but the talk of the day.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2.

This day were confirmed by the senate the appointments of Mr. Nelson (Van Buren man) Attorney General; Mr. Upshur, (neutral) Secretary of State—by a unanimous vote.

In the house, Barnard of N. Y., Grider of Ky., and Peyton of Tenn., made speeches in favor of the fine of Judge Hall against Gen. Jackson; and Kennedy of Ind, Dawson of La., and Dean of O. against the fine and vindicating Gen. Jackson's fame.

The whigs have avowed a determination to let this be one of the issues for the contest of '44. So mote it be. Gen. Jackson never appealed to the people in vain.