Alexandria Gazette

FROM WASHINGTON.
Correspondence of the Baltimore Patriot.

Washington, Jan. 26, 1837.

In my letter of last night I informed you that Reuben M. Whitney appeared before the Committee of investigation yesterday, and produced a Protest against the whole proceedings of the House in instituting this inquiry, and of the Committee in their action under Mr. Garland's resolution. This precious document is of a most formidable length, and assumes the highest ground as to the rights of this Treasury Familiar and the Banks which employ him, while it denounces in unmeasured terms the inquisitorial conduct of the House of Representatives and of the Committee. The contemptuous language in which Whitney spoke of the intelligence of Congress, in his circular letter recently published, has not passed out of the recollection of the public. This protest, I understand, is in a still loftier strain of arrogance. He is quite indignant at the passage of the resolution through the House -although, be it remembered, his own political friends voted for it-and kicks at the course of the committee, upon whom also, as you are aware, there is a majority of his yoke-fellows in subjection to the Dominant Power, though not, let us hope, in iniquity. He regards the officers of the Deposite Banks and himself as private individuals with whom Congress had nothing to do; and after a long rigmarole about his constitutional and inalienable privileges, he winds up with professing a willingness to answer all questions touching matters of a public character, of which he has knowledge.

The Committee thought proper to take him on his own ground, and making themselves judges of what questions did refer to public matters, they proceeded with the examination, which was conducted by Mr. Peyton. Whitney however refused to answer any of the questions which Mr. P. propounded to him in succession. In making his replies his manner was far from respectful to the committee or the gentleman who framed the questions. He would look at them (for, you will bear in mind, the whole examination is conducted in writing) then throw them aside, with a remark that they were inquisitorial, or concerned him as an individual-and he declined to answer. One of Mr. Peyton's questions was so framed as to require a direct statement, whether Judge Taney did not refuse to countenance Whitney or recommend him for the situation he now holds? This the witness declined to answer, more particularly, he said, as the mover of the inquiry had declared the charge was true, and he (Whitney) thought he ought to prove it.

This you will remember was the subject of the card Whitney lately published in the Globe, in which he pronounced the assertion of Mr. Peyton a falsehood and calumny. As Mr. Peyton, whose fearlessness and magnanimity are known to the whole country, and therefore require no vindication, did not condescend to notice this card, Whitney doubtless felt himself safe in exhibiting before the Committee his poor-spirited spite. to a man so much elevated above his miserable sphere. But Mr. Peyton did not allow this climax to the insolent character of his general bearing to pass unnoticed.- He rose, and began an appeal to Mr. Garland, the chairman, on the insulting reply of the witness-but very soon broke off-and stepping up to Whitney, he addressed him thus.: "You thief and robber! if you dare to insult me here, before the committee, I'll put you to death!" Whitney was frightened out of his senses-but made no reply- "You said in your Card that I shield myself behind my constitutional privileges, now sir, I wish to waive all privileges"

Mr Garland, the chairman, here interposed to preserve order; and Mr P. resumed his seat. Whitney then rose, and was proceeding to speak, when Mr Peyton interrupted him, commanded him to be silent, and declared he should not answer but in writing. Mr Wise here remarked to his friend, that Whitney was unworthy of his notice. He attempted to draw Mr Peyton off from him, but Mr Peyton said. "No-I pay no regard to his cards. but when he insults me here in the committee, I will notice him robber and thief as he is." Mr Peyton then turned to the chairman. and reminded him that he had treated Whitney respectfully. Hitherto "I have treated him, said he, as if he were a gentleman, and I will not permit him to insult me."

Mr Whitney was then ordered to withdraw. and Mr Hamer offered a resolution that the last answer of the witness should be returned to him, as it was no reply to the question, and was disrespectful to a member of the committee. This resolution was adopted unanimously, so decided and strong was the conviction of every member that the demeanor and language of this "great man" were improper and insulting.

On Mr Whitney's return this resolution was read to him, and his answer given back to him. He then apologized and expressed his regret for any disrespect he had manifested to the committee. To-day he has been much more pacific: and some important facts have been disclosed in his testimony. He admitted that he was the author of the letter (recently published) and signed by the six cashiers of the deposite banks recommending the establishment of a bank bureau in the Treasury Department, and recommending himself! R. M. Whitney! as a proper person to be placed at the head of it! This letter was written while Kendall was acting as the Agent of the Treasury Department, and I believe while he was in Philadelphia on a journey of discovery to see on what terms the banks would receive the deposites should they be removed from the Bank of the United States. Mr Peyton and Mr Wise put question after question to the witness, to ascertain whether Kendall had any thing to do with getting up this letter-but he would not answer a word to any query that touched Mr Amos Kendall. Mark that! Whitney admitted that he applied to Mr Duane for the appointment he now holds. He admitted that he wrote the circular to receivers recently published; and declares he was authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury to use the threatening language he did employ. There were some other developments. of which I will inform you to-morrow.- The committee is in session night and day.

D.