After a few objections to this resolution from Mr. Quincy, on account of its being too comprehensive, not giving the President power to withhold confidential correspondence, the question was, on motion of Mr. Rhea, taken by yeas and nays, and carried unanimously, every member present, to the number of one hundred and twenty, voting in the affirmative.
Mr. Rowan said that although a decision on his resolution had been eluded, out of respect for the opinions of gentlemen who objected to particular parts of it, he had modified it, and offered it as follows:
Resolved, That a special committee be appointed to inquire into the conduct of Brigadier-General Wilkinson, in relation to his having at any time whilst in the service of the United States, either as a civil or military officer, been a pensioner of the Government of Spain, or corruptly received money from that Government, or its agents; and that the said committee have power to send for such persons and papers as may be necessary to assist their inquiries; and that they report the result to this House, to enable this House the better to legislate on subjects of the common weal, and our foreign relations, and particularly our relation with Spain, as well as on the subject of the increase of the Army of the United States and its regulations.
A motion to consider this resolution was negatived—60 to 46.
Mr. Holland moved that a committee be appointed to wait upon the President with the resolutions this day adopted.
Mr. Love moved that the evidence or information laid before the House relative to the conduct of General Wilkinson be transmitted to the Executive.
On motion of Mr. Rowan, seconded by Mr. Randolph, the words “copies of” papers, &c., were inserted; and the resolution for transmitting copies of the papers was agreed to without a division.
The motion for appointing a committee to wait on the President with these resolutions and copies, was agreed to without a division. Messrs. Randolph and Eppes were appointed the committee.