WASHINGTON, May 1,
1850.
MY DEAR SIR—While
Foote is laboring at the administration for the Lady Franklin expedition, I
drop you this hasty note. We have this day had the third meeting of our
committee, the second since you left us. We stand thus:—We have determined on
the admission of California without change or limitation. We have determined on
the establishment of territorial government without the Wilmot proviso. On the
extinction of the Texas title, beginning just north of the Passo, and running
thence in a course north of east to the southwestern corner of the old Indian
tract, fixed by the Spanish treaty. We leave the question of price till we all
meet again. King will bring in a bill for the suppression of the slave-trade in
this district. We shall arrange the fugitive-slave bill to give general
satisfaction, North and South.
Absentees: yourself,
Berrian, Webster, and Mason. All the others present.
There is reason to fear that Mason and some four or five of the extreme Southern members will oppose, to the last, the admission of California. Should that be so, the result is doubtful. But if they go for it, all will be safe. This is about all I can tell you. I trust you will be here soon. We want you. I presume our report will be ready on Monday. I hope you have found your family all well.
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