degree of apprehension now prevailing here and elsewhere that 

 such attempts may be repeated. 



I want this subject laid at rest, and that the people at large 

 should feel convinced of the following points : 1st. That the Con- 

 stitution gave Congress limited powers in the premises, and that 

 body, as a mere agent, is bound by instructions and limitations, 

 and can, under no circumstances, exercise more authority than is 

 given to that effect by the Constitution. 2d. That a change of the 

 seat of Government would be a violation of the implied contra c 

 between the Federal Government and the States of Maryland and 

 Virginia, which never would have made the necessary grants had 

 notpermanencybeen guarantied by solemnact of Congress. 3d. That 

 the rights and reasonable expectations of the original proprietors, 

 the purchasers, and inhabitants of this District would be trifled 

 with and destroyed by such a move, towards transferring the me- 

 tropolis elsewhere, on the part of those who falsely imagine them- 

 selves clothed with the necessary power and capacity. 



In my next, gentlemen, I shall say a few words on the expedi- 

 ency and policy of keeping the seat of Government where it now 

 is, and ever should be, and then endeavor to show that, so far from 

 having done too much for this city, Congress have not exercised 

 that full liberality and justice which policy and the rights of the 

 inhabitants demand. 



Until then I remain, as usual, yours, truly, 



J. C. B. 



THE DUTIES AND RELATIONS OF CONGRESS TO THE CITY OF 

 WASHINGTON. 



LETTER No. XV. 



WASHINGTON, dpril 29, 1844. 



GENTLEMEN: I trust that I have succeeded in establishing the 

 points I made in my last number : 1st. That the Constitution and 

 the acts of Congress, in pursuance of the privileges and directions 

 thereby given and prescribed, completely protect the present seat 

 of Government, and forbid any interference, direct or indirect, with 

 the subject, except by the usual mode for altering an article of that 

 Constitution. 2d. That the implied engagements between the 

 Federal Government and the States of Virginia and Maryland; the 

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