A majority of all the committees of both Houses were against him; and for the first time an administration was found without adequate strength in Congress to support its measures.

In several instances the reports of committees partook of a strong partisan character, in violation of all rules of propriety and correct legislation.
The first session of the twentieth Congress, which was held immediately preceding the presidential campaign of 1828, was characterized by proceedings, which, at this day, all will unite in deciding as highly reprehensible.

Instead of attending strictly to the legitimate business of the session, much of the time was spent in discussions involving the merits of the opposing candidates for the presidency, and designed to have an express bearing on the election then near at hand.

Of this character was a resolution introduced into the House of Representatives, on the 8th of January, 1828, by Mr.Hamilton, a supporter of Gen.

Jackson, to inquire into the expediency of having a historical picture of the battle of New Orleans painted, and placed in the rotunda of the Capitol.