 While there is not any proof, it is assumed that the Ashworths' were, if not, at least one of the members of the Ashworths family had good relations with the influential Joseph Grigsby.On November 5, 1840 the speaker referred the petitions to a select committee made up of Grigsby and two others.The next day the committee reported back reaffirming that, "as a general rule, it is not the true policy of this Country to encourage the introduction of this description of persons among us, nor even to allow them to remain."