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The committee, however, are of opinion that the Mr. BRENT, from the committee to whom was case is not such as ought to induce the Senate to grant referred the bill, entitled "An act further to amend the prayer of the petition; they therefore recommend the charter of the City of Washington," reported that the petitioners have leave to withdraw their me-it with amendments, which were considered as in

morial.

The report was agreed to.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act authorizing the departure of ships and vessels from the ports and harbors of the United States in certain cases ;" and it was ordered to the third reading.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed the bill, entitled "An act for the establishment of a General Land Office in the Department of the Treasury," with amendments, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate. The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled "An act for the relief of John N. Stout;" in which bill they request the concurrence of the Senate.

Committee of the Whole, and agreed to; and the President reported the bill to the House accordingly.

On the question, Shall this bill be read a third time as amended? it was determined in the affirmative.

SATURDAY, April 25.

The amendments to the bill, entitled "An act further to amend the charter of the City of Washington," having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, the bill was read a third time as amended, and was further amended by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That this bill pass with amendments.

Mr. LEIB presented the petition of Thomas The Senate proceeded to consider the amend- Skelly, of the city of Philadelphia, merchant, ments of the House of Representatives to the bill, stating that he was the owner of the brigantine entitled "An act for the establishment of a Gen- called the Meteor, and that the said brigantine eral Land Office in the Department of the Treas-was captured by a British armed vessel, while on sury;" and concurred therein.

The bill last brought up for concurrence was read, and passed to the second reading.

her return to the United States, on the 21st of July, 1811, nnd illegally condemned in the British High Court of Admiralty, and praying relief, for reasons stated at large in the petition; which was read.

Mr. BRADLEY, from the joint committee of the two Houses appointed on the subject of a recess, reported the business that demands the immediate Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, from the committee attention of Congress, and the following resolu-appointed on the subject, reported a bill suppletion:

mentary to the act, entitled "An act to establish an Executive Department, to be denominated the Department of War ;" and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading.

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That, during the present session of Congress, the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House On motion, by Mr. SMITH, of New York, the of Representatives shall, on the 29th day of April in-petition of Nathaniel G. Ingraham and others, tostant, adjourn their respective Houses to Monday, the gether with the report of the Secretary for the 18th day of May next, then to meet at the same place Department of Treasury thereon, was referred to in which the two Houses are now sitting. a select committee, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. SMITH of New York, ANDERSON, and GREGG, were appointed the committee.

On motion, by Mr. BRADLEY, the resolution was twice read by unanimous consent; and, on motion by Mr. POPE, amended, by striking out the words "eighteenth day of May next."

The bill, entitled "An act authorizing the deen-parture of ships and vessels from the ports and harbors of the United States, in certain cases," was read a third time, and passed.

On the question, Shall this resolution be grossed, and read a third time as amended, it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 18, nays 13, as follows:

YEAS-Messrs. Bradley, Condit, Crawford, Dana, German, Gilman, Goodrich, Gregg, Horsey, Hunter, Lambert, Leib, Lloyd, Pope, Reed, Smith of New York, Turner, and Worthington.

NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell of Tennessee, Cutts, Gaillard, Giles, Howell, Robinson, Smith, of Maryland, Tait, Taylor, and Varnum.

Mr. BRADLEY presented the petition of Simeon Knight, district paymaster, praying to be allowed one per centum on all moneys disbursed by him and passed to his credit on the settlement of his accounts by the Accountant of the Department

The bill, entitled "An act for the relief of John N. Stout," was read the second time.

RECESS OF CONGRESS,

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution for a recess of Congress from the 29th inst. to the - day of

next.

Mr. POPE moved to fill the blank with the 4th Monday in June. The most distant day would probably accommodate the greatest number of members; and this day would be sufficiently early to take measures necessary on the expiration of the embargo.

APRIL, 1812.

Recess of Congress.

SENATE.

Mr. BRADLEY moved the second Monday, the have an army, it is bringing the nation to eighth day of June. This would afford a little the last state of degradation, not to consider more than five weeks, which, he thought, would at all the sufferings and losses which would be long enough. be in such cases sustained. It would be a great Mr. LEIB proposed to fill the blank with Mon-error to attempt to put this country, by a forced day the 18th day of May, which would afford a vote of Congress, into war. You cannot lead recess of about twenty days. this country to war as the butcher leads his

The question having been put on Mr. BRAD-flock to the slaughter-house. This is a GovernLEY'S motion for the 8th June,

ment of opinion; the public sentiment will not Mr. ANDERSON Said he had supposed the day be driven, but must be followed. Congress have fixed upon by the committee, viz: the 18th May, certainly done as much for the present as they would have been the day. He did not himself can. I wish to see the effect of the measures they feel the necessity of any adjournment; but, if it have taken. The Executive is clothed with all must take place, it ought either to be for a short the necessary powers to make preparation for time, or for so long a time as equally to accom- war; and if the nation will not abide by us and modate all. If it were to be for a short time, it support the measures of Congress, it is vain to would be merely for relaxation; if for a longer say we can force the people into a war. I betime, as was now proposed, he feared it would believe the people will be better satisfied with a reconsidered as indicative of an intention to pause in the course of measures they had commenced, and produce an impression abroad, among the people, which was much to be deprecated.

Mr. POPE said he was in favor of such a time being fixed on as should accommodate the greatest number of the members. As to the effect of an adjournment on the public mind, he imagined that the difference between a recess of twenty or thirty days would be very unimportant.

Mr. G. W. CAMPBELL said it seemed to him something like bribing the members to obtain votes, to talk about lengthening the time so as to accommodate the greatest number of members. He could not conceive it consistent with the honor of the country that they should decide the question of adjournment on the mere ground of personal, convenience; he considered the only question to be, whether a recess would have a good or bad effect on the public service. He had on a former occasion stated his objection to this step, that it would produce an ill effect on the public mind. Many misrepresentations have been already made to induce the public to believe you are not in earnest. An adjournment for any length of time would seem like deserting our posts, and will put the seal on this belief. Under this view, he must vote against the adjournment, but the longer was the recess, the worse would be the effect on the public mind. He should, therefore, vote for the shortest day.

cess than with our sitting here from day to day without doing anything material, and there is nothing material at this moment to do. They are not irrational; they know that Congress have been in session six months; they must also foresee that when we come to war, the Council of the Nation must be perpetually in session; they will, therefore, not be dissatisfied at a short recess. If war be actually to take place at the expiration of the embargo, this, of all others, is the time for relaxation.

Mr. WORTHINGTON said, he was in hopes that a silent vote would have been taken on this question, but as that was not permitted, he would add a remark or two. He was sorry, to use the gentleman's own expression, that he had not such a bribe to offer the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. CAMPBELL) as would induce him to vote for thrs resolution. He said he had believed that, if the shortest day proposed should be taken, the effect would be this: It could not be expected that those gentlemen who had been six or seven months from their homes and families should remain in this city; if they went home, many of them could not possibly return in twenty days; there would, on the appointed day, be no quorum in either House, and they would have to adjourn from day to day until a sufficient number appeared. When they spoke of the public interest, gentlemen should look at actions, not at professions. Mr. W. said he looked at human nature as he found it; and considering, as regarded himself. Mr. BRADLEY said, he could not see that the that ten days at home would be of infinite advanproposed recess would be deserting their posts at tage to his private concerns, taking it for granted all. The nation knew that the Government could that all gentlemen had the same feelings and renot go to war without soldiers; and sitting here gards as himself, he thought it a duty he owed would certainly not restore peace. Congress had himself and others, as well as his country, to vote adopted many war measures, the execution of for a recess. He believed much greater injury which they had put into the hands of the Execu- would result from sitting here than from a recess. tive; they had also authorized a loan of eleven He believed, in a day or two, there would scarcemillions. And while these measures were goingly be a quorum of the two Houses left. Did genon, could Congress, by staying here constantly, add to the number of men, or expedite the loan? If an enemy were to invade us, without any Government at all, they would be promptly resisted. But, if we are going to war to redress grievances, to revenge injuries received, we should choose our own time. If we begin war before we

tlemen mean to take any great measure with a bare quorum of both Houses? He presumed they would not. Therefore, in his opinion, it would be very proper to take such time as would suit the greater number of members of both Houses. But, if that could not be attained, Mr. W. said he would still vote for a recess; for although he could

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not avail himself of the opportunity to go home, he would not prevent others who might.

The question on the insertion of the eighth day of June as the day of reassembling of the two Houses, was decided as follows:

YEAS-Messrs. Bradley, Condit, Crawford, Dana, German, Gilman, Goodrich, Gregg, Horsey, Hunter, Lambert, Lloyd, Pope, Reed, Robinson, Smith of New York, Turner, and Worthington-18.

NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell of Tennessee, Cutts, Gaillard, Giles, Howell, Leib, Smith of Maryland, Tait, Taylor, and Varnum-13.

So the motion was carried.

The question being put on the passage of the resolution as amended

Mr. BIBB said it was painful for him to speak on this question, when he believed a majority of the Senate were determined on an adjournment; but he entreated gentlemen to weigh well what they were about. He said he could not but reprobate the mode of arguing a question of adjournment from motives of comfort or family interest; of personal convenience alone, without reference to public interest.

Mr. WORTHINGTON disclaimed any such argument as appeared to be attributed to him.

Mr. BIBB continued. If any man should give a vote for adjournment from motives of that kind, he should reprobate such conduct. So far as gentlemen believed the public interest would not suffer from such a course, there would, indeed, be no impropriety in suffering personal convenience® to have weight. But the question, said Mr. B., is, whether our affairs are in such a situation as would, in common regard to prudence, permit us to depart? What is our situation? We have made preparation for war by authorizing the raising an army. Is that army organized? Are the officers all appointed? No. I put it to gentlemen whether, from the specimen already had, of bills and supplemental bills, we may not expect other supplemental bills? Can Congress reconcile it to their consciences, to leave the seat of Government, when they see that our army is not organized, when a proposition for appointing Assistant Secretaries to the War Department, and much other detailed business, is before us? The offices of Commissary General and Quartermaster General are yet vacant; because the restrictions are such as to render them obstacles to the acceptánce of persons qualified to fill those offices. This must be corrected; we must either take off some of the restrictions on these officers, or increase the salaries. There are many other defects in our present laws, which, from past experience, I am confident will require alteration. Now, sir, although I freely confess that I would not plunge the nation into war until the Executive shall tell us that we are in a sufficiently advanced state of preparation; although I would not remain here with a view of declaring war before the time of the proposed recess would expire, yet I should wish to be on the spot to complete such measures as the public service appears to require. If gentlemen desired relaxation, merely, Mr. B. said, he was content to sit but twice a week. But, what

APRIL, 1812.

he desired was, that a quorum of both Houses should be within call of their presiding officers, ready to receive Executive communications, and act whenever it should be necessary. How could they justify to their constituents a recess at this moment, if, in three weeks after they should have parted, an attack should be made on any quarter of the United States? Much was yet to do before the United States were ready for war; and if they were now to adjourn, very serious detriment to the public interest would, he had no doubt, be the result.

Mr. POPE said, if there was to be a recess, in fairness, it ought to be so ordered as to consult thereby the convenience of as many members as possible. Why was there to be a recess at all? For the accommodation of members of Congress. Ought not that accommodation, then, to be made equal? For himself, said Mr. P., he neither liked the recess nor staying here. He could not be pleased, whether the resolution passed or was negatived. If the resolution did pass, he wished it to pass in a shape which should afford an equal chance to all. He had understood that the Exec[utive had been consulted, and had no communications to make requiring immediate attention. If it would be no prejudice to the public interest, he had no objection to afford the longest time. On these grounds he had voted for the longest day, though he had serious duubts as to the propriety of a recess at all.

The question was then taken by yeas and nays as follow:

YEAS-Messrs. Bradley, Condit, Crawford, Dana,
German, Gilman, Goodrich, Gregg, Horsey, Hunter,
Lambert, Lloyd, Reed, Smith of New York, Turner,
and Worthington-16.

Tennessee, Cutts, Gaillard, Giles, Howell, Leib, Pope,
Robinson, Smith of Maryland, Tait, Taylor, and Var-

NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell of

num-15.

So it was, on the part of the Senate,

sentatives in Congress assembled, That, during Resolved, by the Senate and House of Repre the present session of Congress, the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives shall, on the 29th day of April instant, adjourn their respective Houses to Monday the 8th day of June next, then to meet at the same place in which the two Houses are now sitting.

MONDAY, April 27.

The bill supplementary to the act, entitled “An act to establish an Executive Department, to be denominated the Department of War," was read the second time.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act to extend the right of suffrage in the Illinois Territory, and for other purposes;" in which they request the concurrence of the Senate. They have passed the bill which originated in the Senate, entitled "An act making further provision for the Corps of Engineers," with amendments, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

APRIL, 1812.

Proceedings.

The bill last brought up for concurrence was read, and passed to the second reading.

On motion, by Mr. VARNUM, the amendments of the House of Representatives to the bill, entitled "An act making further provision for the Corps of Engineers," was referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. SMITH of Maryland, VARNUM, and BAYARD, were appointed the committee.

Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, from the committee to whom were referred the amendments to the bill last mentioned, made report. Whereupon, Resolved, That the Senate concur in the amendments of the House of Representatives to the said

bill.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill concerning merchant vessels armed for defence; and the further consideration thereof was postponed until to-morrow.

Mr. LEIB, from the committee appointed to consider the subject. reported a bill allowing an annuity to Arthur St. Clair; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill to authorize the State of Tennessee to issue grants and perfect titles on certain entries and locations of land, therein described; and the further consideration thereof was postponed to, and made the order of the day for, Wednesday next.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of John N. Stout;" and on motion, by Mr. POPE, it was referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. POPE, BRENT, and GREGG, were appointed the committee.

The PRESIDENT Communicated a report of the Paymaster General of the Army, on the petition of Simeon Knight, district paymaster, which was read, and ordered to be printed for the use of the Senate.

TUESDAY, April 28.

SENATE.

The bill allowing an annuity to Arthur St. Clair was read the second time.

The bill, entitled "An act to extend the right of suffrage in the Illinois Territory, and for other purposes." was read the second time, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. GREGG, GOODRICH, and VARNUM, were appointed the committee.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill concerning merchant vessels armed for defence; and, on the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill respecting associations for maritime security; and on the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative. Mr. LEIB submitted the following resolution:

Resolved, That the President of the Senate and

Speaker of the House of Representatives adjourn the
6th of May, to Monday, the 25th of May.
respective Houses of Congress on Wednesday, the

And the resolution was read, and passed to the second reading.

The bill to discharge from imprisonment the persons therein mentioned was read the second

time.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill supplementary to the act, entitled "An act to establish an Executive Department. to be denominated the Department of War;" and the bill having been amended, the PRESIDENT reported it to the House accordingly.

On the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time as amended? it was determined in the affirmative.

the twelfth rule for conducting business in the On motion, by Mr. WORTHINGTON, to suspend Senate, as respects the resolution this day offered authorizing the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives to adjourn the respective Houses of Congress, it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 12, nays 9, as follows:

Mr. POPE gave notice that to-morrow he should Mr. GREGG presented the memorial of Thomas ask leave to bring in a bill more effectually to P. Cope, and others, stating that, some time sub-protect the commerce and coasts of the United sequent to the proclamation of the President of States, and for other purposes. the United States, of the 2d of November, 1810, their brig Daphne cleared from Philadelphia for Calcutta. That, in consequence of the non-importation law, they have ordered the said vessel, and a return cargo, amounting to 239.000 dollars, to the island of St. Bartholomews; that the said vessel and cargo is exposed to capture and depredation in the event of war, and to condemnation should she enter a port in America. They, therefore, pray permission for the said vessel to enter an American port, there to remain and be disposed of as subsequent events may dictate; and the memorial was read, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. GREGG. LLOYD, and SMITH of Md., were appointed the committee.

Mr. SMITH, of New York, from the committee to whom was referred the petition of Nathaniel. G. Ingraham, and others, presented a bill to discharge from imprisonment the persons therein mentioned; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading.

YEAS-Messrs. Condit, German, Gregg, Howell, Hunter, Lambert, Leib, Lloyd, Smith of Maryland, Smith of New York, Turner, and Worthington.

NAYS-Messrs. Bayard, Bibb, Crawford, Dana, Gilman, Goodrich, Robinson, Tait, and Varnum.

On motion, by Mr. WORTHINGTON, the resolu tion was read the second time.

On the question, Shall this resolution be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative.

Mr. GILMAN, from the committee, reported the resolution last mentioned correctly engrossed. And on motion, the Senate adjourned until to

morrow.

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On motion, by Mr. LEIB, the engrossed resolution authorizing the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives to adjourn the respective Houses of Congress was read

a third time.

On the question, Shall this resolution pass? it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 16, nays 12, as follows:

YEAS-Messrs. Bayard, Condit, Dana, German, Gilman, Goodrich, Gregg, Horsey, Howell, Hunter, Lambert, Leib, Lloyd, Smith of New York, Turner, and Worthington..

NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell of Tennessee, Crawford, Cutts, Gaillard, Pope, Robinson, Tait, Taylor, and Varnum.

So it was resolved that the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives adjourn the respective Houses of Congress on Wednesday, the 6th of May, to Monday, the 25th of May.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in this resolution.

The bill supplementary to the act, entitled "An act to establish an Executive Department, to be denominated the Department of War," having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, was read a third time as amended, and passed.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have postponed, indefinitely, the resolution proposing an adjournment of the two Houses of Congress on the 29th of April, to the 8th of June next. They have passed a bill, entitled "An act for the relief of John Thompson ;" also, a bill, entitled "An act making additional appropriations for the support of Government for the year 1812;" in which bills they request the concurrence of the Senate.

The two bills last mentioned were read, and passed to the second reading.

Mr. BRENT presented the petition of John and Thomas Vowell, and others, merchants, of Alexandria, stating that they are owners of property to a large amount in England, and in English ports, and praying that the non-importation law may be repealed, or so modified as to admit the importation of British goods to the amount of American claims, for reasons stated at large in the petition; which was read.

APRIL, 1812.

wise; and Messrs. VARNUM. LEIB, and BRENT, were appointed the committee.

MARITIME DEFENCE.

Mr. POPE asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill more effectually to protect the commerce and coasts of the United States; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. The bill is as follows:

A

Bill more effectually to protect the commerce and

coasts of the United States.

harassed and committed depredations on the commerce

Whereas the British and other armed vessels have

of the United States on or near the coasts thereof, in violation of the laws of nations; therefore,

Be it enacted, &c., That it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, and he is hereby authorized, to instruct and direct the commanders of the armed vessels belonging to the United States to seize, take, and bring into any port of the United States, to be proceeded against according to the laws and usages of nations, any such British or other armed vessel which shall have committed, or which shall be found hovering on the coasts of the United States for the purpose of harassing or committing depredations on the vessels belonging to the citizens thereof.

The bill respecting associations for maritime security having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, was read a third time, and passed. The bill is as follows:

A Bill respecting Associations for Maritime Security.

Be it enacted, &c., That in cases wherein the arming of vessels for defence may be allowed according to the laws of the United States, it may be agreed on the part of the citizens of the United States in pursuance of this act, that ships or vessels by them owned shall sail in concert and be associated for assistance and protection in any voyage or voyages not, contrary to law, and during any time or times which may be designated by instrument of writing executed by the owners or their authorized agents. The stipulations of the parties contained in such instrument may extend to the equipment and force of the vessels respectively; the relative ment of places and times of rendezvous and sailing; the authority of the masters or commanders; the appointregulation of signals; the direction of the general course of the voyage or voyages; the orders to be observed in cases of separation or danger; and the making of arrangements for conducting and managing the respective vessels, as may be most effectual for assistance in any case of peril or misfortune; and, for protecting all or any of them against forcible seizure or annoyance: Provided, That no such agreement or stipulation shall contravene the instructions or orders which may be given by the President of the United States for preventing any unlawful proceedings; and in cases touching the use of any armament or armaments, the masters or commanders of vessels which may be so associated, shall be under the control of such instructions or

orders.

SEC. 2. Be it further enacted, That the respective Mr. VARNUM presented the petition of Jonathan ships or vessels shall be holden for any stipulations as Grout, of Philadelphia, praying Congress to au- aforesaid contained in such instrument concerning them, thorize the purchase of his patent right to a new and shall accordingly be chargeable for any compensaand improved mode of conveying intelligence, tion which may justly be demanded on account of failand giving signals, by telegraphs; and the peti-ure to perform the same, as well as for satisfying any tion was read, and referred to a select committee, reasonable claim of contribution on account of loss or to consider and report thereon by bill or other damage incurred in pursuance thereof. The rates of

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