the memorial was read, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. SMITH, of Maryland, BIBB, and CAMPBELL, of Tennessee, were appointed the committee. The two bills brought up on the 20th inst. for concurrence were read, and passed to the second reading, The Senate resumed the consideration of the report of the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act to enable the people of the Mississippi Territory to form a constitution and State government, and for the admission of such State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States; also, the bill to carry into effect the provisions of the eighth section of the act regulating the grants of land, and providing for the disposal of the lands of the United States south of the State of Tennessee; and, in conformity thereto, Resolved, That the first-mentioned bill be postponed to the first Monday in December next. Resolved, also, That the bill to carry into effect the provisions of the eighth section of the act regulating the grants of land, and providing for the disposal of the lands of the United States south of the State of Tennessee, be postponed to the first Monday in December next. APRIL, 1812. frigates, and burnt by the orders of their commanding officer; which frigates, they were informed by one of the officers, were fitted out for the express purpose of destroying all American vessels bound to any part of Spain or Portugal in the possession of the enemies of France; and the petition was read, and referred to the Secretary for the Department of State, to consider and report thereon. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act for ascertaining the titles and claims to lands. in that part of Louisiana which lies east of the river Mississippi and island of New Orleans;" and it was ordered to the third reading. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill authorizing the appointment of an additional judge of the district court of the distriet of New York, together with the amendments reported thereto by the select committee; and, having agreed to the amendments, the President reported the bill 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 Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill for the relief of Reuben Saunders and his securities; 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, entitled "An act to continue in force 'An act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds re- The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the ceived in the Revolutionary war, and for other Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An purposes," together with the amendments réport-act to continue in force, for a limited time, an ed thereto by the select committee; and, having agreed to the amendments, 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. The bill, entitled "An act for the relief of Aaron Greely," was read a third time, and passed. The Senate resumed the consideration of the joint resolution brought up from the House of Representatives, on the subject of a recess. On motion, by Mr. WORTHINGTON, to strike out a part of the resolution for the purpose of amendment, a division was called for; and, on the question to strike out, the votes being equal, the President determined it in the negative. Resolved, That the Senate concur in the joint resolution. Ordered, That Messrs. BRADLEY, REED, WORTHINGTON, GOODRICH, and LLOYD, be the committee. Mr. LLOYD presented the petition of Ezra Weston and Son, of Duxbury, in the State of Massachusetts, praying indemnification for a vessel and cargo, fitted out in reliance on the proclamation of the President of the United States, of 2d November, 1810, that the decrees of France, violating neutral commerce, were revoked, and which vessel and cargo were captured on the 23d January last, in the prosecution of a voyage from Boston to Oporto, in Portugal, by two. French act, entitled 'An act continuing, for a limited time, the salaries of the officers of Government. therein mentioned ;" and the bill was ordered to a third reading. Mr. GERMAN presented the memorial of CharlesSelden and others, citizens of the State of New York, praying a repeal of the act, entitled "An act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States, for a limited time," passed the 4th of April, 1812, or a modification thereof, for reasons stated at large in the memorial; which was read. Mr. GERMAN also presented the memorial of Conklin and Pierson, and others, merchants, of the city of New York, praying a suspension of the non-importation act, or a modification thereof, for reasons stated at large in the memorial; which was read, and referred to the committee to whom was referred, on the 15th instant, the memorial of Alexander Henry and others, merchants, of Philadelphia, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise. Mr. CUTTS presented the memorial of John Goddard, and others, citizens of Portsmouth, in the State of New Hampshire, and its vicinity, praying a repeal of the act, entitled "An act prohibiting the importation of goods, wares, and merchandise, from Great Britain," for reasons stated at large in the memorial; which was read, and referred to the committee last mentioned, to consider and report thereon, by bill or otherwise. Mr. DANA, from the committee appointed on the subject reported in part, a bill concerning merchant vessels armed for defence, and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. The following Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States: Among the incidents to the unexampled increase and expanding interests of the American nation, under the fostering influence of free constitutions and just laws, has been a corresponding accumulation of duties in the several departments of the Government; and this has been necessarily the greater in consequence of the peculiar state of our foreign relations, and the connexion of these with our internal Administration. | The extensive and multiplied preparations into which the United States are at length driven for maintaining their violated rights, have caused this augmentation of business to press on the Department of War particularly, with a weight disproportionate to the powers of any single officer, with no other aids than are authorized by existing laws. With a view to a more adequate arrangement for the essential objects of that department, I recommend to the early consideration of Congress a provision for two subordinate appointments therein, with such compensation annexed as may be reasonably expected by citizens duly qualified for the important functions which may be properly assigned to them. APRIL 20, 1812. JAMES MADISON, THURSDAY, April 23. SENATE. cers of Government therein mentioned," was read a third time, and passed. The bill, entitled "An act for ascertaining the titles and claims to lands in that part of Louisiana which lies east of the river Mississippi and island of New Orleans," was read a third time, and passed. Mr. CAMPBELL, of Tennessee, from the committee appointed on the subject of Tennessee lands, reported a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue grants and perfect titles on certain entries and locations of lands therein described; which was read, and passed to the second reading. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill in addition to the act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland, in the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio. On the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative. The following Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: To the Senate of the United States: I transmit to the Senate a report of the Secretary of State, complying with their resolution of the 4th of JAMES MADISON, March last. APRIL 23, 1812. The Message and report therein referrred to were read. FRIDAY, April 24. The bill in addition to the act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland, in the State of Ohio, having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, was read a third time, and passed. The amendments to the bill, entitled "An act to continue in force 'An act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary war, and for other purposes," having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, the bill was read the third time as amended, and passed with amendments. The bill authorizing the appointment of an additional judge of the district court of the district of New York, having been reported by the com-dinate appointments in the War Department, mittee correctly engrossed, was read a third time, and passed. The bill for the relief of Reuben Saunders and his securities, having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, was read a third time, and passed. The bill, entitled "An act to alter and establish certain post roads," was read the second time, and referred to a select committee, to consist of five members, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. TURNER, WORTHINGTON, GREGG, CONDIT, and LEIB, were appointed the committee. Mr. DANA, from the committee appointed on the subject, further reported a bill respecting associations for maritime security, and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. The bill, entitled "An act authorizing the departure of ships and vessels from the ports and harbors of the United States in certain cases," was read the second time. The bill, entitled "An act to continue in force, for a limited time, an act, entitled An act continuing, for a limited time, the salaries of the offi On motion by Mr. WORTHINGTON, the Message of the President of the United States, of the 22d instant, recommending provision for two subor was referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. SMITH, of Maryland, WORTHINGTON and GILES, were appointed the committee. The bill to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue grants and perfect titles on certain entries and locations of land therein described, was read the second time. The bill respecting associations for maritime security, was read the second time. Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, reported, from the committee to whom was referred the memorial of Peter Hoffman, and others, owners of the ship William: That the petitioners state that the said ship was laden with flour, between the 18th and 27th of March, cleared out on the 31st, and actually sailed on the 1st of April, on her intended voyage to Cadiz; that they had no knowledge of the intention of laying an embargo, either while loading or at the time of the sailing of said ship; that, from contrary winds and weather, she was detained in the Chesapeake until the 10th of April, when, at the distance of four leagues from Cape 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. APRIL, 1812. of War, for reasons stated at large in the petition; which was read, and referred to the Paymaster General of the Army, to consider and report thereon. Mr. BRENT, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act further to amend the charter of the City of Washington," reported it with amendments, which were considered as in 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, and 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 supple tion: 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 of Representatives shall, on the 29th day of April instant, adjourn their respective Houses to Monday, the 18th day of May next, then to meet at the same place in which the two Houses are now sitting. 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." 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. On motion, by Mr. SMITH, of New York, the petition of Nathaniel G. Ingraham and others, together with the report of the Secretary for the Department of Treasury thereon, was referred to 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. 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 i 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. Mr. BRADLEY moved the second Monday, the eighth day of June. This would afford a little more than five weeks, which, he thought, would be long enough. Mr. LEIB proposed to fill the blank with Monday the 18th day of May, which would afford a recess of about twenty days. The question having been put on Mr. BRADLEY'S motion for the 8th June, SENATE. have an army, it is bringing the nation to the last state of degradation, not to consider at all the sufferings and losses which would be in such cases sustained. It would be a great error to attempt to put this country, by a forced vote of Congress, into war. You cannot lead this country to war as the butcher leads his flock to the slaughter-house. This is a Government 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 nothing material at this moment to do. They are without doing anything material, and there is not irrational; they know that Congress have see that when we come to war, the Council of been in session six months; they must also forethe 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 this 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 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 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 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 adjourn-pleased, whether the resolution passed or was ment 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 acceptance 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 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 doubts 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. NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell of Tennessee, Cutts, Gaillard, Giles, Howell, Leib, Pope, Robinson, Smith of Maryland, Tait, Taylor, and Var 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. |