MARCH, 1798.] Proceedings. of Resolved, That the petition of sundry inhabitants of Post Vincennes, the petition of J. Edgar and William Morrison, on behalf of the inhabitants of the Illinois, and the petition of Benjamin Reed, be referred to the Governor of the Territory northwest of the river Ohio, who is hereby requested to report to the Senate, on the first Monday in December next, a correct and full statement of what has been done in pursuance the resolves of Congress of the 20th June, and 29th August, 1788; and of the act of Congress of the 3d of March, 1791, entitled 'An act for granting lands to the inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes and the Illinois country, in the Territory northwest of the Ohio, and for confirming them in their possessions,' and whether any of the ancient rights, settlements, or improvements, of the inhabitants, are included within the tracts allotted for satisfying bounties allowed to the old settlers." The report, having been read, was adopted. Mr. TRACY laid before the Senate the memorials of Joseph Ball and others, holders of bills of credit, emitted in pursuance of a resolution of Congress of the 18th of March, 1780, praying that the subject may be taken into consideration; which memorials were read. Ordered, That they severally lie on the table. The Senate resumed the consideration of the report of the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act for the erection of a light-house, and placing buoys at the several places therein mentioned," and agreed to amend the bill accordingly; and, the bill being further amended, it was agreed, by unanimous consent, that the bill be now read the third time. 66 Resolved, That this bill pass with amendments. A motion was made, by Mr. MASON, that it be Resolved, That a committee be appointed to consider and report upon the expediency of erecting a light-house upon Old Point Comfort, in Virginia, and of erecting a beacon on Tybee island, in the State of Georgia, and fixing buoys at the mouth of Savannah river; and that they be authorized to report by bill or otherwise." Ordered, That this motion lie for consideration. On motion, it was agreed that the committee to whom was referred the bill providing for the erection of a light-house on Eaton's Neck, in the State of New York, be discharged. WEDNESDAY, March 7. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations,” was read a second time. Ordered, That it be referred to the committee, appointed the 16th of February, to consider the bill entitled An act making appropriations for the support of Government for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and for other purposes," to report thereon to the Senate. Mr. BROWN, from the committee to whom was referred the petition of sundry inhabitants of Galliopolis, reported a bill to authorize a grant of lands to Stephen Monot and others, inhabitants [SENATE. of Galliopolis, therein named; which was read, and ordered to a second reading. The Senate resumed the consideration of the deed of cession of the jurisdiction of certain terrireport of the committee to whom was referred a tory from the State of Connecticut; and, after debate, Ordered, That the further consideration thereof postponed. be A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House disagree to the amendment of the Senate to the bill entitled "An act to provide for the widows and orphans of certain deceased officers." They have passed a bill entitled "An act to amend the act entitled 'An act laying duties on stamped vellum, parchment, and paper," in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. The bill last mentioned was read, and ordered to a second reading. The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution of the House of Representatives, disagreeing to the amendment of the Senate to the bill entitled "An act to provide for the widows and orphans of certain deceased officers." A motion was made, by Mr. BLOODWORTH, that the Senate recede from their amendment to the bill; and, after debate, it was agreed that the further consideration thereof be postponed. THURSDAY, March 8. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act laying duties on stamped vellum, parchment, and paper," was read a second time, and referred to Messrs. BINGHAM, GOODHUE, and MARTIN, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. On motion, by Mr. READ, 26th December last, to revise the Judiciary system Ordered, That the committee appointed the of the United States, be instructed to report by bill. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill entitled "An act to continue in force, for a limited time, an act entitled 'An act declaring the consent of Congress to an act of the State of Maryland, passed the twenty-eighth day of December, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, for the appointment of a health officer;"" in which they desire the ccncurrence of the Senate. The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion made yesterday to recede from their amendment disagreed to by the House of Representatives to the bill entitled "An act to provide for the widows and orphans of certain deceased officers." On motion, by Mr. PAINE, that the consideration thereof be postponed until the second Monday in December next, it passed in the negative-yeas 14, nays 15, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, Langdon, Latimer, Livermore, Lloyd, Marshall, Paine, Sedgwick, and Tracy. NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Bingham, Bloodworth, Brown, Gunn, Hobart, Hunter, Jackson, Laurance, Martín, Mason, Read, Ross, Tattnall, and Tazewell. On the question to agree to the original motion, it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 16, nays 13, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bingham, Bloodworth, Brown, Gunn, Hobart, Hunter, Jackson, Langdon, Laurance, Martin, Mason, Read, Ross, Tattnall, and Tazewell. NAYS-Messrs. Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, Latimer, Livermore, Lloyd, Marshall, Paine, Sedgwick, and Tracy. So it was Resolved, That the Senate recede from the amendment disagreed to by the House of Representatives to this bill. On motion, by Mr. MASON, Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to report to the Senate as to the necessity of erecting a light-house on Old Point Comfort, in Virginia, and establishing a beacon on Tybee Island, in the State of Georgia, and fixing buoys at the mouth of Savannah river; with an estimate of the expense respectively attending the same. was Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act making appropriations for the support of Government, for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and for other purposes," reported that the bill pass without amendment. The bill, last sent up from the House of Representatives, was read, and ordered to a second reading. The bill to authorize a grant of lands to Stephen Monot and others, inhabitants of Galliopolis, therein named, was read a second time; and, after debate. on motion, it was agreed that the further consideration thereof be postponed. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House agree to some, and disagree to other, amendments of the Senate to the bill entitled "An act for the relief of the refugees from the British provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia." FRIDAY, March 9. The Senate proceeded to consider the report of the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act making appropriations for the support of Government, for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and for other purposes;" and, the report being adopted, Ordered, That this bill pass to a third reading. Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations," reported the bill without amendment; and it was agreed that the consideration thereof be postponed. The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution of the House of Representatives, agreeing to some, and disagreeing to other, amendments of the [MARCH, 1798. Senate to the bill entitled "An act for the relief of the refugees from the British provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia." Resolved, That the Senate do insist on their amendments, disagreed to by the House of Representatives, to the bill above mentioned. informed the Senate that the House have passed A message from the House of Representatives a bill, entitled "An act limiting the time within which claims against the United States, for credits on the books of the Treasury, may be presented for allowance;" a bill, entitled "An act declaring the consent of Congress to an act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;" and a bill, entitled “An act for the relief of Sylvanus Crowell;" in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. read, and ordered to the second reading. The three bills last mentioned were severally for concurrence, entitled "An act to continue in The bill, sent from the House of Representatives force, for a limited time, an act, entitled 'An act declaring the consent of Congress to an act of the State of Maryland, passed 28th day of December, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, for the appointment of a health officer," was read the second time. Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed. MONDAY, March 12. tives for concurrence, entitled "An act declaring The bill, sent from the House of Representathe consent of Congress to an act of the Comtime, and referred to Messrs. GOODHue, Tracy, monwealth of Massachusetts," was read the second and BLOODWORTH, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act for the relief of Sylvanus Crowell," was read the second time, and referred to Messrs. GREENE, GOODHUE, and TRACY, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The bill. sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act limiting the time within which claims against the United States, for credits on the books of the Treasury, may be presented for allowance," was read the second time, and referred to Messrs. BINGHAM, TRACY, and SEDGWICK, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The Senate proceeded to consider the report of the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations;" which was adopted. Ordered, That this bill pass to a third reading. The bill, entitled "An act making appropriations for the support of Government, for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and for other purposes," was read the third time. On motion, by Mr. ANDERSON, that the following clause be struck out from the bill, to wit: "For the expense incurred by the committee of the House of Representatives on the impeachment of Wil- It was determined in the negative-yeas 7, nays 18, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bloodworth, Brown, Hillhouse, Jackson, Marshall, and Tracy. [SENATE. The Senate resumed the second reading of the bill to authorize a grant of lands to Stephen Monot and others, inhabitants of Galliopolis, therein Ordered, That this bill pass to a third reading. WEDNESDAY, March 14. NAYS-Messrs. Bingham, Chipman, Foster, GoodMr. GREENE, from the committee to whom was hue, Greene, Hobart, Hunter, Langdon, Laurance, referred the bill, sent from the House of RepresenLivermore, Lloyd, Martin, Paine, Read, Ross, Sedg-tatives for concurrence, entitled "An act for the wick, Stockton, and Tazewell. TUESDAY, March 13. relief of Sylvanus Crowell," reported the bill without amendment, and it was ordered to the third reading. Ordered, That the memorials of Joseph Ball and others, holders of bills of credit emitted in Mr. BINGHAM, from the committee to whom pursuance of a resolution of Congress of the 18th was referred the bill, sent from the House of Rep-of March, 1780, be referred to Messrs. TRACY, resentatives for concurrence, entitled "An act to GREENE, and Ross, to consider and report thereon amend the act, entitled 'An act laying duties on stamped vellum, parchment, and paper," reported an amendment; which was read and disagreed to. And, after agreeing to an amendment, the bill was ordered to the third reading. to the Senate. Mr. GOODHUE, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act declaring the consent of Congress to an act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," reported the bill without amendment. Ordered, That this bill pass to a third reading. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House insist on their disagreement to sundry amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of the refugees from the British provinces of Canada morial of Margaret Lapsley, praying the renewal and Nova Scotia," desire a conference on the sub- of lost certificates therein mentioned; and the peject matter thereof, and have appointed managerstition was read, and referred to Messrs MARSHALL, at the same on their part. TRACY, and ANDERSON, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution of the House of Representatives, asking a conference on the amendments to the bill last mentioned; and, Resolved, That they do agree to the proposed conference, and that Messrs. SEDGWICK and TRACY be managers at the same, on the part of the Senate. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations," was read the third time. On motion, by Mr. TAZEWELL, to expunge the third section of the bill, as follows: "And be it further enacted, That, for defraying the expenses of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations, during the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, there be further appropriated, in addition to the aforesaid sum of forty thousand dollars, and out of any moneys in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, the sum of twenty-eight thousand six hundred and fifty dollars." It was determined in the negative—yeas 5, nays 22, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Brown, Jackson, Langdon, and Tazewell. NAYS-Messrs. Bingham, Bloodworth, Chipman, Foster, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, Hobart, Hunter, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Lloyd, Marshall, Martin, Paine, Read, Ross, Sedgwick, Stockton, Tattnall, and Tracy. So it was Resolved, That this bill pass. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act to amend the act, entitled 'An act laying duties on stamped vellum, parchment, and paper,"" was read the third time. Resolved, That this bill pass with an amend ment. The bill to authorize a grant of lands to Stephen Monot and others, inhabitants of Galliopolis, therein named, was read the third time. On the final passage of the bill, it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 17, nays 9, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bingham, Bloodworth, Brown, Chipman, Foster, Hunter, Jackson, Langdon, Laurance, Livermore, Marshall, Martin, Read, Sedgwick, Tattnall, and Tazewell. NAYS-Messrs. Greene, Hillhouse, Hobart, Latimer, Lloyd, Paine, Ross, Stockton, and Tracy. So it was Resolved, That this bill pass, that it be engrossed, and that the title thereof be," An act to authorize a grant of lands to Stephen Monot and others, inhabitants of Galliopolis, therein named." The Senate then went into the consideration of Executive business. THURSDAY, March 15. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act declaring the consent of Congress to an act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," was read the third time. Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until Monday next. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act for the relief of Sylvanus Crowell," was read the third time, and passed. Mr. TRACY, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act for the relief of the legal representatives of Thomas Clark, deceased," reported the bill without amendment; and, after debate, Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed. FRIDAY, March 16. The Senate resumed the second reading of the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act for the relief of the legal representatives of Thomas Clark, deceased ;" and, after debate, Ordered, That this bill pass to a third reading. MONDAY, March 19. [MARCH, 1798. made, and to exhort you to adopt, with promptitude, decision, and unanimity, such measures as the ample resources of the country afford, for the protection of our seafaring and commercial citizens; for the defence of any exposed portions of our territory; for replenishing our arsenals, establishing foundries and military manufactures; and to provide such efficient revenue, and supply the deficiencies which may be occasioned as will be necessary to defray extraordinary expenses, by depredations on our commerce. from that in which instructions were given to the colThe present state of things is so essentially different lectors to restrain vessels of the United States from sailing in an armed condition, that the principle on which those orders were issued has ceased to exist. I therefore deem it proper to inform Congress, that I no longer conceive myself justifiable in continuing them, unless in particular cases, where there may be reason-1 able ground of suspicion that such vessels are intended to be employed contrary to law. In all your proceedings, it will be important to manifest a zeal, a vigor, and concert, in defence of the national rights, proportioned to the danger with which they are threatened. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, March 19, 1798. The Message was read, and referred to the committee appointed on the 29th November last, who have under consideration that part of the Speech of the President of the United States, at The following Message was received from the the commencement of the session, which relates PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : The despatches from the Envoys Extraordinary of the United States to the French Republic, which were mentioned in my Message to both Houses of Congress, of the fifth instant, have been examined and maturely considered. While I feel a satisfaction in informing you that their exertions, for the adjustment of the differences between the two nations, have been sincere and unremitted, it is incumbent on me to declare, that I perceive no ground of expectation that the objects of their mission can be accomplished, on terms compatible with the safety, the honor, or the essential interests of the nation. This result cannot, with justice, be attributed to any want of moderation on the part of this Government, or to any indisposition to forego secondary interests, for the preservation of peace. Knowing it to be my duty, and believing it to be your wish, as well as that of the great body of the people, to avoid, by all reasonable concessions, any participation in the contentions of Europe, the powers vested in our Envoys were commensurate with a liberal and pacific policy, and that high confidence which might justly be reposed in the abilities, patriotism, and integrity, of the characters to whom the negotiation was committed. After a careful review of the whole subject, with the aid of all the information I have received, I can discern nothing which could have insured or contributed to success, that has been omitted on my part, and nothing further which can be attempted, consistently with maxims for which our country has contended at every hazard, and which constitute the basis of our national sovereignty. Under these circumstances, I cannot forbear to reiterate the recommendations which have been formerly to the protection of commerce, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. Mr. TRACY, from the committee to whom was referred the petition of Jonathan Davenport, an invalid pensioner, made report, and the report was read. Ordered, That it lie for consideration. Mr. MARSHALL, from the committee to whom was referred the petition of Margaret Lapsley, reported a state of facts, and that it be Resolved, That a bill be brought in for the relief of the legal representative of Samuel Lapsley, deceased, Which report was adopted; and, Ordered, That it be recommitted, with an instruction to the committee to bring in a bill accordingly. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act for an additional appropriation to provide and support a Naval Armament," in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. The bill was read, and ordered to the second reading. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act for the relief of the legal representatives of Thomas Clark, deceased," was read the third time. mined in the negative-yeas 10, nays 14, as folOn the final passage of this bill, it was deter lows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bloodworth, Greene, Hunter, Jackson, Langdon, Martin, Read, Tattnall, and Tazewell. NAYS-Messrs. Bingham, Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Laurance, Livermore, Marshall, Paine, Ross, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy. So it was Resolved, That this bill do not pass. Mr. MARSHALL, from the committee appointed for the purpose, reported a bill for the relief of the legal representative of Samuel Lapsley, deceased, which was read, and ordered to the second reading. Mr. READ, from the committee appointed to revise the Judiciary system of the United States, reported a bill on that subject, which was read, and ordered to the second reading. TUESDAY, March 20. Mr. GOODHUE, from the committee appointed 29th November last, on that part of the Speech of the President of the United States which respects the protection of commerce, and to whom was also referred the Message of the President of the United States of the 19th instant, reported so far as to bring in a bill to enable the President of the United States to purchase or lease one or more foundries; which bill was read, and ordered to the second reading. A motion was made, by Mr. ANDERSON, as follows: Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to lay before the Senate the instructions given to the American Commissioners at Paris; and, also, all communications which he hath received from them relative to the object of their mission. It was agreed, that this motion lie until tomorrow for consideration. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act making an appropriation for completing the buildings requisite for the accommodation of the Government of the United States at the city of Washington," in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. The bill was read, and ordered to the second reading. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act for an additional appropriation to provide and support a Naval Armament," was read the second time, and ordered to the third reading. The bill for the relief of the legal representatative of Samuel Lapsley, deceased, was read the second time; and, after debate, Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed. The Senate resumed the third reading of the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act declaring the consent of Congress to an act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." On the final passage of this bill, it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 15, nays 9, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Bingham, Bloodworth, Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, Hunter, Laurance, Lloyd, Martin, Stockton, Tattnall, and Tracy. [SENATE. Ordered, That it be referred to the Secretary for the Department of Treasury, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act to continue in force the act, entitled 'An act prohibiting for a limited time the exportation of arms and ammunition, and for encouraging the importation thereof;" in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. The bill to enable the President of the United States to purchase or lease one or more foundries, was read the second time, and ordered to the third reading. The VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a letter from the Secretary for the Department of Treasury, with the abstract required by the fourth section of the act, entitled "An act relative to the compensations of certain officers employed in the collection of the duties of impost and tonnage," passed February 14, 1795. The letter was read, and ordered to lie on file. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act making an ap propriation for completing the buildings requisite for the accommodation of the Government of the United States, at the city of Washington," was read the second time, and referred to Messrs. LLOYD, TAZEWELL, SEDGWICK, STOCKTON, and GOODHUE, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act for an additional appropriation to provide and support a Naval Armament," was read the third time and passed. The Senate resumed the second reading of the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act to continue in force for a limited time an act, entitled 'An act declaring the consent of Congress to an act of the State of Maryland, passed the twenty-eighth of December, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, for the appointment of a health officer," and having agreed to an amendment, |