SENATE.] Fellow-citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives : Proceedings. It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the present occasion, that, in felicitating you on a continuance of the national prosperity, generally, I am not able to add to it information that the Indian hostilities, which have, for some time past, distressed our northwestern frontier, have terminated. [NOVEMBER, 1792. to discipline and put them in condition for the particular kind of service to be performed. A delay of operations (besides being dictated by the measures which were pursuing towards a pacific termination of the war) has been in itself deemed preferable to immature ef forts. A statement, from the proper Department, with regard to the number of troops raised, and some other points which have been suggested, will afford more precise information, as a guide to the Legislative consultations; and, among other things, will enable Congress to judge whether some additional stimulus to the recruiting service may not be advisable. You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I communicate it, that reiterated endeavors, towards effecting a pacification, have hitherto issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. In looking forward to the future expense of the opeAn earnest desire to procure tranquility to the fron-rations which may be found inevitable, I derive consotier; to stop the further effusion of blood; to arrest the lation from the information I receive, that the product progress of expense; to forward the prevalent wish of of the revenues for the present year is likely to superthe nation for peace, has led to strenuous efforts, through cede the necessity of additional burdens on the comvarious channels, to accomplish these desirable pur-munity for the service of the ensuing year. This, howposes; in making which efforts, I consulted less my own anticipations of the event, or the scruples which some considerations were calculated to inspire, than the wish to find the object attainable; or, if not attainable, to ascertain unequivocally that such is the case. A detail of the measures which have been pursued, and of their consequences, which will be laid before you, while it will confirm to you the want of success, thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as proper and as efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. The issue of some of them, indeed, is still depending; but a favorable one, though not to be despaired of, is not promised by any thing that has yet happened. In the course of the attempts which have been made, some valuable citizens have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A sanction commonly respected even among savages has been found, in this instance, insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace it will, I presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not call for an exercise of liberality towards the families of the deceased. It must add to your concern to be informed, that, besides the continuation of hostile appearances among the tribes north of the Ohio, some threatening symptoms have of late been revived among some of those south of it. A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of hickamagas, inhabiting five villages on the Tennesee river, have long been in the practice of committing depredations on the neighboring settlements. It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee nation in July, 1791, would have prevented a repetition of such depredations. But the event has not answered this hope. The Chickamagas, aided by some banditti of another tribe, in their vicinity, have recently perpetrated wanton and unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the United States in that quarter. The information which has been received on this subject will be laid before you. Hitherto, defensive precautions only have been strictly enjoined and observed. It is not understood that any breach of treaty, or aggression whatsoever, on the part of the United States, or their citizens, is even alleged as a pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter. I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made (pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) to be prepared for the alternative of a prosecution of the war, in the event of a failure of pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be raised have been recruited, though the number is still incomplete. And pains have been taken ever, will be better ascertained in the course of the session; and it is proper to add, that the information alluded to proceeds upon the supposition of no material extension of the spirit of hostility. I cannot dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again recommending to your consideration the expediency of more adequate provision for giving energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier, and for restraining the commission of outrages upon the Indians; without which all pacific plans must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent rewards, the employment of qualified and trusty persons to reside among them as agents, would also contribute to the preservation of peace and good neighborhood. If, in addition to these expedients, an eligible plan could be devised for promoting civilization among the friendly tribes, and for carrying on trade with them, upon a scale equal to their wants, and under regulations calculated to protect them from imposition and extortion, its influence in cementing their interest with ours, could not but be considerable. The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be still more the case were it not for the impediments which, in some places, continue to embarrass the collection of the duties on spirits distilled within the United States. These impediments have lessened, and are lessening, in local extent; and, as applied to the community at large, the contentment with the law appears to be progressive. But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves in certain quarters, I judged a special interposition on my part proper and advisable; and, under this impression, have issued a Proclamation, warning against all unlawful combinations and proceedings, having for their object or tending to obstruct the law in question, and announcing that all lawful ways and means would be strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the infractors thereof, and securing obedience thereto. Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders; and Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal limits, which may depend upon me, shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust, I shall count entirely upon the full co-operation of the other Departments of the Government, and upon the zealous support of all good citizens. I cannot forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the subject of a revision of the Judiciary system. A representation from the Judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points out some of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the execution of the laws, considerations arise out of the structure of that system, which, in some cases, tend to relax their efficacy. As connected with this subject, provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon processes out of the Courts of the United States, and a supplementary definition of offences against the Constitution and laws of the Union, and of the punishment for such offences, will, it is presumed, be found worthy of particular attention. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : [SENATE. I entertain a strong hope that the state of our national finances is now sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon a systematic and effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the Public Debt, according to the right which has been reserved to the Government; no measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance, or to the general sentiment and wish of the Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which has been made of the Bank of the United States, pursuant to the eleventh section of the act by which it is incorporated; in fulfilling the public stipulations in this particular, it is expected a valuable saving will be made., Observations on the value of peace with other na-nation. tions are unnecessary. It would be wise, however, by timely provisions to guard against those acts of our own citizens, which might tend to disturb it, and to put ourselves in a condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations which we may sometimes have occasion to require from them. I particularly recommend to your consideration the means of preventing those aggressions by our citizens on the territory of other nations, and other infractions of the law of nations, which, furnishing just subject of complaint, might endanger our peace with them, and, in general, the maintenance of a friendly intercourse with foreign Powers will be presented to your attention, by the expiration of the law for that purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, at the close of the present session. In execution of the authority given by the Legislature, measures have been taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of our Mint; others have been employed at home. Provision has been made of the requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for the purposes of the establishment. There has also been a small beginning in the coinage of half-dimes; the want of small coins in circulation calling the first attention to them. The regulation of foreign coins, in correspondency with the principles of our national coinage, as being essential to their due operation, and to order in our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and completed. It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes the Post Office, operate, in experiment, against the transmission of newspapers to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the circulation of political intelligence and information will, I doubt not, lead to the application of a remedy. The adoption of a Constitution for the State of Kentucky has been notified to me. The Legislature will share with me in the satisfaction which arises from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of the nation to which it relates, and conducive to the general order. It is proper likewise to inform you, that, since my last communication on the subject, and in further execution of the acts severally making provision for the Public Debt, and for the reduction thereof, three new loans have been effected, each for three millions of florins; one at Antwerp, at the annual interest of four and one-half per cent., with an allowance of four per cent., in lieu of all charges; and the other two at Amsterdam, at the annual interest of four per cent., with an allowance of five and one-half per cent. in one case, and of five per cent. in the other, in lieu of all charges. The rates of these loans, and the circumstances under which they have been made, are confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad. Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers, according to the provision made during the last session, has been embraced. Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year, and for such extraordinaries as may require provision, will demand, and I doubt not will engage, your early attention. Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives: I content myself with recalling your attention, geneerally, to such objects, not particularized in my present, as have been suggested in my former communications to you. Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among these, that which regulates trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes will merit particu lar attention. The results of your common deliberations hitherto, will, I trust, be productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents; such as, by conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend to strengthen and confirm their attachment to that constitution of Government upon which, under Divine Providence, materially depend their union, their safety, and their happiness. Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends, there is nothing which can have a more powerful tendency, than the careful cultivation of harmony, combined with a due regard to stability in the public councils. G. WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, November 6, 1792. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES having retired, and the two Houses being separated, Ordered, That Messrs. STRONG, KING, and RUTHERFURD, be a committee to prepare and report the draft of an Address to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, in answer to his Speech this day, to both Houses of Congress convened in the Senate Chamber. Ordered, That the Speech of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, delivered this day, be printed for the use of the Senate. The petition of a number of the merchants of the city of Charleston was presented and read, praying that a law may be passed, restraining and altering the proceedings, and reducing the fees of the Court of Admiralty. Ordered, That this petition lie on the table. Ordered, That the Secretary furnish the members of the Senate, from such printers as they may respectively direct, each, three newspapers, to be left from time to time, during the session, at their several places of abode. Ordered, That they lie on the table. [NOVEMBER, 1792. Ordered, That the same committee wait on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and desire him to acquaint the Senate at what time and place it will be most convenient for him that it should be presented. Mr. STRONG, from the above-mentioned com The following Message was received from the mittee, reported that the PRESIDENT OF THE UNIPRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives: TED STATES proposed to receive the Address of the The reading of the papers communicated on the 7th of November, from the Secretary of War, was In pursuance of the law, I now lay before you a state-resumed, and, after progress, postponed. ment of the administration of the funds appropriated to certain foreign purposes, together with a Letter from the Secretary of State, explaining the same. I also lay before you a copy of a Letter and representation from the Chief Justice and Associate Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, stating the difficulties and inconveniences which attend the dis charge of their duties, according to the present Judiciary system. A copy of a Letter from the Judges attending the Circuit Court of the United States for the North Carolina district, in June last, containing their observations on an act passed during the last session of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for the settlement of the claims of widows and orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions;" and A copy of the Constitution formed for the State of Kentucky. G. WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, November 7, 1792. FRIDAY, November 9. The Senate waited on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES at his own house, and the PRESIhim the Address agreed to on the 8th instant, which DENT pro tempore, in their name, communicated to is as follows: To the President of the United States: Accept, sir, our grateful acknowledgments for your Address at the opening of the present session. We participate with you in the satisfaction arising from the continuance of the general prosperity of the nation, but it is not without the most sincere concern that we are informed that the reiterated efforts which have been made to establish peace with the hostile Indians, have hitherto failed to accomplish that desired object. Hoping that the measures still depending may prove more suc The Message and papers therein referred to cessful than those which have preceded them, we shall were read. Ordered, That they lie for consideration. Mr. STRONG, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported an Address to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, in answer to his Speech to both Houses of Congress; which was read. Ordered, That to-morrow be assigned to take this report into consideration. nevertheless concur in every necessary preparation for the alternative; and, should the Indians on either side of the Ohio persist in their hostilities, fidelity to the Union, as well as affection to our fellow-citizens on the frontiers, will insure our decided co-operation in every measure which shall be deemed requisite for their protection and safety. At the same time that we avow the obligation of The PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a Letter the Union, we cannot refrain from expressing our regret the Government to afford its protection to every part of from the Secretary for the Department of War, that even a small portion of our fellow-citizens in any on the subject of Indian affairs, with sundry pa-quarter of it should have combined to oppose the operapers therein mentioned. The Letter was read, and the papers were in part read; and, after progress, the further reading thereof was postponed. tion of the law for the collection of duties on spirits distilled within the United States; a law repeatedly sanctioned by the authority of the nation, and, at this juncture, materially connected with the safety and protection of those who oppose it. Should the means already adopted fail in securing obedience to this law, such further measures as may be thought necessary to carry the same into complete operation cannot fail to receive the approbation of the Legislature, and the support of every patriotic citizen. It yields us particular pleasure to learn, that the productiveness of the revenue of the present year will probably supercede the necessity of any additional tax for the service of the next. Kentucky being an event peculiarly interesting to a part of our fellow-citizens, and conducive to the general order, affords us particular satisfaction. The organization of the government of the State of credit abroad has been evinced by the terms on which We are happy to learn that the high state of our the new loans have been negotiated. In the course of the session we shall proceed to take into consideration the several objects which you have been pleased to recommend to our attention; and, keep ing in view the importance of union and stability in the public councils, we shall labor to render our decisions conducive to the safety and happiness of our country. We repeat with pleasure our assurances of confidence in your Administration, and our ardent wish that your unabated zeal for the public good may be rewarded by the durable prosperity of the nation, and every ingredient of personal happiness. JOHN LANGDON, President pro tempore. To this Address, the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES was pleased to make the following reply: I derive much pleasure, gentlemen, from your very satisfactory Address. The renewed assurances of your confidence in my Administration, and the expression of your wish for my personal happiness, claim and receive my particular acknowledgments. In my future endeavor for the public welfare, to which my duty may call me, I shall not cease to count upon the firm, enlightened, and patriotic support of the Senate. G. WASHINGTON. The Senate returned to their Chamber. The Senate proceeded to class the Senators from the State of Kentucky, as the Constitution requires, when numbers two and three being by the Secretary, rolled up and put into the ballotbox, Mr. BROWN drew number two, and is accordingly of the class whose seats will be vacated in Senate at the expiration of two years from March, 1791. Mr. EDWARDS drew number three, and is accordingly of the class whose seats in Senate will be vacated at the expiration of four years from March, 1791. Ordered, That Messrs. RUTHERFUrd, SHERMAN, and WINGATE, be a committee to report a bill, authorizing the settlement of the demands of Anthony Walton White against the United States. The following Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives: I now lay before you a Letter from the Secretary of State, covering the copy of one from the Governor of Virginia, with the several papers therein referred to, on the subject of the boundary between that State and the Territory of the United States south of the Ohio. It will remain with the Legislature to take such measures as it shall think best, for settling the said boundary with that State, and, at the same time, if it thinks proper, for extending the settlement to the State of Kentucky, between which and the same Territory the boundary is as yet undetermined. G. WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, November 9, 1792. The Message and papers were read, and ordered to lie on the table. [SENATE. Ordered, That it be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, to report thereon to the Senate. The reading of the papers, communicated by the Secretary of War, of the 7th instant, on Indian affairs, was continued, and, after progress, postponed. MONDAY, November 12. SAMUEL JOHNSTON, from the State of North Carolina, and JOSEPH STANTON, from the State of Rhode Island, attended. The memorial of James Warrington, the true and lawful attorney of Joseph Blackford, surviving co-partner of Michael John Harris, deceased, who, with the said Joseph, carried on business, as merchants, under the firm of Harris and Blackford, in Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, and who supplied Joseph Banks, during the late war, a contractor to the Southern army, with goods to a large amount, was read, praying the interposition of Congress in respect to a demand on the said Joseph Banks, for reasons stated in the said memorial. Ordered, That it lie on the table. The memorial of Gaetano Brago di Domenico was read, on the subject of appointing a Consul to the Republic of Genoa. Ordered, That it lie on the table. Ordered, That Messrs. CABOT, HENRY, and MORRIS, be a committee to report a bill regulating Foreign Coins, and for other purposes. The reading of the papers communicated from the Secretary of War the 7th instant, respecting the Senate adjourned. Indian affairs, was continued; and, after progress, TUESDAY, November 13. The petition of Mary Kent, for the renewal of a loan-office certificate, destroyed by accident, was presented and read. Ordered, That it be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, to report thereon to the Senate. The reading of the papers, communicated from the Secretary of War on the 7th instant, respecting Indian affairs, was continued; and, after progress, postponed. Mr. CABOT, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported a bill, regulating Foreign Coins, and for other purposes; which was read the first time, and ordered to pass to a second reading. WEDNESDAY, November 14. The petition of William Dunbar, executor of the last will and testament of George Galphin, deceased, late a Commissioner of Indian affairs, The petition of Richard O'Brien and others, was presented and read, praying, in behalf of the American citizens, prisoners at Algiers, was read, children of the said George Galphin, that the compraying that measures may be taken for their pre-pensation allowed to the other commissioners of sent support, and for their relief from long captivity. Ordered, That it be referred to the Secretary of State, to report thereon to the Senate. The petition of Arthur Hughes, for compensation for services and supplies during the late war, was presented and read. Indian affairs may be extended to them, the legal representatives of their late father. On motion that this petition be referred to a committee, it passed in the negative. The Senate continued the reading of the papers, communicated from the Secretary of War, on Indian affairs; and, after progress, adjourned. [NOVEMBER, 1792. Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed to the first Monday in December next. The petition of Thomas Screven, one of the qualified acting executors of the last will and testament of James Screven, Brigadier General in the State of Georgia, deceased, was presented and read. praying for the renewal of certain certificates of Public Debt, said to be burnt or otherwise destroyed by the enemy during the late war. Ordered, That this petition lie on the table. The petition of Elisha Bennett, a seaman on board the Continental frigate the Trumbull, was presented and read, praying to be allowed the arrearage of his wages, the payment of which hath been hitherto impeded by accident. Ordered, That this petition be referred to the AARON BURR, from the State of New York, at- Secretary of the Treasury, to consider and report tended, and took his seat. thereon to the Senate. The PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a Letter from Messrs. Herbert & Co., dated Paris, January 26, 1792, respecting the purchase of a tract of land of the United States; which was read. Ordered, That the Secretary carry this Letter to the House of Representatives. The bill regulating Foreign Coins, and for other purposes, was read the third time. WEDNESDAY, November 21. Ordered, That Messrs. ELLSWORTH, STRONG, MONROE, JOHNSTON, and KING, by a committee to take the Judiciary system into consideration, and report thereon to the Senate. The petition of Barent I. Staats was presented Resolved, That this bill pass; that it be engross-dered the United States during the late war, which and read, praying compensation for services rened; and that the title thereof be "An act regu- is stated to have been delayed by reason of a mislating Foreign Coins, and for other purposes." take in the officer appointed to liquidate the public accounts. Ordered, That the consideration of the report of a committee, made April the 5th, 1792, on the subject of Weights and Measures, be the order of the day for Monday next. MONDAY, November 19. Ordered, That this petition be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The petitions of Asa Day, and of William Perkins, by his attorney Josiah Rogers, were severally read, praying to be allowed the arrearages of their wages, due for military services during the late Ordered, That these petitions be severally referred to the Secretary of War, to report thereon to the Senate. The PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a Letter signed Thomas Jefferson, in behalf of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund, who were appointed pursu-war. ant to an act, entitled "An act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt," enclosing their accounts, and stating that, from the 25th of October, 1791, there have been purchased, of various denominations of the Public Debt, to the amount of $364,093 13 cents; and that, since the commencement of the business, $1,495,457 89 cents of said debt have been purchased; for which the sum of $967,821 65 cents in specie, have been paid; which Letter and papers therein referred to, were read, and ordered to lie on the table. An Address from the people called Quakers, in behalf of the religious societies of that denomination in the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and part of Maryland and Virginia, was presented and read, suggesting the expediency of adopting further measures to conciliate the minds, and to effect a peace with the hostile tribes of Indians. Ordered, That it lie on the table. TUESDAY, November 20. Agreeably to the order of the day, the Senate proceeded to consider the report of the committee made April the 5th, 1792, on the subject of Weights and Measures; and, after debate, THURSDAY, November 22. Ordered, That Messrs. JOHNSTON, CABOT, and READ, be a committee to consider the expediency of a law respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of their masters, and, if they think proper, to report a bill. The following Message was received from the of the House of Representatives: I send you herewith the abstract of a supplementary arrangement which has been made by me, pursuant to the acts of the 3d day of March, 1791, and the 8th day of May, 1792, for raising a revenue upon foreign and domestic distilled spirits; in respect to the subdivisions and officers which have appeared to me necessary, and to the allowances for their respective services to the supervisors, inspectors, and other officers of inspection; together with estimates of the amount of compensations and charges. G. WASHINGTON. UNITED STATES, November 22, 1792. |