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, entiled "An act making further provision for the Corps of Engineers," was referred to a select compittee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. SMITH of Maryland, VARNUM, and BAYARD, were ppointed the committee. Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, from the committee o whom were referred the amendments to the ill last mentioned, made report. Whereupon, Resolved, That the Senate concur in the amenddents of the House of Representatives to the said ill. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill concerning merchant vessels armed or defence; and the further consideration thereof vas postponed until to-morrow. Mr. LEIB, from the committee appointed to conider the subject, reported a bill allowing an anuity to Arthur St. Clair; and the bill was read, nd passed to the second reading. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill to authorize the State of Tennesee to issue grants and perfect titles on certain enties and locations of land, therein described; and he further consideration thereof was postponed 0, and made the order of the day for, Wednes ay 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 tead, 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 respective Houses of Congress on Wednesday, the 6th of May, to Monday, the 25th of May. 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. 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 seleet committee, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. GREGG, LLOYD, and SMITH of Md., were appointed the committee. On motion, by Mr. WORTHINGTON, to suspend the twelfth rule for conducting business in the 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. 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 resolution 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. 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. Mr. VARNUM presented the petition of Jonathan Grout, of Philadelphia, praying Congress to authorize the purchase of his patent right to a new and improved mode of conveying intelligence, and giving signals, by telegraphs; and the petition was read, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon by bill or other APRIL, 1812. wise; and Messrs. VARNUM. LEIB, and BRENT were appointed the committee. MARITIME Defence. Mr. POPE asked and obtained leave to bringin a bill more effectually to protect the comment and coasts of the United States; and the bill wa 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 commente Whereas the British and other armed vessels hav 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 a thorized, to instruct and direct the commanders of the armed vessels belonging to the United States to st take, and bring into any port of the United States, be proceeded against according to the laws and usage of nations, any such British or other armed vessa 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 en the vessels belonging to the citizens thereof. The bill respecting associations for maritime security having been reported by the committe 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 art ing of vessels for defence may be allowed according 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 shal sail in concert and be associated for assistance and pro tection 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 of their authorized agents. The stipulations of the parties contained in such instrument may extend to the equip ment and force of the vessels respectively; the relative authority of the masters or commanders; the appoint regulation of signals; the direction of the general course ment of places and times of rendezvous and sailing; the of the voyage or voyages; the orders to be observed in cases of separation or danger; and the making of a rangements 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 mas ters or commanders of vessels which may be so associ ated, shall be under the control of such instructions or orders. SEC. 2. Be it further enacted, That the respective ships or vessels shall be holden for any stipulations as aforesaid contained in such instrument concerning them, and shall accordingly be chargeable for any compens tion which may justly be demanded on account of failure to perform the same, as well as for satisfying any reasonable claim of contribution on account of loss or damage incurred in pursuance thereof. The rates of ontribution shall be apportioned to and among the repective vessels or owners thereof, as the parties may ave agreed by such instrument; otherwise the apporonment may be adjusted by the discretion of the comtent court: Provided, That no ships or vessels shall so holden unless a copy of the instrument concerng them as aforesaid shall have been certified by the wners or agents, and deposited with a collector of the astoms or with the clerk or register of a court, having Imiralty or maritime jurisdiction, or, in case of being i a foreign country, with a consul or agent of the Unid States: Provided, also, That none but citizens of e United States shall be permitted, directly or indietly, to have or claim benefit of any agreement or ipulation as aforesaid. SENATE vessels which may be armed in virtue of any grants of letters of marque and reprisal under authority of the United States. SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That whenever security shall have been given by bond as aforesaid with respect to a ship or vessel of the United States, duly owned and navigated as such, which may be armed or provided with means as aforesaid for defence, and bound on any foreign voyage or voyages not contrary to law, the same shall be permitted to depart on such destination: and the collector of the customs for the district from which the ship or vessel may be about to depart, in addition to the clearance for the same, shall furnish an official document to this effect, and as nearly as may be convenient according to the following formSEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That the courts To all whom it may concern: It is made known, the United States having cognizance of causes of that the ship or vessel called the [inserting here the Imiralty and maritime jurisdiction, shall take cogniz- vessel's name] of [inserting the name of the port to ace of complaints and controversies touching the pre- which the vessel belongs] having [inserting the numises; and proceedings may be had therein according ber] deck with [inserting the number] mast and [spethe course of such courts respectively, as in other cifying whether any or no] head and [specifying wheases of admiralty or maritime jurisdiction. But no- ther any or no] gallery, of the burden of [inserting the ning herein contained shall be construed to deprive number] tons as registered, and carrying [inserting the aitors of a remedy at `common law, or in equity, wher-number of mounted] guns, whereof [naming the ver the same may be competent. person] is at present master or commander, being a The bill concerning merchant vessels armed [describing the kind of vessel, whether ship, snow, brigr defence having been reported by the commit-antine, schooner, sloop, or otherwise] duly owned and e correctly engrossed, was read a third time, ad passed. The bill is as follows: Bill concerning Merchant Vessels armed for defence. ons: navigated as a merchant vessel of the United States of America, armed for defence, and bound for —, is permitted to depart on destined voyage [or voyages, as may be proper] responsible security having been given according to the act of Congress, entitled "An act concerning merchant vessels armed for defence." "Given under the seal of office, at the port of" [expressing the port and district, and specifying the day That additions or variations may be made as shall apand year of the date in words at length:] Provided, pear proper in particular cases for the better description of vessels or armaments. SEC. 2. Be it enacted, That no merchant vessels rmed or provided with the means of being armed at ea, shall be cleared or permitted to depart on foreign oyages, unless the same be registered and duly owned SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That it shall be nd navigated as ships and vessels of the United States. lawful for the President of the United States to give ind any such ship or vessel of the United States if not directions, as in his opinion may be proper, for causing ound on some voyage beyond the southern cape of to be prepared a sufficient number of forms of such Africa or America, may be restrained and prevented from documents, which shall be attested by the Secretary, oing to sea with such armament or means of arma- under seal of the Department of State, with proper nent, unless bond to the United States be given by the blanks to be filled by the collectors respectively to whom managing owner, or agent, and the master or commanthe same shall be transmitted. Before any such doculer thereof, with responsible surety or sureties in a penalment shall be furnished for a ship or vessel, it shall be am not exceeding dollars, with condition that sealed and signed by the proper collector, and counterach ship or vessel shall not proceed to any port known signed by the naval officer or by the surveyor, if there o be actually blockaded, nor carry contraband articles be one, but no naval officer. And the documents so to the dominions of any Power engaged in war against furnished shall be transcribed in some proper book to such as may be at peace with the United States; and be kept for the purpose by the collector, who shall be that such armament or means of armament shall not entitled to like fees for the same as for certificates of be used for purposes contrary to the laws or treaties of the United States or the rules of public law by the this act shall not be construed to prevent ships or vesregistry: Provided, always, and it is declared, That United States acknowledged, but that the instructions which may be given by the President of the United sels bound for any of the ports, places, or countries, beyond the southern cape of Africa or America, from States for preventing any infraction of such laws, trea- going armed as has been usual in such cases, nor to ties, or rules, shall be observed with respect to such ship affect any foreign armed vessel which may have been or vessel in the destined voyage or voyages; and that admitted as such within the territorial jurisdiction of satisfaction shall be made for all damage and injury, if any should be committed, in contravention thereof; which bond may be sued in the name of the United States, before any competent court of the United States. And whatever may be recovered thereon shall be for their use, except so much as the court may order to be paid for making such satisfaction as shall appear reasonable in any case of damage or injury. But the restrictions herein contained shall not be considered applicable to the United States. THURSDAY, April 30. The bill more effectually to protect the commerce and coasts of the United States was read the second time, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. POPE, BAYARD, and SMITH, of Maryland, were appointed the committee. MAY, 1912. FRIDAY, May 1. The bill to authorize the State of Tennessee The bill, entitled "An act for the relief of John to issue grants and perfect titles on certain entries Thompson," was read the second time, and re-and locations of land therein described, having ferred to a select committee, to consider and re-been reported by the committee correctly en port thereon; and Messrs. SMITH, of Maryland, grossed, was read a third time. GREGG, and SMITH, of New York, were appointed the committee. The bill, entitled "An act making an additional appropriation for the support of Government for the year 1812," was read the second time. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill to authorize the State of Tennessee to issue grants and perfect titles on certain entries and locations of land therein described; 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 allowing an annuity to Arthur St. Clair; and, on the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 15, nays 7, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bayard, Bibb, Crawford, German, Gilman, Goodrich, Gregg, Horsey, Howell, Hunter, Lambert, Leib, Smith of Maryland, and Worthington. NAYS-Messrs. Condit, Cutts, Robinson, Smith of New York, Tait, Turner, and Varnum. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act authorizing the cutting and making a canal from the river Potomac around the west end of the dam or causeway from Mason's island, and for other purposes;" in which bill they request the concurrence of the Senate. The bill last mentioned was read, and passed to the second reading. Mr. LLOYD presented the memorial of five hundred and thirty-five merchants of Boston, praying the repeal, or such modification, of the non-importation act, as may enable them to receive their property now in Great Britain and her dependencies; which was read, and referred to a select committee, to consist of five members, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and, in the mean time, that it be printed for the use of the Senate. Messrs. LLOYD, TAYLOR, GREGG, LEIB, and SMITH of Maryland, were appointed the com mittee. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill to discharge from imprisonment the persons therein mentioned; and, after debate, the further consideration thereof was postponed until to-morrow. On motion, by Mr. SMITH, of New York, Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be authorized to pay, out of the contingent fund, the expenses incurred for the funeral of the late VICE PRESIDENT of the United States, whenever the same shall have been allowed and certified by the committee of arrangement. On the question, Shall this bill pass? It was determined in the affirmative-yeas 18, nays € as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bayard, Campbell of Te nessee, Condit, Cutts, Gaillard, Gilman, Goodrich, He sey, Howell, Hunter, Lambert, Lloyd, Robinson, Smith of Maryland, Smith of New York, Tait, and Varnum. NAYS-Messrs. Bibb, Crawford, Dana, German, Taylor and Turner. So it was Resolved, That this bill pass, and that the title thereof be "An act to authorize the State of Tennessee to isssue grants and perfect titles on certain entries and locations of land therein described." Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, from the commita to whom was referred the bill, entitled “An ac for the relief of John Thompson," reported without amendment. Mr. TURNER, from the committee to whom was referred the bill entitled "An act to alter and es tablish certain post roads," reported it without amendment. Mr. LEIB presented the petition of Ninian Pink ney, now a Captain in the Army, stating that, on the 20th of August, 1808, he was appointed brig ade inspector, pro tempore, and that he performed the duties thereof at New Orleans, and has re ceived the emoluments attached to said office, up to the 31st of May, 1810, but, on his arrival at the Seat of Government, was required by the Department of War to refund, on the plea that relief, for reasons stated in the petition, which the appointment was inadmissible, and praying was read, and referred to a select committee, 10 consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. LEIB, HOWELL, and SMITH of Maryland, were appointed the committee. The bill allowing an annuity to Arthur St. Clair having been reported by the committee cor rectly engrossed, was read a third time, and on motion, by Mr. LEIB, to fill the blank with the words "five hundred dollars," it was determined in the negative; and, on motion to fill the blank with the words "four hundred and fifty dollars." the votes being equal, the President determined the question in the affirmative. On the question, Shall this bill pass? it was determined in the affirmative—yeas 17, nays 9, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bayard, Bibb Crawfor Dana, German, Gilman, Goodrich, Gregg, Horsey, Howell, Hunter, Lambert, Leib, Lloyd, Smith of Maryland, and Worthington. NAYS-Messrs. Condit, Cutts, Gaillard, Robinson. Smith of New York, Tait, Taylor, Turner, and Var num. So it was Resolved, That this bill pass, and that the title thereof be "An act allowing an aanuity to Arthur St. Clair." Mr. GREGG, from the committee to whom the subject was referred, reported a bill to admit the entry of vessels of the United States, on certain conditions; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. [This bill embraces cases of vessels "which may have been laden in any of the ports of India, and whose master, supercargo, or owner, may have been compelled to give bond, under some penalty, that their respective cargoes shall be landed in some part of the United States;" provided the duties be paid, and the goods stored n the public stores, under the care of the collectrs, subject to the future disposition of the Govrnment.] On motion, by Mr. BAYARD, the bill to discharge tom imprisonment the persons therein mentioned was recommitted to a select committee, with instructions to inquire into, and report the facts of the case; and Messrs. BAYARD, SMITH of New York, and GERMAN, were appointed the com mittee. The bill, entitled "An act authorizing the cuting and making a canal from the river Potomac tround the west end of the dam or causeway rom Mason's island, and for other purposes," was ead the second time. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill, entitled "An act making addiional appropriations for the support of Governnent for the year 1812;" and the bill having been mended, the President reported it to the House ccordingly. On the question, Shall this bill be read a third time as amended? it was determined in the afirmative. Mr. GREGG presented the memorial of James Wilkinson, stating that he has been stigmatized as a public defaulter; but that, so far from deserving that charge, he can make it appear that the public are indebted to him, and praying an inquiry into his case may be instituted, and such decision thereon as may be compatible with justice and equity; and the memorial was read. On motion, by Mr. GREGG, this memorial, and that presented the last session, together with the report on the memorial last mentioned, was referred to a select committee, to consist of five members, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. GREGG, SMITH of Maryland, TAYLOR, VARNUM, and ANDERSON, were appointed the committee. SENATE. The bill to admit the entry of vessels of the United States on certain conditions, was read the second time. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill authorizing a subscription for the Laws of the United States; and the further consideration thereof was postponed to the first Monday in December next. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of John Thompson ;" and it was ordered to a third reading. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act to alter and establish certain post roads." Ordered, That it pass to a third reading. On motion, by Mr. HORSEY, the bill, entitled "An act authorizing the cutting and making a canal from the river Potomac around the west end of the dam or causeway from Mason's Island, and for other purposes," was referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. HORSEY, BRENT, and WORTHINGTON, were appointed the committee. Mr. LLOYD, from the committee to whom was referred the memorial of a large number of the merchants of Boston, praying the repeal or modification of the non-importation act, stated that they had instructed their chairman to report that it is inexpedient to grant the prayer of the petitioners. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House do not concur in the resolution proposing a recess from the 6th to the 25th of May. They have passed a bill, entitled "An act for the relief of the citizens of Venezuela" a bill, entitled "An act for the bet ter regulation of the ordnance;" a bill, entitled "An act for the relief of Thomas F. Reddick;" a bill, entitled "An act making further provision for the Army of the United States;" a bill, entitled "An act to authorize the election of sheriffs in the Indiana Territory, and for other purposes;" also a bill, entitled "An act to incorporate the trustees of Washington College;" in which bills they request the concurrence of the Senate. They have passed the bill which originated in the Senate, entitled "An act for designating, surveying, and granting the military bounty lands," with an amendment, in which they ask the concurrence of the Senate; also, the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to the act, entitled 'An act to establish an Executive Department, to be denominated the Department of War," with an amendment, in which they request the concur rence of the Senate. ment of the House of Representatives to the bill, The Senate proceeded to consider the amendentitled "An act for designating, surveying, and granting the military bounty lands," and coneurred therein. On motion, by Mr. BAYARD, the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of the citizens of Venezuela," was read the second time by unanimous consent; and, on motion by Mr. CAMPBELL, of Tennessee, it was referred to a select committee, |