JUNE, 1812. Hostilities with Great Britain. instant, with instructions to modify and amend the bill, in such manner as to authorize the President of the United States to instruct the commanders of all ships of war belonging to the United States to recapture any vessel thereof bound to any port or place prohibited to such vessel by the British Orders in Council, dated the day of , which may have been previously captured by any British armed vessel; and also to capture any British armed vessel which shall resist such recapture, or be found hovering on the coasts of the United States for the purpose of interrupting their lawful commerce, and to bring the same into any port of the United States for adjudication and condem nation. And, further, to instruct the commanders of all ships of war belonging to the United States, to recapture any vessel of the United States navigating the ocean con formably to the laws of nations, which may have been previously captured by any French armed vessel; and also to capture any such French armed capturing vessel, and, in like manner, to bring in the same for adjudication and condemnation. And to authorize the President of the United States to cause letters of marque and general reprisal upon the public and private ships and vessels, goods, and merchandise, belonging to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, or to the subjects thereof; and also upon the public and private ships and vessels, goods, and merchandise, belonging to the Crown of France, or to the subjects thereof. And, on the question to agree to this motion, it was determined in the negative-yeas 14, nays 18, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Bayard, Dana, German, Giles, Gilman, Goodrich, Gregg, Horsey, Hunter, Lambert, Lloyd, Pope, Reed, and Worthington. NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell of Tennessee, Condit, Crawford, Cutts, Franklin, Gaillard, Howell, Leib, Robinson, Smith of Maryland, Smith of New York, Tait, Taylor, Turner, and Var num. On motion, by Mr. HORSEY, that the Senate adjourn, it was determined in the negative-yeas 14, Days 18, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Bayard, Dana, German, Giles, Gilman, Goodrich, Horsey, Hunter, Lambert, Leib, Lloyd, Pope, Reed, and Smith of Maryland. NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell of Tennessee, Condit, Crawford, Cutts, Franklin, Gaillard, Gregg, Howell, Robinson, Smith of New York, Tait, Taylor, Turner, Varnum, and Worthington. On the question, Shall this bill pass as amended? it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 19, nays 13, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell of Tennessee, Condit, Crawford, Cutts, Franklin, Gaillard, Giles, Gregg, Leib, Robinson, Smith of Maryland, Smith of New York, Tait, Taylor, Turner, and Varnum. NAYS-Messrs. Bayard, Dana, German, Gilman, Goodrich, Horsey, Howell, Hunter, Lambert, Lloyd, Reed, and Worthington. So it was resolved that the bill do pass with amendments. On motion, the title was amended, to read as follows: "An act declaring war between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland SENATE. and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their Territories." On motion by Mr. ANDERSON, a committee was appointed, to consist of two members, to carry the said bill to the House of Representatives, and ask their concurrence in the amendments; and Messrs. ANDERSON and VARNUM were appointed the committee. THURSDAY, June 18. A message from the House of Representatives, by Messrs. MACON and FINDLEY, two of their members-Mr. MACON, chairman: Mr. President: The House of Representatives concur in the amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act declaring war between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their Territories." Mr. VARNUM, from the committee, reported that they had examined and found duly enrolled the bill last mentioned. A message from the House of Representatives, by Messrs. CRAWFORD and TURNER, the committee on the part of the House of Representatives for enrolled bills-Mr. CRAWFORD, chairman: Mr. President: The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, we are directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of their President. The PRESIDENT signed the enrolled bill last reported to have been examined, and it was delivered to the committee, to be laid before the President of the United States. Mr. VARNUM reported, from the committee, that they, this day, laid before the President of the United States the enrolled bill last mentioned, and that the President of the United States informed the committee that he had, this day, approved and signed the same. On motion, by Mr. VARNUM, Resolved, That the injunction of secrecy, in relation to the confidential Message of the President of the United States of the first instant, and also in relation to the private and confidential proceedings of the Senate since that date, be removed. [End of the confidential proceedings.] FRIDAY, June 19. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act authorizing the discharge of William Peck from his imprisonment;" and, no amendment having been proposed, the bill was ordered to a third reading. The bill, entitled "An act authorizing the issuing of Treasury notes," was read the second time, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. CAMPBELL of Tennessee, BAYARD, and SMITH of Maryland, were appointed the committee. Mr. BAYARD, from the committee to whom was referred the bill supplementary to an act, entitled "An act to authorize a detachment from the militia of the United States," reported it with an amendment. Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to An act authorizing the President of the United States to raise certain companies of rangers for the protection of the frontier of the United States," reported it amended. The amendments to the bill. entitled "An act to amend the laws within the District of Columbia, having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, the bill was read a third time as amended, and passed, with amendments. The amendments to the bill, entitled "An act conferring certain powers on the Levy Court for the county of Washington, in the District of Columbia," having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, the bill was read a third time as amended. and passed with amendments. On motion, by Mr. SMITH, of Maryland. Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to lay before the Senate such information as he may possess respecting the hostile or friendly movements and intentions of the Indians towards the United States, subsequent to the battle of Tippecanoe. The bill for the relief of James Wilkinson was resumed, as in Committee of the Whole; and Mr. VARNUM was requested to take the Chair; and, after debate, the Senate adjourned. SATURDAY, June 20. On motion by Mr. GREGG, the committee to whom was referred the petition of John Clark, was discharged from the further consideration thereof. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to An act authorizing the President of the United States to raise certain companies of rangers for the protection of the frontier of the United States," together with the amendments reported thereto by the select committee; and, after debate, it was agreed that the further consideration thereof be postponed to Monday next. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to the act, entitled An act to authorize a detachment from the militia of the United States," passed April 10, 1812, together with the amendments reported thereto by the select committee; and, after debate, on motion, by Mr. TAYLOR, that the further consideration thereof be postponed to the first Monday in October next, it was determined in the negative-yeas 10, nays 19, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bayard, Bibb, Crawford, Horsey, Howell, Hunter, Smith of New York, Taylor, and Turner. NAYS-Messrs. Bradley, Condit, Cutts, Dana, Franklin, Gaillard, German, Gilman, Goodrich, Gregg, Lambert, Leib, Lloyd, Pope, Reed, Smith of Maryland, Tait, Varnum, and Worthington. JUNE, 1812 And having agreed to the reported amendment with amendments, the President reported the bill to the House accordingly. And, on the question, Shall this bill be read the third time as amended? it was determined io the affirmative. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act concerning invalid pensioners;" in which bill they request the concurrence of the Senate. The bill last brought up for concurrence was read, and passed to the second reading. The bill, entitled, "An act authorizing the discharge of William Peck from his imprisonment," was read a third time, and passed. On motion, by Mr. GREGG, the committee to whom was referred, on the 6th of December last, the memorial of the President and Managers of the Union Canal Company of Pennsylvania; also, on the 24th, the memorial of Gouverneur Morris and others, were discharged. MONDAY, June 22. citizens of Vermont, deprecating a war with EngMr. BRADLEY presented five memorials of the land, and praying the removal of the commercial restrictive system; and the memorials were read. hundred citizens of Cumberland county, in the Mr. GREGG presented fourteen memorials of six State of Pennsylvania, to the same purpose. Mr. LAMBERT presented the petition of a large number of citizens of the State of New Jersey, to the same purpose; which was read. The bill supplementary to the act, entitled "An act to authorize a detachment from the militia of the United States," passed April 10, 1812, having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, was read a third time, and passed. Mr. LEIB submitted the following motion: "That a committee be appointed, to join a committee of the House of Representatives, if the House should think proper to appoint a committee, to examine and report what business is necessary to be done during the present session; at what time the two Houses ought to adjourn; and to what time Congress should stand adjourned.' And the motion was read. The bill, entitled "An act concerning invalid pensioners," was read the second time, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. ANDERSON, BRADLEY, and FRANKLIN, were appointed the committee. Mr. GREGG, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act confirming grants to lands in the Mississippi Territory, derived from the British Government of West Florida, not subsequently regranted by the Government of Spain or the United States," reported it without amendment. Mr. WORTHINGTON, from the managers at the conference on the bill, entitled "An act to ascertain and establish the western boundary of the tract reserved for satisfying the military bounties allowed to the officers and soldiers of the Virginia line on continental establishment," made report. Whereupon, Resolved, That the Senate so far recede from their amendments to the bill above mentioned, as that they concur in the amendments as modified by the committee of conference, and agree that the bill be so amended. TUESDAY, June 23. SENATE. confirming claims to lands in the Mississippi Ter- informed the Senate that the House agree to the A message from the House of Representatives amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled Court for the county of Washington, in the Dis"An act conferring certain powers on the Levy trict of Columbia," with an amendment; in which they request the concurrence of the Senate. They have passed a bill, entitled "An act imposing additional duties upon all goods, wares, and meral-chandise, imported from any foreign port or place, and for other purposes," in which bill they request the concurrence of the Senate. The bill for the relief of James Wilkinson was resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, and Mr. VARNUM was requested to take the Chair; and, after debate, it was agreed that the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House recede from their disagreement to the amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act to ascertain and establish the western boundary of the tract reserved for satisfying the military bounties lowed to the officers and soldiers of the Virginia line on continental establishment," and agree to the amendments as modified by the managers at the conference thereon. They have passed a bill, entitled "An act concerning letters of marque, prizes, and prize goods;" also, a bill, entitled "An act giving validity to the sale of certain tracts of public lands, sold in the western district of the Territory of Orleans, now State of Louisiana ;" in which bills they request the concurrence of the Senate. The two bills last mentioned were read, and passed to the second reading. The bill concerning letters of marque, prizes, and prize goods, was read the second time by consent, and referred to a select committee, to consist of five members, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. TAYLOR, ANDERSON, VARNUM, CUTTS, and SMITH, of Maryland, were appointed the committee. Mr. CAMPBELL, of Tennessee, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act authorizing the issuing of Treasury notes," reported it with an amendment. The following Message was received from the Representatives of the United States : I communicate to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of State from the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States at London, and of a note to him from the British Secretary for Foreign Affairs. JUNE 22, 1812. JAMES MADISON. read, and passed to the second reading. "An act concerning the Levy Court of the county Mr. GOODRICH, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act for the reColonel John Durkee, deceased," reported it withlief of Anna Young, heiress and representative of out amendment. Mr. TAYLOR, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act making an appropriation for the purpose of discharging all the outstanding claims for the construction and repair of the Capitol and the President's house, for the compensation of the late Surveyor of the Public Buildings, and for furniture for the differposes," reported it with amendments. ent apartments of the Capitol, and for other pur The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution submitted yesterday, by Mr. LEIB, for appointing a joint committee to examine and report what business is necessary to be done during the present session; and, having agreed thereto, Messrs. LEIB, LLOYD, BAYARD, CONDIT, and TAYLOR, were appointed the committee on the part of the Senate. The bill, entitled "An act giving validity to the sale of certain tracts of public lands sold in the western district of the Territory of Orleans, now State of Louisiana," was read the second time, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. TAIT, BIbb, and FRANKLIN, were appointed the committee. Mr. TAYLOR, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act concerning letters of marque, prizes, and prize goods," reported it with amendments; which were read, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, having agreed thereto in part, and further amended the bill, the President reported it to the House accordingly. On the question, Shall this bill be read a third time as amended? it was determined in the affirmative. consent. On the question, Shall this bill pass as amended? it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 22, nays 5, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell, of Tennessee, Condit, Crawford, Franklin, Gaillard, Gilman, Gregg, Howell, Leib, Pope, Reed, Robinson, Smith of Maryland, Smith of New York, Tait, Taylor, Turner, Varnum, and Worthington. NAYS-Messrs. Dana, Goodrich, Hunter, Lambert, and Lloyd. So it was resolved that this bill pass with amendments. Mr. ANDERSON Submitted the following motion for consideration: JUNE, 1812. and report thereon; and Messrs. SMITH, of Maryland, CAMPBELL, of Tennessee, and LLOYD, were appointed the committee. The Senate proceeded to consider the amendment of the House of Representatives to the amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act conferring certain powers on the Levy Court for the county of Washington, in the District of Columbia, and concurred therein. Mr. TAIT, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act giving validity to the sale of certain tracts of public lands in the western district of the Territory of Orleans, now State of Louisiana," reported it without amend ment. On the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time as amended? it was determined in the affirmative. The bill for the relief of James Wilkinson was "Whereas the United States of America, notwithstanding the pacific disposition which has been so dis-resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, and Mr. tinguishingly evinced by them towards all the nations VARNUM was requested to take the Chair; and of the world, have, nevertheless, been compelled to rethe bill having been amended, the President resort to arms for the maintenance and protection of sumed the Chair, and Mr. VARNUM reported the those rights which have been achieved by the blood of bill with an amendment, which was considered their fathers; and, although they have a just confi- in Senate, and agreed to. dence in the strength of their Government, and in the vigor of their own arm, yet, being taught by Holy Writ, to which they bow with all due reverence and submission," that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but of the Lord who willeth and doeth:" And it being at all times our indispensable duty devoutly to acknowledge the superintending providence of Almighty God, especially in times of impending danger and public calamity, to reverence and adore His immutable justice, as well as to implore His merciful interposition for the prosperity of the nation: Therefore, "Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That a joint committee of both Houses wait on the President of the United States, and request that he will recommend to the people of the United States a day of public humiliation and prayer, to be observed by supplicating Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, and for the success of their arms." And the motion was read, and passed to the second reading. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House concur in the resolutions passed by the Senate, for the appointment of a joint committee to examine and report what business is necessary to be done during the present session, and have appointed a committee on their part. The House of Representatives recede from their disagreement to the amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act for the more perfect organization of the Army of the United States," and concur therein. The bill, entitled "An act for imposing additional duties upon all goods, wares, and merchandise, imported from any foreign port or place, and for other purposes," was read the second time, and referred to a select committee, to consider Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, gave notice that tomorrow he should ask leave to bring in a bill supplementary to the act fixing the Military Peace Establishment of the United States. The bill, entitled "An act to authorize the issuing of Treasury notes," was resumed as in Committee of the Whole; and, after debate, and the consideration of confidential and Executive business, the Senate adjourned. THURSDAY, June 25. The bill for the relief of James Wilkinson having been reported by the committee correctly The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act authorizing the issuing of Treasury notes," together with the amendment reported by the select committee; and, having agreed thereto, 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-yeas 19, nays 5, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Bradley, Brent, Campbell of Tennessee, Crawford, Franklin, Gaillard, Giles, Gregg, Howell, Lambert, Leib, Reed, Smith of Maryland, Tait, Taylor, Turner, Varnum, and Worthington. NAYS-Messrs, German, Gilman, Goodrich, Horsey, and Lloyd. SENATE. So it was resolved that this bill pass with an amendment. The amendments to the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to An act authorizing the President of the United States to raise certain compaThe motion made yesterday, respecting a day nies of rangers for the protection of the frontiers of public humiliation and prayer, was read the of the United States," were reported by the comsecond time; and on the question, Shall it be en-mittee correctly engrosssed, and the bill was read grossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative. the third time as amended, and the blanks filled. Resolved, That this bill pass with amendments. The bill authorizing the President of the United States to lease, for a term of years, any part the reservations of public ground in the City of Washington, was reported by the committee correctly engrossed, and read a third time and the blank filled. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to an act authorizing the Pres-of ident of the United States to raise certain companies of rangers for the protection of the frontier of the United States," and disagreed to the amend ment reported by the select committee; and, on motion, the bill was amended; and the President reported the amendments to the House, and it was agreed to amend the bill accordingly. On the question, Shall this bill be read a third time as amended? it was determined in the affirmative. Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill supplementary to the act fixing the Military Peace Establishment of the United States;" and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill authorizing the President of the United States to lease, for a term of years, any part of the reservations of public ground in the City of Washington, together with the amendment reported thereto by the select committee; and Mr. VARNUM was requested to take the Chair; and the amendment having been agreed to, the President resumed the Chair, and Mr. VARNUM reported the bill with an amendment, which was considered in the Senate and agreed to. And on the question, Shall this bill be read a third time as amended? it was determined in the affirmative thereof be "An act authorizing the President of Resolved, That this bill pass, and that the title the United States to lease, for a term of years, any part of the reservations of public ground in the City of Washington." Mr. BAYARD presented the memorial of the citiDelaware, and its vicinity, praying Congress to zens of the town of Newcastle, in the State of direct measures for their defence, in their peculiarly exposed situation.-Referred to the Secretary for the Department of War, to consider and report thereon.. Mr. BRADLEY presented the petition of sundry citizens of the State of Vermont, deprecating the horrors of war, and praying the removal of the restrictive system and embargo; and the petition was read. Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act for imposing additional duties upon all goods, eign port or place, and for other purposes," rewares, and merchandise, imported from any forported the bill with amendments; and it was agreed that the consideration thereof be made the order of the day for Monday next. The PRESIDENT communicated a letter from the Commissioner of the General Land Office, enclosing a report of the Commissioners for the district of Vincennes, made in pursuance of " An act providing for the sale of certain lands in the Indiana Territory, and for other purposes ;" and the letter and report were read. The bill supplementary to the act fixing the Military Peace Establishment of the United States was read the second time, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. SMITH of Maryland, FRANKLIN, and BRADLEY, were appointed the committee. SATURDAY, June 27. the Mayor, Aldermen, and inhabitants of New The PRESIDENT communicated the petition of Orleans, praying the extension of a certain street in that city through the property of the United States, upon certain conditions; and the petition was read. Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, from the committee to whom was referred the bill supplementary to the act fixing the Military Peace Establishment |