DECEMBER. 1799.

Proceedings.

SENATE.

The Senate proceeded to consider the foregoing God! his glory is consummated ; Washington yet lives resolution of the House of Representatives; where- -on earth in his spotless example-his spirit is in upon,

heaven. Resolved, That they do concur therein, and that Let his countrymen consecrate the memory of the Messrs. Dayton, Bingham, DEXTER, GÚNN, Lau- heroic General, the patriotic Statesman, and the virtuous RANCE, Tracy. and Read, be the committee on Sage; let them teach their children never to forget that the part of the Senate.

the fruit of his labors and his example are their inher. Resolred, That the Senate will wait on the Pre- itance.

SAMUEL LIVERMORE, sident of the United States, to condole with him

President of the Senate, pro tempore. on the distressing event of the death of General Ordered, That the committee who prepared the GEORGE WASHINGTON; and that a committee be Address wait on the President of the United States, appointed to prepare, for that occasion, an Address and desire him to acquaint the Senate at what to the Presideni of the United States, expressive time and place it will be most convenient for him

1 of the deep regret of the Senate; and that ihis that it should be presented. committee consist of Messrs. DEXTER, Ross, and i Mr. Dexter reported, from the committee, that READ.

they had waited on the President of the United Resolred, That the chairs in the Senate Cham- States and that he had acquainted them that he ber be covered, and the room hung with black, would receive the Address of the Senate immeand that each member, and the officers of the Se- diately, at his own house. nate, go into mourning by the usual mode of wear- Whereupon, the Senate waited on the Presiing a crape round the left arm, during the session. dent of the United States, and the President of the

Senate, in their name, presented the Address this

day agreed to. MONDAY, December 23.

To which the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Timothy BLOODWORTH, from the State of North made the following reply: Carolina, and John E. HOWARD, from the State

Gentlemen of the Senate : of Maryland, severally attended.

I receive with the most respectful and affectionate Mr. Dexter, from the committee appointed for i sentiments, in this impressive address, the obliging exthe purpose on the 18th inst., reported the draught pressions of your regard for the loss our country has of an Address to the President of the United sustained in the death of her most esteemed, beloved, States, on the death of General GEORGE WASH- and admired citizen. INGTON; which being read in paragraphs, was In the multitude of my thoughts and recollections on adopted, as follows:

this melancholy event, you will permit me only to say,

that I have seen him in the days of adversity, in some To the President of the United States :

of the scenes of his deepest distress and most trying The Senale of the United States respectfully take perplexities; I have also attended him in his highest eleleave, sir, to express to you their deep regret for the loss vation, and most prosperous felicity, with uniform adtheir country sustains in the death of General George miration of his wisdom, moderation, and constancy. WASHINGTON.

Among all our original associates in that memorable This event, so distressing to all our fellow-citizens, League of the Continent in 1774, which first expressmust be peculiarly heavy to you, who have long been ed the sovereign will of a free nation in America, associated with him in deeds of patriotism. Permit us, he was the only one remaining in the General Governsir, to mingle our tears with yours ; on this occasion it ment. Although, with a constitution more enfeebled is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at such a than his, at an age when he thought it necessary to crisis, is no common calamity to the world. Our coun- prepare for retirement, I feel myself alone, bereaved of try mourns her Father. The Almighty Disposer of hu- my last brother, yet I derive a strong consolation from man events has taken from us our greatest benefactor the unanimous disposition which appears, in all ages and and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence classes, to mingle their sorrow with mine, on this comto him who “maketh darkness his pavilion.”

SENATE.

Proceedings.

DECEMBER, 1799.

actions, as well as over their lives, nothing remains for a bill, entitled "An act supplementary to the act. me but humble resignation.

entitled . An act to provide for the valuation of His example is now complete, and it will teach lands and dwelling-houses, and the enumeration wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, r of slaves, within the United States;" and a bill, not only in the present age, but in future generations, entitled “ An act extending the privilege of frankas long as our history shall be read. If a Trajan founding to William Henry Harrison, the Delegate from a Pliny, a Marcus Aurelius can never want biographers, the Territory of the United States Northwest of the eulogists, or historians.

Ohio, and making provision for his compensation;" JOHN ADAMS.

in which bills they desire the concurrence of the United States, December 23, 1799.

Senate. The Senate returned to their own Chamber. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives,

A message from the House of Representatives entitled “ An act supplementary to the aci, entiinformed the Senate that the joint committee ap- | tled · An act to provide for the valuation of lands pointed on the part of the House of Representa- and dwelling-houses, and the enumeration of slaves, iives, on the 19th instant, on the receipt of the in- within the United States," was read the first time; telligence of the death of General George Wash- and, by unanimous consent, it was read the second Ington, having made report to that House, they time, and referred to Messrs. Ross, Paine, and have agreed to sundry resolutions thereupon, in LAURANCE, to consider and report thereon to the which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. Senate.

Mr. Dayton, from the joint committee appoint-1 The bill last mentioned in the message from ed the 19th instant, on the part of the Senate, on the House of Representatives was read, and ordered the receipt of the intelligence of the death of Gene. to the second reading. ral GEORGE WASHINGTON, reported in part, and the report was agreed to. Whereupon, The Senate took into consideration the resolu

TUESDAY, December 24. tions of the House of Representatives, of this day, on the report of the joint committee on the subject

Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom was reabove mentioned, and which resolutions are as ferred the bill, sent from the House of Representfollows:

atives for concurrence, entitled " An act suppleResolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives mentary to the act, entitled · An act to provide of the United States of America in Congress assembled, for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses and 'That a marble monument be erected by the United the enumeration of slaves, within the United States in the Capitol, at the City of Washington ; and States,” reported the bill without amendment; and that the family of General Washingtoy be requested the report was adopted; and, by unanimous conto permit his body to be deposited under it; and that sent, the bill was read a third time, and passed. the monument be so designed as to commemorate the Mr. Tracy presented a petition of Thomas Burgreat events of his military and political life.

ling and others, inhabitanis of certain lands on the And be it further resolved, That there be a funeral borders of the Mississippi, praying confirmation of procession from Congress Hall to the German Lutheran their grants made by the Spanish Government; Church, in honor of the memory of General George and also that a disposition be made of the vacant Washington, on Thursday, the 26th instant; and lands in that territory. Also, a letter signed John that an oration be prepared at the request of Congress; Henderson, per order, directed to Winthrop Sarto be delivered before both Houses on that day; and that the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the gent, Governor, together with the extract of a letter House of Representatives, be desired 10 request one of from Governor Sargent to the Secretary of State the members of Congress to prepare and deliver the on the subject.

Ordered, That the petition and papers above And be it further resolved, That it be recommended mentioned be referred to Messrs. Tracy, GUNN, to the people of the United States to wear crape on the and Ross, to consider and report thereon to the left arm, as mourning, for thirty days.

Senate. And be it further resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to direct a copy of these entitled " An act extending the privileges of frank

The bill, sent from the House of Representatives, resolutions to be transmitted to Mrs. WASHINGTON, ing to William Henry Harrison, the Delegate from assuring her of the profound respect Congress will ever bear to her person and character; of their condolence on

the Territory of the United States Northwest of the the late afflicting dispensation of Providence, and en.

Ohio, and making provision for his compensation," treating her assent to the interment of the remains of was read a second time, and referred to Messrs. General George Washington, in the manner expressed Ross, Tracy, and Watson, to consider and rein the first resolution

port thereon to the Senate. Resolved, That the President of the United States be Mr. LAURANCE presented the petition of Peter requested to issue a proclamation, notifying to the people Aupoix, of the city of New York, praying allowthroughout the United States the recommendation con- ance ot' drawback on certain goods stated to have tained in the third resolution.

been exported, though the forms of law were not, Resolved, unanimously, That the Senate do con- through want of information, complied with; and cur in the aforesaid resolutions.

the petition was read, and referred to Messrs. LauA message from the House of Representatives RANCE, GOODHUE, and Hillhouse, to consider and informed the Senate that the House have passed report thereon to the Senate.

same.

JANUARY, 1800.

Proceedings.

SENATE.

THURSDAY, December 26.

A message from the House of Representatives In conformity to the resolve of the 23d instant, informed the Senate that the House have passed the Senate went in procession to the German Lu- * Resolutions directing further measures in hontheran church, where was delivered an oration in or of the memory of General GEORGE WASHINGhonor of the memory of General George Wash-ton," in which they desire the concurrence of the INGTON. After which, they returned to their own

Senate. Chamber, and adjourned.

The resolutions were read, as follows:

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives Friday, December 27.

of the United States of America in Congress assembled, Resolved, That the thanks of the Senale be com- States to assemble on the 22d day of February next, in

That it be recommended to the people of the United municated, through their President, to General such numbers and manner as may be convenient, pubHENRY LEE, for the eloquent and impressive ora- licly to testify their grief for the death of General GEORGE tion to the memory of General GEORGE WASHING- Washington, by suitable eulogies, orations, and disTON, which he prepared and delivered at the re- courses, or by public prayers. quest of Congress.

And be it further resolved, That the President be reResolved, That the Secretary be directed to ap- quested to issue a proclamation for the purpose of carply to General Lee for a copy of the same. rying the foregoing resolution into effect. Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom was

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Senate do conreferred the bill, sent from the House of Represent cur in the said resolutions. atives, entitled " An act extending the privilege of franking to William Henry Harrison, the Delegate from the Territory of the United States North

WEDNESDAY, January 1, 1800. west of the Ohio, and making provision for his compensation,” reported the bill without amend- informed the Senate that the House have passed

A message from the House of Representatives ment, and the report was adopted; and, by unanimous consent, ihe bill was read the third time a bill, entitled " An act providing for salvage in and passed.

cases of recapture," in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. They have passed the

bill, sent from the Senate, entitled "An act for Monday, December 30.

the relief of persons imprisoned for debt,” with Thomas Jefferson, Vice President of the Uni- amendments, in which they desire the concurrence ted States and President of the Senate, attended. of the Senate. Jesse FRANKLIN, appointed a Senator by the

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendLegislature of the State of North Carolina, pro- ments of the House of Representatives to the bill duced his credentials, was qualified, and took his last mentioned. seat in the Senate.

Ordered, That they be referred to Messrs, DexThe Vice PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a TER, Tracy, and Cocks, to consider and report letter signed John Cleves Symmes, stating the rea

thereon to the Senate. sons why Congress should be induced to receive The bill, sent from the House of Representatives of him the purchase money for certain public lands for concurrence, entitled “ An act providing for at the contract price; and the letter was read.

salvage in cases of recapture," was read the first Mr. Livermore laid before the Senate a letter time, and ordered to the second reading. signed Henry Lee, in answer to their vote of thanks of the 27th instant, and request of a copy of his oration; which was read.

THURSDAY, January 2. Mr. Dayton, from the joint committee appoint- Mr. Dexter, from the committee to whom were ed the 19th instant, on the intelligence of the death referred the amendments, sent from the House of of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, made a further Representatives, to the bill entitled “An act for report, in part, and it was agreed that the consid- the relief of persons imprisoned for debt,” made eration thereof be postponed.

report.

Resolved, That the Senate do agree to the

amendments. Tuesday, December 31.

The bill, sent from the House of Representatives, The VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate

entitled " An act providing for salvage in cases of letter from Samuel Meredith, Treasurer, of the recapture," was read the second time, and referred 30th instant, with his specie account to 30th Sep-10, Messrs. Goodhue, Laurance, and Langdon, tember, 1799; which were read and ordered to lie to consider and report thereon to the Senate. on the table.

Mr. Paine presented the petition of Elijah Brainard praying to be put on the pension list, or for

Friday, January 3. such other allowance as Congress shall approve, Wilson Cary Nicholas, appointed a Senator in consideration of a wound received in the by the Legislature of the State of Virginia, to lic service in the year 1776; and the petition was supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of read and referred to Messrs. Paine, Tracy, and Henry Tazewell, Esq., produced his credentials, Cocke, to consider and report thereon.

was qualified, and took his seat in the Senate.

a

SENATE.

Proceedings.

JANUARY, 1800. MONDAY, January 6.

The following Message was received from the The Senate proceeded to the consideration of PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Executive business, in which they spent the day. Gentlemen of the Senate, and

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:

In compliance with the request in one of the resoluTuesday, January 7.

tions of Congress, of the 21st of December last, I transSTEPHENS THOMPSON Mason, from the State Mr. Shaw, to Mrs. Washington, assuring her of the

mitted a copy of those resolutions, by my Secretary, of Virginia, attended. The Vice PRESIDENT communicated a report and character ; of their condolence in the late afflicting

profound respect Congress will ever bear to her person of the Secretary of the Department of War, ex- dispensation of Providence; and entreating her assent hibiting the expenses of the national armory at to the interment of the remains of General GEORGE Springfield, Massachusetts; which was read. Washington in the manner expressed in the first

Mr. Goodhue, from the committee to whom resolution. As the sentiments of that virtuous lady, was referred the bill, sent from the House of Rep- not less beloved by this nation than she is at present resentatives, entitled “ An act providing for sal- greatly afflicted, can never be so well expressed as in vage in cases of recapture," reported amendments; her own words, I transmit to Congress her original letter. which were read, and in part agreed to.

It would be an attempt of too much delicacy to make Ordered, That this bill be recommitted to the any comments upon it; but there can be no doubt that same committee, for further amendment.

the nation at large, as well as all the branches of the A message from the House of Representatives Government, will be highly gratified by any arrangeinformed the Senate that the House have passed ment which may diminish the sacrifice she makes of

JOHN ADAMS. a bill, entitled " An act for the preservation of her individual feelings. peace with the Indian tribes," in which they de

UNITED STATES, January 8, 1800. sire the concurrence of the Senate.

The letter is as follows: The bill last mentioned was read and ordered

Sir: While I feel with keenest anguish the late disto the second reading.

pensation of Divine Providence, I cannot be insensible Mr Ross presented the petition of Richard to the mournful tributes of respect and veneration which Butler, an officer in the military service of the are paid to the memory of my dear deceased husband ; United States, doing duty within the Mississippi and, as his best services, and most anxious wishes, were Territory, praying to be allowed to introduce a always devoted to the welfare and happiness of his counnumber of slaves within the said Territory, which try, to know that they were truly appreciated and gratehe has lately become possessed of in right of his fully remembered affords no inconsiderable consolation. wife, the ordinance to the contrary notwithstand- Taught by the great example which I have so long ing; and the petition was read.

had before me, never to oppose my private wishes to the Ordered, That the petition be referred to Messrs. public will, I must consent to the request made by Con. Ross, Tracy, and Brown, to consider and report gress which you have had the goodness to transmit to thereon to the Senate.

me; and, in doing this, I need not, I cannot, say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense of pub

lic duty. WEDNESDAY, January 8.

With grateful acknowledgments, and unfeigned

thanks, for the personal respect and evidences of conThe bill, sent from the House of Representatives, dolence, expressed by Congress and yourself, I remain, entitled "An act for the preservation of peace with very respectfully, sir, your most obedient humble servant. the Indian tribes,” was read the second time, and

MARTHA WASHINGTON. referred to Messrs. Hillhouse, Brown, and Ross, The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED States. to consider and report thereon to the Senate.

Ordered, That the Message and letter be referThe following Message was received from the red to the joint committee appointed on the 19th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:

December last, to report suitable measures in honGentlemen of the Senate, and

or of the memory of General GEORGE WASHINGGentlemen of the House of Representatives :

deceased. A report made to me on the first day of this month, by the Director of the Mint, through the office of the

THURSDAY, January 9. Secretary of State, with the documents attending it, I transmit to both Houses of Congress for their con- Mr. Goodhte, from the committee 10 whom sideration.

JOHN ADAMS. was recommitted the bill, seni from the House of UNITED STATES, January 8, 1800.

Representatives, entitled “ An act providing for The Message and papers were read and ordered salvage in cases of recapture," reported further to lie for consideration.

amendments. A message from the House of Representatives Ordered, That they be printed for the use of informed the Senate that the House bave passed the Senate. a bill, entitled “An act for the relief of John The bill, sent from the House of RepresentaVaughan,” in which they desire the concurrence tives, entitled “ An act for the relief of John of the Senate.

Vaughan,” was read the second time, and referred The bill was read, and ordered to a second to Messrs. LiverMORE, Dexter, and Paine, to conreading.

sider and report thereon to the Senate.

TON,

JANUARY, 1500.

Proceedings.

SENATE.

Mr. Dexter presented the petition of Keziah The Message and report were read, and ordered Underwood, of the State of Massachusetts, pray- to lie on the table. ing the payment of a prize ticket of the United A message from the House of Representatives States lottery, although barred by the statute of informed the Senate that the House have passed a limitation; and the petition was read.

bill, entitled “* An act to repeal part of an act, enOrdered, That it be referred to Messrs. Dexter, titled " An act to provide for mitigating or remitGonn, and Paine, to consider and report thereon ting the forfeitures, penalties, and disabilities, acto the Senate.

cruing in certain cases therein mentioned,” in

which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. FRIDAY, January 10.

The bill was read, and ordered to the second Mr. Tracy presented the memorial of the Con- reading;

Mr.Hillhouse, from the committee to whom necticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, signed Timothy Dwight, President, praying that provi

was referred the bill, sent from the House of Reinhabitants of the United States in a future cen- bill without amendment; and the report was sion may be made for a more minute return of the presentatives, entitled " An act for the preserva

tion of peace with the Indian tribes," reported the sus; and the memorial was read. Ordered, That it be referred to the committee

adopted. appointed the first instant, on the bill, sent from

Ordered, That this bill pass to the third reading. the House of Representatives, entitled An act the purpose, reported a bill for the relief of the legal

Mr. Tracy, from the committee appointed for providing for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States,” to consider and report there which was read, and ordered to the second reading.

representatives of Samuel Lapsley, deceased; on to the Senate.

Mr. Ross presented the memorial of the American Philosophical Society, signed Thomas Jefferson, President, suggesting the propriety of a sim

WEDNESDAY, January 15, ilar provision; and the memorial was read, and The bill, sent from the House of Representareferred to the committee last mentioned, to con- tives, entitled “ An act to repeal part of an act, sider and report thereon to the Senate.

entitled ' An act to provide for mitigating or reThe Senate resumed the consideration of the mitting the forfeitures, penalties, and disabilities, amendments reported by the committee to whom accruing in certain cases therein mentioned," was was referred the bill, sent from the House of Repre- read the second time, and referred to Messrs. Ross, sentatives, entitled " An act providing for salvage Goodhue, and Latimer, to consider and report in cases of recapture," and, after debate,

thereon to the Senate. Ordered, That the bill be recommitted to the The bill for the relief of the legal representacommittee who reported the amendments, further lives of Samuel Lapsley, deceased, was read the io consider and report thereon, and that Messrs. second time, and recommitted to the committee who Dexter and LIVERMORE be added to the com- reported the bill, further to consider and report mittee.

thereon to the Senate. Mr. Daytox, from the committee appointed the The bill, sent from the House of Representa17th December, to prepare and report a bill pro- tives, entitled “ An act for the preservation of viding for the renewal of certificates of the debt peace with the Indian tribes,” was read the third of the United States, which have been destroyed time, and passed. or lost, nade report; whereupon,

Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom was Ordered, That the committee be discharged referred the bill, sent from the House of Representfrom the further consideration of the subject. atives, entitled'"An act to repeal part of an act,

Ordered That Messrs. Tracy, Marshall, and entitled · An act to provide for mitigating or reDAYTON, be a committee to bring in a bill for the mitting the forfeitures, penalties, and disabilities, relief of the representatives of Samuel Lapsley. accruing in certain cases therein mentioned," made

report; and, after debate. Monday, January 13.

Ordered, That the bill be recommitted to the The Senate proceeded to the consideration of committee last named, further to consider and reExecutive business.

port thereon to the Senate.

Tuesday, January 14.

THURSDAY, January 16.
The following Message was received from the
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES :

Ordered, That the Secretary supply each SenGentlemen of the Senate, and

ator with the fourth volume of the laws of the Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

United States, bound and lettered. A report, made to me on the 5th of this month, by the

Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom was reSecretary of War, contains various matters in which the committed the bill, sent from the House of Reprehonor and safety of the nation are deeply interested. I sentatives, entitled “An act to repeal part of an transmit it therefore to Congress, and recommend it to act, entitled 'An act to provide for mitig ng or their serious consideration.

remitting the forfeitures, penalties, and disabilities,

JOHN ADAMS. accruing in certain cases therein mentioned,” reUsited States January 13, 1800.

ported amendments, which were adopted.