The Senate proceeded to consider the foregoing resolution of the House of Representatives; whereupon, Resolved, That they do concur therein, and that Messrs. DAYTON, BINGHAM, DEXTER, GUNN, LAURANCE, TRACY. and READ, be the committee on the part of the Senate. Resolved, That the Senate will wait on the President of the United States, to condole with him on the distressing event of the death of General GEORGE WASHINGTON; and that a committee be appointed to prepare, for that occasion, an Address to the President of the United States, expressive of the deep regret of the Senate; and that this committee consist of Messrs. DEXTER, Ross, and READ. SENATE. God! his glory is consummated; WASHINGTON yet lives -on earth in his spotless example-his spirit is in heaven. Let his countrymen consecrate the memory of the heroic General, the patriotic Statesman, and the virtuous Sage; let them teach their children never to forget that the fruit of his labors and his example are their inher itance. SAMUEL LIVERMORE, President of the Senate, pro tempore. Ordered, That the committee who prepared the Address 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. DEXTER reported, from the committee, that they had waited on the President of the United States and that he had acquainted them that he would receive the Address of the Senate imme Resolved, That the chairs in the Senate Chamber be covered, and the room hung with black, and that each member, and the officers of the Se-diately, at his own house. nate, go into mourning, by the usual mode of wearing a crape round the left arm, during the session. MONDAY, December 23. TIMOTHY BLOODWORTH, from the State of North Carolina, and JOHN E. HOWARD, from the State of Maryland, severally attended. Mr. DEXTER, from the committee appointed for the purpose on the 18th inst., reported the draught of an Address to the President of the United States, on the death of General GEORGE WASHINGTON; which being read in paragraphs, was adopted, as follows: To the President of the United States : The Senate of the United States respectfully take leave, sir, to express to you their deep regret for the loss their country sustains in the death of General GEORGE WASHINGTON. This event, so distressing to all our fellow-citizens, must be peculiarly heavy to you, who have long been associated with him in deeds of patriotism. Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours; on this occasion it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at such a crisis, is no common calamity to the world. Our country mourns her Father. The Almighty Disposer of human events has taken from us our greatest benefactor and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence to him who "maketh darkness his pavilion." With patriotic pride, we review the life of our WASHINGTON, and compare him with those of other countries, who have been pre-eminent in fame. Ancient and modern names are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt have too often been allied; but his fame is whiter than it is brilliant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed at the majesty of his virtue. It reproved the intemperance of their ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory. The scene is closed, and we are no longer anxious lest misfortune should sully his glory; he has travelled on to the end of his journey and carried with him an increasing weight of honor: he has deposited it safely, where misfortune cannot tarnish it, where malice cannot blast it. Favored of heaven, he departed without exhibiting the weakness of humanity. Magnanimous in death, the darkness of the grave could not obscure his brightness. Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks to Whereupon, the Senate waited on the President of the United States, and the President of the Senate, in their name, presented the Address this day agreed to. To which the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES made the following reply: Gentlemen of the Senate: I receive with the most respectful and affectionate sentiments, in this impressive address, the obliging expressions of your regard for the loss our country has sustained in the death of her most esteemed, beloved, and admired citizen. In the multitude of my thoughts and recollections on this melancholy event, you will permit me only to say, that I have seen him in the days of adversity, in some of the scenes of his deepest distress and most trying perplexities; I have also attended him in his highest elevation, and most prosperous felicity, with uniform admiration of his wisdom, moderation, and constancy. Among all our original associates in that memorable League of the Continent in 1774, which first expressed the sovereign will of a free nation in America, he was the only one remaining in the General Government. Although, with a constitution more enfeebled than his, at an age when he thought it necessary to prepare for retirement, I feel myself alone, bereaved of my last brother, yet I derive a strong consolation from the unanimous disposition which appears, in all ages and classes, to mingle their sorrow with mine, on this common calamity to the world. The life of our WASHINGTON cannot suffer by a comparison with those of other countries who have been most celebrated and exalted by fame. The attributes and decorations of royalty could have only served to eclipse the majesty of those virtues which made him, from being a modest citizen, a more resplendent luminary. Misfortune, had he lived, could hereafter have sullied his glory only with those superficial minds, who, believing that characters and actions are marked by success alone, rarely deserve to enjoy it. Malice could never blast his honor, and envy made him a singular exception to her universal rule. For himself he had lived enough to life, and to glory. For his fellow-citizens, if their prayers could have been answered, he would have been immortal. For me his departure is at a most unfortunate moment. Trusting, however, in the wise and righteous dominion of Providence over the passions of men, and the results of their councils and actions, as well as over their lives, nothing remains for me but humble resignation. His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present age, but in future generations, as long as our history shall be read. If a Trajan found a Pliny, a Marcus Aurelius can never want biographers, eulogists, or historians. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, December 23, 1799. The Senate returned to their own Chamber. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the joint committee appointed on the part of the House of Representatives, on the 19th instant, on the receipt of the intelligence of the death of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, having made report to that House, they have agreed to sundry resolutions thereupon, in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. Mr. DAYTON, from the joint committee appointed the 19th instant, on the part of the Senate, on the receipt of the intelligence of the death of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, reported in part, and the report was agreed to. Whereupon, The Senate took into consideration the resolutions of the House of Representatives, of this day, on the report of the joint committee on the subject above mentioned, and which resolutions are as follows: Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a marble monument be erected by the United States in the Capitol, at the City of Washington; and that the family of General WASHINGTON be requested to permit his body to be deposited under it; and that the monument be so designed as to commemorate the great events of his military and political life. And be it further resolved, That there be a funeral procession from Congress Hall to the German Lutheran Church, in honor of the memory of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, on Thursday, the 26th instant; and that an oration be prepared at the request of Congress, to be delivered before both Houses on that day; and that the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, be desired to request one of the members of Congress to prepare and deliver the same. And be it further resolved, That it be recommended to the people of the United States to wear crape on the left arm, as mourning, for thirty days. And be it further resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to direct a copy of these resolutions to be transmitted to Mrs. WASHINGTON, assuring her of the profound respect Congress will ever bear to her person and character; of their condolence on the late afflicting dispensation of Providence, and entreating her assent to the interment of the remains of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, in the manner expressed in the first resolution Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to issue a proclamation, notifying to the people throughout the United States the recommendation contained in the third resolution. Resolved, unanimously, That the Senate do concur in the aforesaid resolutions. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed DECEMBER, 1799. a bill, entitled "An act supplementary to the act. entitled 'An act to provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses, and the enumeration of slaves, within the United States ;" and a bill, entitled "An act extending the privilege of franking to William Henry Harrison, the Delegate from the Territory of the United States Northwest of the Ohio, and making provision for his compensation;" in which bills they desire the concurrence of the Senate. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act supplementary to the act, entitled An act to provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses, and the enumeration of slaves, within the United States," was read the first time; and, by unanimous consent, it was read the second time, and referred to Messrs. Ross, PAINE, and LAURANCE, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The bill last mentioned in the message from the House of Representatives was read, and ordered to the second reading. TUESDAY, December 24. Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act supplementary to the act, entitled An act to provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses, and the enumeration of slaves, within the United States," reported the bill without amendment; and the report was adopted; and, by unanimous consent, the bill was read a third time, and passed. Mr. TRACY presented a petition of Thomas Burling and others, inhabitants of certain lands on the borders of the Mississippi, praying confirmation of their grants made by the Spanish Government; and also that a disposition be made of the vacant lands in that territory. Also, a letter signed John Henderson, per order, directed to Winthrop Sargent, Governor, together with the extract of a letter from Governor Sargent to the Secretary of State on the subject. Ordered, That the petition and papers above mentioned be referred to Messrs. TRACY, GUNN, and Ross, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act extending the privileges of franking to William Henry Harrison, the Delegate from the Territory of the United States Northwest of the Ohio, and making provision for his compensation," was read a second time, and referred to Messrs. ROSS, TRACY, and WATSON, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. Mr. LAURANCE presented the petition of Peter Aupoix, of the city of New York, praying allowance of drawback on certain goods stated to have been exported, though the forms of law were not, through want of information, complied with ; and the petition was read, and referred to Messrs. LAURANCE, GOODHUE, and HILLHOUSE, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. JANUARY, 1800. Proceedings. SENATE. A message from the House of Representatives THURSDAY, December 26. 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. FRIDAY, December 27. Resolved, That the thanks of the Senate be communicated, through their President, to General HENRY LEE, for the eloquent and impressive oration to the memory of General GEORGE WASHING TON, which he prepared and delivered at the request of Congress. Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to ply to General LEE for a copy of the same. The resolutions were read, as follows: Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That it be recommended to the people of the United States to assemble on the 22d day of February next, in such numbers and manner as may be convenient, publicly to testify their grief for the death of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, by suitable eulogies, orations, and discourses, or by public prayers. And be it further resolved, That the President be reap-quested to issue a proclamation for the purpose of carrying the foregoing resolution into effect. Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act extending the privilege of franking to William Henry Harrison, the Delegate from the Territory of the United States Northwest of the Ohio, and making provision for his compensation," reported the bill without amendment, and the report was adopted; and, by unanimous consent, the bill was read the third time and passed. MONDAY, December 30. THOMAS JEFFERSON, Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, attended. JESSE FRANKLIN, appointed a Senator by the Legislature of the State of North Carolina, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat in the Senate. The VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a letter signed John Cleves Symmes, stating the reasons why Congress should be induced to receive of him the purchase money for certain public lands at the contract price; and the letter was read. Mr. LIVERMORE laid before the Senate a letter 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. Mr. DAYTON, from the joint committee appointed the 19th instant, on the intelligence of the death of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, made a further report, in part, and it was agreed that the consideration thereof be postponed. TUESDAY, December 31. The VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a letter from Samuel Meredith, Treasurer, of the 30th instant, with his specie account to 30th September, 1799; which were read and ordered to lie on the table. Mr. PAINE presented the petition of Elijah Brainard praying to be put on the pension list, or for such other allowance as Congress shall approve, in consideration of a wound received in the public service in the year 1776; and the petition was read and referred to Messrs. PAINE, TRACY, and COCKE, to consider and report thereon. Whereupon, Resolved, That the Senate do concur in the said resolutions. WEDNESDAY, January 1, 1800. informed the Senate that the House have passed A message from the House of Representatives a bill, entitled "An act providing for salvage in 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 the relief of persons imprisoned for debt," with amendments, in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. The Senate proceeded to consider the amendments of the House of Representatives to the bill last mentioned. Ordered, That they be referred to Messrs, DEXTER, TRACY, and CоCKE, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act providing for salvage in cases of recapture," was read the first time, and ordered to the second reading. THURSDAY, January 2. Mr. DEXTER, from the committee to whom were referred the amendments, sent from the House of Representatives, to the bill entitled "An act for the relief of persons imprisoned for debt," made report. Resolved, That the Senate do agree to the amendments. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act providing for salvage in cases of recapture," was read the second time, and referred to, Messrs. GOODHUE, LAURANCE, and LANGDON, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. FRIDAY, January 3. WILSON CARY NICHOLAS, appointed a Senator by the Legislature of the State of Virginia, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of Henry Tazewell, Esq., produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat in the Senate. SENATE. MONDAY, January 6. Proceedings. The Senate proceeded to the consideration of Executive business, in which they spent the day. TUESDAY, January 7. STEPHENS THOMPSON MASON, from the State of Virginia, attended. | JANUARY, 1800. The following Message was received from the Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: In compliance with the request in one of the resolutions of Congress, of the 21st of December last, I transMr. Shaw, to Mrs. WASHINGTON, assuring her of the mitted a copy of those resolutions, by my Secretary, and character; of their condolence in the late afflicting profound respect Congress will ever bear to her person ex-dispensation of Providence; and entreating her assent to the interment of the remains of General GEORGE WASHINGTON in the manner expressed in the first resolution. As the sentiments of that virtuous lady, not less beloved by this nation than she is at present greatly afflicted, can never be so well expressed as in her own words, I transmit to Congress her original letter. The VICE PRESIDENT communicated a report of the Secretary of the Department of War, hibiting the expenses of the national armory at Springfield, Massachusetts; which was read. Mr. GOODHUE, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act providing for salvage in cases of recapture," reported amendments; which were read, and in part agreed to. Ordered, That this bill be recommitted to the same committee, for further amendment. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act for the preservation of peace with the Indian tribes." in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. The bill last mentioned was read and ordered to the second reading. Mr Ross presented the petition of Richard Butler, an officer in the military service of the United States, doing duty within the Mississippi Territory, praying to be allowed to introduce a number of slaves within the said Territory, which he has lately become possessed of in right of his wife, the ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding; and the petition was read. Ordered, That the petition be referred to Messrs. Ross, TRACY, and BROWN, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. WEDNESDAY, January 8. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act for the preservation of peace with the Indian tribes," was read the second time, and referred to Messrs. HILLHOUSE, BROWN, and Ross, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The following Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: A report made to me on the first day of this month, by the Director of the Mint, through the office of the Secretary of State, with the documents attending it, I transmit to both Houses of Congress for their consideration. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, January 8, 1800. The Message and papers were read and ordered to lie for consideration. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act for the relief of John Vaughan," in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. The bill was read, and ordered to a second reading. It would be an attempt of too much delicacy to make any comments upon it; but there can be no doubt that the nation at large, as well as all the branches of the Government, will be highly gratified by any arrangement which may diminish the sacrifice she makes of her individual feelings. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, January 8, 1800. The letter is as follows: SIR: While I feel with keenest anguish the late dispensation of Divine Providence, I cannot be insensible to the mournful tributes of respect and veneration which are paid to the memory of my dear deceased husband; and, as his best services, and most anxious wishes, were always devoted to the welfare and happiness of his country, to know that they were truly appreciated and gratefully remembered affords no inconsiderable consolation. Taught by the great example which I have so long had before me, never to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to the request made by Congress which you have had the goodness to transmit to me; and, in doing this, I need not, I cannot, say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense of public duty. With grateful acknowledgments, and unfeigned thanks, for the personal respect and evidences of condolence, expressed by Congress and yourself, I remain, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient humble servant. MARTHA WASHINGTON. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Ordered, That the Message and letter be referred to the joint committee appointed on the 19th December last, to report suitable measures in honor of the memory of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, deceased. THURSDAY, January 9. Mr. GOODHUE, from the committee to whom was recommitted the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act providing for salvage in cases of recapture," reported further amendments. Ordered, That they be printed for the use of the Senate. The bill, sent from the House of Representa"An act for the relief of John tives, entitled Vaughan," was read the second time, and referred to Messrs. LIVERMORE, DEXTER, and PAINE, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. 25 JANUARY, 1800. HISTORY OF CONGRESS. Proceedings. Mr. DEXTER presented the petition of Keziah Underwood, of the State of Massachusetts, praying the payment of a prize ticket of the United States lottery, although barred by the statute of limitation; and the petition was read. Ordered, That it be referred to Messrs. DEXTER, GUNN, and PAINE, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. FRIDAY, January 10. Mr. TRACY presented the memorial of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, signed Timothy Dwight, President, praying that provision may be made for a more minute return of the inhabitants of the United States in a future census; and the memorial was read. Ordered, That it be referred to the committee appointed the first instant, on the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act providing for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States," to consider and report there on to the Senate. Mr. Ross presented the memorial of the American Philosophical Society, signed Thomas Jefferson, President, suggesting the propriety of a similar provision; and the memorial was read, and referred to the committee last mentioned, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The Senate resumed the consideration of the amendments reported by the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act providing for salvage in cases of recapture," and, after debate, Ordered, That the bill be recommitted to the committee who reported the amendments, further to consider and report thereon, and that Messrs. DEXTER and LIVERMORE be added to the committee. Mr. DAYTON, from the committee appointed the 17th December, to prepare and report a bill providing for the renewal of certificates of the debt of the United States, which have been destroyed or lost, made report; whereupon, Ordered, That the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject. Ordered,That Messrs. TRACY, MARSHALL, and DAYTON, be a committee to bring in a bill for the relief of the representatives of Samuel Lapsley. MONDAY, January 13. SENATE. The Message and report were read, and ordered to lie on the table. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act to repeal part of an act, entitled "An act to provide for mitigating or remitting the forfeitures, penalties, and disabilities, accruing in certain cases therein mentioned," in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. The bill was read, and ordered to the second reading. Mr. HILLHOUSE, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act for the preservation of peace with the Indian tribes," reported the bill without amendment; and the report was adopted. Ordered, That this bill pass to the third reading. Mr. TRACY, from the committee appointed for the purpose, reported a bill for the relief of the legal representatives of Samuel Lapsley, deceased; which was read, and ordered to the second reading. WEDNESDAY, January 15, The bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act to repeal part of an act, entitled An act to provide for mitigating or remitting the forfeitures, penalties, and disabilities, accruing in certain cases therein mentioned," was read the second time, and referred to Messrs. Ross, GOODHUE, and LATIMER, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The bill for the relief of the legal representatives of Samuel Lapsley, deceased, was read the second time, and recommitted to the committee who reported the bill, further to consider and report thereon to the Senate. The bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act for the preservation of peace with the Indian tribes," was read the third time, and passed. Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act to repeal part of an act, entitled 'An act to provide for mitigating or remitting the forfeitures, penalties, and disabilities, accruing in certain cases therein mentioned," made report; and, after debate. 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. THURSDAY, January 16. Ordered, That the Secretary supply each Senator with the fourth volume of the laws of the United States, bound and lettered. Mr. Ross, from the committee to whom was recommitted the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act to repeal part of an act, entitled 'An act to provide for mitigating or remitting the forfeitures, penalties, and disabilities, accruing in certain cases therein mentioned," reported amendments, which were adopted. |