To the President of the United States:
Sir: The communications you thought proper to make in your Speech to both Houses of Congress on the opening of their present session, afford additional proofs of the attention, integrity, and firmness, which have always marked your official character.
We cannot but approve of the measures you had taken to ascertain the state and decline of the contagious sickness which has so lately afflicted the city of Philadelphia, and the pleasing circumstance that Congress is now assembled at that place, without hazard to the health of its members, evinces the propriety of your having postponed a determination to convene the National Legislature at another place. We shall take into consideration the law of 1794, on this subject, and will readily concur in any amendment which may be deemed expedient.
It would have given us much pleasure to have received your congratulations on the re-establishment of peace in Europe, and the restoration of security to the persons and property of our citizens from injustice and violence at sea. But, though these events, so desirable to our country and the world, have not taken place, yet we have abundant cause of gratitude to the Great Disposer of human events for interior tranquillity and personal security, for propitious seasons, prosperous agriculture, productive fisheries, and general improvement; and, above all, for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty, and a calm, but steady determination to support our sovereignty against all open and secret attacks.
We learn, with satisfaction, that our Envoys Extraordinary to the French Republic had safely arrived in Europe, and were proceeding to the scene of negotiation; and, whatever may be the result of the mission, we are perfectly satisfied that nothing on your part has been omitted, which could, in any way, conduce to a successful conclusion of the negotiation, upon terms compatible with the safety, honor, and interest, of the United States; and we are fully convinced that, in the mean time, a manifestation of that unanimity and energy of which the people of the United States have given such memorable proofs, and a proper exertion of those resources of national defence, which we possess, will essentially contribute to the preservation of peace and the attainment of justice.
We think, sir, with you, that the commerce of the United States is essential to the growth, comfort, and prosperity of our country; and that the faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of commercial and seafaring, no less than of other citizens. And even if our negotiation with France should terminate favorably, and the war in Europe cease, yet the state of society, which unhappily prevails in so great a portion of the world, and the experience of past times, under better circumstances, unite in warning us that a commerce so extensive, and which holds out so many temptations to lawless plunderers, can never be safe without protection; and we hold ourselves obliged, by every tie of duty which binds us to our constituents, to promote and concur in such measures of marine defence, as may convince our merchants and seamen that their rights are not sacrificed, nor their injuries forgotten.
We regret, that, notwithstanding the clear and explicit terms of the treaty between the United States and His Catholic Majesty, the Spanish garrisons are not yet withdrawn from our territory, nor the running of the boundary line commenced. The United States have been faithful in the performance of their obligations to Spain, and had reason to expect a compliance equally prompt on the part of that power. We still, however, indulge the hope that the convincing answers, which have been given to the objections stated by the Spanish officers, to the immediate execution of the treaty, will have their proper effect; and that this treaty, so mutually beneficial to the contracting parties, will be finally observed with good faith. We therefore entirely approve of your determination to continue in readiness to receive the posts, and to run the line of partition between our territory and that of the King of Spain.
Attempts to alienate the affections of the Indians; to form them into a confederacy, and to excite them to actual hostility against the United States, whether made by foreign agents, or by others, are so injurious to our citizens at large, and so inhuman with respect to our citizens inhabiting the adjacent territory, as to deserve the most exemplary punishment; and we will cheerfully afford our aid in framing a law, which may prescribe a punishment adequate to the commission of crimes so heinous.
The several objects you have pointed out to the attention of the Legislature, whether they regard our internal or external relations, shall receive from us that consideration which they merit; and we will readily concur in all such measures as may be necessary, either to enable us to fulfil our engagements at home, or to cause ourselves to be respected abroad. And, at this portentous period, when the powers of Europe, with whom we are connected by treaty or commerce, are in so critical a situation, and when the conduct of some of those powers towards the United States is so hostile and menacing, the several branches of the Government are, in our opinion, called upon, with peculiar importunity, to unite, and, by union, not only to devise and carry those measures on which the safety and prosperity of our country depend, but also to undeceive those nations who, regarding us as a weak and divided people, have pursued systems of aggression inconsistent with a state of peace between independent nations. And, sir we beg leave to assure you, that we derive a singular consolation from the reflection that, at such a time, the Executive part of our Government has been committed to your hands, for, in your integrity, talents, and firmness, we place the most entire confidence.
JACOB READ,
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.
On motion, Ordered, That Messrs. Tracy, Bingham, and Greene, be a committee, to inquire what business remained unfinished at the close of the last session of Congress, which, in their opinion, is proper for the Senate to take into consideration the present session, and, also, what laws will expire before the next session of Congress, and report thereon to the Senate.
Mr. Stockton reported, from the committee, that they had waited on the President of the United States, and that he would receive the Address of the Senate this day at 12 o'clock, at his own house.
The Senate accordingly waited on the President of the United States, and the President pro tempore, in their name, presented the Address agreed to yesterday.
To which the President made the following Reply:
Gentlemen of the Senate:
I thank you for this Address.
When, after the most laborious investigation, and serious reflection, without partial considerations, or personal motives, measures have been adopted or recommended, I can receive no higher testimony of their rectitude, than the approbation of an assembly, so independent, patriotic, and enlightened, as the Senate of the United States.
Nothing has afforded me more entire satisfaction, than the coincidence of your judgment with mine, in the opinion of the essential importance of our commerce, and the absolute necessity of a maritime defence. What is it, that has drawn to Europe the superfluous riches of the three other quarters of the globe, but a marine? What is it that has drained the wealth of Europe itself into the coffers of two or three of its principal commercial powers, but a marine?
The world has furnished no example of a flourishing commerce, without a maritime protection; and a moderate knowledge of man and his history will convince any one, that no such prodigy ever can arise. A mercantile marine and a military marine must grow up together; one cannot long exist without the other.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, November 28, 1797.
The Senate returned to their own Chamber, and adjourned.
The President laid before the Senate the memorial and address of the people called Quakers, from their yearly meeting, held in Philadelphia, in the year 1797, requesting the attention of Congress to the oppressed state of the African race, and the general prevalence of vice and immorality; and the same was read and ordered to lie on the table.
Ordered, That the memorial and address of the people called Quakers, presented yesterday, be withdrawn.
James Hillhouse, from the State of Connecticut, attended.
Theodore Sedgwick, from the State of Massachusetts, attended.
Thomas Jefferson, Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, attended.
John E. Howard, from the State of Maryland, attended.
John Brown, from the State of Kentucky, attended.
Stephens Thompson Mason, from the State of Virginia, attended.
James Ross, from the State of Pennsylvania, attended.
James Lloyd, appointed a Senator by the State of Maryland, in the place of John Henry, elected Governor of said State, produced his credentials; and, the oath required by law being administered, he took his seat in 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:
The situation of affairs between the United States and the Cherokee Indians having evinced the expediency of a treaty with that nation, for the promotion of justice to them, as well as of the interests and convenience of our citizens, I have nominated, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appointed Commissioners to hold conferences, and conclude a treaty, as early as the season of the year and the convenience of the parties will admit.
As we know very well, by experience, such negotiations cannot be carried on without considerable expenses, I recommend to your consideration the propriety of making an appropriation, at this time, for defraying such as may be necessary for holding and concluding a treaty.
That you may form your judgments with greater facility, I shall direct the proper officer to lay before you an estimate of such articles and expenses as may be thought indispensable.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, January 17, 1798.
Josiah Tattnall, from the State of Georgia, attended.
John Sloss Hobart, appointed a Senator by the State of New York, in the place of Philip Schuyler, resigned, produced his credentials, and, the oath required by law being administered, he took his seat in the Senate.
The following Message was received from the President of the United States; which was read:
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
I have received a letter from his Excellency Charles Pinckney, Esq., Governor of the State of South Carolina, dated the 22d October, 1797, enclosing a number of depositions and witnesses to several captures and outrages committed within and near the limits of the United States, by a French privateer belonging to Cape Francois, or Monte Christo, called the Vertitude or Fortitude, and commanded by a person of the name of Jordan or Jourdain, and particularly upon an English merchant ship named the Oracabissa, which he first plundered and then burned, with the rest of her cargo, of great value, within the territory of the United States, in the harbor of Charleston, on the 17th of October last. Copies of which letter and depositions, and also of several other depositions relative to the same subject, received from the Collector of Charleston, are herewith communicated.
Whenever the channel of diplomatical communication between the United States and France shall be opened, I shall demand satisfaction for the insult and reparation for the injury.
I have transmitted these papers to Congress, not so much for the purpose of communicating an account of so daring a violation of the territory of the United States, as to show the propriety and necessity of enabling the Executive authority of Government to take measures for protecting the citizens of the United States and such foreigners as have a right to enjoy their peace, and the protection of their laws, within their limits, in that as well as some other harbors which are equally exposed.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, February 5, 1798.
Ordered, That the Message and papers referred to lie for consideration.
Joshua Clayton, appointed a Senator by the Legislature of the State of Delaware, in the place of John Vining, resigned, produced his credentials, which were read, and, the oath required by law being administered, he took his seat in 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:
The first despatches from our Envoys Extraordinary, since their arrival at Paris, were received at the Secretary of State's office at a late hour the last evening. They are all in a character which will require some days to be deciphered, except the last, which is dated the 8th of January, 1798. The contents of this letter are of so much importance to be immediately made known to Congress and to the public, especially to the mercantile part of our fellow-citizens, that I have thought it my duty to communicate them to both Houses without loss of time.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, March 5, 1798.
The Message and paper therein referred to were read, and ordered to lie for consideration.
The following Message was received from the President of the United States:
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
The despatches from the Envoys Extraordinary of the United States to the French Republic, which were mentioned in my Message to both Houses of Congress, of the fifth instant, have been examined and maturely considered.
While I feel a satisfaction in informing you that their exertions, for the adjustment of the differences between the two nations, have been sincere and unremitted, it is incumbent on me to declare, that I perceive no ground of expectation that the objects of their mission can be accomplished, on terms compatible with the safety, the honor, or the essential interests of the nation.
This result cannot, with justice, be attributed to any want of moderation on the part of this Government, or to any indisposition to forego secondary interests, for the preservation of peace. Knowing it to be my duty, and believing it to be your wish, as well as that of the great body of the people, to avoid, by all reasonable concessions, any participation in the contentions of Europe, the powers vested in our Envoys were commensurate with a liberal and pacific policy, and that high confidence which might justly be reposed in the abilities, patriotism, and integrity, of the characters to whom the negotiation was committed. After a careful review of the whole subject, with the aid of all the information I have received, I can discern nothing which could have insured or contributed to success, that has been omitted on my part, and nothing further which can be attempted, consistently with maxims for which our country has contended at every hazard, and which constitute the basis of our national sovereignty.
Under these circumstances, I cannot forbear to reiterate the recommendations which have been formerly made, and to exhort you to adopt, with promptitude, decision, and unanimity, such measures as the ample resources of the country afford, for the protection of our seafaring and commercial citizens; for the defence of any exposed portions of our territory; for replenishing our arsenals, establishing foundries and military manufactures; and to provide such efficient revenue, as will be necessary to defray extraordinary expenses, and supply the deficiencies which may be occasioned by depredations on our commerce.
The present state of things is so essentially different from that in which instructions were given to the collectors to restrain vessels of the United States from sailing in an armed condition, that the principle on which those orders were issued has ceased to exist. I therefore deem it proper to inform Congress, that I no longer conceive myself justifiable in continuing them, unless in particular cases, where there may be reasonable ground of suspicion that such vessels are intended to be employed contrary to law.
In all your proceedings, it will be important to manifest a zeal, a vigor, and concert, in defence of the national rights, proportioned to the danger with which they are threatened.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, March 19, 1798.
The Message was read and referred to the committee appointed on the 29th November last, who have under consideration that part of the Speech of the President of the United States, at the commencement of the session, which relates to the protection of commerce, 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:
In compliance with the request of the House of Representatives, expressed in their resolution of the second of this month, I transmit to both Houses those instructions to, and despatches from, the Envoys Extraordinary of the United States to the French Republic, which were mentioned in my Message of the nineteenth of March last, omitting only some names, and a few expressions descriptive of the persons.
I request that they may be considered in confidence, until the members of Congress are fully possessed of their contents and shall have had opportunity to deliberate on the consequences of their publication; after which time I submit them to your wisdom.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, April 3, 1798.
The galleries being cleared, the Message and documents were read.
Ordered, That they lie for consideration.
The Vice President communicated a letter from John Sloss Hobart, resigning his seat in the Senate, in consequence of his appointment to be Judge of the New York district; which letter was read.
Ordered, That the Vice President be requested to notify the Executive of the State of New York that John Sloss Hobart hath accepted the appointment of Judge of the New York district, and that his seat in the Senate is of course vacated.
The bill authorizing the President of the United States to raise a provisional army was read the second time.
The Senate resumed the consideration of the report of the committee authorizing Thomas Pinckney, late Envoy Extraordinary to the King of Spain, and Minister Plenipotentiary to the King of Great Britain, to receive the customary presents to foreign Ministers at those courts.
On the question to agree to the first resolution reported, to wit:
"Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress doth consent that Thomas Pinckney, Esq., who, as Envoy Extraordinary of the United States, negotiated the Treaty of Friendship, Limits, and Navigation between the United States and the King of Spain, may receive from the said King such present as it is customary for His Catholic Majesty to make to such persons as negotiate treaties with him:"
It passed in the affirmative—yeas 17, nays 5, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Anderson, Bingham, Bloodworth, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, Howard, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Martin, Read, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
Nays.—Messrs. Brown, Langdon, Marshall, Mason, and Tazewell.
And the other resolution reported was agreed to, in the words following:
And be it further resolved, That Congress doth consent that the said Thomas Pinckney, Esq., lately Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the King of Great Britain, may receive from the said King such present as it is customary for His Britannic Majesty to make to Ministers Plenipotentiary on taking leave of him.
The following Message was received from the President of the United States:
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
While I congratulate you on the arrival of General Marshall, one of our late Envoys Extraordinary to the French Republic, at a place of safety, where he is justly held in honor, I think it my duty to communicate to you a letter received by him from Mr. Gerry, the only one of the three who has not received his congé. This letter, together with another, from the Minister of Foreign Relations to him, of the third of April, and his answer of the fourth, will show the situation in which he remains; his intentions and prospects.
I presume that, before this time, he has received fresh instructions, (a copy of which accompanies this message,) to consent to no loans, and therefore the negotiation may be considered at an end.
I will never send another Minister to France without assurances that he will be received, respected, and honored, as the representative of a great, free, powerful, and independent nation.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, June 21, 1798.
The Message and documents were read.
Resolved, That five hundred copies thereof be printed for the use of the Senate.
The bill to declare the treaties between the United States and the Republic of France void and of no effect, was read the third time; and the final passage of the bill was determined in the affirmative—yeas 14, nays 5, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Bingham, Chipman, Foster, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Howard, Laurance, Livermore, Lloyd, North, Paine, Read, Sedgwick, and Tracy.
Nays.—Messrs. Brown, Langdon, Martin, Mason, and Tazewell.
Resolved, That this bill pass: that it be engrossed; and that the title thereof be, "An act to declare the treaties between the United States and the Republic of France void and of no effect."
The Vice President being absent, the Senate proceeded to the choice of a President pro tempore, as the constitution provides, and Theodore Sedgwick was duly elected.
The bill to define more particularly the crime of treason, and to define and punish the crime of sedition, was read the second time.
On motion that this bill be committed, it passed in the affirmative—yeas 15, nays 6, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Bingham, Chipman, Foster, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Howard, Latimer, Laurance, Lloyd, North, Paine, Read, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
Nays.—Messrs. Anderson, Brown, Langdon, Livermore, Martin, and Mason.
Ordered, That this bill be referred to Messrs. Lloyd, Tracy, Stockton, Chipman, and Read, to consider and report thereon to the Senate.
The bill to authorize the President to prevent and regulate the landing of French passengers, and other persons who may arrive within the United States from foreign places, was read the third time.
On motion, to amend the proviso to the fourth section to read as follows:
"Provided, That nothing in this act shall be construed to prohibit the migration or importation of such persons as any State may think proper by law to admit, nor to such persons whose admission may be prohibited by the respective States:"
It was determined in the negative—yeas 3, nays 17, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Anderson, Mason, and Tazewell.
Nays.—Messrs. Bingham, Foster, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Howard, Langdon, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Lloyd, Martin, North, Paine, Read, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
On motion by Mr. Mason, to strike out these words from the preamble:
"The peculiar circumstances of the United States, in relation to the Republic of France, and the citizens thereof, require that, whilst the United States have afforded hospitality and protection to Frenchmen who have sought an asylum in this country, they should, on the other hand, guard against the arrival and admission of such evil-disposed persons as by their machinations, may endanger the internal safety and tranquillity of the country;" in order to insert the following words: "It is represented that, on the evacuation of Port au Prince by the British troops, a number of French white men and negroes were put on board of vessels bound to the United States, some of which have arrived, and others may be shortly expected, and it is deemed dangerous to admit indiscriminately such persons into the United States:"
It was agreed to divide the motion, and that the words should be struck out; and, on the question to agree to the substitute, it was determined in the negative—yeas 10, nays 10, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Anderson, Bingham, Langdon, Laurance, Livermore, Martin, Mason, North, Read, and Tazewell.
Nays.—Messrs. Foster, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Howard, Latimer, Lloyd, Paine, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
So the amendment was lost.
And the bill being further amended, by striking out the remainder of the preamble,
Resolved, That the consideration of this bill be postponed until to-morrow.
The Senate resumed the third reading of the bill to authorize the President to prevent or regulate the landing of French passengers, and other persons who may arrive within the ports of the United States from foreign places.
On motion, by Mr. Martin, one of the majority in favor of the exception yesterday agreed to, namely, "except children under the age of twelve years, and women, in cases especially authorized by the President," and that it be reconsidered, it was determined in the negative—yeas 6, nays 15, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Hillhouse, Howard, Lloyd, Martin, and Read.
Nays.—Messrs. Bingham, Brown, Chipman, Foster, Goodhue, Langdon, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, North, Paine, Sedgwick, Stockton, Tazewell, and Tracy.
Resolved, That this bill pass; that it be engrossed; and that the title thereof be "An act to authorize the President to prevent or regulate the landing of French passengers, and other persons, who may arrive within the ports of the United States from foreign places."
The Senate resumed the second reading of the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act to provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling houses, and the enumeration of slaves, within the United States."
On motion, by Mr. Paine, to agree to the following amendment to the proviso in the eighth section, "And all uncultivated lands, except such as make part or parcel of a farm; and except wood lots, used or reserved for the purposes of fuel, fencing, lumber, or building:"
It was determined in the negative—yeas 10, nays 11, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Bingham, Brown, Chipman, Goodhue, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Paine, Sedgwick, and Stockton.
Nays.—Messrs. Foster, Hillhouse, Howard, Langdon, Lloyd, Martin, Mason, North, Read, Tazewell, and Tracy.
On motion, by one of the majority, to reconsider and restore the following words, struck out from the end of the proviso to the eighth section: "or which, at the time of making the said valuation or enumeration, shall not have been assessed for, nor be then held liable to, taxation under the laws of the State wherein the same is, or may be, situated or possessed, shall be exempted from the aforesaid valuation and enumeration:"
It was determined in the negative—yeas 6, nays 14, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Bingham, Foster, Howard, Latimer, Laurance, and North.
Nays.—Messrs. Brown, Chipman, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Langdon, Livermore, Lloyd, Martin, Mason, Paine, Read, Sedgwick, Tazewell, and Tracy.
On motion, by Mr. Mason, to add the following words to the end of the eighth section: "except such as, from fixed infirmity or bodily disability, may be incapable of labor:"
It was determined in the affirmative—yeas 11, nays 8, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Howard, Langdon, Latimer, Livermore, Lloyd, Martin, Mason, Paine, Read, Sedgwick, and Tazewell.
Nays.—Messrs. Bingham, Brown, Foster, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Laurance, North, and Tracy.
On motion, by Mr. Brown, to strike out of that part of the eighth section which respects the enumeration of slaves these words "above the age of twelve, and under the age of fifty years:"
It was determined in the negative—yeas 10, nays 11, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Bingham, Brown, Chipman, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Latimer, Laurance, Lloyd, North, and Sedgwick.
Nays.—Messrs. Foster, Howard, Langdon, Livermore, Martin, Mason, Paine, Read, Stockton, Tazewell, and Tracy.
The report of the committee having been agreed to, and the bill amended accordingly,
Resolved, That it pass to the third reading as amended.
John Rutherford, from the State of New Jersey, attended.
The Senate resumed the consideration of the report of the committee to whom was referred the bill to define more particularly the crime of treason, and to define and punish the crime of sedition; and having agreed to the report, the bill was amended accordingly; and the question to agree to the third reading of the bill, as amended, was determined in the affirmative—yeas 18, nays 5, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Bingham, Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Greene, Hillhouse, Howard, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Martin, North, Paine, Read, Rutherford, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
Nays.—Messrs. Anderson, Brown, Langdon, Mason, and Tazewell.
On motion to expunge the following words from the second section reported as an amendment:
"Or shall, in manner aforesaid, traduce or defame the President of the United States, or any Court or Judge thereof, by declarations, tending to criminate their motives in any official transaction:"
It was determined in the negative—yeas 8, nays 15, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Anderson, Brown, Howard, Langdon, Martin, Mason, North, and Tazewell.
Nays.—Messrs. Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Hillhouse, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Lloyd, Paine, Read, Rutherford, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
On motion to expunge the whole of the second section reported by the committee, in the words following:
"Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That if any person shall, by any libellous or scandalous writing, printing, publishing, or speaking, traduce or defame the Legislature of the United States, by seditious or inflammatory declarations or expressions, with intent to create a belief in the citizens thereof, that the said Legislature, in enacting any law, was induced thereto by motives hostile to the constitution, or liberties and happiness of the people thereof; or shall, in manner aforesaid, traduce or defame the President of the United States or any Court or Judge thereof, by declarations tending to criminate their motives, in any official transaction; the person so offending, and thereof convicted, before any court of the United States having jurisdiction thereof, shall be punished by a fine, not exceeding two thousand dollars, and by imprisonment, not exceeding two years:"
It was determined in the negative—yeas 6, nays 18, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Anderson, Brown, Howard, Langdon, Mason, and Tazewell.
Nays.—Messrs. Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Lloyd, Martin, North, Paine, Read, Rutherford, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
The question on the final passage of the bill was determined in the affirmative—yeas 18, nays 6, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Lloyd, Martin, North, Paine, Read, Rutherford, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
So it was Resolved, That this bill pass; that it be engrossed; and that the title thereof be "An act in addition to the act, entitled 'An act for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States.'"
The bill for encouraging the capture of French armed vessels, by armed ships or vessels owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States, was read the third time; and the final passage of the bill was determined in the affirmative—yeas 16, nays 4, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Anderson, Bingham, Chipman, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Martin, North, Paine, Read, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
Nays.—Messrs. Brown, Langdon, Mason, and Tazewell.
So it was Resolved, That this bill pass; that it be engrossed; and that the title thereof be "An act for encouraging the capture of French armed vessels, by armed ships or vessels owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States."
The Senate resumed the third reading of the bill, entitled "An act making further appropriations for the additional Naval Armament;" and the question on the final passage of the bill, as amended, was determined in the affirmative—yeas 13, nays 3, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Bingham, Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, Latimer, Laurance, Livermore, Martin, North, Paine, Read, Rutherford, Sedgwick, Stockton, and Tracy.
Nays.—Messrs. Anderson, Mason, and Tazewell.
So it was Resolved, That this bill do pass as amended.
Mr. Read, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, sent from the House of Representatives, entitled "An act providing for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States," reported the bill without amendment.
On motion, by Mr. Livermore, to postpone the further consideration of this bill to the next session of Congress, it was determined in the affirmative—yeas 11, nays 7.
The following Message was received from the President of the United States:
Gentlemen of the Senate:
A resolution of both Houses of Congress, authorizing an adjournment on Monday, the 16th of this month, has been laid before me. Sensible of the severity of the service in so long a session, it is with great reluctance that I find myself obliged to offer any consideration which may operate against the inclination of the members; but certain measures of Executive authority which will require the consideration of the Senate, and which cannot be matured, in all probability, before Monday or Tuesday, oblige me to request of the Senate that they would continue their session until Wednesday or Thursday.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, July 13, 1798.
The Message was read, and ordered to lie for consideration.
The Senate took into consideration the report of the committee to whom was referred the Message of the President of the United States of the 13th instant, and which is as follows:
"That as, in the opinion of the President, certain measures of Executive authority will acquire the consideration of the Senate, and which could not be matured before Monday or Tuesday, it is the opinion of the committee, that the Senate should adjourn in their Executive capacity to meet to-morrow at the Senate Chamber, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, on Executive business."
And the report was adopted.
A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate, that the House have appointed a joint committee on their part to wait on the President of the United States, and notify him, that, unless he may have any further communications to make to the two Houses of Congress, they are ready to adjourn; and desire the appointment of a committee on the part of the Senate.
The Senate took into consideration this resolution of the House of Representatives.
Resolved, That they do concur therein, and that Messrs. Chipman and Greene be the committee on the part of the Senate.
Mr. Chipman reported, from the joint committee, that they had waited on the President of the United States, who informed them that he had nothing further to communicate to Congress, except what might result from the last enrolled bill now under his consideration.
Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives therewith; and that the Senate, having finished the Legislative business before them, are about to adjourn.
A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate, that the House having finished the business before them, are about to adjourn to the first Monday in December next.
The Senate then went into the consideration of Executive business—after which,
The President declared the Senate, so far as respects its Legislative functions, adjourned to the time by the constitution prescribed; and, in its Executive capacity, until to-morrow morning at ten o'clock.
Agreeably to the adjournment of yesterday, as stated at large in the Legislative proceedings, the Senate assembled.
PRESENT:
Theodore Sedgwick, President pro tempore, from the State of Massachusetts.
Benjamin Goodhue, from Massachusetts.
Nathaniel Chipman, from Vermont.
James Hillary and Uriah Tracy, from Connecticut.
Theodore Foster and Ray Greene, from Rhode Island.
John Laurance and William North, from New York.
John Rutherford, from New Jersey.
William Bingham, from Pennsylvania.
Henry Latimer, from Delaware.
John E. Howard, from Maryland.
Henry Tazewell, from Virginia.
John Brown, from Kentucky.
Joseph Anderson, from Tennessee.
Alexander Martin, from North Carolina.
Jacob Read, from South Carolina.
Ordered, That the following summons, directed to the Senators of the United States, respectively, be entered on the journals: