DECEMBER, 1799. Address to the President. H. OF R. The Committee then rose, and the House hav-of the Territory of the United States Northwest ing taken up the consideration of the resolutions, as reported, the first and third were agreed to; and on motion of Mr. DENT, the question on agreeing to the second, was postponed till to-morrow. Ordered, That Mr. HARPER, Mr. CHAUNCEY GOODRICH, Mr. BAYARD. Mr. MARSHALL, and Mr. SEWALL, be appointed a committee, pursuant to the first resolution. Ordered, That Mr. Oris, Mr. NICHOLAS, Mr. EDMOND, Mr. ABIEL FOSTER, Mr. CHAMPLIN, Mr. WALN, and Mr. HILL, be appointed a committee, pursuant to the third resolution. COMMITTEE OF WAYS AND MEANS. On motion of Mr. GALLATIN, the House ordered the appointment of a standing committee of Ways and Means. A motion that it consist of one member from each State, was made; but on Mr. HARPER'S observing that nine were found a suffi · cient number last session, and were able to obtain every information, and would be more expeditious in doing business, the latter motion was agreed to. Ordered, That Mr. HARPER, Mr. GRISWOLD, Mr. OTIS, Mr. GALLATIN, Mr. POWELL, Mr. JOHN BROWN, Mr. STONE, Mr. NOTT, and Mr. PLATT, be appointed. Ordered, That the credentials of WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, who has appeared as a Delegate from the Territory of the United States Northwest of the river Ohio, be referred to the Committee of Elections; and that they be directed to report whether the Territory is entitled to elect a Delegate who may have a seat in this House. TUESDAY, December 10. MATTHEW CLAY, from Virginia, appeared produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat in the House. Mr. GRISWOLD from the Committee of Revisal and Unfinished Business, made a report, which was ordered to be printed. The House resumed the consideration of the resolution postponed yesterday, which, after being read, was agreed to in the words following, to wit: Resolved, That so much of the Speech of the President of the United States to both Houses of Congress, at the commencement of the present session, as relates to the expenditure of public moneys, be referred to the Committee of Ways and Means. Mr. CLAIBORNE moved the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire whether any, and what, provision ought to be made, by law, for the punishment of such persons as may be discovered in making attempts to alienate the affections of any Indian nation, tribe, or chief, from the United States; or in exciting them to hostilities against the United States; or to the violation of any existing treaty; and that the said committee be authorized to report by bill or otherwise. Mr. HARRISON called up the consideration of the resolution which he laid upon the table on Friday last, relative to the judiciary establishment of the river Ohio; and the resolution having been read, on motion, it was agreed to by the House. Messrs. CRAIK, HARRISON, and BIRD, were appointed the committee. Mr. HARRISON presented a petition of Lardner Clark, a citizen of the United States, residing at Kaskaskias, in the Northwestern Territory, praying for the confirmation of his title to a certain tract of land granted under the old French Government, the papers ascertaining his right to which had been lost or destroyed. Referred to a select committee. On motion of Mr. DAWSON, Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill or bills, providing for an enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States; and that the Committee of Ways and Means do prepare and bring in the same. On motion of Mr. CLAIBORNE, the House came to the following resolution: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire be made in the acts establishing a Post Office and post whether any, and what, amendments are necessary to roads within the United States. Messrs. THATCHER, WOOD, NEW, CLAIBORNE, and GROVE, were appointed the committee. ADDRESS TO THE PRESIDENT. The hour having arrived which the PRESIDENT had appointed, Mr. SPEAKER, attended by the members present, proceeded to the President's house, to present him their Address in answer to his Speech at the opening of the present session; and having returned, the President's reply thereto was read, as follows: Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : tives of the people of the United States at their first asThis very respectful address from the Representasembly, after a fresh election, under the strong impresinteresting and singular crisis of our public affairs, has sion of the public opinion and national sense, at this excited my sensibility, and receives my sincere and grateful acknowledgments. As long as we can maintain, with harmony and affection, the honor of our country, consistently with its peace, externally and internally, while that is attainable, or in war, when that becomes necessary, assert its real independence and sovereignty, and support the Constitutional energies and dignity of its Government, we may be perfectly sure, under the smiles of Divine Providence, that we shall effectually promote and extend our national interests and happiness. The applause of the Senate and House of Representatives, so justly bestowed upon the volunteers and militia, for their zealous and active co-operation with the judicial power, which has restored order and submission to the laws, as it comes with peculiar weight and propriety from the Legislature, cannot fail to have an extensive and permanent effect, for the support of Government, upon all those ingenuous minds who receive delight from the approving and animating voice of their country. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, December 10. And then the House adjourned till to-morrow morning, 11 o'clock. H. OF R. the House. WEDNESDAY, December 11. duty it shall be to make inquiry into the state of the HENRY LEE, from Virginia, appeared, produced naval equipments ordered by former acts of Congress; his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat into consider whether any, and what, other naval force may be necessary for the protection of the commerce of whether any, and what, alterations ought to be made in the United States, and for the support of its flag; and the law relative to the Navy of the United States. Messrs. PARKER, OTIS, RUTLEDGE, CRAIK, and CHAMPLIN, were appointed the committee. Mr. D. FOSTER laid the following resolution on the table: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire whether any, and, if any, what alterations ought to be made in the law, entitled " An act to prohibit the car rying on the slave trade from the United States to any foreign country;" and that the committee have power to report by bill or otherwise. THE DIRECT TAX LAW. Mr. HARPER said, that a difficulty had arisen in the State of Pennsylvania, relative to the execution of the law "for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses, and for the enumeration of slaves, within the United States," which the Commissioners for that State did not conceive themselves competent to decide upon; that the Commissioners had referred the case to the Secretary of the Treasury, whose opinion it was, that they were possessed of sufficient power to obviate the difficulties complained of; but the Commissioners, on again taking the subject into consideration, were still of opinion they were unable to act without legislative aid, and therefore had made application to the Commmitte of Ways and Means, who, Mr. H. said, had directed him to move for leave to bring in a bill, further to amend the act entitled "An act to provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses, and for the enumeration of slaves, within the United States," which was granted. FRANKING PRIVILEGE TO W. H. HARRISON. Mr. HARPER laid the following resolution on the table. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill, extending the privilege of franking to W. H. Harrison, a delegate from the Territory of the United States Northwest of the river Ohio, and making provision for his compensation. Mr. H. said, that according to law, that gentleman had the right only of speaking and giving his opinion upon any question before the House, but was not entitled to a vote, or any other privilege; but as the privileges of a member had been extended on a former occasion to a delegate from the Southwestern Territory, he had no doubt they would be granted on the present. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. Mr. GRISWOLD, from the Committee of Revisal and Unfinished Business, moved the following resolution, which was adopted by the House, viz: Resolved, That all petitions which were depending and undecided at the last session of Congress, ought to be taken up and acted upon by the House, as the same may be called for by any member, or upon the application of the individual claimant or petitioner. THURSDAY, December 12. Mr. OTIS moved the following resolution, which was agreed to by the House: Resolved, That a committee be appointed, whose he laid on the table on Tuesday, relative to the Mr. D. FOSTER called up the resolution which slave trade; and the same having been read, was agreed to by the House. Messrs. DWIGHT FOSTER, BIRD, and JONES, were appointed committee. Mr. SEWALL moved that when the House adjourn it do adjourn till Monday. After a few observations from Mr. RUTLEDGE, who said time ought to be given to the committees to prepare their reports, and, until made, there was little else to was put and carried, 48 rising in favor of it. the attention of the House; the question Occupy MONDAY, December 16. THOMAS HARTLEY, from Pennsylvania, and JoSEPH EGGLESTON, from Virginia, appeared, produced their credentials, were qualified, and took their seats in the House. Mr. GREGG presented a petition of Robert Sturgeon, late a revenue officer of the United States, in the county of Mifflin, State of Pennsylvania, and now in the jail of the said county, for arrearages of money due by him to the United States, praying that a law may be passed for his liberation; which was read, and referred to a Committee of the Whole. Mr. CLAIBORNE, from the committee appointed to inquire whether any, and what, provision ought to be made for the punishment of such persons as may be discovered in making attempts to alienate the affections of the Indians on our frontiers from the United States, reported "a bill for the preservation of peace with the Indian tribes;" which was read a first and second time, and referred to a Committee of the Whole on Wednesday. Mr. Oris, pursuant to leave given for that purpose, reported "a bill extending the privilege of franking to William Henry Harrison, a delegate from the Territory of the United States Northwest of the river Ohio, and making provision for his compensation;" which was read a first and second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole to-morrow. Mr. DANA, from the Committee of Elections, made a report, certifying the due election of all the members who have produced their credentials; which was read and committed to a Committee of the whole House. A message was received from the Senate informing the House that the Senate have passed an act entitled "An act for the relief of persons imprisoned for debt," and "An act for reviving and continuing suits and proceedings in the Circuit Court for the district of Pennsylvania," to which they request the concurrence of the House. The former was read a first and second time and committed to a Committee of the Whole for tomorrow. The latter was read a third time and passsed. Mr. DANA, from the Committee of Elections, to whom was referred the credentials of William Henry Harrison, Esq., a delegate from the Northwest Territory, made a report, which concluded with the following resolution: Resolved, That William Henry Harrison a delegate from the Territory of the United States Northwest of the river Ohio, be admitted to have a seat in this House with the right of debating but not of voting:" which was committed to a Committee of the whole House this day. The report was subsequently taken up and agreed to by the House. Mr. GRISWOLD, from the Committee of Ways and Means, reported "A bill providing for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States;" which was read a first and second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole on Thursday next. TUESDAY, December 17. H. OF R. Mr. S. SMITH, from the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, reported a bill providread a first and second time and committed to a ing for salvage in case of recapture, which was Committee of the whole House on Thursday. The House went into Committee of the Whole on the bill 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 the bill having been read, was agreed to without amendment, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading to-morrow. IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT. Whole to whom were referred the bill from the Mr. Oris moved, that the Committee of the Senate for the relief of persons imprisoned for debt, be discharged; and that the bill be committed to the select committee to whom were referred a similar subject. Agreed to. Mr. O. said, he made this motion, in consequence of some recent information which he had Mr. G., from the same committee, also reported "a received on the subject from the Judge of the Disbill supplementary to the act to provide for the val-trict Court of Pennsylvania. The bill from the uation of lands and dwelling-houses, and the enumeration of slaves, within the United States," which was read a first and second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole for to-morrow. On motion, it was Ordered, That Mr. WADSWORTH, and Mr. GRAY, be appointed a Committee for Enrolled Bills, on the part of this House, jointly, with such committee as shall be appointed for that purpose on the part of the Senate. THE MILITIA LAW. Mr. LEE moved the following resolution, which was adopted by the House, viz: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report whether any, and, if any, what alterations are necessary to be made in the militia law of the United States." In prefacing his motion, Mr. L. said he wished to call the attention of the House to a subject highly interesting to the citizens of the United States, and deserving the serious attention of its Legislature. He thought the system heretofore pursued was radically wrong, and viewed every measure which was not predicated on the wishes of the people, as answering but little effect. He wished to see that system of defence which, growing out of nature, shall enable all men to serve without injuring their families. The youth of our country should alone be called upon, who would be found sufficiently adequate for its defence, and seventeen and twenty-six were the ages of which the defenders of our country should consist. When father and son are arrayed in the same ranks, a wavering must take place, and present an opportunity for an impression from the enemy. He concluded a concise and elegant speech, by moving the above resolution. Ordered, That Mr. HENRY LEE, Mr. SMITH, Mr. MORRIS, Mr. SHEPARD, Mr. DICKSON, Mr. TALIAFERRO, and Mr. SUMTER, be appointed a committee, pursuant to the said resolution. Senate was merely a copy of the old law, in which there were several imperfections. He had not yet had time to mature his reflections on the alterations necessary to be made in the bill, but expected if it were committed, (as he proposed,) to receive such additional information from the District Judge, on this subject, as would render the law, if passed, more beneficial, and competent to the purposes for which it was intended." WEDNESDAY, December 18. The 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," was read a third time and passed. Mr. SPEAKER said, he had received a letter, addressed to him, in the French language, (of which he had procured a translation,) from six French officers, confined in jail, at Burlington, in the State of New Jersey, which was read and referred to the Secretary of the Navy. The letter stated that they had been in imprisonment six months; that their usage was contrary to that of enemy officers in the power of the French Republic, who allowed them to depart either for their own or a neutral country; and that American officers were not detained in France as prisoners of war. Wherefore, they pray to be allowed to depart for their own or for a neutral country. The SPEAKER laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, accompanied with a report and estimates of the sums necessary to be appropriated for the service of the year one thousand eight hundred; also, a statement of the receipts and expenditures at the Treasury of the United States, for one year preceding the first day of October, one thousand seven hundred and nine ty-nine; which were read, and ordered to be referred to the Committee of Ways and Means. DEATH OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. Mr. MARSHALL, in a voice that bespoke the anguish of his mind, and a countenance expressive of the deepest regret, rose, and delivered himself as follows: Mr. Speaker: Information has just been received, that our illustrious fellow-citizen, the Commander in-Chief of the American Army, and the late President of the United States, is no more! DECEMBER, 1799. In obedience to the general voice of his country, calling on him to preside over a great people, we have seen him once more quit the retirement he loved, and in a season more stormy and tempestuous than war itself, with calm and wise determination, pursue the true interests of the nation, and contribute, more than any other could contribute, to the establishment of that system of policy which will. I trust, yet preserve our peace, our honor, and our independence. Having been twice unanimously chosen the Chief Magistrate of a free people, we see him at Though this distressing intelligence is not cera time when his re-election, with the universal tain, there is too much reason to believe its truth. suffrage, could not have been doubted, affording After receiving information of this national cato the world a rare instance of moderation, by lamity, so heavy and so afflicting, the House of Re-withdrawing from his high station to the peaceful presentatives can be but ill fitted for public busi- walks of private life. ness. I move you, therefore, they adjourn. The motion was unanimously agreed to; and then the House adjourned till to-morrow morning, 11 o'clock. THURSDAY, December 19. SAMUEL GOODE, from Virginia, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat in the House. DEATH OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. Mr. MARSHALL, addressed the Chair as follows: Mr. Speaker: The melancholy event which was yesterday announced with doubt, has been rendered but too certain. Our WASHINGTON is no more! The Hero, the Sage, and the Patriot of America -the man on whom in times of danger every eye was turned and all hopes were placed-lives now only in his own great actions, and in the hearts of an affectionate and afflicted people. If, sir, it had even not been usual openly to testify respect for the memory of those whom Heaven had selected as its instruments for dispensing good to men, yet such has been the uncommon worth, and such the extraordinary incidents which have marked the life of him whose loss we all deplore, that the whole American nation, impelled by the same feelings, would call with one voice for a public manifestation of that sorrow which is so deep and so universal. More than any other individual, and as much as to one individual was possible, has he contributed to found this our wide-spreading empire, and to give to the Western world its independence and its freedom. Having effected the great object for which he was placed at the head of our armies, we have seen him converting the sword into the ploughshare, and voluntarily sinking the soldier in the citizen. When the debility of our federal system had become manifest, and the bonds which connected the parts of this vast continent were dissolving, we have seen him the Chief of those patriots who formed for us a Constitution, which, by preserving the Union, will, I trust, substantiate and perpetuate those blessings our Revolution had promised to bestow. However the public confidence may change, and the public affections fluctuate with respect to others, yet with respect to him they have in war and in peace, in public and in private life, been as steady as his own firm mind, and as constant as his own exalted virtues. Let us then, Mr. Speaker, pay the last tribute of respect and affection to our departed friendlet the Grand Council of the nation display those sentiments which the nation feels. For this purpose I hold in my hand some resolutions, which I will take the liberty to offer to the House. Mr. MARSHALL having handed them in at the table, they were read, and unanimously agreed to by the House, in the words following, to wit: having received intelligence of the death of their highly The House of Representatives of the United States, valued fellow-citizen, GEORGE WASHINGTON, General of the Armies of the United States, and sharing the universal grief this distressing event must produce, unanimously resolve: 1. That this House will wait on the President of the United States, in condolence of this national calamity. 2. That the Speaker's chair be shrouded with black, and that the members and officers of the House wear mourning, during the session. 3. That a joint committee of both Houses be appointed to report measures suitable to the occasion, and expressive of the profound sorrow with which Congress is penetrated on the loss of a citizen, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. 4. That when this House adjourns, it will adjourn until Monday next. Ordered, That Mr. MARSHALL and Mr. SMITH be appointed a committee to wait on the President of the United States, to know when and where he will receive this House for the purpose expressed in the first resolution. Ordered, That Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. CRAIK, Mr. HENRY LEE, Mr. EGGLESTON, Mr. SMITH, Mr. STONE, Mr. RUTLEDGE, Mr. ABIEL FOSTER. Mr. MUHLENBERG, Mr. VAN CORTLANDT, Mr. DWIGHT FOSTER, Mr. FRANKLIN DAVENPORT, Mr. CLAIBORNE, Mr. MORRIS, Mr. JOHN BROWN, and Mr. TALIAFERRO, be a committee, jointly with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate, for the purpose expressed in the third resolution. Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate therewith. H. OF R. tional calamity, reported that the committee had according to order, performed that service, and A Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF that the President signified to them it would be THE UNITED STATES, which, together with the let-convenient for him to receive this House at one ter accompanying the same, was read and referred o'clock this afternoon, at his own house. to the committee last appointed, and is as follows: Gentlemen of the Senate, and A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate have agreed to the resolution passGentlemen of the House of Representatives : ed by the House of Representatives for the apThe letter herewith transmitted, will inform you that pointment of a joint committee of both Houses to it has pleased Divine Providence to remove from this report measures suitable to the occasion, and exlife our excellent fellow-citizen GEORGE WASHINGTON, pressive of the profound sorrow with which Conby the purity of his character, and a long series of servi-gress is penetrated on the loss of a citizen, first in ces to his country, rendered illustrious through the world. It remains for an affectionate and grateful People, in whose hearts he can never die, to pay suitable honor to his memory. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, Dec. 19, 1799. "MOUNT VERNON, Dec. 15, 1799. "SIR: It is with inexpressible grief that I have to announce to you the death of the great and good General WASHINGTON. He died last evening, between ten and eleven o'clock, after a short illness of about twenty hours. His disorder was an inflammatory sore throat, which proceeded from a cold, of which he made but little complaint on Friday. On Saturday morning, about three o'clock, he became ill. Doctor Craik attended him in the morning, and Doctor Dick, of Alexandria, and Doctor Brown, of Port Tobacco, were soon after called in. Every medical assistance was offered, but without the desired effect. His last scene corresponded with the whole tenor of his life; not a groan, nor a complaint, escaped him in extreme distress. With perfect resignation, and in full possession of his reason, he closed his well spent life.* "I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant. "TOBIAS LEAR. "The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES." Mr. MARSHALL, from the committee appointed to wait on the President of the United States, to know when and where it will be convenient for him to receive this House in condolence of the na ELISHA C. DICK. war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen; and have appointed Mr. DAYTON, Mr. BINGHAM, Mr. DEXTER, Mr. GUNN, Mr. LAURANCE, and Mr. TRACY, a committee on their part. The SPEAKER, attended by the House, then withdrew to the house of the President of the United States, when Mr. SPEAKER addressed the President as follows: SIR: The House of Representatives, penetrated with in the death of that great and good man, a sense of the irreparable loss sustained by the nation the illustrious and beloved WASHINGTON, wait on you, sir, to express their condolence on this melancholy and distressing event. To which the PRESIDENT replied as follows: Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: I receive, with great respect and affection, the condolence of the House of Representatives, on the melancholy and affecting event, in the death of the most illustrious and beloved personage which this country ever produced. I sympathize with you, with the nation, and with good men through the world, in this irreparable loss sustained by us all. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, Dec. 19, 1799. MONDAY, December 23 THOMAS T. DAVIS, from Kentucky; ROBERT WILLIAMS, from North Carolina; and JOHN DEN FROM AN ALEXANDRIA PAPER OF DECEMBER 21, 1799. about thirty-two ounces of blood were drawn, without the smallest Messrs. J. & J. D. Westcott: Presuming that some account of the late illness and death of apparent alleviation of the disease. Vapors of vinegar and water were frequently inhaled, ten grains of calomel were given, succeedGeneral WASHINGTON, will be generally interesting, and particu-ed by repeated doses of emetic tartar, amounting in all to five or larly so to the professors and practitioners of medicine throughout six grains, with no other effect than a copious discharge from the America, we request you to publish the following statement. bowels. The powers of life seemed now manifestly yielding to the JAMES CRAIK, force of the disorder. Blisters were applied to the extremities, together with a cataplasm of bran and vinegar to the throat. Speaking, which was painful from the beginning, now became almost impracticable; respiration grew more and more contracted and imperfect, till half after eleven o'clock on Saturday night; when, retain ing the full possession of his intellect, he expired, without a struggle. He was fully impressed at the beginning of his complaint, as well as through every succeeding stage of it, that its conclusion would be mortal; submitting to the several exertions made for his recovery rather as a duty, than from any expectation of their efficacy. He considered the operations of death upon his system as coeval with the disease; and several hours before his decease, after repeated efforts to be understood, succeeded in expressing a desire that he might be permitted to die without interruption. Some time in the night of Friday, the 13th inst., having been exposed to a rain on the preceding day, General WASHINGTON was attacked with an inflammatory affection of the upper part of the windpipe, called, in technical language, cynanche trachealis. The disease commenced with a violent ague, accompanied with some pain in the upper and fore part of the throat, a sense of stricture in the same part, a cough and a difficult rather than a painful deg; lutition, which were soon succeeded by fever and a quick and laborious respiration. The necessity of blood-letting suggesting itself to the General, he procurred a bleeder in the neighborhood, who took from his arm, in the night, twelve or fourteen ounces of blood. He would not by any means be prevailed upon by the family to send for the attending physician till the following morning, who arrived at Mount Vernon at about eleven o'clock on Saturday. Discovering the case to be highly alarming, and foreseeing the fatal tendency of the disease, two consulting physicians were immediately sent for, who arrived, one at half after three, the other at four o'clock in the afternoon. In the interim were employed two copicus bleedings, a blister was applied to the part affected, two moderate doses of calomel were given, and an injection was administered, which operated on the lower intestines-but all without any perceptible advantage; the respiration becoming still more difficult and distressing Upon the arrival of the first of the consulting physicians, it was agreed, as there were yet no signs of accumulation in the bronchial vessels of the lungs, to try the result of another bleeding, when During the short period of his illness, he economized his time in the arrangement of such few concerns as required his attention, with the utmost serenity, and anticipated his approaching dissolution with every demonstration of that equanimity, for which his whole life has been so uniformly and singularly conspicuous. JAMES CRAIK The signature of Doctor Gustavus Brown, of Port Tobacco, who attended as consulting physician, on account of the remoteness of his residence from the place, has not been procured to the foregoing statement. |