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PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES

OF

THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES,

AT THE THIRD SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH CONGRESS, BEGUN AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1814.

A PROCLAMATION

By the President of the United States of America. Whereas great and weighty matters, claiming the consideration of the Congress of the United States, form an extraordinary occasion for convening them, I do, by these presents, appoint Monday, the nineteenth day of September next, for their meeting at the City of Washington; hereby requiring the respective Senators and Representatives then and there to assemble in Congress, in order to receive such communications as may then be made to them, and to consult and determine on such measures as in their wisdom may be deemed meet for the welfare of the United States.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed, and [L. S.] signed the same with my hand. Done at the City of Washington, the eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen, and of the independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.

By the President:

JAMES MADISON.

JAMES MONROE, Secretary of State.

JEREMIAH MORROW and THOMAS WORTHINGTON, from Ohio.

JAMES BROWN and ELIJIUS FROMENTIN, from Louisiana.

JOHN GAILLARD, President pro tempore, resumed the Chair.

THOMAS W. THOMPSON, appointed a Senator by the Legislature of the State of New Hampshire, in place of Nicholas Gilman, deceased, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat in the Senate.

On motion, by Mr. BLEDSOE,

Resolved, As the former Secretary of the Senate has departed this life, that the Chief Clerk do act as Secretary thereof until one shall be appointed.

administered to SAMUEL TURNER, jr. Whereupon, the oath prescribed by law was

On motion, by Mr. ANDERSON, the Secretary was directed to acquaint the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is assembled, and ready to proceed to business.

On motion, by Mr. ROBINSON, Messrs. ROBINSON and VARNUM were appointed a committee on the part of the Senate, together with such comresentatives on their part, to wait on the President mittee as may be appointed by the House of Repof the United States, and notify him that a

MONDAY, September 19, 1814. Conformably to the above Proclamation of the President of the United States of the 8th of August last, the third session of the Thirteenth Congress commenced this day at the City of Wash-quorum of the two Houses is assembled, and ington, and the Senate assembled.

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ready to receive any communications that he may be pleased to make to them.

The PRESIDENT communicated the following letter from the President of the United States; which was read:

WASHINGTON, September 17, 1814. SIR: The destruction of the Capitol, by the enemy, having made it necessary that other accommodations bers for the Senate and for the House of Representashould be provided for the meeting of Congress, Chamtives, with other requisite apartments, have been fitted up, under the direction of the Superintendent of the City, in the public building heretofore allotted for the Post and other public offices. JAMES MADISON.

The PRESIDENT

Of the Senate of the United States.

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On motion, by Mr. VARNUM, it was agreed that when the Senate adjourn it be to 5 o'clock this evening.

The usual resolution was adopted for supplying Senators with newspapers, and then the Senate adjourned.

Five o'clock in the Evening.

Fellow-citizens of the Senate

SEPTEMBER, 1814.

and House of Representatives: Notwithstanding the early day which had been fixed for your session of the present year, I was induced to call you together still sooner, as well that any inadequacy in the existing provisions for the wants of the Treasury might be supplied, as that no delay might happen in providing for the result of the negotiations on foot with Great Britain, whether it should require and more effective provisions for prosecuting the war.

The number of Senators present not being sufficient to constitute a quorum, the Senate ad-arrangements adapted to a return of peace, or further journed.

TUESDAY, September 20. WILLIAM W. BIBB, from the State of Georgia, took his seat in the Senate.

That result is not yet known. If, on one hand, the repeal of the Orders in Council, and the general pacification in Europe, which withdrew the occasion on which impressments from American vessels were practised, suggest expectations that peace and amity may On motion, by Mr. FROMENTIN, two hundred be re-established, we were compelled, on the other copies of the Constitution of the United States, hand, by the refusal of the British Government to acand two hundred copies of the rules for conduct-cept the offered mediation of the Emperor of Russia; ing business in the Senate, were ordered to be by the delays in giving effect to its own proposal of a direct negotiation; and, above all, by the principles printed and bound for the use of the Senate, in and manner in which the war is now avowedly carried the form they have heretofore been. on, to infer that a spirit of hostility is indulged more violent than ever against the rights and prosperity of this country.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that a quorum of the House of Representatives is assembled and ready to proceed to business. They have appointed a committee on their part to join the committee appointed on the part of the Senate, to wait on the President of the United States, and inform him that a quorum of the two Houses is assembled, and ready to receive any communications he may be pleased to make to them.

On motion, by Mr. LACOCK, a committee was appointed agreeably to the 42d rule for conducting business in the Senate, and Messrs. LACOCK, HOWELL, and MORROW, were appointed the committee.

Mr. WORTHINGTON submitted the following motion:

Resolved, That two Chaplains, of different denominations, be appointed to Congress during the present session, one by each House, who shall interchange weekly.

Mr. ROBINSON reported, from the joint committee, that they had waited on the President of the United States, and that the President informed the committee that he would make a communication to the two Houses this day, at 12 o'clock. Mr. HOWELL Submitted the following motion for consideration, which was read:

Resolved, That Mountjoy Bayly, Doorkeeper and Sergeant-at-Arms to the Senate, be and he hereby is authorized to employ one assistant and two horses, for the purpose of performing such services as are usually required by the Doorkeeper of the Senate; which expense shall be paid out of the contingent fund.

This increased violence is best explained by the two important circumstances, that the great contest in Europe for an equilibrium guaranteeing all its States against the ambition of any, has been closed without any check on the overbearing power of Great Britain on the ocean; and it has left in her hands disposable armaments with which, forgetting the difficulties of a remote war with a free people, and yielding to the intim to it before her eyes, she cherishes hopes of still toxication of success, with the example of a great vicfurther aggrandizing a Power already formidable in its abuses to the tranquillity of the civilized and commer

cial world.

But, whatever may have inspired the enemy with these more violent purposes, the public councils of a nation, more able to maintain than it was to acquire its independence, and with a devotion to it rendered more ardent by the experience of its blessings, can never deliberate but on the means most effectual for defeating the extravagant views or unwarrantable passions with which alone the war can now be pursued against us.

In the events of the present campaign, the enemy, with all his augmented means, and wanton use of them, has little ground for exultation, unless he can feel it in the success of his recent enterprises against this metropolis and the neighboring town of Alexan

dria, from both of which his retreats were as precipitate as his attempts were bold and fortunate. In his other checked and chastised by the martial spirit of the incursions on our Atlantic frontier, his progress, often neighboring citizens, has had more effect in distressing individuals, and in dishonoring his arms, than in promoting any object of legitimate warfare. And, in the two instances mentioned, however deeply to be reOrdered, That it pass to the second reading. gretted on our part, he will find in his transient sucOn motion, by Mr. FROMENTIN, a committee cess, which interrupted for a moment only the ordinary was appointed agreeably to the 22d rule for con- public business at the Seat of Government, no comducting business in the Senate; and Messrs. FRO-pensation for the loss of character with the world, by MENTIN, THOMPSON, and BLEDSOE, were appointed the committee.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

his violations of private property, and by his destruction of public edifices, protected, as monuments of the arts, by the laws of civilized warfare.

On our side, we can appeal to a series of achieveThe following Message was received from the ments which have given new lustre to the American PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:

arms. Besides the brilliant incidents in the minor

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operations of the campaign, the splendid victories gained on the Canadian side of the Niagara, by the American forces under Major General Brown, and Brigadiers Scott and Gaines, have gained for these heroes, and their emulating companions, the most unfading laurels; and, having triumphantly tested the progressive discipline of the American soldiery, have taught the enemy that the longer he protracts his hostile efforts, the more certain and decisive will be his final discomfiture.

On our southern border, victory has continued also to follow the American standard. The bold and skilful operations of Major General Jackson, conducting troops drawn from the militia of the States least distant, particularly of Tennessee, have subdued the principal tribes of hostile savages, and, by establishing a peace with them, preceded by recent and exemplary chastisement, has best guarded against the mischief of their co-operation with the British enterprises which may be planned against that quarter of our country. Important tribes of Indians on our Northwestern frontier have also acceded to stipulations which bind them to the interests of the United States, and to consider our enemy as theirs also.

In the recent attempt of the enemy on the city of Baltimore, defended by militia and volunteers, aided by a small body of regulars and seamen, he was received with a spirit which produced a rapid retreat to his ships; whilst a concurrent attack by a large fleet was successfully resisted by the steady and well directed fire of the fort and batteries opposed to it.

In another recent attack by a powerful force on our troops at Plattsburg, of which regulars made a part only, the enemy, after a perseverance for many hours, was finally compelled to seek safety in a hasty retreat, with our gallant bands pressing upon him.

On the Lakes, so much contested throughout the war, the great exertions for the command made on our part have been well repaid. On Lake Ontario, our squadron is now, and has been for some time, in a condition to confine that of the enemy to his own port, and to favor the operations of our land forces on that frontier.

A part of the squadron on Lake Erie has been extended into Lake Huron, and has produced the advantage of displaying our command on that lake also. One object of the expedition was the reduction of Mackinaw, which failed, with the loss of a few brave men, among whom was an officer justly distinguished for his gallant exploits. The expedition, ably conducted by both the land and the naval commanders, was otherwise highly valuable in its effects.

On Lake Champlain, where our superiority had for some time been undisputed, the British squadron lately came into action with the American, commanded by Captain Macdonough. It issued in the capture of the whole of the enemy's ships. The best praise for this officer, and his intrepid comrades, is in the likeness of his triumph to the illustrious victory which immortalized another officer, and established, at a critical moment, our command of another lake.

SENATE.

humanity tore down the colors which valor had nailed to the mast. This officer and his brave comrades have added much to the rising glory of the American flag, and have merited all the effusions of gratitude which their country is ever ready to bestow on the champions of its rights and of its safety.

Two smaller vessels of war have also become prizes to the enemy; but, by a superiority of force which sufficiently vindicates the reputation of their commanders; whilst two others, one commanded by Captain Warrington, the other by Captain Blakely, have captured British ships of the same class, with a gallantry and good conduct which entitle them and their companions to a just share in the praise of their country. In spite of the naval force of the enemy accumulated on our coasts, our private cruisers also have not ceased to annoy his commerce, and to bring their rich prizes into our ports; contributing thus, with other proofs, to demonstrate the incompetency and illegality of a blockade, the proclamation of which is made the pretext for vexing and discouraging the commerce of neutral Powers with the United States.

To meet the extended and diversified warfare adopted by the enemy, great bodies of militia have been taken into service for the public defence, and great expenses incurred. That the defence everywhere may be both more convenient and more economical, Congress will see the necessity of immediate measures for filling the ranks of the regular Army, and of enlarging the provision for special corps, mounted and unmounted, to be engaged for longer periods of service than are due from the militia. I earnestly renew, at the same time, a recommendation of such changes in the system of the militia, as, by classing and disciplining for the most prompt and active service the portions most capable of it, will give to that great resource for the public safety all the requisite energy and efficiency.

The moneys received into the Treasury during the nine months ending on the 30th day of June last, amounted to thirty-two millions of dollars, of which near eleven millions were the proceeds of the public revenue, and the remainder derived from loans. The disbursements for public expenditures during the same period exceeded thirty-four millions of dollars, and left in the Treasury, on the first day of July, near five millions of dollars. The demands during the remainder of the present year, already authorized by Congress, and the expenses incident to an extension of the operations of the war, will render it necessary that large sums should be provided to meet them.

From this view of the national affairs, Congress will be urged to take up, without delay, as well the subject of pecuniary supplies as that of military force, and on a scale commensurate with the extent and the character which the war has assumed. It is not to be disguised that the situation of our country calls for its greatest efforts. Our enemy is powerful in men and in money, on the land and on the water. Availing himself of fortuitous advantages, he is aiming, with his undivided force, a deadly blow at our growing prosperity, perhaps at our national existence. He has avowed his purpose of trampling on the usages of civilized warfare, and given earnests of it in the plunder and wanton destruction of private property. In his pride of maritime dominion, and in his thirst of com

On the ocean, the pride of our naval arms has been amply supported. A second frigate has indeed fallen into the hands of the enemy, but the loss is hidden in the blaze of heroism with which she was defended. Captain Porter, who commanded her, and whose pre-mercial monopoly, he strikes with peculiar animosity vious career had been distinguished by daring enterprise and by fertility of genius, maintained a sanguinary contest against two ships, one of them superior to his own, and under other severe disadvantages, till

at the progress of our navigation and of our manufactures. His barbarous policy has not even spared those monuments of the arts and models of taste with which our country had enriched and embellished its infant

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metropolis. From such an adversary, hostility, in its greatest force and in its worst forms, may be looked for. The American people will face it with the undaunted spirit which in their Revolutionary struggle defeated his unrighteous projects. His threats and his barbarities, instead of dismay, will kindle in every bosom an indignation not to be extinguished but in the disaster and expulsion of such cruel invaders. In providing the means necessary, the National Legislature will not distrust the heroic and enlightened patriotism of its constituents. They will cheerfully and proudly bear every burden of every kind which the safety and honor of the nation demand. We have seen them everywhere paying their taxes, direct and indirect, with the greatest promptness and alacrity. We see them rushing with enthusiasm to the scenes where danger and duty call. In offering their blood, they give the surest pledge that no other tribute will be withheld.

Having forborne to declare war until to other aggressions had been added the capture of nearly a thousand American vessels, and the impressment of thousands of American seafaring citizens, and until a final declaration had been made by the Government of Great Britain, that her hostile orders against our commerce would not be revoked, but on conditions as impossible as unjust; whilst it was known that these orders would not otherwise cease, but with a war which had lasted nearly twenty years, and which, according to appearances at that time, might last as many more; having manifested, on every occasion, and in every proper mode, a sincere desire to arrest the effusion of blood, and meet our enemy on the ground of justice and reconciliation, our beloved country, in still opposing to his persevering hostility all its energies, with an undiminished disposition towards peace and friendship on honorable terms, must carry with it the good wishes of the impartial world, and the best hopes of support from an omnipotent and kind Providence. JAMES MADISON.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 1814.

The Message was read, and five hundred copies thereof ordered to be printed for the use of the Senate.

WEDNESDAY, September 21.

DUDLEY CHACE, from the State of Vermont; OBADIAH GERMAN, from the State of New York; ROBERT H. GOLDSBOROUGH, from the State of Maryland; and DAVID STONE, from the State of North Carolina, severally took their seats in the Senate.

SEPTEMBER, 1814.

lains was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, no amendment having been proposed, the President reported it to the House accordingly; and on the question, Shall this resolution be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative.

The resolution authorizing Mountjoy Bayly to employ one assistant and two horses was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment having been proposed, the President reported it to the House accordingly; and the resolution was ordered to be And by unaniengrossed and read a third time. mous consent, the resolution was read the third time, and passed.

Mr. WORTHINGTON submitted the following motion for consideration:

Resolved, That so much of the Message of the Presi dent of the United States as relates to the militia of the United States, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise.

Mr. GILES Submitted the following motion for consideration:

Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to military affairs, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill, bills, or otherwise.

The resolution for the appointment of Chaplains was, by unanimous consent, read the third time and passed, as follows:

Resolved, That two Chaplains, of different denominations, be appointed to Congress, during the present session, one by each House, who shall interchange weekly.

appointed to revise the standing rules of the SenOn motion, by Mr. BLEDSOE, a committee was ate, with leave to report such amendments and additions thereto as they may deem expedient; and Messrs. BLEDSOE, GILES, VARNUM, BIBB, and BROWN, were appointed the committee.

THURSDAY, September 22.

JOHN CONDIT, from the State of New Jersey, took his seat in the Senate.

Mr. BLEDSOE, from the committee appointed yesterday to revise the standing rules of the Senate, made report; which was read, and ordered to lie for consideration.

On motion, by Mr. THOMPSON,

Resolved, unanimously, That the members of the Senate, from a sincere desire of showing every mark of respect due to the memory of the honorable NICHOLAS GILMAN, deceased, late a member thereof, will go into mourning for him one month, by the usual mode of wearing a crape

The PRESIDENT communicated the memorial of the Legislature of the Indiana Territory, praying that the time for the payment by purchasers of public lands in that Territory may be extended to two years on each instalment, and that all arrearages of interest may be released to the pur-round the left arm. chasers; also, suggesting the propriety of reducing The Senate resumed the motion made yesterthe price of, and subdividing certain quarter sec-day for the appointment of a committee on so tions, for reasons stated at large in the memorial; which was read, and referred to a select committee, to consist of five members, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. MORROW, BLEDSOE, THOMPSON, CHACE, and TAIT, were appointed the committee.

The resolution for the appointment of Chap- I

much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to the militia, and agreed thereto; and Messrs. WORTHINGTON, VARNUM, LACOCK, CHACE, and ANDERSON, were appointed the committee.

The Senate resumed the motion made yesterday for the appointment of a committee on so

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