The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Treasurer of the United States, accompanying his accounts of the receipts and expenditures of the public moneys, from the first of October, one thousand seven hundred and ninety, to the thirtieth of June, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. On motion, Resolved, That the rules and orders of proceeding established by the late House of Representatives, shall be deemed and taken to be the rules and orders of proceeding, to be observed in the House, until a revision or alteration of the same shall take place. A message, in writing, was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Lear, his Secretary, as follows: UNITED STATES, OCTOBER 26, 1791. Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: I lay before you copies of the following acts, which have been transmitted to me during the recess of Congress, viz. An act passed by the Legislature of New Hampshire, for ceding to the United States the fort and light-house belonging to said State : An act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, ratifying, on behalf of said State, the first article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as proposed by Congress : and, An act of the Legislature of North Carolina, granting the use of the jails within that State to the United States. G. WASHINGTON. Ordered, That the said message and papers do lie on the table. A petition of James Rumsey, by Joseph Barnes, his attorney in fact, was presented to the House and read, praying that the act, entitled "An act to promote the progress of useful arts," may be amended, and rendered more effectual for securing to original inventors, property in their respective discoveries. Also, A petition of Jeremiah Allen, sheriff of the county of Suffolk, in the State of Massachusetts, praying that some provision may be made by law for declaring the bounds or liberties of the prison rules, in cases of confinement under the authority of the United States. Also, A petition of the distillers of spirits in the town of Boston and its vicinity, in the said State of Massachusetts, praying a reduction of duties, and farther revision and amendment of the act passed at the last session, for laying duties upon spirits distilled within the United States. Ordered, That the said petitions do lie on the table. A petition of Thomas O. Elliott, executor of the late colonel Bernard Elliott, who died in the service of the United States, was presented to the House and read, praying the benefit of the commutation for half-pay, in favor of the infant son and heir of the said Bernard Elliott. Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the Secretary of War, with instruction to examine the same and report his opinion thereupon to the House. A petition of William Whitlock, of the town of Petersburg, in the State of Virginia, was presented to the House and read, praying the liquidation and payment of a claim against the United States. Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, with instruction to examine the same, and report his opinion thereupon to the House. The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the speech of the President of the United States to both Houses of Congress; and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Muhlenburg reported that the committee had, according to order, had the said speech under consideration, and come to a resolution thereupon; which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, where the same was twice read, and, on a question put thereupon, agreed to by the House, as followeth: Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that a respectful address ought to be presented by the House of Representatives to the President of the United States, in answer to his speech to both Houses of Congress at the commencement of this session, containing assurances that this House will take into consideration the various and important matters recommended to their attention. Ordered, That Mr. Madison, Mr. Laurance, and Mr. Smith, of South Carolina, be appointed a committee to prepare an Address, pursuant to the said resolution. On motion, Ordered, That the Clerk of this House cause the Members to be furnished, during the present Session, with three newspapers, such as the Members, respectively, shall choose, to be delivered at their lodgings. Ordered, That a standing Committee of Elections be appointed: and a committee was appointed, of Mr. Livermore, Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Giles, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Bourne, of Rhode Island, Mr. Hillhouse, and Mr. Steele. And then the House adjourned until Monday morning eleven o'clock. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27. The several petitions of Charles Gardener, John Taylor, Abraham Watson, Thomas Hunt, and Richard Moore, were presented to the House and read, respectively praying compensation for services rendered, supplies furnished, or injuries sustained, in the service of the United States, during the late war. Also, A petition of Elizabeth M'Clary, widow of the late Major Andrew M'Clary, praying that a half-pay of the commission possessed by her said husband, who was slain in the service of the United States, at the battle of Bunker's Hill, may be extended to her. Also, A petition of Jacob Smith, in behalf of Jacob Motte and William Motte, minors, and sons of the late Major Charles Motte, deceased, to the same effect. Also, A petition of Cleland Kinloch, in behalf of his sister, Elizabeth Huger, widow of the late Major Benjamin Huger, deceased, to the same effect. Also, A petition of Thomas Shubrick, in behalf of Mary and Susanna Shubrick, daughters of the late Captain Richard Shubrick, deceased, to the same effect. Also, A petition of Joseph Ball, in behalf of his wife, Jane Ann Ball, only daughter and child of the late Major Samuel Wise, deceased, to the same effect. Also, A petition of John Younglove, of the State of New York, praying the continuation of a pension heretofore granted him by Congress; and that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Albany and Washington, in the said State of New York, in opposition thereto, which was presented to Congress the last session, may be rejected. Also, A petition of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Albany, Washington, Rensselaer, and Saratoga, in the said State of New York, praying a farther inquiry into the circumstances of the pension heretofore granted by Congress to John Younglove. Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the Secretary of War, with instruction to examine the same, and report his opinion thereupon to the House. Mr. Madison, from the committee appointed, presented, according to order, an address to the President of the United States, in answer to his speech to both Houses of Congress; which was read, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House immediately. The House accordingly resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the said address; and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr. Muhlenburg reported that the committee had, according to order, had the said address under consideration, and made no amendment thereto. Resolved, unanimously, That this House doth agree to the said address, in the words following: SrR: In receiving your address, at the opening of the present session, the House of Representatives have taken an ample share in the feelings inspired by the actual prosperity and flattering prospects of our country: And whilst, with becoming gratitude to Heaven, we ascribe this happiness to the true source from which it flows, we behold with an animating pleasure, the degree in which the Constitution and Laws of the United States, have been instrumental in dispensing it. It yields us particular satisfaction to learn the success with which the different important measures of the Government have proceeded; as well those specially provided for at the last session, as those of preceding date. The safety of our Western Frontier, in which the lives and repose of so many of our fellow-citizens are involved, being pecuculiarly interesting, your communications on that subject are proportionally grateful to us. The gallantry and good conduct of the militia, whose services were called for, is an honorable confirmation of the efficacy of that precious resource of a free State. And we anxiously wish that the consequences of their successful enterprizes, and of the other proceedings to which you have referred, may leave the United States free to pursue the most benevolent policy towards the unhappy and deluded race of People in our neighborhood. The amount of the population of the United States, determined by the returns of the census, is a source of the most pleasing reflections, whether it be viewed in relation to our national safety and respectability, or as a proof of that felicity in the situation of our country, which favors so unexampled a rapidity in its growth. Nor ought any to be insensible to the additional motive suggested by this important fact, to perpetuate the free government established with a wise administration of it, to a portion of the earth which promises such an increase of the number which is to enjoy those blessings within the limits of the United States. We shall proceed with all the respect due to your patriotic recommendations, and with a deep sense of the trust committed to us by our fellow-citizens, to take into consideration the various and important matters falling within the present session. And, in discussing and deciding each, we shall feel every disposition, whilst we are pursuing the public welfare, which must be the supreme object with all our constituents, to accommodate, as far as possible, the means of attaining it to the sentiments and wishes of every part of them. Resolved, That Mr. Speaker, attended by the House, do present the said address: and that Mr. Madison, Mr. Laurance, and Mr. Smith, of South Carolina, be a committee to wait on the President, to know when and where it will be convenient for him to receive the same. Ordered, That the petition of Jeremiah Allen, which was presented to the House yesterday, be referred to Mr. Gerry, Mr. Learned, and Mr. Sterrett; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House. A petition of Susannah Fowle, widow of Ebenezer Smith Fowle, late a Lieutenant in the company of artillery commanded by Captain Joseph Savage, and who died in the service of the United States, in September, one thousand seven hundred and ninety, was presented to the House and read, praying that, as no provision is made for widows of her description, she may be allowed such relief as may appear reasonable. Ordered, That the said petition be referred to Mr. Gerry, Mr. Wadsworth, and Mr. Ward; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House. The petitions of Francis Choate and Isaac Choate, were presented to the House and read, respectively praying compensation for losses and injuries sustained in their persons and property, by reason of their being taken prisoners by the Indians, in the Muskingum Settlement. Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to Mr. Ward, Mr. White, and Mr. Smith, of New Hampshire; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House. A petition of Reuben Weed, of the State of New York, was presented to the House and read, praying payment for a quantity of corn and oats furnished for the use of the Continental Army, during the late war. Also, A petition of sundry persons residing in the Western Territory of the United States, between Fort Washington and the Little Miami, praying that the titles to their lands, which they derive from the proprietors of the Miami Purchase, may be confirmed and quieted on equitable principles, notwithstanding any definition which the limits of that purchase may hereafter receive. Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, with instruction to examine the same, and report his opinion thereupon to the House. A petition of sundry creditors of the United States, who loaned money, between September, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven, and March, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, was presented to the House and read, praying that an appropriation may be made for the payment of the arrears of interest due, and the annual interest accruing on the amount of their respective claims. Ordered, That the said petition do lie on the table. A message, in writing, was received from the President of the United States, by the Secretary of War, as followeth: Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you, for your information, the reports of Brigadier General Scott and Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Wilkinson, the officers who commanded the two expeditions against the Wabash Indians, in the months of June and August last, together with the instructions by virtue of which the said expedi tions were undertaken. When the operations now depending shall be terminated, the reports relative thereto shall also be laid before you. UNITED STATES, 27th October, 1791. VOL. I.-56, GEORGE WASHINGTON. Ordered, That the information referred to in the said message, do lie on the table. A petition of Charles Hateley, of South Carolina, was presented to the House and read, praying that a reasonable time may be granted him to finish the exhibit of a machine which he is now constructing for cleansing or whitening rice. Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the Secretary of State, for the information of the Commissioners appointed by the act, entitled "An act to promote the progress of useful arts." Mr. Madison, 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 the address of this House, in answer to his speech to both Houses of Congress, reported that the committee had, according to order, waited on the President, who signified to them that it would be convenient to him to receive the said address at twelve o'clock to-morrow, at his own House. And then the House adjourned until to-morrow morning eleven o'clock. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28. The several petitions of Jacob Heller, Samuel Farrar, Thomas Lilly, Ebenezer Learned, Benjamin Warren, Abraham Springer, and Jacob Hall, were presented to the House and read, respectively praying compensation for services rendered, wounds received, or injuries sustained, in the Army of the United States, during the late war. Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the Secretary of War, with instruction to examine the same, and report his opinion thereupon to the House. Ordered, That a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill or bills for registering ships or vessels, and for regulating those employed in the coasting trade and fisheries; and that Mr. Goodhue, Mr. Fitzsimons, and Mr. Learned, be of the said committee. The Speaker, attended by the House, then withdrew to the house of the President of the United States, and there presented to him the address of this House, in answer to his Speech to both Houses of Congress; to which the President made the following reply: Gentlemen: The pleasure I derive from an assurance of your attention to the objects I have recommended to you, is doubled by your concurrence in the testimony I have borne to the prosperous condition of our public affairs. Relying on the sanctions of your enlightened judgment, and on your patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my endeavors for the public weal; and particu larly in those which may be required on my part for executing the salutary measures I anticipate from your present deliberations. G. WASHINGTON. A message, in writing, was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Lear, his Secretary, as followeth: UNITED STATES, October 27th, 1791. Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: I lay before you a copy of a letter and of sundry documents which I have received from the Governor of Pennsylvania, respecting certain persons who are said to have fled from justice, out of the State of Pennsylvania, into that of Virginia; together with a report of the Attorney General of the United States, upon the same subject. I have received from the Governor of North Carolina, a copy of an act of the General Assembly of that State, authorizing them to convey to the United States the right and jurisdiction of the said State over one acre of land in Occacock Island, and ten acres on the Cape Island within the said State, for the purpose of erecting lighthouses thereon, together with the deed of the Governor in pursuance thereof, and the original conveyances made to the State by the individual proprietors; which original conveyances contain conditions that the lighthouse on Occacock shall be built before the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and one; and that on the Cape Island before the eighth day of October, one thousand eight hundred; and I have caused the several papers to be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. A statement of the returns of the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States which have been received, will at this time be laid before you. The papers referred to in the said message being read, G. WASHINGTON Ordered, That the schedule of the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States be committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next. Ordered, That the other papers referred to in the said Message do lie on the table. Ordered, That a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill or bills for establishing the post-office and post-roads of the United States; and that Mr. Livermore, Mr. Clark, Mr. Steele, Mr. Bourne, of Rhode Island, and Mr. Thatcher, be the said committee. Mr. Livermore, from the Standing Committee of Elections, reported that the committee had, according to order, in part examined the certificates and other credentials of the members returned to serve in this House, and had agreed upon a report; which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, where the same was twice read, and agreed to by the House, as followeth: It appears to your committee that the credentials of the following members are sufficient to entitle them to take their seats in this House, to wit: From New Hampshire, From Massachusetts, From Connecticut, From Rhode Island, From New York, From New Jersey, Nicholas Gilman, Fisher Ames, Shearjashub Bourne, James Hillhouse, Benjamin Bourne. Egbert Benson, Cornelius C. Schoonmaker, Peter Silvester, Thomas Tredwell, Elias Boudinot, Thomas Fitzsimons, Thomas Hartley, Daniel Heister, Israel Jacobs, From Pennsylvania, |