the vicinity of the forts to reinforce and support them.

A fourth requisition was made by general Dearborn to guard the prisoners at Pittsfield, but the same causes operated, as in the other case, in addition to the belief that in the midst of a thickly settled population, the danger of escape from the existing guard, or of insurrection, did not require a compliance with the call: the event verified the soundness of opinion.

1st. For the expences of the militia who were called out by their respective officers, in consequence of an attack, or threat, to lay small towns and defenceless places under contribution; or who rallied suddenly against the depredatory incursions of the enemy's ships and barges, most of whom were in service only a few days at any one time, having been discharged as soon as the danger ceased; and for the pay and subsistence of small guards and detachments, ordered out at the suggestion of general Dearborn for the defence of several small villages whose shipping and property were much exposed.

These are all the calls for the militia which are known to have been made, and it is believed it can be shown that the omission to place the militia in the service of the United States was a matter of 2d. For the payment and supplies of the militia, form rather than of fact; that the protection of the who were detached and ordered into the service country was never for a moment abandoned, and of the United States, from the time they were mus. that the militia were assembled and in readiness to tered in their several companies until they arrived act whenever emergencies appeared to require at their places of rendezvous; and for the rations them; that arrangements adopted were judicious, and supplies furnished them, after they were reand, in several instances, predicated upon the ceived into the service of the United States, none wishes of the officers of the United States, or of having been provided for them at the time. those who had the confidence of the general go- 3d. For the pay and supplies of the militia marchvernment, or who were at the time, or subsequented for, and employed in the defence of the Penobly, taken into its service, as will appear from the scot frontier, after the country, east that of river, Correspondence of generals Dearborn, King, and was taken possession of by the enemy. HS. Dearborn, and of commodore Bidbridge 4th. For the expence of the militia who were deand captain Hull of the navy, presented in the pa-tached, agreeably to the request of the superinpe s marked 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, tendent of the military district, and offered to be 14, 15, and also from the letter of the honorable placed in the service of the United States, organiz. Wo Jones, late secretary of the navy. ed according to law, which offer was accepted but

5th. For the expence of the militia at Portland, which were called into service at the request of the committee of safety of that town, at a time when the enemy's fleet, with troops on board, was lying on the coast; when great alarm existed in the town, and an attack was momently expected; when the principal reliance for the defence of the town was on the militia; and when the sea-coast must have been protected by them, or abandoned to the will of the enemy.

6th. For troops employed for the defence of important exposed places, some of which were attacked, and for the defence of which no troops were requested to be placed in the service of the United States.

It can be demonstrated, also, that the services a short time before the period for which they were of the militia, so rendered, were both frugal and detached had expired; by reason of which, and the effective, as large bodies of troops were never un-inability of the contractor on the station, to furnish necessarily called into service, or retained in it the supplies, they were retained in the service of longer than the occasion required-that the con- the state. stant ppearance, and probable knowledge of preparation and readiness to repel attack, prevented the advances or further depredation of the enemy; while the propriety of this mode of defence has been admitted, as we conceive, not only by the correspondence before referred to, and by the payments made under similar circmstances to other states, but also by the dictum of a former secretary of war, promulgated at a period when, from the absence of all causes of irritation, the most dispassionate judgment could be formed, "that it is lawful for the governor of a state, when the state may be invaded, or in imminent danger of invasion, to be the judge of the degree and duration of the danger, and to apportion the defence to the exigencies that presented," as appears from the re- 7th. For troops which at the request of the comport of general Dearborn, made to the house of mittee of safety of various towns, in time of alarm, representatives of the United States, February 3, were marched in for the defence of those places, 1803; and also from the opinion of general Knox, more than those which were placed, or offered to when in the same office, as expressed in his letter be placed in the service of the United States, for of June 10th, 1793, to the governor of Georgia.- the defence of such places, and who were immeAnd the utility and necessity of the said services diately discharged on the cessation of danger. of the militia, as they were rendered, is still more 8th. For troops that were called in for the defully and strongly confirmed by the fact that, when fence of Boston, besides those placed in the forts of so ordered into service, they received the recogni- the United States, and who were stationed in its tion of general Dearborn, by the supplies of mus-vicinity to reinforce the garrisons of those forts, kets and munitions of war he, in certain cases and in case of attack, and to prevent the enemy from to a considerable extent, furnished them with on obtaining possession of the heights adjoinmg, which loan, or otherwise, from the stores of the United commanded the forts, the town, and the United States; and which had been requested of him ex- States' navy yard. pressly for the use of such bodies of militia ordered into service for the general defence of the seaboard.

The foregoing embracces the chief outline of the claim we have been instructed to present, and we proceed now, in compliance with the suggestion of the department, to state that so far as we have at present at command the means of judging, it may be classed under the following heads, to wit;

9th. For troops which, at the request of the several naval commanders at Boston and Portsmouth, and at the suggestion of general Dearborn, were called out for the protection of the United States' 74 gun ships building at those places, and for the defence of the ships of war of the United States, which were chased into port: part of the evidence, in reference to which, may be seen in the letters of general Dearborn, commodore Bainbridge, and

captain Hull, and of adjutant general Brooks, who, proof, hereafter to be produced, being satisfactorily in consequence of the directions of the executive, established?

promptly complied with the requests made-order- We will only extend the present letter by making ed some of the most effective and valuable corps in known our readiness and desire to afford any furthe state into service, and informed the commo- ther personal or other explanation on the subject to dore that the governor was "fully disposed to do which it relates, whenever you may have the goodevery thing in his power to aid in defending the na-ness to inform us it would be acceptable to you to vy yard, and the ships in the harbor, which his au- receive it. And we also avail ourselves of the octhority by the constitution would admit." casion to express the due sense we entertain of the 10th. For an allowance to the militia for arms urbanity and courtesy we have individually expeand clothing, and the use of their horses when in [rienced, both from the state and war departments, service. in the intercourse we have had with them on the 11th. For the cost of procuring small arms, business committed to our charge. which were distributed among the militia-of Requesting from you, sir, the favor of an answer mounting and transporting pieces of heavy ordnance as soon as the importance of the subject and your -purchasing ammunition, tents, military stores, other various avocations will permit,

and equipage. For barracks built and hired for the We have the honor to be, with sentiments of troops, and damage done to individuals in their great consideration, your respectful and obedient property, by erecting forts, and occupying their servants,

buildings as barracks.

JAMES LLOYD,
WM. H. SUMNER

(Signed)
Washington, February 3, 1817.

12th. For the expences of materials furnished for building platforms, magazines, furnaces, pickets &c. in forts and batteries erected, in conformity The honorable Geo. Graham, acting secretary of war. with the advice and suggestions of naval and military commanders of the United States.

Department of War, Feb. 9, 1817. Gentlemen-Your communication of the 3d inst. in 13th. For the pay and supplies of the militia, relation to the claim of the state of Massachusetts who were employed in fatigue duty in repairing, for the reimbursement of expences incurred, and for extending, and strengthening the United States' forts supplies furnished for the service of the militia duin various places, and for the cost of the materials ring the late war, has received the consideration therefor-and for shot, and other supplies of ammu- due to it.

nition furnished to the commanders of those forts. As it appears that, with one exception, the militia 14th. For the pay and rations of the militia, on whose account the expences were incurred were in the most exposed and important towns on the called out and kept in service by the state authorisea-board, who were called out two days in the ties, independently of the authorities of the United week for discipline and exercise, agreeably to the States: and were withheld from the command of the wishes of the officers of the United States. officers of the United States, placed by the presi

15th. For the purchase of several large ships, dent within the military district of which Massachu and preparing them to be sunk in the main channel setts formed a part, with authority to call for and of Boston harbor, in concurrence with the opinion take militia into the service of the United States: the of naval and military commanders in the service of claim with which you have been charged is excluded the United States, for the security of the navigation, from the recognition of the executive authority of towns, and navy yard; which vessels were sold af- the United States, by the principles explained in ter the peace, and the proceeds credited to the the answer of the secretary of war to the commuUnited States. nication of the governor of Massachusets, of the 7th

The preceding specification offers to view, sir, of September, 1814, copies of which are herewith the principal heads of charges incurred and paid enclosed. Those principles have been kept in view by the state, for the general defence and security by the executive of the United States, in all cases during the late war, which at present occur to us. where expences incurred by a state on account of But we will omit, at this time, to burden you with militia services have been assumed. voluminous documents in their support, as we un- It follows from these observations, that no part of derstand the judgment, with regard to them, is the claim presented by you in behalf of the state of to rest on principles, and not on details; and to be Massachusetts, can be assumed by the executive, determined by the authority given to the existing except for such expences as were incurred "for the laws of the United States-the usage under them, payment and supplies of the militia, who were deand the opinion of the executive. The vouchers in tached and ordered into the service of the United support of the claim shall be promptly furnished, as States, from the time they were mustered in their soon as we can ascertain what may be wanted and several companies, until they arrived at the places can procure them from Massachusetts; but as we of rendezvous, and for the rations and supplies furcame unprepared for the exhibit, under the form nished them after they were received into the Unithat has been prescribed, and are unwilling longer ted States, none having been provided for them at to delay this note for the receipt of further docu- the time." ments, we ask leave to be considered as reserving to the state, or its agents, the right hereafter to extend, alter or amend it, as a further development of the circumstances of the several items of the account, or the evidence in their support, may require..

I have the honor to be, &c.

GEO. GRAHAM. Messrs. James Lloyd and Wm. H. Sumner.

Roads and Canals.

Under this illustration of the claim, we have now the honor to request you would be pleased to inform IN SENATE OF the united states, feb. 14, 1817 us, whether the expences which have arisen under The committee appointed on so much of the president's the heads before enumerated, and which have been message as relates to roads and canals, paid by the state, will be admitted to an examination REPORT IN PART.— at the war department? And if the whole should That on the general utility and national importnot be so admitted, what part may be considered ance of roads and canals, little remains to be added by the executive as entitled to payment, on thelto the stock of information now in possession of the

senate, and to be found in the several reports made general outline of such public works, embracing on that subject. The committee, however, would the United States generally, and consulting, as far observe in addition, that the present period appears as practicable, the interest of each section of the to them peculiarly propitious and strongly invites union; and which they conceive, in a further imto the commencement and prosecution of such a sys-proved state of our national industry, may be comtem of public improvement. To the pleasing pros-pleted without embarrassment to the operations of pect of peace abroad, we enjoy mutual confidence the treasury, or imposing additional burdens on the and tranquility at home; our resources are abundant; people.

our public revenue ample; our citizens at all times On the subject of national roads, the first that evincing a willingness to make every sacrifice for presents itself, and of primary importance, is a turnthe public good and on whom perfect reliance may pike from Maine to Louisiana, passing through the be placed, more especially when the contributions seat of the national government, and the principal required must, when obtained and judiciously ap-cities and towns on this route.

plied, promote their own interest, and add in an Secondly; roads to connect the highest navigaeminent degree to the wealth, comfort and safety of ble points on the Atlantic rivers, with such points the nation; and it appears to your committee that the on the corresponding streams that fall into the experience, dearly purchased in the late war, should northern and western lakes, and the Mississippi not be regarded with indifference; much of the river and its branches. And lastly, such military money expended in the necessary defence of the or other roads as may serve to connect the scattersea-board, as well as the lives of many valuable citi-ed settlements in our states or territories, with th zens, would have been saved to the nation, had a more compact population of the interior, and there good inland water communication been made on our by secure the frontier settlements, in a great meaAtlantic frontier-the transportation of our armies, sure, from hostile annoyance, and enhance the value with all the munitions of war to the most vulnera- of the public lands by inducing a more dense popuble points would have been facilitated, and the ad-lation.

vantages of the enemy arising from the celerity of The other branch of this system of public imhis movements by water greatly diminished; more-provement, and equal, if not superior in importance over, the products of the west and south, consumed is the construction of canals, and the improvement in the east and north, could have been transported of the navigation of our rivers. secure from the common hazards of a sea voyage, 1st. An inland or shore navigation from the harand in defiance of blockading squadrons, and thus bor of Boston, to the river St. Mary's, in Georgia the inhabitants of the United States dispersed over-to connect these points, it is ascertained that a vast territory, embracing various climates suited not more than 100 miles will need the aid of canals, to the productions of all the necessaries and many and from an estimate made by Mr. Gallatin when of the luxuries of life, might even, in a state of war, secretary of the treasury, will incur an expence rely with comfort and security on her own internal little exceeding 3,000,000 of dollars, less it is believed than 200 dollars per mile, taking the whole distance of this water communication.

resources.

Law of South-Carolina,

PASSED AT THE LAST SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE.

To these advantages that refer themselves more especially to a state of war, must be added those, 2d. A canal from the Hudson or North river to if possible, of a more imperative character that will lake Erie, and from that lake to some of the many at all times arise to the nation from an improved navigable waters of the Ohio river, which approach state of her roads and inland navigation. The peo- within a few miles of its margin or intermix with ple of these United States are spread over an its navigable waters. extensive territory, and that dispersion of inhabi- 3d. The improvement of the navigation of the tants is keeping full pace with the increase of Ohio river, more particularly the falls at Louisville. population; and by a people thus dispersed, of 4th The improvement of the several Atlantic different habits and pursuits, and, in many in- rivers, and the corresponding streams that empty stances, with discordant views, is the national so-into the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. vereignty exercised, and its fundamental powers directed; for, politically speaking, there is in the United States but one order or grade known-that of the people; and hence arises the imperious necessity, in a government thus constituted, of tying An act to secure the just rights of mechanics, handicraftsmen, and for other purposes therein mentioned. together the whole community by the strongest Be it enacted by the honorable the senate and house of represen ligatures. This, your committee believe, can be tatives, now met and sitting in general assembly and by the autho best effected by the construction of roads and rity of the same, That from and after the passing of this act, every master mechanie, handicraftsman and artificer, who shall erect, canals; by these means commercial and social in improve or repair, any building whatsoever, shall have a legal lien tercourse will be made easy-industry, in all its upon the building so erected, improved or repaired, for the amount branches encouraged by the increased rewards justly due him for the erection of such building, improvement or repairs: Provided, a memorandum or agreement in writing, in the bestowed on every exertion-the love of country nature of a contract, be signed, in presence of one or more witnes will be awakened, and a laudable spirit of national ses, by the parties to such contract and the proprietor of the pre mises, or some other persons lawfully authorised in writing by them pride substituted in place of sectional jealousies on which such building, improvement or repairs were erected or -a community of interest and feeling will produce done, which contract or agreement shall contain a particular ae count of the work to be done, the materials to be furnished, and a mutual confidence and affection. Thus, being one general description of the said premises, and to be recorded in the people, the nation can have but one object in view office of the register of mesne conveyance for the district in which -the continuance and preservation of a government the buildings are erected or the improvements or repairs may be founded in equity and justice, administered for the done: Provided, That such lieu shall in no case be for a greater advantage of all, and calculated in the calm of peace to call forth talents and industry for the acquisition of property, and in war the surest guarantee for its security and protection.

With these general observations on the national importance of internal improvements, your committee will endeavor to lay before the senate a

sum than the just value which such building, improvement or repairs shall give to the land upon which the same may be erected: And provided also, That no such lien shail take effect or commence before the date of the recording of such contract or memorandum executed, in manner and form aforesaid, nor shall such lien in any case ever continue or remain of force for a longer period than three

years after the date thereof.

And be it further enacted, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to impair any prior hen on such building so to ne

erected.

CONGRESS.

SENATE.

Wednesday, Feb. 19--The bill for establishing a bank in the city of Washington was postponed to a day beyond the session.

The bill "respecting the transportation of persons of color for sale, or to be held to labor," was read a third time, and passed.

internal improvement, was set apart and made the order of the day for Tuesday next.

[Every senator of the United States is, at the present moment, at his post; in number thirty eight. This is an evidence of exclusive attention to public duties, not often witnessed.]

Monday, Feb. 24.-Among the bills passed were the following:

A bill to provide for the punishment of crimes and The bill to provide for reports of the decisions of supreme court, (the blank for the annual compensa. offences committed within the Indian boundaries. tion of the reporter having been filled with one thou-[On this bill the vote, by yeas and nays, was 17 to sand dollars) was read a third time and passed by the following vote.

YEAS.-Messrs. Ashmun, Barbour, Brown, Campbell, Chace, Daggett, Dana, Fromentin,Gaillard, Goldsborough, Hanson, Hardin, Horsey, Howell, Hunter, King, Mason, of N. H. Mason, of Va. Mor row, Noble, Ruggles, Sanford, Smith, Stokes, Talbot Tait, Taylor, Thompson, Tichenor, Troup-30.

NAYS.-Messrs. Condit, Lacock, Macon, Roberts, Varnum, Wil

son-6.

The senate resumed the consideration of the bill "respecting persons escaping from the service of their masters."

13.]

A bill making reservation of certain public lands to supply timber for naval purposes.

A bill relating to the ransom of American captives in the late war.

The bill more effectually to preserve our neutrał relations, was reported by Mr. Barbour, from the committee on foreign relations, with sundry amendments. Tuesday, Feb. 25.-The senate resumed the conOn motion of Mr. Talbot, that the further consideration of the resolution to direct the military sideration thereof be postponed to to-morrow week, committee to report a bill to reduce the army; and, Mr. Barbour, having moved to postpone the same it was decided as follows: YEAS.-Messrs. Barbour, Brown, Campbell, Condit, Daggett, indefinitely, the question thereon was decided as Dana, Fromentin, Gaillard, Goldsborough, Hardin, Hunter, King, follows. Macon, Mason, of Va. Sanford, Smith, Stokes, Talbot, Tait, Thomp-| son, Troup-21.

NAYS.-Messrs. Ashmun, Chase, Hanson, Horsey, Howell, Lacock, Morrow, Noble, Roberts, Ruggles, Taylor, Tichenor, Varnum, Wil

son-14.

The bill to incorporate the Columbian Institute was postponed to a day beyond the session. The bill to establish a separate territorial government in the Mississippi territory was ordered to a third reading-[passed next day.]

YEAS.-Messrs. Barbour, Brown, Campbell, Chace, Condit, Fromentin, Gaillard, Hanson, Howell, Hunter, King, Lacock, Mason, of Va. Morrow, Noble, Roberts, Ruggles, Sanford, Stokes, Tait, Taylor, Troup, Williams, Wilson-24.

NAYS.-Messrs. Ashmun, Daggett, Dana, Goldsborough, Horsey, Macon, Mason, of N. H. Smith. Thompson, Tichenor, Varnum—11. So the resolution was rejected.

The bill freeing from postage all letters and packets to and from James Madison, was read a third time and passed.

Thursday, Feb. 20.-The motion yesterday sub- Wednesday, Feb. 26.-After a variety of other bumitted by Mr. Williams, calling for papers respect-siness, the senate spent some time on the bill to ing Spanish affairs, was considered and agreed to.

The bill to set apart and dispose of certain lands for the encouragement of the cultivation of the vine and other exotic plants, was considered and ordered to be read a third time, [passed next day] 29 yeas to 5 nays.

[Those who voted in the negative were Messrs Dagget, Hardin, Mason, of N. H. Ruggles, and Smith.]

Friday, Feb. 21.-The proposition to reduce the army was postponed until Monday. Eight bills from the house of representatives were read.

The bill concerning the navigation of the United States, was read a third time and passed. [The amendments to this bill yet require the concurrence of the other house.]

The bill to provide for the appointment of hospital surgeons, &c. in the navy, was postponed to day beyond the session.

a

Saturday, Feb. 22.-Mr. Williams, from the military committee, reported a bill to amend the act organizing a general staff, and making further provision for the army of the United States.

Mr. Mason, of Va. reported a bill to incorporate the subscribers to certain banks in the district of Columbia, and also a bill to extend the charters of certain banks in the district of Columbia.

set apart the bonus, &c. of the United States bank, as a fund for internal improvements. A motion to postpone it indefinitely was negatived-18 to 19.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, Feb. 21.-Mr Jackson offered the following resolution, which he stated grew out of the report made a few days ago by the committee on the part of this house on the subject.

Resolved, That a committee be appointed on the part of the house of representatives, to notify the hon. James Monroe, of his election to the office of president of the United States for the ensuing four years; and that the speaker cause a similar notice to be given to the hon. Daniel D. Tompkins, of his election the office of vice president of the United States

to

for the same term.

The house proceeded to the order of the day, being the proposition to repeal the internal taxes.The previous question was called, but negatived; and finally the resolution was postponed to the 2nd Mr. Tait, agreeably to notice, leave being given, day of March, or laid on the table for the session. introduced a bill to alter the time for the next meet-On the postponement the yeas and nays were as ing of congress.

The bill to set apart certain lands for the purpose of securing a supply of live oak timber for the navy, was resumed, and ordered to a third reading, as were two or three other small bills.

follows:

YEAS-Messrs. Adgate, Alexander, Archer, Atherton, Baker, Barbour, Bassett, Bateman, Bennett, Betts, Birdseye, Breckenridge, Brown, Caldwell, Calhoun, Carr, Mass. Chappell, Clark, N. Y. Clark, The bill from the other house, directing the ap: N. C. Condict, Conner, Creighton, Crocheron, Findplication of the bonus and profits of the United ley, Forney, Forsyth, Gaston, Gold, Griffin, Hahn, States stock in the national bank, to the purpose of Harrison, Heister, Hopkinson, Huger, Hulbert, Ing

ham, Irving,N. Y. Jackson, Johnson, Ky. Kent, Kerr, The bill for opening a road through the ChickaVa. Little, Lowndes, Lumpkin, M'Lean, Middleton, saw country was ordered to be engrossed for a third Miller, Mills, Milnor, Jer. Nelson, Thos. M. Nelson, reading.

Newton, Ormsby, Pickering, Pleasants, Rice, Ro- Mr. Goldsborough, from the committee appointed bertson, Ross, Ruggles, Savage, Schenck, Smith, on the 20th instant, to present a resolution to the Penn. Southard, Stearns, Taggart, Tallmadge, Taul, president of the United States, requesting him to Taylor, N. Y. Taylor, S. C. Telfair, Thomas, Town- report to the next session of congress the best prac send, Ward, Mass. Webster, Wendover, Wilde, Wil-ticable mode of defending the waters of the Chesakin, Willoughby, Thos. Wilson, Woodward, Yancey, peake, reported that the committee had performed Yates-82. that duty, and that the president answered it would NAYS-Messrs. Adams, Baylies, Birdsall, Blount, not be in his power to comply with the request of Boss, Bradbury, Bryan, Burwell, Cady, Cannon, the resolution, but that he had no doubt his succesChampion, Cilley, Clayton, Clendennin, Comstock, sor would pay all due attention to it. Cook, Cooper, Crawford, Culpepper, Davenport, Monday, Feb. 24.-The bill for the establishment Desha, Dickens, Edwards, Fletcher, Goldsborough, of an invalid corps and the bill making provision Bale, Henderson, Hendricks, Herbert, Hooks, Hun-for three additional military academies were inde gerford, Jewett, Johnson, Va. Kilbourn, King, Lang-finitely postponed; as was also the bill to establish don, Law, Lewis, Love, Lyle, Lyon, Wm. Mack-an uniform system of bankruptcy. lay, Wm. P. Maclay, Marsh, Mason, M'Coy, M'Kee, The bill from the senate to enable the people of Moffit, Moore, Mosely, Hugh Nelson, Noyes, Par- the western part of the Mississippi territory to ris, Peter, Pitkins, Piper, Powell, Reed, Roane, form a constitution and state government, &c. was Sharp, Smith, Va. Strong, Stuart, Sturges, Tyler, after considerable opposition, ordered to be engross Vose, Wallace, Ward, N. Y. Ward, N. J. Wheat-ed for a third reading. on, Whiteside, Wilcox, Williams-73.

And the bill from the senate for the relief of the

Tuesday, Feb. 25. Much business was done.-The most important regarded the sinking fund as

follows:

The house resolved itself into a committee of the

Among the bills passed were the following: A bill to amend the act entitled "an act grantThe following engrossed bills were severally read the third time, passed and sent to the senate ing bounties in land and extra pay to certain Canafor concurrence, to wit: the bill making provision dian volunteers" passed on the 5th March, 1816. for the support of the military establishment of the United States for the year 1817; the bill making representatives of John Y. Yarnall. additional appropriations to defray the expences of the army and military during the late war; the bill making appropriations for the support of the navy for the year 1817; the bill freeing from postage, hereafter, all letters and packets to and from James whole, Mr. Jackson in the chair, on the bill for the Madison; the bill supplementary to the act further redemption of the public debt. [Providing, substanto amend the several acts for the establishment of tially, to make the sinking fund ten millions annualthe treasury, war, and navy departments; the billy; and to add to the fund of ten millons, the further to repeal the act providing for the safe keeping and sum of nine millions, (the existing surplus in the accommodation of prisoners of war; the bill con treasury;) thus making the whole sum applied this cerning the compensation of the district attorney year to the reduction of the debt, amount to ninefor the district of Massachusetts; and the bill to teen millions of dollars. Also, authorising the secreauthorise the extension of the Columbian turnpiketary of the treasury, at any time during the present

within the District of Columbia.

The bill respecting the establishment of an armory on the Ohio, or its branches, was postponed indefinitely-ayes 70.

Many reports were received from different committees, and much other business was transacted, which shall be noticed in its progress.

Saturday, Feb. 52.--Mr. Forsyth, from the committee on foreign relations, reported their agree. ment to the unendinents made by the senate to the

year, to pay the commissioners of the sinking fund the further sum of four millions, to be considered as an advance to that amount on the appropriation of ten millions, payable in the next year. Also, vest. ing in the commissioners of the sinking fund, to be applied to the redemption of the debt, any surplus which may hereafter accrue, over and above the sum of two millions, to be always retained in the treasu[ry.]

The blanks were filled up-it was afterwards taken up by the house and after some opposition, and the rejection of some proposed amendments, ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.

bill concerning the navigation of the United States, and they were then concurred in by the house. Mr. Čannon moved that the several orders of the day be postponed to Monday, and that the house Wednesday, Feb. 26.-The bill from the senate, proceed to the consideration of the resolution offer- respecting the Mississippi Territory was passed. A ed by him some weeks ago, to reduce the army-great deal of other business, preparatory to a close of the session was transacted, not necessary to dewhich motion was negatived, ayes 39, noes 69.

The following engrossed bills were severally read tail it at present. the third time, passed and sent to the senate, to wit: Thursday, Feb. 27. The committee on the charg The bill concerning invalid pensioners; es against judge Toulmin, on the ground that there The bill to amend the act making further provi-was no proof of the charges made against him, sion for military services during the late war; and were discharged from the further consideration of The bill concerning the pay and emoluments of tbe subject. The report shall be inserted hereaf brevet officers.

ter.

The last was warmly opposed by Mr. Harrison. Several bills were ordered to be read the third The bill concerning invalids of the revolutionary time: among them was the bill for disposing of four war, and of the widows and children of the militia, townships of land, on favorable terms to emigrants, and of the soldiers of the army during the late war, to encourage ihe cultivation of the vine and olive, was indefinitely postponed, after considerable dis- &c.

cussion.

Many private bills were passed.