On motion by Mr. Lacock,

Orlered. That it be referred to the committee on the District of Columbia, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the report of the committee on Military Affairs, who were instructed" to inquire into the expediency of of increasin the pay of the regimental and battalion pay-masters, and giving them rank in the army;" Whereupon,

Resolved, That it is inexpedient at this time to change the provisions of the law on that subject. The engrossed bill authorizing the sale of certain grounds belonging to the United States in the city of Washington. was read the third time. And, On motion by Mr. Daggett,

Was amended by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That this bill pass, and that the title thereof be," an act authorizing the sale of certain grounds belonging to the United States, in the city of Washington,”

Ordered, That the Secretary request the con currence of the House of Representatives in this bill.

The engrossed bill for the relief of William Edwards was read a third time.

Resolved, That that this bill pass, and that the title thereof be," an act for the relief of William Edwards."

Ordered, That the Secretary request the con

currence of the House of Representatives in this bill.

The bill entitled "an act for the relief of William Haslet," was read a third time as amended. Resolved, That this bill pass with an amend

ment.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein. A message from the House of Representatives by Mr. Dougherty their Clerk :

Mr President. The House of Representatives have passed a bill entitled " an act to explain the act to authorize certain officers and other persons, to administer oaths,' approved May the 3d, 1798;" in which they request the concurrence of the Senate. And he withdrew.

The bill last mentioned was read.

Ordered, That it pass to the second reading. Mr. Wilson, from the committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Charles de Blanc, made a report, together with the following resolution:

Resolved, That the petitioner have leave to withdraw his papers.

Mr. Fromentin presented the memorial of James Miller, collector and inspector of the customs of the port of Nova Iberia and the district of Teche, praying compensation for having discharged the duties of surveyor, as stated in the memorial: which was read.

On motion by Mr. Fromentin,

Ordered, That it be referred to the committee of Claims, to consider and report thereon, by bill or otherwise.

The Senate resumed, as in committee of the whole, the consideration of the bill to establish a new executive Department, and for other purposes. And,

On motion by Mr. Sanford,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

The Senate resumed, as in committee of the whole, the consideration of the bill to provide for the prompt settlement of public accounts.

Mr. Macon having proposed a further amendment thereto,

On motion,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

After the consideration of executive business, the Senate adjourned to 11 o'clock to-morrowmorning.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16th, 1817.

Mr. Ruggles presented the petition of Rachael Dohrman, widow of Arnold Henry Dohrman, deceased, praying additional remuneration for the services of her late husband during the revolutionary war, as stated in the petition; which was read.

On motion by Mr. Ruggles,

Ordered. That it be referred to the committee of Clains, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise.

Mr. Tichenor submitted the following motion for consideration:

Resolved, That the Secretary at War be directed to lay before the Senate. without delay, a statement of the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates now composing the military establishment of the United States, to what posts they are stationed, and the actual number at each post, respectively.

Mr. Smith presented the petition of John Haslett, of the city of Charleston, praying an act may be passed remitting the penalties by him innoc ntly incurred on the importation of thirty-six puncheons of rum in the brig Margaret, captain Halm, from Porto Rico, in July, 1812, as stated in the petition; which was read.

On motion by Mr. Smith,

Ordered, That it be referred to the committee of Claims, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise.

Mr. Barbour, from the committee to whom was referred the resolution to authorize the President of the United States to employ John Trumbull to compose and execute a painting commemorative of the declaration of independence, reported it with an amendment, which was read.

Mr. Chace presented the petition of Jonas Cutting, late lieutenant colonel of the 25th regiment

of infantry, and superintendent of the recruiting rendezvous of said regiment, at Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, praying the reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by him in the line of his duty, as stated in the petition; which was read.

On motion by Mr. Chace,

Ordered, That it be referred to the committee of Claims, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise.

Mr. Taylor submitted the following motion for consideration:

Resolved, That the committee on the Post-Office and Post-Roads be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing a post-route from Vincennes by Emmerson's mill, Carlisle, and Monroe to Fort Harrison, and that they have leave to report by bill or otherwise.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the report of the committee of Claims, on the petition of Charles de Blanc. Whereupon,

Resolved, That the petitioner have leave to withdraw his papers.

The bill, entitled, " An act to explain the act 'to authorize certain officers and other persons to administer oaths,' approved May the 3d, 1798,” was read the second time.

On motion by Mr. Lacock,

Ordered, That it be referred to the committee on the Judiciary, to consider and report thereon. The Senate resumed, as in committee of the