Journal of the House of Representatives

Number of Burials made in the National Cemetery, up to Dec.

Mr. Haze addressed the House as follows:

MR. SPEAKER-It becomes my painful duty to announce to this body the death of my colleague, the Hon. A. W. Buell, of Oakland. One year ago now he was one of our number, occupying his place in this hall. While yet in the discharge of his duties, fell disease marked him for his prey. He sickened in our midst, and that sickness was his last. E'er his life had reached its noontime, he laid him down to die.

Retiring yet social, courteous and gentlemanly, he won the

esteem of all who made his acquaintance. He came among us a stranger to most if not to all; but, brief as was his sojourn, he left an impression upon the memory of many that time will not efface.

He died in this city March 20th, 1863, away from home and kindred, with one friend only to relieve the kindly offices of strangers, by whom he was surrounded.

And whereas, The mysterious doings of Providence have so untimely removed from our midst one of our number, and from the scenes of active life and domestic endearment one on whom an already stricken family leaned with confidential hope; therefore,

Resolved, That in testimony of our deep sympathy for the afflicted friends, we do now adjourn.

Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be directed to transmit a copy of the above preamble and resolution to the family of the deceased.

REMARKS OF MR. T. G. SMITH.

MR. SPEAKER: In rising to second the resolutions of the Hon. member from Oakland, I cannot let the occasion pass without paying my humble tribute to one who, though modest in his deportment, was nevertheless possessed of those qualities which claimed for him the love and respect of all with whom he was associated. My relations with Mr. A. W. Buell, during the last session of the Legislature, gave me, perhaps, equal, if not superior opportunities, of knowing him, and of becoming acquainted with those qualities, both of the head and heart, in which he was most distinguished.

Mr. Buell, though one of the most quiet and unassuming members of this House-rarely saying anything during its sessions, upon the numerous legislative matters coming before it-yet was perhaps as close and attentive an observer of all its proceedings-examining as thoroughly the nature and consequences of the several bills introduced, before recording his vote upon them as any other member here. The constitution of his mind, and the previous habits of his life, specially fitted

him for such duties. He was a man of sound judgment, and independent in the exercise of it. Popular zeal could never sway him from what he deemed to be the path of duty.

Though living in another county, his district joined my own. Residing within five miles of me, I had an opportunity to know something of his character and business talents, and of the estimation in which he was held by the community in which he lived. Holly, where he resided, a small but flourishing village on the line of the Detroit and Milwaukie railroad, is, by the universal acknowledgment of its citizens, very largely indebted to the public spirit and enterprising business talents of the late Hon. A. W. Buell, for its present growth and prosperity. If you could have witnessed, as I did, the manifestations of deep sorrow and grief expressed by nearly the whole assembled population of that village, when his lifeless body was conveyed to his late residence, from this city, at the close of the last session of the Legislature, you would join me in saying that he must have been a man worthy of admiration, and whose loss we all must regret. A native of the State of New York, where he spent the earlier years of his life, he removed to this State, and to the village of Holly, about eleven years ago, where he resided at the time of his death. Since that period, with frequent interruptions from sickness, he has been actively engaged in various business pursuits. At the same time a farmer, a merchant and a manufacturer.

Best loved where he was best known-kind and benevolent to the poor-he was without an enemy. Though firm in his views of national policy, and perhaps in the expression of those views, he nevertheless commanded the respect and attachment of his political opponents.

His social qualities were of a high order. It was in the confidence and freedom from restraint of the social circle, that he made fast and enduring friends. It was there that the native goodness and benevolence of his nature shown forth most conspicuously. He was a kind and affectionate father, a good citizen and a true patriot.

I cordially second the resolutions.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted.

The Speaker declared the House adjourned until to-morrow morning, at 10 o'clock.

Lansing, Friday, January 22, 1864.

The House met, pursuant to adjournment, and was called to

order by the Speaker.

Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Burns.

Roll called: quorum present.

Messrs. Bowen, Dixon, John Miller, Aura Smith and Weatherby, appeared and answered to their names.

Absent at roll call, without leave, Messrs. Fowle, McKer nan, H. Miller, Pendill, Abram Smith and Toll.

Mr. Howard asked and obtained leave of absence for Mr. White, for an indefinite time.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS.

By Mr. Thomas: petitition of P. Kent and 47 others, of the town of Barry, in relation to bounty fund;