Page images
PDF
EPUB

OF THE

DEBATES OF CONGRESS,

FROM 1789 TO 1856.

FROM GALES AND SEATON'S ANNALS OF CONGRESS; FROM THEIR
REGISTER OF DEBATES; AND FROM THE OFFICIAL

REPORTED DEBATES, BY JOHN C. RIVES.

BY

THE AUTHOR OF THE THIRTY YEARS' VIEW.

VOL. IV.

NEW YORK:

D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 346 & 348 BROADWAY.

1858.

[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York.

[blocks in formation]

TENTH CONGRESS.-SECOND SESSION.

BEGUN AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 7, 1808.

PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE.

MONDAY, November 7, 1808. Conformably to the act, passed the last session, entitled "An act to alter the time for the next meeting of Congress," the second session of the tenth Congress commenced this day; and the Senate assembled at the city of Washington.

part, to wait on the President of the United States and notify him that a quorum of the two Houses is assembled.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that a quorum of the House is assembled and ready to proceed to business; and that the House had appointed a committee on their part, jointly with the committee appointed on the part of the Senate, to GEORGE CLINTON, Vice President of the Unit- wait on the President of the United States and ed States and President of the Senate. NICHOLAS GILMAN and NAHUM PARKER, from New Hampshire.

PRESENT:

TIMOTHY PICKERING, from Massachusetts. JAMES HILLHOUSE and CHAUNCEY GOODRICH, from Connecticut.

BENJAMIN HOWLAND and ELISHA MATHEWSON, from Rhode Island.

STEPHEN R. BRADLEY and JONATHAN ROBINSON, from Vermont.

SAMUEL L. MITCHILL and JOHN SMITH, from New York.

JOHN CONDIT and AARON KITCHEL, from New Jersey.

SAMUEL MACLAY, from Pennsylvania. SAMUEL WHITE, from Delaware. WILLIAM B. GILES, from Virginia. JAMES TURNER, from North Carolina. THOMAS SUMTER and JOHN GAILLARD, from South Carolina.

WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD, from Georgia. BUCKNER THRUSTON and JOHN POPE, from Kentucky.

DANIEL SMITH, from Tennessee. EDWARD TIFFIN, from Ohio. JAMES LLOYD, jun., appointed a Senator by the Legislature of the State of Massachusetts, to supply the place of John Quincy Adams, resigned, took his seat in the Senate, and produced his credentials, which were read, and the oath prescribed by law was administered to him.

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is assembled and ready to proceed to business; and that Messrs. BRADLEY and POPE be a committee on the part of the Senate, together with such committee as may be appointed by the House of Representatives on their

notify him that a quorum of the two Houses is assembled.

Resolved, That JAMES MATHERS, Sergeant-atArms and Doorkeeper to the Senate, be, and he is hereby, authorized to employ one assistant and two horses, for the purpose of performing such services as are usually required by the Doorkeeper to the Senate; and that the sum of twenty-eight dollars be allowed him weekly for that purpose, to commence with, and remain during the session, and for twenty days after. On motion, by Mr. BRADLEY,

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

Mr. BRADLEY reported, from the joint committee, that they had waited on the President of the United States, agreeably to order, and that the President of the United States informed the committee that he would make a communication to the two Houses at 12 o'clock to-morrow.

TUESDAY, November 8.

SAMUEL SMITH and PHILIP REED, from the State of Maryland, attended.

The following Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: To the Senate and House of

Representatives of the United States:

It would have been a source, fellow-citizens, of much gratification, if our last communications from Europe had enabled me to inform you that the belligerent nations, whose disregard of neutral rights has been so destructive to our commerce, had become awakened to the duty and true policy of revoking

SENATE.]

President's Annual Message.

[NOVEMBER, 1808. Under a continuance of the belligerent measures, which, in defiance of laws which consecrate the rights of neutrals, overspread the ocean with danger, it will rest with the wisdom of Congress to decide on the course best adapted to such a state of things; and bringing with them, as they do, from every part of the Union, the sentiments of our constituents, my confidence is strengthened that, in forming this decision, they will, with an unerring regard to the essential rights and interests of the nation, weigh and compare the painful alternatives out of which a choice is to be made. Nor should I do justice to the virtues which, on other occasions, have marked the character of our fellow-citizens, if I did not cherish an equal confidence that the alternative chosen, whatever it may be, will be maintained with all the fortitude and patriotism which the crisis ought to inspire,

The documents containing the correspondences on the subject of foreign edicts against our commerce, with the instructions given to our Ministers at London and Paris, are now laid before you.

their unrighteous edicts. That no means might be omitted to produce this salutary effect, I lost no time in availing myself of the act authorizing a suspension, in whole, or in part, of the several embargo laws. Our Ministers at London and Paris were instructed to explain to the respective Governments there, our disposition to exercise the authority in such manner as would withdraw the pretext on which aggressions were originally founded, and open the way for a renewal of that commercial intercourse which it was alleged, on all sides, had been reluctantly obstructed. As each of those Governments had pledged its readiness to concur in renouncing a measure which reached its adversary through the incontestable rights of neutrals only, and as the measure had been assumed by each as a retaliation for an asserted acquiescence in the aggressions of the other, it was reasonably expected that the occasion would have been seized by both for evincing the sincerity of their professions, and for restoring to the commerce of the United States its legitimate freedom. The instructions of our Ministers, with respect to the different belliger- The communications made to Congress at their last ents, were necessarily modified with a reference to session explained the posture in which the close of their different circumstances, and to the condition the discussions relating to the attack by a British ship annexed by law to the Executive power of suspension of war on the frigate Chesapeake, left a subject on requiring a degree of security to our commerce which which the nation had manifested so honorable a senwould not result from a repeal of the decrees of sibility. Every view of what had passed authorized France. Instead of a pledge therefore of a suspena belief that immediate steps would be taken by the sion of the embargo as to her, in case of such a reBritish Government for redressing a wrong, which, peal, it was presumed that a sufficient inducement the more it was investigated, appeared the more might be found in other considerations, and particu- clearly to require what had not been provided for in larly in the change produced by a compliance with the special mission, It is found that no steps have our just demands by one belligerent, and a refusal by been taken for the purpose. On the contrary, it will the other, in the relations between the other and the be seen, in the documents laid before you, that the United States. To Great Britain, whose power on inadmissible preliminary, which obstructed the adthe ocean is so ascendant, it was deemed not incon-justment, is still adhered to; and, moreover, that it sistent with that condition to state, explicitly, on her rescinding her orders in relation to the United States, their trade would be opened with her, and remain shut to her enemy, in case of his failure to rescind his decrees also. From France no answer has been received, nor any indication that the requisite change in her decrees is contemplated. The favorable reception of the proposition to Great Britain was the less to be doubted, as her Orders of Council had not only been referred for their vindication to an acquiescence on the part of the United States no longer to be pretended, but as the arrangement proposed, whilst it resisted the illegal decrees of France, involved, moreover, substantially, the precise advantages professedly aimed at by the British Orders. The arrangement has, nevertheless, been rejected.

This candid and liberal experiment having thus failed, and no other event having occurred on which a suspension of the embargo by the Executive was authorized, it necessarily remains in the extent originally given to it. We have the satisfaction, however, to reflect, that in return for the privations imposed by the measure, and which our fellow-citizens in general have borne with patriotism, it has had the important effects of saving our mariners, and our vast mercantile property, as well as of affording time for prosecuting the defensive and provisional measures called for by the occasion. It has demonstrated to foreign nations the moderation and firmness which govern our councils, and to our citizens the necessity of uniting in support of the laws and the rights of their country, and has thus long frustrated those usurpations and spoliations which, if resisted, involved war, if submitted to, sacrificed a vital principle of our national independence.

is now brought into connection with the distinct and irrelative case of the Orders in Council. The instructions which had been given to our Minister at Lon don, with a view to facilitate, if necessary, the reparation claimed by the United States, are included in the documents communicated.

Our relations with the other powers of Europe have undergone no material changes since our last session. The important negotiations with Spain, which had been alternately suspended and resumed, necessarily experience a pause under the extraordinary and interesting crisis which distinguishes her internal situation,

With the Barbary Powers we continue in harmony, with the exception of an unjustifiable proceeding of the Dey of Algiers towards our Consul to that Regency. Its character and circumstances are now laid before you, and will enable you to decide how far it may, either now or hereafter, call for any measures not within the limits of the Executive authority.

Of the gun boats authorized by the act of December last, it has been thought necessary to build only one hundred and three in the present year. These, with those before possessed, are sufficient for the harbors and waters most exposed, and the residue will require little time for their construction when it shall be deemed necessary.

Under the act of the last session for raising an additional military force, so many officers were immediately appointed as were necessary for carrying on the business of recruiting; and in proportion as it advanced, others have been added. We have reason to believe their success has been satisfactory, although such returns have not yet been received as enable me to present you a statement of the number engaged.

[blocks in formation]

The suspension of our foreign commerce, produced by the injustice of the belligerent powers, and the consequent losses and sacrifices of our citizens, are subjects of just concern. The situation into which we have thus been forced has impelled us to apply a portion of our industry and capital to internal manufactures and improvements. The extent of this conversion is daily increasing, and little doubt remains that the establishments formed and forming will, under the auspices of cheaper materials and subsistence, the freedom of labor from taxation with us, and of protecting duties and prohibitions, become permanent. The commerce with the Indians, too, within our own boundaries, is likely to receive abundant aliment from the same internal source, and will secure to them peace and the progress of civilization, undisturbed by practices hostile to both.

[ocr errors]

[SENATE.

ment of their rights and interests has been the con-
stant motive for every measure. On these consider-
ations I solicit their indulgence. Looking forward
with anxiety to their future destinies, I trust that, in
their steady character, unshaken by difficulties, in
their love of liberty, obedience to law, and support of
the public authorities, I see a sure guarantee of the
permanence of our Republic; and retiring from the
charge of their affairs, I carry with me the consola-
tion of a firm persuasion that Heaven has in store for
our beloved country long ages to come of prosperity
and happiness.
TH. JEFFERSON.

NOVEMBER 8, 1808.

The Message and papers were in part read, and one thousand copies ordered to be printed for the use of the Senate.

A confidential Message was also received, with sundry documents therein referred to, which

were read for consideration.

WEDNESDAY, November 9.

JESSE FRANKLIN, from the State of North Carolina, attended.

FRIDAY, November 11.

The accounts of the receipts and expenditures during the year ending on the thirtieth day of September last, being not yet made up, a correct statement will hereafter be transmitted from the Treasury. In the mean time, it is ascertained that the receipts have amounted to near eighteen millions of dollars, which, with the eight millions and a half in the Treasury at the beginning of the year, have enabled us, after meeting the current demands, and interest incurred, to pay two millions three hundred thousand dollars of the principal of our funded debt, and left us in the A message from the House of Representatives Treasury, on that day, near fourteen millions of dol-informed the Senate that the House have aplars. Of these, five millions three hundred and fifty pointed the Rev. Mr. BROWN a Chaplain to Conthousand dollars will be necessary to pay what will gress, on their part, during the present session. be due on the first day of January next, which will complete the reimbursement of the eight per cent. stock. These payments, with those made in the six years and a half preceding, will have extinguished thirty-three millions five hundred and eighty thou-see, and ANDREW MOORE, from the State of Virsand dollars of the principal of the funded debt, being ginia, attended.

the whole which could be paid or purchased within the limits of the law and our contracts; and the amount of principal thus discharged will have liberated the revenue from about two millions of dollars of interest, and added that sum annually to the disposable surplus. The probable accumulation of the surpluses of revenue beyond what can be applied to the payment of the public debt, whenever the freedom and safety of our commerce shall be restored, merits the consideration of Congress. Shall it lie unproductive in the public vaults? Shall the revenue be reduced? Or, shall it not rather be appropriated to the improvements of roads, canals, rivers, education, and other great foundations of prosperity and union, under the powers which Congress may already possess, or such amendment of the constitution as may be approved by the States? While uncertain of the course of things, the time may be advantage ously employed in obtaining the powers necessary for a system of improvement, should that be thought best. Availing myself of this, the last occasion which will occur, of addressing the two Houses of the Legislature at their meeting, I cannot omit the expression of my sincere gratitude for the repeated proofs of confidence manifested to me by themselves and their predecessors since my call to the administration, and the many indulgences experienced at their hands. The same grateful acknowledgments are due to my fellow-citizens generally, whose support has been my great encouragement under all embarrassments. In the transaction of their business I cannot have escaped It is incident to our imperfect nature. But I may say with truth my errors have been of the understanding, not of intention, and that the advance

error.

MONDAY, November 14.

JOSEPH ANDERSON, from the State of Tennes

WEDNESDAY, November 16.

ANDREW GREGG, from the State of Pennsylvania, attended.

MONDAY, November 21.
The Embargo.

This being the day fixed for the discussion of the following resolution, offered by Mr. HILL

HOUSE:

Resolved, That it is expedient that the act, entitled "An act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States," and the several acts supplementary thereto, be repealed; and that a committee be appointed to prepare and report a bill for that purpose:

Mr. HILLHOUSE opened the debate. When the reporter entered the Senate chamber, Mr. H. had been speaking for a few minutes, and was then discussing the effect which the embargo had had upon France, and the light in which it was viewed by her rulers. He alluded to the declaration of satisfaction at the measure, contained in a late French exposé, and made many observations tending to show that it was not a measure of hostility or coercion, as applied to France.

On England it had little or no effect. Her resources were immense. If deprived of a supply of grain here, she could obtain it elsewhere. The Barbary Powers were at war with France

« PreviousContinue »