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JULY, 1797.]

Adjournment.

[SENATE

To which the PRESIDENT made the following and as he has advanced the price of our peace with reply:

Mr. Vice President,

and Gentlemen of the Senate:

It would be an affectation in me to dissemble the pleasure I feel on receiving this kind Address.

My long experience of the wisdom, fortitude, and patriotism of the Senate of the United States, enhances in my estimation the value of those obliging expressions of your approbation of my conduct, which are a generous reward for the past, and an affecting encouragement to constancy and perseverance in fu

ture.

Our sentiments appear to be so entirely in unison, that I cannot but believe them to be the rational result of the understandings and the natural feelings of the hearts of Americans in general, on contemplating the present state of the nation.

While such principles and affections prevail, they will form an indissoluble bond of union, and a sure pledge that our country has no essential injury to apprehend from any portentous appearances abroad. In a humble reliance on Divine Providence, we may rest assured, that, while we reiterate with sincerity our endeavors to accommodate all our differences with France, the independence of our country cannot be diminished, its dignity degraded, or its glory tarnished, by any nation or combination of nations, whether friends or enemies.

JOHN ADAMS.

Tripoli, and become pledged for that of Tunis, the United States seem to be under peculiar obligations to provide this accommodation; and I trust that Congress will authorize the advance of money necessary for that purpose.

JOHN ADAMS.

UNITED STATES, June 23, 1797.
Ordered, That it lie for consideration.

SATURDAY, July 1.

JAMES GUNN, from the State of Georgia, attended.

WEDNESDAY, July 5.

The VICE PRESIDENT obtained leave of absence for the remainder of the session.

THURSDAY, July 6.

The VICE PRESIDENT being absent, the Senate proceeded to the choice of a President pro tempore, as the constitution provides, and the Hon. WILLIAM BRADFORD was duly elected.

FRIDAY, July 7.

A message from the House of Representatives The Senate returned to their own Chamber, informed the Senate that the House have passed and adjourned.

FRIDAY, May 26.

a resolution, that the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, be authorized to close the present session, by adjourning their respective Houses on Monday,

HUMPHREY MARSHALL, from the State of Ken- the 10th day of this month; in which they detucky, attended.

MONDAY, May 29.

JAMES Ross, from the State of Pennsylvania, attended.

SATURDAY, June 24.

The following confidential Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:

Gentlemen of the Senate, and

of the House of Representatives: The Dey of Algiers has manifested a predilection for American built vessels, and, in consequence, has desired that two vessels might be constructed and equipped, as cruisers, according to the choice and taste of Captain O'Brien. The cost of two such vessels, built with live oak and cedar, and coppered, with guns and all other equipments complete, is estimated at forty-five thousand dollars. The expense of navigating them to Algiers may, perhaps, be compensated by the freight of the stores with which they may be loaded on account of our stipulations by treaty with

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sire the concurrence of the Senate.

MONDAY, July 10.

Ordered, That Mr. TRACY and Mr. READ be a joint committee on the part of the Senate, with such as the House of Representatives may appoint on their part, to wait on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and notify him that, unless he may have any further communications to make to the two Houses of Congress, they are ready to adjourn.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have appointed a joint committee on their part to wait on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and notify him that, unless he may have any further communications to make to the two Houses of Congress, they are ready to adjourn.

Mr. TRAOY reported from the joint committee, that they had waited on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, agreeably to order, who replied, that he had no further communication to make to Congress, except a respectful and affectionate farewell.

The PRESIDENT then adjourned the Senate without day.

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In pursuance of the authority given by the | Congress, the following members of the House constitution, the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED of Representatives appeared, produced `their STATES, on the 25th day of March last, caused to be issued the Proclamation which follows:

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas the Constitution of the United States of America provides that the President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses of Congress; and whereas an extraordinary occasion exists for convening Congress, and divers weighty matters claim their consideration, I have therefore thought it necessary to convene, and I do by these presents convene the Congress of the United States of America, at the City of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on Monday the fifteenth day of May next, hereby requiring the Senators and Representatives in the Congress of the United States of America, and every of them, that, laying aside all other matters and cares, they then and there meet and assemble in Congress, in order to consult and determine on such measures as in their wisdom shall be deemed meet for the safety and welfare of the said United States. In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. Done at the City of Philadel[L. S.] phia the twenty-fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the twenty-first.

By the President:

TIMOTHY PICKERING,
Secretary of State.

JOHN ADAMS.

MONDAY, May 15, 1797.

This being the day appointed by the Proclamation of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, of the 25th of March last, for the meeting of

credentials, and took their seats, to wit:

From New Hampshire.—ABIEL FOSTER and JONATHAN FREEMAN.

From Massachusetts.-THEOPHILUS BRADBURY, DWIGHT FOSTER, NATHANIEL FREEMAN, Jr., SAMUEL LYMAN, HARRISON GRAY OTIS, JOHN READ, SAMUEL SEWALL, WILLIAM SHEPARD, George THATCHER, JOSEPH BRADLEY VARNUM, and PELEG WADSWORTH.

From Rhode Island.-CHRISTOPHER G. CHAMPLIN and ELISHA R. POTTER.

From Connecticut.—JOSHUA COIT, SAMUEL W. DANA, JAMES DAVENPORT, CHAUNCEY GOODRICH, ROGER GRISWold, and NATHANIEL SMITH,

From Vermont.-MATTHEW Lyon.

From New York.-DAVID BROOKS, JAMES COCHRAN, LUCAS ELMENDORPH, HENRY GLENN, JONATHAN N. HAVENS, HEZEKIAH L. HOSMER, EDWARD LIVINGSTON, JOHN E. VAN ALLEN, PHILIP VAN CORTLANDT, and JOHN WILLIAMS. From New Jersey.-JONATHAN DAyton, James H. IMLAY, and MARK THOMPSON.

From Pennsylvania.- DAVID BARD, JOHN CHAPMAN, GEORGE EGE, ALBERT GALLATIN, JOHN ANDRE HANNA, THOMAS HARTLEY, JOHN WILKES KITTERA, BLAIR M'CLENACHAN, SAMUEL SITGREAVES, JOHN SWANWICK, and RICHARD THOMAS.

From Maryland.-GEORGE BAER, Jr., WILLIAM CRAIK, JOHN DENNIS, GEORGE DENT, WILLIAM HINDMAN, WILLIAM MATTHEWS, and RICHARD SPRIGG, Jr.

From Virginia.-SAMUEL JORDAN CABELL, THOMAS CLAIBORNE, MATTHEW CLAY, JOHN CLOPTON, JOHN DAWSON, THOMAS EVANS, WILLIAM B. GILES, CARTER B. HARRISON, DAVID HOLMES, WALTER JONES, JAMES MACHIR, DANIEL MORGAN, ANTHONY NEW, JOHN NICHOLAS, ABRAM TRIGG, and ABRAHAM VENABLE.

From North Carolina.-THOMAS BLOUNT, NATHAN BRYAN, JAMES GILLESPIE, WILLIAM

MAY, 1797.]

DEBATES OF CONGRESS.

Documents Accompanying the President's Speech.

[H. OF R.

BARRY GROVE, MATTHEW LOCKE, NATHANIEL | ter which, on motion, it was ordered to be com-
MACON, RICHARD STANFORD, and ROBERT WIL-mitted to a Committee of the Whole to-morrow.

LIAMS.

From South Carolina.- ROBERT GOODLOE HARPER, JOHN RUTLEDGE, Jr., and WILLIAM SMITH, (of Charleston District.)

From Georgia.-ABRAHAM BALDWIN and JOHN MILLEDGE.

And a quorum, consisting of a majority of the whole number, being present,

The House proceeded, by ballot, to the choice of a SPEAKER; and, upon examining the ballots, a majority of the votes of the whole House was found in favor of JONATHAN DAYTON, one of the Representatives for the State of New Jersey: whereupon,

Mr. DAYTON was conducted to the chair, from whence he made his acknowledgments to the House, as follows:

"Accept, gentlemen, my acknowledgments for the very flattering mark of approbation and confidence exhibited in this second call to the chair, by a vote

of this House.

"Permit me, most earnestly, to request of you a continuance of that assistance and support, which were, upon all occasions, during the two preceding sessions, very liberally afforded to me; and, without which, all my exertions to maintain the order, and expedite the business of the House, must be, in a great degree, unsuccessful."

TUESDAY, May 16.

Several other members, to wit: from New Jersey, JAMES SCHUREMAN and THOMAS SINNICKSON; from Virginia, JOHN TRIGG; and from South Carolina, THOMAS SUMPTER, appeared, produced their credentials, were qualified, and took their seats in the House.

President's Speech.

It being near twelve o'clock, the SPEAKER observed that it had been usual on similar occasions to the present, to send a message to the Senate, to inform them that the House is now ready to attend them in receiving the communication of the PRESIDENT, agreeably to his appointment: such a message was agreed to, and sent accordingly.

WEDNESDAY, May 17.

Several other members, to wit: from New Hampshire, WILLIAM GORDON and JEREMIAH SMITH; from Pennsylvania, ANDREW GREGG ; appeared, produced their credentials, were qualified, and took their seats.

The President's Speech.

The House then went into a Committee of the

Whole, Mr. DENT in the chair, on the President's Speech. It was read by the Clerk.

Mr. CRAIK then moved a resolution, which, he observed, was merely a matter of form, as there had been one to the same effect, on every similar occasion. It was, "that it is the opinion of this committee, that a respectful Address should be presented to the President in answer to his Speech to both Houses of Congress, containing

that this House will take into conassurances, sideration the various and important matters recommended to their consideration." The committee agreed to the resolution. They rose, and it immediately passed the House in the common form.

On motion, it was Ordered, That a committee be appointed to prepare an Answer to the Speech.

Mr. VENABLE, Mr. KITTERA, Mr. FREEMAN, Mr. RUTLEDGE, and Mr. GRISWOLD, were nominated to report the Answer.

FRIDAY, May 19.

RICHARD BRENT, from Virginia, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat.

Documents Referred to in the President's
Speech.

The SPEAKER informed the House that he
had received a communication from the De-
partment of State, containing sundry documents
He pro-
referred to by the President in his Speech to
both Houses, numbered from 1 to 18.
ceeded to read No. 1, viz:

1. A letter from General Pinckney to the SeSoon after, the members of the Senate enter-cretary of State, dated Paris, December 20, ed, and took the seats assigned them; and a 1796, giving an account of his arrival at Borlittle after twelve, the PPESIDENT OF THE UNIT-deaux; of his journey from thence to Paris, in ED STATES entered, and took the chair of the SPEAKER, (which he vacated on the entrance of the Senate, the President and Clerk of the Senate being placed on the right hand of the chair, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Clerk on the left.) After sitting a moment, he rose and delivered the following Speech. [See Senate proceedings, ante.]

which, from the badness of the roads, he broke three wheels of his carriage; of the ill treatment he received from M. Delacroix, &c. He remarks, that it is not surprising that the French Republic have refused to receive him, since they have dismissed no less than thirteen foreign Ministers; and since they have been led to believe by a late emigrant, that the United States Having concluded his Speech, after presenting was of no greater consequence to them than a copy of it to the President of the Senate, and the Republics of Genoa or Geneva. He also another to the Speaker of the House of Repre- mentions, that it seemed to be the opinion in sentatives, the President retired, as did also the France, that much depended on the election of members of the Senate; and the Speaker hav- the President, as one of the candidates was coning resumed his chair, he read the Speech: af-sidered the friend of England, the other as de

H. OF R.]

Documents Accompanying the President's Speech.

[MAY, 1797.

voted to France. The people of France, he ob- | American citizens who fit out privateers to serves, have been greatly deceived, with re- cruise against the trade of this country. spect to the United States, by misrepresentation, 6. Extract of a letter from Major General being led to believe that the people and Gov- Mountflorence to General Pinckney, dated Paris, ernment have different views; but, adds he, February 14, mentioning the capture of a vesany attempt to divide the people from the Gov- sel from Boston, and another from Baltimore, ernment, ought to be to the people of the United by an American citizen on board a privateer: States, the signal for rallying. Gen. Pinckney adding, that American citizens of this class are several times mentions Mr. Monroe in this let- continually wishing for more rigorous laws ter with great respect; and says that before his against American commerce. arrival the Directory had been very cool towards him, but, since that time, they had renewed their civilities to him.

2. Is a report of Major General Mountflorence to General Pinckney, dated December 18, 1796, on the subject of American vessels brought prizes into the ports of France.

3. Extract of a letter from Gen. Pinckney to the Secretary of State, dated Paris, January 6, 1797, in which he mentions the distressed situation of American citizens, arriving in the ports of France, who were immediately thrown into prison, and could not be released, until an order was got from the American Minister, countersigned by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs; and no Minister being acknowledged there at present, no relief could be afforded. He, however, applied to M. Delacroix on their behalf, by means of the secretary, Major Rutledge, and got them attended to through the Minister of General Police. General Pinckney gives a further account of conversations which passed between his secretary and M. Delacroix, on the subject of his quitting Paris, in which he told him he must do so, or be liable to the operation of the police laws; but refused to commit his orders to writing. He mentions Barras's answer to Monroe's address as a curious production; but says it was not particularly calculated as an answer to what was said by Mr. Monroe, as he had it prepared, and was unacquainted with what would be said by Mr. Monroe.

4. Extract of a letter from Gen. Pinckney to the Secretary of State, dated Amsterdam, February 18, informing him, that, having had official notice to quit the French Republic, he had gone to Amsterdam.

5. Extract of a letter from General Pinckney to the Secretary of State, dated Amsterdam, March 5, in which he observes, that before he left Paris, it was rumored that the Dutch were determined to treat American vessels in the same manner as the French had done. He now believes that the French wished them to do so, as he had lately received intelligence that the Dutch had objected to do this, alleging that it would be a great injury to them, as they should then lose their trade with this country, and if so, they would be deprived of furnishing that support to the French which they then gave them. France acquiesced because she saw it was her interest; and having 25,000 troops in Batavia, it was generally known that they could do what they pleased with that country. The General adds, with detestation, that there are

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7. Extract of a letter from the same to the same, dated Paris, February 21, giving an account of two more American vessels being brought into L'Orient by the same man, and of another vessel taken by a French privateer.

8. Extract of a letter from General Pinckney to the Secretary of State, dated Amsterdam, March 8, mentioning the capture of several American vessels; he also speaks of the disagreeableness of his situation; and was of opinion that the new third of the French Councils would determine whether this country and France were to remain at peace or go to war. Though the former was desirable, he wished the measures of our Government to be firm.

9. Speech of Barras, President of the French Directory, on Mr. Monroe's recall.

10. The decree of the Executive Directory of March 2, relative to the seizure of American vessels.

11. Extract of a letter from John Quincy Adams, Esq., Minister Resident of the United States, near the Batavian Republic, to the Secretary of State, dated at the Hague, November 4, 1796, giving an account of the disposition of the people of that country towards this, which he states to be friendly; and this he attributes to its being their interest to be so. This country, he remarks, is the only quarter from which they receive regular payments. He adds, however, that they have no will in opposition to the French Government.

12. Extract of a letter from the Committee of Foreign Relations of the Batavian Republic, to the above Minister, dated September 27, 1796, making it appear very desirable that the United States should join them in their common cause against Great Britain, reminding him of the many services which they had rendered to this country.

13. Extract of a letter from John Quincy Adams in answer to the above, wherein he says he shall not omit to forward their letter to this country.

14. Extract of a letter from John Quincy Adams to the Secretary of State, dated Hague, February 17, 1797, representing the French Republic as paying as little attention to other neutral powers as to the United States. He alludes to their conduct towards Hamburg, Bremen, Copenhagen, &c.

15. Extract of a letter from Rufus King, Esq., to the Secretary of State, dated London, March 12, 1797, to the same effect.

16. A letter from the Minister of Spain, resident in Philadelphia, to the Secretary of State,

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dated May 6, 1797, complaining of the injurious operation of the British Treaty against Spain, in three respects, viz: as it destroys the doctrine of free ships making free goods; as it makes certain articles contraband of war, which in former treaties were not considered so; and as it gives to Great Britain a right to navigate the Mississippi, which that Minister insists belonged not to us to give, as it belonged wholly to Spain before it gave the right to the United States, by the late treaty, to navigate that river. He concludes his letter with saying, that the King of Spain is desirous of harmony between the two countries, and relies upon the equity of his complaints for satisfaction.

[H. OF R.

Congress, on Tuesday, the 16th May, 1797, report the following:

To the President of the United States:

SIR: The interesting detail of those events which have rendered the convention of Congress at this time indispensable, (communicated in your Speech to both Houses,) has excited in us the strongest en.otions. Whilst we regret the occasion, we cannot omit to testify our approbation of the measure, and to pledge ourselves that no considerations of private inconvenience shall prevent, on our part, a faithful discharge of the duties to which we are called.

We have constantly hoped that the nations of Eu

rope, whilst desolated by foreign wars, or convulsed by intestine divisions, would have left the United States to enjoy that peace and tranquillity to which the impartial conduct of our Government has entitled us; and it is now with extreme regret we find the measures of the French Republic tending to endanger a situation so desirable and interesting to our country.

Upon this occasion, we feel it our duty to express, in the most explicit manner, the sensations which the present crisis has excited, and to assure you of our zealous co-operation in those measures which may appear necessary for our security or peace.

17. A letter from the Secretary of State to the Spanish Minister, in answer to the above; in which he acknowledges that the treaty lately concluded between the two countries had proved satisfactory to the United States, as it put an end to a dispute which had existed for many years respecting the navigation of the Mississippi, and also as it afforded satisfaction to our mercantile citizens for the capture of our ships and cargoes. All these, he allowed, were acts of substantial justice; but all the other stipu-hearts is that peace may be maintained with the lations were wholly voluntary, and perfectly reciprocal. With respect to the three articles of .complaint respecting the British Treaty, he justified the stipulations as being just and consistent, and such as this country had a right to enter into.

18. A letter from General Pinckney to the Secretary of State, dated Paris, February 1, stating that the day after the arrival of the news of Buonaparte's successes in Italy, he received a letter from M. Delacroix, directing him to leave Paris. General Pinckney concludes this letter with observing, that the French seem to speak of this country as if it were indebted to them for independence, and not to any exertions of our own. Our treaty with Great Britain is execrated; they wish us to have no connection with that country; they wish to destroy the trade of Great Britain, and they look upon us as her best customer.

The whole of these documents having been read, on motion, they were committed to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, and 500 copies ordered to be printed.

MONDAY, May 22.

JAMES A. BAYARD, from Delaware, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat.

Answer to President's Speech.

On motion, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, Mr. DENT in the chair, on the Answer reported to the President's Speech, which was read by the Clerk, as follows:

The committee to whom it was referred to prepare an Answer to the Speech of the President of the United States, communicated to both Houses of

Although the first and most ardent wish of our

French Republic and with all the world, yet we can never surrender those rights which belong to us as a nation; and whilst we view with satisfaction the wisdom, dignity, and moderation, which have marked the measures of the Supreme Executive of our country, in its attempts to remove, by candid explanations, the complaints and jealousies of France, we feel the full force of that indignity which has been offered our country in the rejection of its Minister. No attempts to wound our rights as a sovereign State will escape the notice of our constituents: they will be felt with indignation, and repelled with that decision which shall convince the world that we are not a degraded people; that we can never submit to the demands of a foreign power without examination, and

without discussion.

Knowing, as we do, the confidence reposed by the people of the United States in their Government, we cannot hesitate in expressing our indignation at the sentiments disclosed by the President of the Executive Directory of France, in his Speech to the Minister of the United States. Such sentiments serve to discover the imperfect knowledge which France possesses of the real opinions of our constituents. An attempt to separate the people of the United States from their Government, is an attempt to separate them from themselves; and although foreigners who know not the genius of our country may have conceived the project, and foreign emissaries may attempt the execution, yet the united efforts of our fellow-citizens will convince the world of its impracticability.

Happy would it have been, if the transactions disclosed in your communication had never taken place, however, as we feel the wound which has been inor that they could have been concealed. Sensibly, flicted, we think with you, that neither the honor nor the interest of the United States forbid the repetition of advances for preserving peace; and we are happy to learn that fresh attempts at negotiation will be commenced; nor can we too strongly express our sincere desires that an accommodation may take

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