SECOND CONGRESS.—SECOND SESSION.

BEGUN AT THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, NOVEMBER 5, 1792.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SENATE.

Monday, November 5, 1792.

This being the day fixed by law for the annual meeting of the second session of the second Congress, the following Senators appeared, and took their seats:

John Langdon and Paine Wingate, from New Hampshire.

Caleb Strong and George Cabot, from Massachusetts.

Theodore Foster, from Rhode Island.

Oliver Ellsworth and Roger Sherman, from Connecticut.

Stephen R. Bradley and Moses Robinson, from Vermont.

Rufus King, from New York.

Philemon Dickinson and John Rutherford, from New Jersey.

George Read, from Delaware.

James Monroe, from Virginia.

John Brown and John Edwards, from Kentucky.

Benjamin Hawkins, from North Carolina.

Pierce Butler and Ralph Izard, from South Carolina; and

William Few, from Georgia.

In the absence of the Vice President, and also of Richard Henry Lee, elected President pro tempore at a former session, the Senate proceeded to the choice of a President pro tempore, as the constitution provides, and John Langdon was duly elected.

John Brown and John Edwards, from the State of Kentucky, respectively, produced their credentials; and the oath required by law was, by the President pro tempore, administered to them.

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is assembled and ready to proceed on business.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that a quorum of the House of Representatives is assembled, and ready to proceed to business.

A second message informed the Senate that the House of Representatives have resolved that a committee be appointed, jointly with such committee as the Senate shall appoint, to wait on the President of the United States, and notify him that a quorum of the two Houses is assembled, and ready to receive any communications he may please to make to them; in which resolution they desire the concurrence of the Senate.

Resolved, That the Senate concur in the appointment of a joint committee to wait on the President of the United States, agreeably to the resolution of the House of Representatives, and that Messrs. Izard and Strong be the committee on the part of the Senate.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House of Representatives have resolved that two Chaplains, of different denominations, be appointed to Congress, for the present session, one by each House, who shall interchange weekly; in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said resolution; and

Resolved, That they do concur therein, and that the Right Rev. Bishop White be the Chaplain on the part of the Senate.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House of Representatives have proceeded to the election of a Chaplain to Congress for the present session, and have appointed the Rev. Doctor Green on their part.

Mr. Izard, from the joint committee appointed to wait on the President of the United States, agreeably to the resolution of the two Houses of this day, reported,

That they had executed the business, and that the President of the United States proposed to meet the two Houses of Congress in the Senate Chamber to-morrow at 11 o'clock.

Tuesday, November 6.

Robert Morris, from the State of Pennsylvania, attended, and took his seat.

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives that the Senate are ready to meet them in the Senate Chamber, to receive any communications the President of the United States may be pleased to make to the two Houses of Congress, and that the usual seats will be assigned to them.

The House of Representatives having accordingly taken their seats, the President of the United States came into the Senate Chamber, and addressed both Houses of Congress, as follows:

Fellow-Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the present occasion, that, in felicitating you on a continuance of the national prosperity, generally, I am not able to add to it information that the Indian hostilities, which have, for some time past, distressed our north-western frontier, have terminated.

You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I communicate it, that reiterated endeavors, towards effecting a pacification, have hitherto issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. An earnest desire to procure tranquillity to the frontier; to stop the further effusion of blood; to arrest the progress of expense; to forward the prevalent wish of the nation for peace, has led to strenuous efforts, through various channels, to accomplish these desirable purposes; in making which efforts, I consulted less my own anticipations of the event, or the scruples which some considerations were calculated to inspire, than the wish to find the object attainable; or, if not attainable, to ascertain unequivocally that such is the case.

A detail of the measures which have been pursued, and of their consequences, which will be laid before you, while it will confirm to you the want of success, thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as proper and as efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. The issue of some of them, indeed, is still depending; but a favorable one, though not to be despaired of, is not promised by any thing that has yet happened.

In the course of the attempts which have been made, some valuable citizens have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A sanction commonly respected even among savages has been found, in this instance, insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace: it will, I presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not call for an exercise of liberality towards the families of the deceased.

It must add to your concern to be informed, that, besides the continuation of hostile appearances among the tribes north of the Ohio, some threatening symptoms have of late been revived among some of those south of it.

A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamagas, inhabiting five villages on the Tennessee River, have long been in the practice of committing depredations on the neighboring settlements.

It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee nation in July, 1791, would have prevented a repetition of such depredations. But the event has not answered this hope. The Chickamagas, aided by some banditti of another tribe, in their vicinity, have recently perpetrated wanton and unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the United States in that quarter. The information which has been received on this subject will be laid before you. Hitherto, defensive precautions only have been strictly enjoined and observed.

It is not understood that any breach of treaty, or aggression whatsoever, on the part of the United States, or their citizens, is even alleged as a pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter.

I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made (pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) to be prepared for the alternative of a prosecution of the war, in the event of a failure of pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be raised have been recruited, though the number is still incomplete. And pains have been taken to discipline and put them in condition for the particular kind of service to be performed. A delay of operations (besides being dictated by the measures which were pursuing towards a pacific termination of the war) has been in itself deemed preferable to immature efforts. A statement, from the proper Department, with regard to the number of troops raised, and some other points which have been suggested, will afford more precise information, as a guide to the Legislative consultations; and among other things, will enable Congress to judge whether some additional stimulus to the recruiting service may not be advisable.

In looking forward to the future expense of the operations which may be found inevitable, I derive consolation from the information I receive, that the product of the revenues for the present year is likely to supersede the necessity of additional burdens on the community for the service of the ensuing year. This, however, will be better ascertained in the course of the session; and it is proper to add, that the information alluded to proceeds upon the supposition of no material extension of the spirit of hostility.

I cannot dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again recommending to your consideration the expediency of more adequate provision for giving energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier, and for restraining the commission of outrages upon the Indians; without which all pacific plans must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent rewards, the employment of qualified and trusty persons to reside among them as agents, would also contribute to the preservation of peace and good neighborhood. If, in addition to these expedients, an eligible plan could be devised for promoting civilization among the friendly tribes, and for carrying on trade with them, upon a scale equal to their wants, and under regulations calculated to protect them from imposition and extortion, its influence in cementing their interest with ours, could not but be considerable.

The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be still more the case were it not for the impediments which, in some places, continue to embarrass the collection of the duties on spirits distilled within the United States. These impediments have lessened, and are lessening, in local extent; and, as applied to the community at large, the contentment with the law appears to be progressive.

But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves in certain quarters, I judged a special interposition on my part proper and advisable; and, under this impression, have issued a Proclamation, warning against all unlawful combinations and proceedings, having for their object or tending to obstruct the law in question, and announcing that all lawful ways and means would be strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the infractors thereof, and securing obedience thereto.

Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders; and Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal limits, which may depend upon me, shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust, I shall count entirely upon the full co-operation of the other Departments of the Government, and upon the zealous support of all good citizens.

I cannot forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the subject of a revision of the Judiciary system. A representation from the Judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points out some of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the execution of the laws, considerations arise out of the structure of that system, which, in some cases, tend to relax their efficacy. As connected with this subject, provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon processes out of the Courts of the United States, and a supplementary definition of offences against the constitution and laws of the Union, and of the punishment for such offences, will, it is presumed, be found worthy of particular attention.

Observations on the value of peace with other nations are unnecessary. It would be wise, however, by timely provisions to guard against those acts of our own citizens, which might tend to disturb it, and to put ourselves in a condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations which we may sometimes have occasion to require from them. I particularly recommend to your consideration the means of preventing those aggressions by our citizens on the territory of other nations, and other infractions of the law of nations which, furnishing just subject of complaint, might endanger our peace with them, and, in general, the maintenance of a friendly intercourse with foreign Powers, will be presented to your attention by the expiration of the law for that purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, at the close of the present session.

In execution of the authority given by the Legislature, measures have been taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of our Mint: others have been employed at home. Provision has been made for the requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for the purposes of the establishment. There has also been a small beginning in the coinage of half-dimes; the want of small coins in circulation calling the first attention to them.

The regulation of foreign coins, in correspondency with the principles of our national coinage, as being essential to their due operation, and in order to our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and completed.

It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes the Post Office, operate, in experiment, against the transmission of newspapers to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the circulation of political intelligence and information will, I doubt not, lead to the application of a remedy.

The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has been notified to me. The Legislature will share with me in the satisfaction which arises from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of the nation to which it relates, and conducive to the general order.

It is proper likewise to inform you, that, since my last communication on the subject, and in further execution of the acts severally making provision for the Public Debt, and for the reduction thereof, three new loans have been effected, each for three millions of florins; one at Antwerp, at the annual interest of four and one-half per cent., with an allowance of four per cent., in lieu of all charges; and the other two at Amsterdam, at the annual interest of four per cent., with an allowance of five and one-half per cent. in one case, and of five per cent. in the other, in lieu of all charges. The rates of these loans, and the circumstances under which they have been made, are confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad.

Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers, according to the provision made during the last session, has been embraced.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:

I entertain a strong hope that the state of our national finances is now sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon a systematic and effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the Public Debt, according to the right which has been reserved to the Government; no measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance, or to the general sentiment and wish of the nation.

Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which has been made of the Bank of the United States, pursuant to the eleventh section of the act by which it is incorporated; in fulfilling the public stipulations in this particular, it is expected a valuable saving will be made.

Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year, and for such extraordinaries as may require provision, will demand, and I doubt not will engage, your early attention.

Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

I content myself with recalling your attention, generally, to such objects, not particularized in my present, as have been suggested in my former communications to you.

Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among these, that which regulates trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes will merit particular attention.

The results of your common deliberations hitherto, will, I trust, be productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents; such as, by conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend to strengthen and confirm their attachment to that constitution of Government upon which, under Divine Providence, materially depend their Union, their safety, and their happiness.

Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends, there is nothing which can have a more powerful tendency, than the careful cultivation of harmony, combined with a due regard to stability in the public councils.

G. WASHINGTON.

United States, November 6, 1792.

The President of the United States having retired, and the two Houses being separated,

Ordered, That Messrs. Strong, King, and Rutherford, be a committee to prepare and report the draft of an Address to the President of the United States, in answer to his Speech this day, to both Houses of Congress convened in the Senate Chamber.

Ordered, That the Speech of the President of the United States, delivered this day, be printed for the use of the Senate.

Thursday, November 8.

John Henry, from the State of Maryland, attended, and took his seat.

Agreeably to the order of the day, the Senate took into consideration the Address reported by the committee to the President of the United States, in answer to his Speech to both Houses of Congress; which, being recommitted and amendments reported, was agreed to, as amended.

Ordered, That the same committee wait on the President of the United States, and desire him to acquaint the Senate at what time and place it will be most convenient for him that it should be presented.

Mr. Strong, from the above-mentioned committee, reported that the President of the United States proposed to receive the Address of the Senate at 11 o'clock to-morrow.

Friday, November 9.

The Senate waited on the President of the United States at his own house, and the President pro tempore, in their name, communicated to him the Address agreed to on the 8th instant, which is as follows:

To the President of the United States:

Accept, sir, our grateful acknowledgments for your Address at the opening of the present session. We participate with you in the satisfaction arising from the continuance of the general prosperity of the nation, but it is not without the most sincere concern that we are informed that the reiterated efforts which have been made to establish peace with the hostile Indians, have hitherto failed to accomplish that desired object. Hoping that the measures still depending may prove more successful than those which have preceded them, we shall nevertheless concur in every necessary preparation for the alternative; and, should the Indians on either side of the Ohio persist in their hostilities, fidelity to the Union, as well as affection to our fellow-citizens on the frontiers, will ensure our decided co-operation in every measure which shall be deemed requisite for their protection and safety.

At the same time that we avow the obligation of the Government to afford its protection to every part of the Union, we cannot refrain from expressing our regret that even a small portion of our fellow-citizens in any quarter of it should have combined to oppose the operation of the law for the collection of duties on spirits distilled within the United States: a law repeatedly sanctioned by the authority of the nation, and, at this juncture, materially connected with the safety and protection of those who oppose it. Should the means already adopted fail in securing obedience to this law, such further measures as may be thought necessary to carry the same into complete operation cannot fail to receive the approbation of the Legislature, and the support of every patriotic citizen.

It yields us particular pleasure to learn, that the productiveness of the revenue of the present year will probably supersede the necessity of any additional tax for the service of the next.

The organization of the government of the State of Kentucky being an event peculiarly interesting to a part of our fellow-citizens, and conducive to the general order, affords us particular satisfaction.

We are happy to learn that the high state of our credit abroad has been evinced by the terms on which the new loans have been negotiated.

In the course of the session we shall proceed to take into consideration the several objects which you have been pleased to recommend to our attention; and, keeping in view the importance of union and stability in the public councils, we shall labor to render our decisions conducive to the safety and happiness of our country.

We repeat with pleasure our assurances of confidence in your Administration, and our ardent wish that your unabated zeal for the public good may be rewarded by the durable prosperity of the nation, and every ingredient of personal happiness.

JOHN LANGDON, President pro tempore.

To this Address, the President of the United States was pleased to make the following reply:

I derive much pleasure, gentlemen, from your very satisfactory Address. The renewed assurances of your confidence in my Administration, and the expression of your wish for my personal happiness, claim and receive my particular acknowledgments. In my future endeavor for the public welfare, to which my duty may call me, I shall not cease to count upon the firm, enlightened, and patriotic support of the Senate.

G. WASHINGTON.

The Senate returned to their Chamber.

Monday, November 12.

Samuel Johnston, from the State of North Carolina, and Joseph Stanton, from the State of Rhode Island, attended.

Wednesday, November 14.

The petition of William Dunbar, executor of the last will and testament of George Galphin, deceased, late a Commissioner of Indian affairs, was presented and read, praying in behalf of the children of the said George Galphin, that the compensation allowed to the other Commissioners of Indian affairs may be extended to them, the legal representatives of their late father.

On motion that this petition be referred to a committee, it passed in the negative.

Friday, November 23.

Richard Bassett, from the State of Delaware, attended and took his seat.

Thursday, January 3, 1793.

A motion was made and seconded that the Senate adopt the following resolutions, to wit:

"Resolved, That the Senate of the United States are individually responsible for their conduct to their constituents, who are entitled to such information as will enable them to form a just estimate thereof.

"Resolved, That the journals are too voluminous and expensive to circulate generally; and, if it were otherwise, that the information they contain, as to the principles, motives, and designs of individual members, is inadequate.

"Resolved, That this information, defective as it is, becomes more nugatory and delusive, in proportion as the occasion for it increases, since the Senate make their own Journals.

"Resolved, That the conducting of the Legislative and Judicial powers of the Senate in public, and suffering an account of their measures and deliberations to be published in the newspapers, is the best means of diffusing general information concerning the principles, motives, and conduct of individual members; and that, by withholding this information, responsibility becomes unavailing, the influence of their constituents over one branch of the Legislature, in a great measure, annihilated, and the best security which experience has devised against the abuse of power and a maladministration abandoned.

"Resolved, therefore, That it be a standing rule that the doors of the Senate Chamber remain open whilst the Senate shall be sitting in a Legislative and Judicative capacity, except on such occasions as, in their judgment, may require secrecy; and that this rule shall commence and be in force on the first day of the next session of Congress.

"Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate request the Commissioners of the city and county of Philadelphia to cause a proper gallery to be erected for the accommodation of an audience."

On motion that the resolves now proposed be printed for the use of the Senate, it passed in the negative.

Ordered, That they lie on the table, and that the consideration thereof be the order of the day for the first Monday in February next.

Friday, January 4.

The Senate resumed the second reading of the bill respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of their masters, and the report of the committee thereon; and, after debate, the consideration thereof was further postponed.

Friday, January 18.

The bill respecting fugitives from justice and persons escaping from the service of their masters, was read the third time, and being further amended, on a motion to strike out "five hundred dollars," for the purpose of inserting a less sum in section 4th, the penalty on "any person who shall knowingly and willingly obstruct or hinder such claimant, his agent or attorney, in so seizing or arresting such fugitive from labor, or shall rescue such fugitive from such claimant, his agent, or attorney, when so arrested, pursuant to the authority herein given or declared, or shall harbor or conceal such person, after notice that he or she was a fugitive from labor as aforesaid;" it passed in the negative.

Resolved, that this bill pass, that it be engrossed, and that the title thereof be, "An act respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of their masters."

Monday, February 4.

Richard Potts, from the State of Maryland, appointed in place of Charles Carroll, resigned, produced his credentials, and took his seat.

Agreeably to the order of the day, the Senate proceeded to consider the motion made the 3d of January, 1793, "That the doors of the Senate Chamber remain open whilst the Senate shall be sitting in their Legislative and Judicative capacity."

On motion for the previous question, to wit: Shall the question be now put on the following preliminary resolutions?

"Resolved, That the Senate of the States are, individually, responsible for their conduct to their constituents, who are entitled to such information as will enable them to form a just estimate thereof:

"Resolved, That the journals are too voluminous and expensive to circulate generally; and, if it were otherwise, that the information they contain, as to the principles, motives, and designs, of individual members, is inadequate:

"Resolved, That this information, defective as it is, becomes more nugatory and delusive, in proportion as the occasion for it increases, since the Senate make their own journals:

"Resolved, That the conducting of the Legislative and Judicial powers of the Senate in public, and suffering an account of their measures and deliberations to be published in the newspapers, is the best means of diffusing general information concerning the principles, motives, and conduct, of individual members: and that, by withholding this information, responsibility becomes unavailing, the influence of their constituents over one branch of the Legislature in a great measure annihilated, and the best security which experience has devised against the abuse of power and a maladministration abandoned:"

It passed in the negative—yeas 7, nays 21, as follows:

Yeas.—Messrs. Burr, Butler, Edwards, Gunn, Monroe, Potts, and Taylor.

Nays.—Messrs. Bassett, Bradley, Brown, Cabot, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Foster, Hawkins, Henry, Johnston, Izard, King, Langdon, Morris, Read, Robinson, Rutherford, Stanton, Sherman, Strong, and Wingate.

And on motion to agree to the main question, to wit:

"that the doors of the Senate Chamber remain open whilst the Senate shall be sitting in a Legislative and Judicative capacity, except on such occasions as, in their judgment, may require secrecy; and that this rule shall commence and be in force on the first day of the next session of Congress."

It passed in the negative—yeas 10, nays 18, as follows:

Yeas.—Messrs. Brown, Burr, Butler, Edwards, Gunn, Hawkins, King, Monroe, Potts, and Taylor.

Nays.—Messrs. Bassett, Bradley, Cabot, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Foster, Henry, Johnston, Izard, Langdon, Morris, Read, Robinson, Rutherford, Sherman, Stanton, Strong, and Wingate.

On the question to agree to the last resolution moved for on this subject, it passed in the negative.

Tuesday, February 5.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate, that the House of Representatives have resolved, that a committee be appointed to join such committee as may be appointed by the Senate to ascertain and report a mode of examining the votes for President and Vice President, and of notifying the persons who shall be elected of their election; and for regulating the time, place, and manner, of administering the oath of office to the President; and have appointed a committee on their part.

This resolution of the House was read.

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

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendment of the House of Representatives to the bill sent from the Senate for concurrence, entitled, "An act respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of their masters," and agreed to the amendment, to wit: To strike out the word "deemed," in section first.

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives therewith.

Wednesday, February 6.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution of the House of Representatives, that a committee be appointed, to join such committee as may be appointed by the Senate, to ascertain and report a mode of examining the votes for President and Vice President, and of notifying the persons who shall be elected of their election, and for regulating the time, place and manner of administering the oath of office to the President.

Resolved, That the Senate concur in this resolution, and that Messrs. King, Izard, and Strong be the committee on the part of the Senate.

Monday, February 11.

Mr. King, from the joint committee, appointed the 6th February, instant, reported that the two Houses should assemble in the Senate Chamber on Wednesday next, at twelve o'clock; that one person be appointed a teller, on the part of the Senate, to make a list of the votes as they shall be declared; that the result shall be delivered to the President of the Senate, who shall announce the state of the vote, and the persons elected, to the two Houses assembled as aforesaid; which shall be deemed a declaration of the persons elected President and Vice President, and, together with a list of the votes, be entered on the journals of the two Houses, and the report was agreed to.

Tuesday, February 12.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate, that the House of Representatives agree to the report of the joint committee appointed the 6th of February, instant, respecting the manner of counting the votes for President and Vice President of the United States.

Ordered, That Mr. King be appointed, on the part of the Senate, a teller of the votes for President and Vice President of the United States, conformably to the report of the joint committee, agreed to the 11th instant.

Wednesday, February 13.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives that the Senate are ready to meet them in the Senate Chamber, to attend the opening and counting the vote for President and Vice President of the United States, as the constitution provides.

The two Houses having accordingly assembled, the certificates of the Electors of the fifteen States in the Union, which came by express, were, by the Vice President, opened, read, and delivered to the tellers appointed for the purpose, who, having examined and ascertained the votes, presented a list of them to the Vice President; which list was read to the two Houses, and is as follows:

FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON.

New Hampshire,6

Massachusetts,16

Rhode Island,4

Connecticut,9

Vermont,3

New York,12

New Jersey,7

Pennsylvania,15

Delaware,3

Maryland,8

Virginia,21

Kentucky,4

North Carolina,12

South Carolina,8

Georgia,4

—

132

FOR JOHN ADAMS.

New Hampshire,6

Massachusetts,16

Rhode Island,4

Connecticut,9

Vermont,3

New Jersey,7

Pennsylvania,14

Delaware,3

Maryland,8

South Carolina,7

——

77

FOR GEORGE CLINTON.

New York,12

Pennsylvania,1

Virginia,21

North Carolina,12

Georgia,4

—

50

FOR THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Kentucky,4

FOR AARON BURR.

South Carolina,1

Whereupon the Vice President declared George Washington unanimously elected President of the United States, for the period of four years, to commence with the fourth day of March next; and John Adams elected by a plurality of votes, Vice President of the United States, for the same period, to commence with the 4th day of March next.

After which, the Vice President delivered the duplicate certificates of the Electors of the several States, received by post, together with those which came by express to the Secretary of the Senate.

The two Houses then separated, and the Senate adjourned.

Thursday, February 14.

Mr. King, from the committee appointed the 6th instant, to join the committee on the part of the House of Representatives, to report a mode of notifying the person who should be elected President of the United States of his election, submitted the following resolve:

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to join such committee as shall be appointed by the House of Representatives, to wait on the President and notify him of his unanimous re-election to the office of President of the United States.

And the report was adopted. Ordered, That Messrs. King, Izard, and Strong, be the committee on the part of the Senate.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House of Representatives have adopted the report of the joint committee, appointed the 6th instant, to ascertain and report a mode of examining the votes for President and Vice President of the United States, and for other purposes; and have appointed a joint committee on their part to wait on the President, and notify him of his unanimous re-election to the office of President of the United States.

Friday, February 15.

Mr. King, from the joint committee appointed for that purpose, reported:

"That pursuant to the resolutions of the 14th instant, the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives have this day waited on the President, and notified him of his unanimous re-election to the office of President of the United States."

Monday, February 18.

On motion to adopt the following resolution, to wit:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be instructed to revise the account of the pension granted by Congress for the education and board of Hugh Mercer, son of the late General Mercer, from its date to the present period, and correct any error that may have taken place therein, paying all arrearages, if any now due; and that he likewise pay hereafter without account, annually, and until his education shall be completed, for that purpose, to the guardian of the said Hugh, the sum of four hundred dollars.

It was agreed to postpone the consideration of this motion until to-morrow.

Thursday, February 28.

The Vice President laid before the Senate a certificate, purporting that the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have this day chosen Albert Gallatin a Senator of the United States.

Friday, March 1.

The President laid before the Senate a Letter from the Secretary of the Department of State, enclosing a triplicate certificate of the votes of the Electors of the State of Kentucky for President and Vice President of the United States, obtained by express, sent from the seat of Government, as the law provides.

Saturday, March 2.

Mr. King, from the committee appointed this day on the communication of the President of the United States, relative to his taking the oath of office, reported that the Secretary inform the House of Representatives that the President of the United States will, on Monday next, take the oath of office required by the constitution, in the Senate Chamber, at twelve o'clock; and that he inform the President of the United States that the Senate will be in session at that time. And the report was adopted.

SPECIAL SESSION.

Monday, March 4.

In conformity to the summons from the President of the United States, the Senate assembled in the Senate Chamber.

The Hon. John Langdon, President pro tempore, read the summons of the President of the United States, as follows:

The President of the United States to the President of the Senate:

Certain matters, touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 4th instant, I have desired their attendance, as I do yours, by these presents, at the Senate Chamber, in Philadelphia, on that day; then and there to receive and deliberate on such communications as shall be made to you on my part.

G. WASHINGTON.

March 1, 1793.

The following Senators were present:

John Langdon, from New Hampshire. George Cabot, from Massachusetts. Theodore Foster, from Rhode Island. Oliver Ellsworth and Roger Sherman, from Connecticut. Rufus King, from New York. John Rutherford, from New Jersey. Robert Morris, from Pennsylvania. George Read, from Delaware. John Henry and Richard Potts, from Maryland. James Monroe, from Virginia. John Brown and John Edwards, from Kentucky. Benjamin Hawkins, from North Carolina. Ralph Izard, from South Carolina. James Gunn, from Georgia.

Samuel Livermore, from the State of New Hampshire, produced his credentials, and took his seat in the Senate; and the oath was administered to him by the President of the Senate, as the law provides.

Agreeably to notice given by the President of the United States, on the 2d instant, he came to the Senate Chamber and took his seat in the chair usually assigned the President of the Senate, who, on this occasion, was seated at the right, and in advance of the President of the United States; a seat on the left, and also in advance, being provided for Judge Cushing, appointed to administer the oath: the doors of the Senate Chamber being open, the Heads of the Departments, Foreign Ministers, the late Speaker, and such members of the late House of Representatives as were in town, together with as many other spectators as could be accommodated, were present.

After a short pause, the President of the Senate arose, and addressed the President of the United States, as follows:

"Sir: One of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States is now present, and ready to administer to you the oath required by the constitution to be taken by the President of the United States."

On which the President of the United States, rising from his seat, was pleased to address the audience as follows:

"Fellow-Citizens: I am again called upon, by the voice of my country, to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of United America.

"Previous to the execution of any official act of the President, the constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence; that, if it shall be found, during my administration of the Government, I have, in any instance, violated, willingly or knowingly, the injunction thereof, I may (besides incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony."

Judge Cushing then administered the oath of office required by the constitution; after which, the President of the United States retired, and the spectators dispersed.

After acting upon several nominations received from the President, the Senate adjourned sine die.