Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, presented the petition of David Glass and others, of the Society of Harmony, not being present on the 6th instant, when the memorial of George Rapp and others was presented, soliciting Congress to consider them as joining in the said memorial; and the petition was read, and referred to the committee to whom was referred the memorial of the said George Rapp and others, with an instruction to the committee that they report on the subject by bill or otherwise.

THURSDAY, January 9.

On motion that it be

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take into consideration the 23d, 27th, 35th, and 41st articles of the rules for conducting business in the Senate of the United States, and report to the Senate such alterations and amendments, if any, as they shall judge

proper;

JANUARY, 1806.

a bill, entitled "An act for establishing rules and articles for the government of the Armies of the United States," in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read, and ordered to the second reading.

The Senate resumed the motion made yesterday that the President of the United States be requested to lay before the Senate such information as he may deem expedient relative to the interpolation of new principles in the law of nations; and the motion was adopted.

Ordered. That the Secretary lay the resolution before the President of the United States.

MONDAY, January 13.

The bill, entitled "An act for establishing rules and articles for the government of the Armies of the United States," was read the second time, and

It was agreed that this motion lie for conside-referred to Messrs. SUMTER, WHITE, ADAMS, AN

ration.

On motion,

That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to the Senate any such information in his possession as he may deem expedient, relative to the interpolation, by any foreign Power, of new principles in the law of nations, injurious to the rights and interests of the United States, and particularly any evidence of recent decisions in the British Courts of Admiralty to that effect, together with such diplomatic communications between this Government and that of Great Britain in relation to this subject as he may think proper;

It was agreed that this motion lie for conside

ration.

FRIDAY, January 10.

The Senate took into consideration the motion made yesterday for revising the rules for doing business in the Senate; and having amended the same,

DERSON, and WRIGHT, to consider and report thereon.

On motion, it was agreed that the request for leave to bring in a bill prohibiting the commerce of the United States with the French island of St. Domingo, be the order of the day for tomorrow.

On motion, that the petitions of Benjamin Hichborne and others, of James Sullivan and others, and of Joseph Peppin and others, presented on the 7th instant, in behalf of themselves and their associates, stating claims to certain lands ceded to the United States by the State of Georgia, be referred to a committee: the votes of the Senate being equally divided, the PRESIDENT determined the question in the affirmative; and Messrs. BALDWIN, ADAMS, ANDERSON, BRADLEY, and SUMTER, were appointed the committee to consider and report thereon to the Senate.

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

Representatives of the United States:

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take into consideration the rules for conducting business in the Senate of the United States, and I lay before Congress the application of Hamet Carreport to the Senate such alterations and amend-amalli, elder brother of the reigning Bashaw of Tripoli, ments, if any, as they shall judge proper; and soliciting from the United States attention to his services and sufferings in the late war against that State. And, in order to possess them of the ground on which that application stands, the facts shall be stated according to the views and information of the Executive.

Ordered, That Messrs. ANDERSON, TRACY, BALDWIN, BRADLEY, and ADAMS, be the committee.

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

During the war with Tripoli, it was suggested that Hamet Caramalli, elder brother of the reigning Bashaw, and driven by him from his throne, meditated the In compliance with the request of the Senate, ex-recovery of his inheritance, and that a concert of acpressed in their resolution of December 27th, I now lay tion with us was desirable to him. We considered that before them such documents and papers (there being concerted operations by those who have a common enno other information in my possession) as relate to complaints by the Government of France against the my were entirely justifiable, and might produce effects commerce carried on by the citizens of the United favorable to both without binding either to guarantee the objects of the other. But the distance of the States to the French island of St. Domingo. scene, the difficulties of communication, and the uncertainty of our information, inducing the less confidence in the measure, it was committed to our agents as one which might be resorted to, if it promised to promote our success.

JANUARY 10, 1806.

TH. JEFFERSON.

The Message and documents therein referred to were read, and ordered to lie for consideration.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed

Mr. Eaton, however, (our late Consul,) on his return from the Mediterranean, possessing personal knowl

edge of the scene, and having confidence in the effect of a joint operation, we authorized Commodore Barron, then proceeding with his squadron, to enter into an understanding with Hamet, if he should deem it useful; and as it was represented that he would need some aids of arms and ammunition, and even of money, he was authorized to furnish them to a moderate extent, according to the prospect of utility to be expected from it. In order to avail him of the advantages of Mr. Eaton's knowledge of circumstances, an occasional employment was provided for the latter as an agent for the Navy in that sea. Our expectation was, that an intercourse should be kept up between the exBashaw and the Commodore, that while the former moved on by land, our squadron should proceed with equal pace, so as to arrive at their destination together, and to attack the common enemy by land and sea at the same time. The instructions of June 6 to Commodore Barron show that a co-operation only was intended, and by no means a union of our object with the fortune of the ex-Bashaw; and the Commodore's letters of March 22 and May 19, prove that he had the most correct idea of our intentions. His verbal instructions, indeed, to Mr. Eaton and Captain Hull, if the expressions are accurately committed to writing by those gentlemen, do not limit the extent of his co-operation as rigorously as he probably intended; but it is certain, from the ex-Bashaw's letter of January 3d, written when he was proceeding to join Mr. Eaton, and in which he says, "your operations should be carried on by sea, mine by land," that he left the position in which he was, with a proper idea of the nature of the co-operation. If Mr. Eaton's subsequent convention should appear to bring forward other objects, his letter of April 29th and May 1st, views this convention but as provisional; the second article, as he expressly states, guarding it against any ill effect, and his letter of June 30th confirms this construction.

SENATE.

these cases the purity and patriotism of the motives should shield the agent from blame, and even secure a sanction where the error is not too injurious. Should it be thought by any, that the verbal instructions said to have been given by Commodore Barron to Mr. Eaton amount to a stipulation that the United States should place Hamet Caramalli on the throne of Tripoli, a stipulation so entirely unauthorized, so far beyond our views, and so onerous, could not be sanctioned by our Government, or should Hamet Caramalli, contrary to the evidence of his letters of January 3d and June 29th, be thought to have left the position which he now seems to regret, under a mistaken expectation that we were at all events to place him on his throne, on an appeal to the liberality of the nation, something equivalent to the replacing him in his former situation might be worthy its consideration.

A nation, by establishing a character of liberality and magnanimity, gains in the friendship and respect of others more than the worth of mere money. This appeal is now made by Hamet Caramalli to the United States. The ground he has taken being different, not only from our views, but from those expressed by himself on former occasions, Mr. Eaton was desired to state whether any verbal communications passed from him to Hamet, which had varied what we saw in writing. His answer of December 5th, is herewith transmitted, and has rendered it still more necessary, that, in presenting to the Legislature the application of Hamet, I should present them at the same time an exact statement of the views and proceedings of the Executive, through this whole business, that they may clearly understand the ground on which we are placed. It is accompanied by all the papers which bear any relation to the principles of the co-operation, and which can inform their judgment in deciding on the application of Hamet Caramalli. TH. JEFFERSON.

JANUARY 13, 1806.

The Message and documents therein referred to were read, and ordered to lie for consideration. And on motion, the House adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 14.

In the event it was found, that, after placing the ex-Bashaw in possession of Derne, one of the most important cities and provinces of the country, where he had resided himself as Governor, he was totally unable to command any resources, or to bear any part in cooperation with us. This hope was then at an end, and we certainly had never contemplated, nor were we prepared to land an army of our own, or to raise, pay, Mr. WORTHINGTON presented the petition of a or subsist, an army of Arabs to march from Derne to number of French settlers of Galliopolis, grantees, Tripoli, and to carry on a land war at such a distance on the 3d of March, 1795, of 20,000 acres of land, from our resources. Our means and our authority situated on the Ohio river, and nearly opposite were merely naval, and that such were the expecta- the mouth of Little Sandusky, on condition that tions of Hamet, his letter of June 29th is an unequiv- they settle the same within five years from the ocal acknowledgment. While, therefore, an impression date of the letters patent, and stating that they, from the capture of Derne might still operate at Trip- being ignorant of this condition, are liable to lose oli, and an attack on that place from our squadron was their lands, although for the space of four years daily expected, Colonel Lear thought it the best moment to listen to overtures of peace, then made by the they have paid the taxes thereon, and praying the Bashaw. He did so, and while urging provisions for interposition of Congress in their behalf; and the the United States, he paid attention also to the inter-petition was read and referred to Messrs. WORests of Hamet, but was able to effect nothing more than THINGTON, SMITH, of Tennessee, and ADAIR, to to engage the restitution of his family, and even the consider and report thereon. persevering in this demand, suspended for some time the conclusion of the treaty.

The following motion was submitted; and ordered to lie for consideration:

In operations at such distance, it becomes necessary Resolved, That that part of the President's Message to leave much to the discretion of the agents employed, which relates to the spoliations of our commerce on the but events may still turn up beyond the limits of that high seas, and informs us of the new principles assumdiscretion. Unable in such a case to consult his Gov-ed by the British Courts of Admiralty, as a pretext for ernment, a zealous citizen will act as he believes that the condemnation of our vessels in their prize courts, would direct him, were it apprized of the circumstan- be referred to a special committee. ces, and will take on himself the responsibility. In all

And, on motion, the House adjourned.

ference of the belligerent nations with neutral

The following Messages were received from the commerce; and the memorial was read. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:

Mr. LOGAN presented the memorial of the merchants and traders of the city of Philadelphia, In my Message to both Houses of Congress at the stating "at a moment of distress, and in a season opening of their present session, I submitted to their of solicitude, resulting from a novel and peculiar attention, among other subjects, the oppression of our affection of the commercial interests of their coun- commerce and navigation by the irregular practices of try," certain considerations of the ruinous inter-armed vessels, public and private; and by the introduc

JANUARY, 1806.

Proceedings.

SENATE.

for defraying any extraordinary expenses attending the intercourse between the United States and foreign nations;" in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

tion of new principles, derogatory of the rights of neu-
trals, and unacknowledged by the usages of nations.
The memorials of several bodies of merchants of the
United States are now communicated, and will develope
these principles and practices, which are producing the
most ruinous effects on our lawful commerce and nav-reading.
igation.

The bill was read and passed to the second

Ordered, That the message and bill last read, be considered confidential, and that secrecy be observed by the members and officers of the

Senate.

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

frank communications between our Ministers generally,
and the Governments with which they reside, and
especially between the same Ministers.
TH. JEFFERSON.

The rights of a neutral to carry on commercial intercourse with every part of the dominions of a belligerent, permitted by the laws of the country, (with the exception of blockaded ports and contraband of war,) was believed to have been decided between Great Britain and the United States, by the sentence of their commissioners mutually appointed to decide on that and other questions of difference between the two nations, The enclosed letter, from the Minister Plenipotenand by the actual payment of the damages awarded by tiary of the United States at the Court of London, them against Great Britain for the infractions of that contains interesting information on the subjects of my right. When, therefore, it was perceived that the same other message, of this date. It is sent separately and principle was revived, with others more novel, and ex-confidentially, because its publication may discourage tending the injury, instructions were given to the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of London, and remonstrances duly made by him on this subject, as will appear by documents transmitted herewith. These were followed by a partial and temporary suspension only, without any disavowal of the principle. He has, therefore, been instructed to urge this subject anew, to bring it more fully to the bar of reason, and to insist on rights too evident and too important to be surrendered. In the mean time the evil is proceeding, under adjudications founded on the principle which is denied. Under these circumstances the Mr. MITCHILL, from the committee appointed, subject presents itself for the consideration of Congress. on the 6th of December last, to inquire into the On the impressment of our seamen, our remonstrances expediency of appropriating a further sum of money have never been intermitted. A hope existed at one to purchase maps and books for the library, made moment of an arrangement which might have been sub-report in part; and the report was read, and ordered mitted to, but it soon passed away, and the practice, to lie for consideration. though relaxed at times in the distant seas, had been constantly pursued in those in our neighborhood. The grounds on which the reclamations on this subject have been urged, will appear in an extract from instructions to our Minister at London now communicated.

The bill to empower George Rapp and his associates, in the Society of Harmony, to purchase certain lands, was considered as in Committee of the Whole, and the further consideration thereof postponed.

Mr. WORTHINGTON, from the committee to whom was referred, on the 14th instant the petition of the French settlers of Galliopolis respecting lands located by them on the river Ohio, requested and obtained leave to report by bill.

JANUARY 17, 1806. The Message and letter were read and ordered to lie for consideration.

MONDAY, January 20.

Mr.MITCHILL, from the same committee, also reported a bill making a further appropriation for the support of the library; which was read and ordered to the second reading. The report is as follows:

By the fifth section of the act, entitled "An act to make further provision for the removal and accommodation of the Government of the United States," passed 24th April, 1800, $5,000 were appropriated for the purchase of such books as might be necessary for the use of Congress, then about to remove from Philadelphia and hold its sessions at Washington, and for fitting up a suitable chamber for containing them, and placing them therein. The Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives were directed to be the purchasers, pursuant to such directions as should be given, and such catalogue as should be furnished by a joint committee of both Houses of Congress. The account herewith exhibited shows in what manner, and to what amount, the money so appropriated has been expended.

Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, from the committee to whom was referred, on the 31st of December cerning the library for the use of both Houses of ConAfterwards, by the sixth section of the "Act conlast, the petition of Philip L. Jones and others, gress" passed 26th January, 1802, the unexpended ballawyers, practising at the bar of the Supreme Ju-ance of the said $5,000, together with such sums as dicial Court of the Territory of New Orleans, may be hereafter appropriated to the same purpose, is asked and obtained leave to report by bill. ordered to be laid out under the direction of a joint comA confidential message from the House of Rep-mittee, to consist of three members of the House of resentatives, by Messrs BIDWELL and EARLY, two of their members, as follows:

Mr. PRESIDENT: We are directed, by the House of Representatives, in confidence, to bring to the Senate a bill, entitled "An act making provision

Representatives, for the purchase of books and maps.

The committee almost hesitate to add a sentence, to enforce the propriety of increasing the number already bought for Congress. Every member knows that the inquiries of standing and select committees cannot here

SENATE.

Protection of American Seamen.

JANAURY, 1806.

November, one thousand seven hundred and ninetyfour, by the first article of said treaty, it is agreed that "there shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, and a true and sincere friendship between His Britannie Majesty, his heirs, and successors, and the United States of America; and between their respective countries, territories, cities, towns, and people, of every de

be aided by large public libraries, as in New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Nor has it hitherto appeared that so much benefit is to be derived from private collections at the present seat of Government, as in those large cities. Every week of the session causes additional regret that the volumes of literature and science, within the reach of the National Legislature, are not more rich and ample. The want of geographical illus-gree, without exception of persons or places." And tration is truly distressing; and the deficiency of historical and political works is scarcely less severely felt. There is, however, no danger of realizing the story of a parliamentum indoctum in this country, especially if steps be seasonably taken to furnish the library with such materials as will enable statesmen to be correct in their investigations, and, by a becoming display of erudition and research, give a higher dignity and a brighter lustre to truth.

whereas, in direct violation of said treaty, His Britannic Majesty has caused to be impressed out of the ships of the United States, sailing on the high seas, divers citizens of the said United States; and has compelled them to serve on board the ships of war of His said Britannic Majesty, in violation of their liberty, and at the hazard of their lives; and in despite of the remonstrances of the Government of the said United States, continues said unjust practice; and the seamen The copy of a letter dated 23d of September, of the United States so impressed, by force, retains in 1805, from Mr. Monroe, the Minister of the Uni- his service. And whereas the United States are solted States, to the British Secretary of Foreign emnly bound to protect all those who are bound in alAffairs, referred to in the Message of the Presi-legiance to the said United States: Therefore, dent of the United States, of the 17th instant, was read.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act making an additional appropriation to supply the deficiency in the appropriation for the naval service for the year 1805; in which they desire the concurrence of the

Senate.

The bill was read, and ordered to the second reading.

Mr. SMITH, of Ohio, gave notice that he should, to-morrow, ask leave to bring in a bill authorizing the sale of a certain lot of land.

Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That, from and after the day of next, any person or persons, who shall impress of the United States, upon the high seas, or in any any seamen on board any vessel bearing the flag river, haven, basin, or bay, under pretext or color of a commission from any foreign Power, shall, for every such offence be adjudged a pirate and felon; and, on such case may be had where the offender is apprehendconviction, shall suffer death. And the trial in any ed or may be first brought.

lawful for any American seaman, sailing under the flag SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That it shall be of the United States, on any person or persons attemptMr. KITCHEL presented the petition of Samueling to impress him, by force, from on board any vessel Hickendall, a wounded officer in the Revolutionary war, praying that the half-pay of a captain may be allowed him on account of his wounds and disabilities in service; and the petition was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the committee appointed the 20th December last on the bill, entitled "An act making provision for persons that have been disabled by known wounds received in the actual service of the United States during the Revolutionary war," to consider and report thereon.

The confidential bill, entitled "An act making provision for defraying any extraordinary expenses attending the intercourse between the United States and foreign nations," was read the second time.

Ordered, That the further consideration of this bill be the order of the day for to morrow.

AMERICAN SEAMEN.

Agreeably to notice given on the 16th instant, Mr. WRIGHT asked and obtained leave to bring in the following bill; which was read, and passed to a second reading:

A Bill for the protection and indemnification of Amer

can seamen.

Whereas, by the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation, made between His Britannic Majesty and the United States, at London, on the nineteenth day of

of the United States, upon the high seas, or in any river, haven, basin, or bay, to repel such force by shooting, or otherwise killing and destroying the person or persons so attempting to impress him, and shall, as an encouragement to resist, be entitled to a bounty of two hundred dollars, to be paid to him or his order, or legal representatives, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated.

mation being given to the President of the United SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That, on inforStates, proving satisfactorily to him, that any citizen of the United States, who shall have been impressed or forced by violence or threats, to enter on board any foreign vessel, shall suffer death, or any other corporeal punishment, by the authority of such foreign Power, it shall be lawful for the President of the United States to cause the most rigorous and exact retaliation on any subjects of that Government, whom he is hereby authorized to seize and take for that purpose.

SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That every American seaman, heretofore or hereafter, impressed and compelled to serve on board any foreign ship or vessel, shall be entitled to receive, as an indemnification for his slavery and hardships on board the ship in which he has been, or shall be compelled to serve, from the day of his impressment, the sum of sixty dollars per month, for every month he has or shall serve on board said ship or ships; and that the said seaman, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, shall be entitled to recover the same in the district court of the State in which the port lies from which the vessel cleared for the voyage in which he was taken, by attachment of