The New Hampshire Gazette

House of Representatives

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13.

Mr. Dexter's indemnity bill was read twice and referred.

A bill for the relief of John Hobby, late marshal of Maine, was discussed.—It was opposed by Messrs. Stanley, Bacon and Elmendorf; who thought defaulters should be rigorously dealt with to deter others from violating the public confidence reposed in them. Messrs. Davis, Perkins, Wadsworth, and S. Smith advocated the bill, as Mr. H. had surrendered all his property. The bill passed to be engrossed 44 being in favour of it.

Mr. Randolph, with leave, laid on the table a bill providing for the collection of the arrearages of the land tax.

On motion of Gen. Smith, a committee was raised to report a bill to continue in force the present law on the subject of foreign coins.

THURSDAY, JAN. 14

The bill "authorizing the discharge of John Hobby from confinement," was read the third time and passed.

Mr. Randolph from the committee of Ways and Means, reported a bill to prevent intrusion on the public lands, and for other purposes, which was read twice, and referred to a committee of the whole on Monday next.

Mr. Randolph, from the committee of Ways and Means, reported a bill making appropriations for the support of government for the year 1802; which was read twice, and referred to a committee of the whole on the first Monday of February.

The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, on the act respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of their masters; and having made some progress therein, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again. Granted.

John Dawson, from Virginia, appeared and took his seat.

FRIDAY, JAN. 15.

Mr. Dawson observed, that since he had taken his seat in the house yesterday, he had understood that some opinions had been expressed that there was a constitutional incompatibility between that seat and the appointment which he lately received from the Executive. However he might be flattered by that appointment; he was far from wishing in the least degree to infringe that constitution, on the observance of which depended all our happiness. He hoped, therefore, that if there existed any objection, it would be now offered, that he might know the ground on which he stood.

A petition of sundry citizens of Columbia, in opposition to a petition for erecting a bridge over the Potomac, was presented, and referred.

The house again went into a committee of the whole, on the act respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of their masters, and having made some amendments thereto, reported them to the house.

The house took them up, but adjourned without coming to a decision upon them.

MONDAY, JAN. 18.

Petitions from hatters at Wilmington, Del. and New-York, for an increase of the duty on imported Hats, were presented and committed.

A resolution, calling for a statement of the expenses of collecting the internal revenue, was laid on the table.

Some progress was made in the bill for fixing the military establishment.