Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Domestic News
January 5, 1808
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
The Virginia House of Delegates convened on December 30, 1807, passing several bills, considering petitions on lotteries, incorporations, and fines, debating a memorial on the public guard in Richmond, and electing officials. On December 31 and January 5, 1808, additional bills were passed, committees reported on claims and grievances, and resolutions were adopted.
Merged-components note: Continuation of Virginia Legislature House of Delegates proceedings across pages; same topic and flow.
Clippings
1 of 2
OCR Quality
92%
Excellent
Full Text
Virginia Legislature.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Wednesday, Dec. 30.
The following bills were read a third time and passed:
A bill, "Providing for the election of trustees of the town of Suffolk, for the purposes therein mentioned;"
A bill, "Authorising an appropriation of part of the money arising from the sale of the glebe land of Norborne Parish;" and
A bill, "Legalizing certain appointments made by the court of Goochland county of processioners, and also, of superintendents of the elections of overseers of the poor;"
A bill, "Concerning the court of chancery for the Richmond district;" and
A bill, "Authorising William Waller Hening to publish an edition of certain laws of this commonwealth, and for other purposes," were severally read a second time, and, on motion, Ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
A bill, "Establishing a turnpike over the South Mountain, on Rock Fish Gap."
was read a second time, and, on motion,
Ordered to be committed to Messrs. Preston, Kinney, Garland, Breckenridge, Grigsby, Anderson and Taliaferro.
A bill, " Authorising James Campbell and Robert Spotswood to convert the bridge across Appomattox river, at the Exeter mills, into a toll bridge," was, on motion, Ordered to be laid upon the table
On motion, Resolved, That this house will on to-morrow, proceed by joint ballot with the Senate, to the choice of an auditor of public accounts, and register of the land office, for one year.
Ordered, That the clerk carry the said resolution to the senate and desire their concurrence.
The following petitions (which lay on the table)were taken up and read--to wit;
A petition from a number of the inhabitants of the town of Staunton, praying that they may be authorised to raise by lottery, a sum of money for purposes in the said petition stated;
Also a petition of sundry inhabitants of Fredericksburg and its vicinity, praying that certain persons may be incorporated by the name of the " Female charity school of Fredericksburg;"
Also a petition of the president and common council of the city of Richmond, praying for certain alterations in the laws regulating the police of the said city ;
Also a petition of the executors of Philip Gooch, dec'd. and the guardians of his children, praying that they may be authorised to sell certain real estate of which the said Philip died seized ;
Also a petition of David Swanson, Joseph Swanson, John Swanson and Gabriel Swanson, children of John Swanson, late of Amherst county, deceased: praying that certain lands of which said John Swanson died seized, may be vested in the petitioners.,
Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the committee for courts of justice; that they do examine the matter thereof and report the same with their opinion thereupon to the house.
A petition of Wm. A. Bentley and Peter E. Bentley, praying that a town may be laid off on their lands in the county of Halifax.
Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances, that they do examine the matter thereof and report the same with their opinion thereupon to the house.
A memorial of Wm. Richardson of the city of Richmond, ex'r. of John Collins, dec. praying compensation for services rendered in work done upon the Capitol since the decease of his testator, under a contract made by him before his death, with the directors of the public buildings
·Also a petition of William Smith, praying the remission of a fine inflicted on him by the court of Goochland county
Also a petition of George Weathers, praying the remission of a fine inflicted on him by the district court of Staunton;
Also a petition of Richard Ligon. ex'r. of Thomas Ligon, dec'd. praying the remission of damages assessed against his testator by the district court of Petersburg
Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the committee of claims: that they do examine the matter thereof and report the same with their opinion thereon to the house.
A petition of sundry inhabitants of Pittsylvania county, praying the passage of a law making provision for. calling a convention to revise and amend the constitution of this state.
Ordered, That the said petition be referred to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
A petition of Littleberry Robertson of Greenville county, praying the remission of a fine inflicted on him by a court martial in said county
Also a petition of the German Lutheran Society in Loudoun county, praying that they may be authorised to raise by lottery a sum of money, for purposes in the said petition stated;
And the question being put on the reference of the said petitions; it passed in the negative.
Resolved, that the said petitions be rejected.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from Edmund Randolph, esq. of the city of Richmond, which was read in the following words:
Richmond, December 30th, 1807.
SIR,
AT a late meeting of the inhabitants of this city, a committee was appointed to prepare and present to the General Assembly a representation upon the subject of the public guard.--In pursuance of this appointment they have instructed me to transmit to the House of Delegates thro' their Speaker the enclosed memorial.
Every fact stated in it, can be supported by unquestionable testimony.
The present mode of communication is the only one, which circumstances have permitted them to adopt: and the indulgence of your honorable body is therefore requested, if any form has been unintentionally omitted.
I have the honor, Sir,
To be with the highest respect,
Your obedient servant,
EDMUND RANDOLPH.
The Hon. Hugh Nelson,
Speaker of the H of Delegates.
A motion was made that the memorial accompanying the said letter should be received and read.
The Speaker declared the reception of the said memorial to be in opposition to the 33d rule of the house, which is in the following words:
"The period of fifteen days from the day on which the house of delegates annually form a house shall be prescribed for the reception of petitions, Sundays excluded."
A motion was made, that the said rule should be suspended, for the purpose of receiving the said memorial.
And the question being put on the said motion, it passed in the affirmative--Ayes 102--Noes 51.
The said memorial was then read, stating the great danger to be apprehended from dismissing the public guard, and praying the legislature to continue the same, or to adopt some other plan of security for the city, equally efficacious.
A motion was made to refer the said memorial to the consideration of a committee.
The Speaker declared the reference of the said memorial to be in opposition to the 4th rule of the house, which is in the following words :
"A question once determined must stand. as the judgement of the house, and cannot again be drawn into debate during the same session."
A motion was made to suspend the operation of the said rule : and the question being put on the said motion, it passed in the affirmative.
The said memorial was then, on motion, referred to Messrs. Johnston (of P. Edward,) Smyth (of Wythe), Brackenbrough (of Hanover), W. Foushee, Tucker, Breckenridge, Carr, Parker and Clarke, who are to take the matter thereof into consideration, and report the same with their opinion thereupon to the house, by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Blake presented according to order, a bill " Explanatory of the act entitled an act concerning the election of members of the General Assembly" which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a second time.
Thursday, Dec. 31.
The following bills were read a third time and passed :
A bill, " Concerning William McCoy "!
A bill,"Concerning the Potomac company"
A bill "Giving further time to complete mill dams across Monongahela river."
A bill, " Divorcing Charles Bosher from his wife Susanna;"
A bill, "Vesting in Henry J. Arnold the right of the commonwealth to a certain lot of ground whereof William F. Ast died seized."
A bill, " For adding part of the county of Wythe to the county of Giles :"
A bill, "Incorporating trustees of Centerville Academy;" and
A bill, "Vesting in Elizabeth Mich ee right of the commonwealth to a certain tract of land therein mentioned:"
Mr. Johnston (of P. Edward) from the committee to whom was referred the memorial of the citizens of Richmond, presented,
A bill, " To suspend the operation of the act, " Concerning the public guard, and for other purposes?" and,
A bill, " For the security of public property in the city of Richmond; which bills were received and read the first time.
The question being put on reading the bill, "To suspend operation of the act " Con-
ton in; the public guard, and for other purposes." A second time, it passed in the affirmative.
Ayes 64
On motion, Ordered, That the said bill be now read a second time. The said bill was accordingly read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
The bill, "For the security of public property in the city of Richmond," was, on motion, Ordered, to be laid upon the table.
A message from the Senate by Mr. Maclin
Mr. Speaker—The Senate have agreed to the resolution of the House of Delegates, to proceed on this day, by joint ballot, to the choice of an auditor of public accounts, and a register of the land office, for one year—and then he withdrew.
The house, according to the order of the day, proceeded by joint ballot with the Senate to the choice of an auditor of public accounts, for one year: when Samuel Shepard, esq. was re-elected.
The house according to the order of the day; proceeded by joint ballot with the Senate, to the choice of a register of the land office, for one year: when William Price, esq. was re-elected.
An engrossed bill, "To suspend the operation of the act, "Concerning the public guard, and for other purposes," was read a third time: and passed.
On motion, Resolved, That the executive be requested to lay before the General Assembly, the Journal of their proceedings for the last year.
Ordered, That the clerk carry the said resolution to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
Mr. Johnston, (of Prince Edward) from the committee of propositions and grievances, made the following report:
Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of William A. Bentley and Peter E. Bentley, praying that a law may pass establishing a town on their lands in the county of Halifax, is reasonable.
The said resolution being read a second time was agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That a bill be brought in pursuant thereto, and that the committee of propositions and grievances do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Johnston (of Prince Edward) from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented,
A bill, "Concerning the town of Harrisonburg, in the county of Rockbridge:"
Mr. Mallory, from the committee for courts of justice, presented:
A bill. To establish an academy for female education in the town of Lexington:"
which bills were received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, "Authorizing the superior chancery courts to grant divorces in certain cases," and that Messrs. Yarb y, Pope, Smyth, (of Wythe,) Johnston, (of P. Edward), Dide, W. Foushee, White, W. Brockenbrough and Mallory, do prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, "To dissolve the marriage between Thos. Brough and Margaret his wife." and that Messrs. Sandford, White, Dinsl, Morgan, Spragins, Irvine, and Payne (of Monongalia) do prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill "To divorce Rachel Wiley from her husband Thomas Wiley," and that Messrs. Beirne, Esyull, Mallory, Wills, Randolph and Cheatham, do prepare and bring in the same.
A message from the Senate by Mr. Shef fey.
Mr. Speaker—The Senate have passed the bill, "To suspend the operation of the act, "Concerning the public guard, and for other purposes;" and then he withdrew.
Mr. Lightfoot, from the committee appointed to examine the enrolled bills, reported, that the Committee had examined several bills, and found them to be truly enrolled.
Ordered, That the clerk inform the Senate thereof.
Richmond, Jan. 5, 1808.
Ordered, That Messrs. Prunty and Pope be added to the committee appointed to bring in a bill to amend the law concerning executions.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk.
The Senate have passed the bill "To authorize the cutting of drains in the county of Northampton"
King George County," with amendments, to which they request the concurrence of the House of Delegates.
The house proceeded to consider the said amendments, and the same being twice read, were agreed to by the house.
An engrossed bill, "Authorizing John Winston to erect a dam across Danister river," was read a third time, & several blanks therein filled up—and passed.
An engrossed bill (which lay on the table), "Authorizing John M. Syme to erect a toll bridge across Pamunkey." was read a third time and several blanks therein filled up, and passed.
Mr. Mims presented according to order, a bill, "To amend an act for removing the district court from the Sweet Springs in the county of Monroe, to the town of Lewisburg in the county of Greenbrier."
A bill [which lay on the table] "To amend the several acts concerning public roads and highways in this commonwealth," was taken up and read a first time and ordered to be read a second time.
On Motion, Ordered, that the said bill be now read a second time; the said bill was accordingly read a second time, and was on motion, Ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill "For the appointment of commissioners to ascertain the loss of tobacco by the burning of Rayston's warehouse in the town of Fredericksburg." and that Messrs. Mercer, Crutchfield, Bowe, W. Brockenbrough, R. Hill and Madison do prepare and bring in the same.
On motion, Resolved, That this house will on to-morrow proceed by joint ballot with the Senate to the choice of a treasurer for this commonwealth for the year.
Ordered, That the clerk carry the said resolution to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
On motion, Resolved, That the executive be requested to lay before this house, a statement of the number of public arms and accoutrements of good quality, now on hand.
A report from the committee of claims (which lay on the table) was taken up and read in the following words:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Isham E. Dabney one of the securities, and also one of the deputies of Butler Claiborne, dec. who acted as sheriff and collector of the revenue tax for the county of Dinwiddie, for the year 1805; praying that his list of insolvencies for the said year, may be allowed him by the auditor of public accounts, is reasonable.
2. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Rachel Dolby in behalf of herself and her three infant children, stating that she is the widow of Brahson Dolby, dec'd. who early in the revolutionary war, enlisted as a seaman on board of the armed brig Northampton, under the command of Francis Bright, and continued in service for nearly three years, without ever receiving any emoluments in land, bounty or pay and depreciation; and praying the Legislature would pass a law allowing her and her children what they may deem proper, is reasonable.
3. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Thomas Meeney, praying the legislature would pass a law authorising the auditor to grant him a warrant on the treasury for $25 as a compensation for carrying from Nansemond county in his boat, and bearing the expenses of James Weatherly a supposed lunatic, to the Williamsburg hospital and back again to the said county, is reasonable.
4. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Robert Mitchell, praying that he may be relieved from the operation of a duplicate military certificate, he being in possession of the original, be rejected.
Your committee beg leave to state, that they consider the above subject, not a matter of legislation, but for the judiciary; as it relates to a question concerning the right of property.
5. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of George Fisher; stating that he received from Martin Mimns late keeper of the Penitentiary, certain warrants, issued by the auditor of this state, for repairs to the Penitentiary building, in payment for leather, which he furnished, for the use of the said Penitentiary at the full nominal value; and praying that he may be allowed to receive the amount of the said warrants from the public treasury is reasonable.
6. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Clement Shackleford, administrator of the estate of John Allgood and Catharine Allgood of Richmond county: stating that about the year 1777, John Allgood a brother of the said Catharine, enlisted as a soldier in the revolutionary army, and served during the war; that he received a military certificate, amounting to sixty one pounds twelve shillings and two pence the balance of his full pay; that the said certificate has been lost; and praying that a duplicate of the same, is reasonable.
The said resolutions being severally read a second time, were agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That bills be brought in pursuant to the 1st, 2d, 3d, 5th and 6th resolutions, and that the committee of claims do prepare and bring in the same.
A report from the committee of propositions and grievances (which lay on the table) was taken up and read in the following words:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the borough of Norfolk, praying that the land, between the lands of Paul Loyal on the west side of Church street, and Thomas Baker and John Calvert on the east side of said street, down to the river, and as far as the channel thereof and that the houses, land and dock may be valued and the proprietors paid their costs is reasonable.
2. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Norfolk and Princess Anne, praying that a law may pass authorising a toll bridge to be established across Tanner's creek in Norfolk county, from the lands of Samuel Coleman, to the lands of Doctor James Taylor, is reasonable.
The said resolutions being severally read a second time, were agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That bills be brought in pursuant thereto, and that the committee of propositions and grievances do prepare and bring in the same.
A report from the committee for courts of justice (which lay on the table) was taken up and read in the following words:
1. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Ann F. Irvine, adm'x. of Walter Irvine, dec'd. and guardian of Martha and Samuel Irvine infant children of the said Walter, praying that an act may pass authorising the petitioner to dispose of certain real property whereof the said Walter died seized and to apply the proceeds of the said sale to the support and education of the said infant children, be rejected.
2. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Michael Keafer, praying that an act may pass divorcing him from his wife Anne, be rejected.
3. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Frederick, praying that an act may pass authorising a sale of a poor house erected at the expense of the borough of Winchester, and said county, and an application of the proceeds of the sale in some other manner to the benefit of the poor of the said county and borough; and also that an act may pass requiring the magistrates of counties to be summoned to attend court previous to the times of levying money for buildings of any sort, or for any charges against their county, of settling with the collectors of their county or of making any order for the payment of money out of the funds thereof, is reasonable.
The 1st and 2d resolutions being read a second time, were agreed to by the House.
The 3d resolution being read a second time, was, on motion, ordered to be laid upon the table.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Wednesday, Dec. 30.
The following bills were read a third time and passed:
A bill, "Providing for the election of trustees of the town of Suffolk, for the purposes therein mentioned;"
A bill, "Authorising an appropriation of part of the money arising from the sale of the glebe land of Norborne Parish;" and
A bill, "Legalizing certain appointments made by the court of Goochland county of processioners, and also, of superintendents of the elections of overseers of the poor;"
A bill, "Concerning the court of chancery for the Richmond district;" and
A bill, "Authorising William Waller Hening to publish an edition of certain laws of this commonwealth, and for other purposes," were severally read a second time, and, on motion, Ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
A bill, "Establishing a turnpike over the South Mountain, on Rock Fish Gap."
was read a second time, and, on motion,
Ordered to be committed to Messrs. Preston, Kinney, Garland, Breckenridge, Grigsby, Anderson and Taliaferro.
A bill, " Authorising James Campbell and Robert Spotswood to convert the bridge across Appomattox river, at the Exeter mills, into a toll bridge," was, on motion, Ordered to be laid upon the table
On motion, Resolved, That this house will on to-morrow, proceed by joint ballot with the Senate, to the choice of an auditor of public accounts, and register of the land office, for one year.
Ordered, That the clerk carry the said resolution to the senate and desire their concurrence.
The following petitions (which lay on the table)were taken up and read--to wit;
A petition from a number of the inhabitants of the town of Staunton, praying that they may be authorised to raise by lottery, a sum of money for purposes in the said petition stated;
Also a petition of sundry inhabitants of Fredericksburg and its vicinity, praying that certain persons may be incorporated by the name of the " Female charity school of Fredericksburg;"
Also a petition of the president and common council of the city of Richmond, praying for certain alterations in the laws regulating the police of the said city ;
Also a petition of the executors of Philip Gooch, dec'd. and the guardians of his children, praying that they may be authorised to sell certain real estate of which the said Philip died seized ;
Also a petition of David Swanson, Joseph Swanson, John Swanson and Gabriel Swanson, children of John Swanson, late of Amherst county, deceased: praying that certain lands of which said John Swanson died seized, may be vested in the petitioners.,
Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the committee for courts of justice; that they do examine the matter thereof and report the same with their opinion thereupon to the house.
A petition of Wm. A. Bentley and Peter E. Bentley, praying that a town may be laid off on their lands in the county of Halifax.
Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances, that they do examine the matter thereof and report the same with their opinion thereupon to the house.
A memorial of Wm. Richardson of the city of Richmond, ex'r. of John Collins, dec. praying compensation for services rendered in work done upon the Capitol since the decease of his testator, under a contract made by him before his death, with the directors of the public buildings
·Also a petition of William Smith, praying the remission of a fine inflicted on him by the court of Goochland county
Also a petition of George Weathers, praying the remission of a fine inflicted on him by the district court of Staunton;
Also a petition of Richard Ligon. ex'r. of Thomas Ligon, dec'd. praying the remission of damages assessed against his testator by the district court of Petersburg
Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the committee of claims: that they do examine the matter thereof and report the same with their opinion thereon to the house.
A petition of sundry inhabitants of Pittsylvania county, praying the passage of a law making provision for. calling a convention to revise and amend the constitution of this state.
Ordered, That the said petition be referred to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
A petition of Littleberry Robertson of Greenville county, praying the remission of a fine inflicted on him by a court martial in said county
Also a petition of the German Lutheran Society in Loudoun county, praying that they may be authorised to raise by lottery a sum of money, for purposes in the said petition stated;
And the question being put on the reference of the said petitions; it passed in the negative.
Resolved, that the said petitions be rejected.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from Edmund Randolph, esq. of the city of Richmond, which was read in the following words:
Richmond, December 30th, 1807.
SIR,
AT a late meeting of the inhabitants of this city, a committee was appointed to prepare and present to the General Assembly a representation upon the subject of the public guard.--In pursuance of this appointment they have instructed me to transmit to the House of Delegates thro' their Speaker the enclosed memorial.
Every fact stated in it, can be supported by unquestionable testimony.
The present mode of communication is the only one, which circumstances have permitted them to adopt: and the indulgence of your honorable body is therefore requested, if any form has been unintentionally omitted.
I have the honor, Sir,
To be with the highest respect,
Your obedient servant,
EDMUND RANDOLPH.
The Hon. Hugh Nelson,
Speaker of the H of Delegates.
A motion was made that the memorial accompanying the said letter should be received and read.
The Speaker declared the reception of the said memorial to be in opposition to the 33d rule of the house, which is in the following words:
"The period of fifteen days from the day on which the house of delegates annually form a house shall be prescribed for the reception of petitions, Sundays excluded."
A motion was made, that the said rule should be suspended, for the purpose of receiving the said memorial.
And the question being put on the said motion, it passed in the affirmative--Ayes 102--Noes 51.
The said memorial was then read, stating the great danger to be apprehended from dismissing the public guard, and praying the legislature to continue the same, or to adopt some other plan of security for the city, equally efficacious.
A motion was made to refer the said memorial to the consideration of a committee.
The Speaker declared the reference of the said memorial to be in opposition to the 4th rule of the house, which is in the following words :
"A question once determined must stand. as the judgement of the house, and cannot again be drawn into debate during the same session."
A motion was made to suspend the operation of the said rule : and the question being put on the said motion, it passed in the affirmative.
The said memorial was then, on motion, referred to Messrs. Johnston (of P. Edward,) Smyth (of Wythe), Brackenbrough (of Hanover), W. Foushee, Tucker, Breckenridge, Carr, Parker and Clarke, who are to take the matter thereof into consideration, and report the same with their opinion thereupon to the house, by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Blake presented according to order, a bill " Explanatory of the act entitled an act concerning the election of members of the General Assembly" which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a second time.
Thursday, Dec. 31.
The following bills were read a third time and passed :
A bill, " Concerning William McCoy "!
A bill,"Concerning the Potomac company"
A bill "Giving further time to complete mill dams across Monongahela river."
A bill, " Divorcing Charles Bosher from his wife Susanna;"
A bill, "Vesting in Henry J. Arnold the right of the commonwealth to a certain lot of ground whereof William F. Ast died seized."
A bill, " For adding part of the county of Wythe to the county of Giles :"
A bill, "Incorporating trustees of Centerville Academy;" and
A bill, "Vesting in Elizabeth Mich ee right of the commonwealth to a certain tract of land therein mentioned:"
Mr. Johnston (of P. Edward) from the committee to whom was referred the memorial of the citizens of Richmond, presented,
A bill, " To suspend the operation of the act, " Concerning the public guard, and for other purposes?" and,
A bill, " For the security of public property in the city of Richmond; which bills were received and read the first time.
The question being put on reading the bill, "To suspend operation of the act " Con-
ton in; the public guard, and for other purposes." A second time, it passed in the affirmative.
Ayes 64
On motion, Ordered, That the said bill be now read a second time. The said bill was accordingly read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
The bill, "For the security of public property in the city of Richmond," was, on motion, Ordered, to be laid upon the table.
A message from the Senate by Mr. Maclin
Mr. Speaker—The Senate have agreed to the resolution of the House of Delegates, to proceed on this day, by joint ballot, to the choice of an auditor of public accounts, and a register of the land office, for one year—and then he withdrew.
The house, according to the order of the day, proceeded by joint ballot with the Senate to the choice of an auditor of public accounts, for one year: when Samuel Shepard, esq. was re-elected.
The house according to the order of the day; proceeded by joint ballot with the Senate, to the choice of a register of the land office, for one year: when William Price, esq. was re-elected.
An engrossed bill, "To suspend the operation of the act, "Concerning the public guard, and for other purposes," was read a third time: and passed.
On motion, Resolved, That the executive be requested to lay before the General Assembly, the Journal of their proceedings for the last year.
Ordered, That the clerk carry the said resolution to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
Mr. Johnston, (of Prince Edward) from the committee of propositions and grievances, made the following report:
Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of William A. Bentley and Peter E. Bentley, praying that a law may pass establishing a town on their lands in the county of Halifax, is reasonable.
The said resolution being read a second time was agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That a bill be brought in pursuant thereto, and that the committee of propositions and grievances do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Johnston (of Prince Edward) from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented,
A bill, "Concerning the town of Harrisonburg, in the county of Rockbridge:"
Mr. Mallory, from the committee for courts of justice, presented:
A bill. To establish an academy for female education in the town of Lexington:"
which bills were received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, "Authorizing the superior chancery courts to grant divorces in certain cases," and that Messrs. Yarb y, Pope, Smyth, (of Wythe,) Johnston, (of P. Edward), Dide, W. Foushee, White, W. Brockenbrough and Mallory, do prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, "To dissolve the marriage between Thos. Brough and Margaret his wife." and that Messrs. Sandford, White, Dinsl, Morgan, Spragins, Irvine, and Payne (of Monongalia) do prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill "To divorce Rachel Wiley from her husband Thomas Wiley," and that Messrs. Beirne, Esyull, Mallory, Wills, Randolph and Cheatham, do prepare and bring in the same.
A message from the Senate by Mr. Shef fey.
Mr. Speaker—The Senate have passed the bill, "To suspend the operation of the act, "Concerning the public guard, and for other purposes;" and then he withdrew.
Mr. Lightfoot, from the committee appointed to examine the enrolled bills, reported, that the Committee had examined several bills, and found them to be truly enrolled.
Ordered, That the clerk inform the Senate thereof.
Richmond, Jan. 5, 1808.
Ordered, That Messrs. Prunty and Pope be added to the committee appointed to bring in a bill to amend the law concerning executions.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk.
The Senate have passed the bill "To authorize the cutting of drains in the county of Northampton"
King George County," with amendments, to which they request the concurrence of the House of Delegates.
The house proceeded to consider the said amendments, and the same being twice read, were agreed to by the house.
An engrossed bill, "Authorizing John Winston to erect a dam across Danister river," was read a third time, & several blanks therein filled up—and passed.
An engrossed bill (which lay on the table), "Authorizing John M. Syme to erect a toll bridge across Pamunkey." was read a third time and several blanks therein filled up, and passed.
Mr. Mims presented according to order, a bill, "To amend an act for removing the district court from the Sweet Springs in the county of Monroe, to the town of Lewisburg in the county of Greenbrier."
A bill [which lay on the table] "To amend the several acts concerning public roads and highways in this commonwealth," was taken up and read a first time and ordered to be read a second time.
On Motion, Ordered, that the said bill be now read a second time; the said bill was accordingly read a second time, and was on motion, Ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill "For the appointment of commissioners to ascertain the loss of tobacco by the burning of Rayston's warehouse in the town of Fredericksburg." and that Messrs. Mercer, Crutchfield, Bowe, W. Brockenbrough, R. Hill and Madison do prepare and bring in the same.
On motion, Resolved, That this house will on to-morrow proceed by joint ballot with the Senate to the choice of a treasurer for this commonwealth for the year.
Ordered, That the clerk carry the said resolution to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
On motion, Resolved, That the executive be requested to lay before this house, a statement of the number of public arms and accoutrements of good quality, now on hand.
A report from the committee of claims (which lay on the table) was taken up and read in the following words:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Isham E. Dabney one of the securities, and also one of the deputies of Butler Claiborne, dec. who acted as sheriff and collector of the revenue tax for the county of Dinwiddie, for the year 1805; praying that his list of insolvencies for the said year, may be allowed him by the auditor of public accounts, is reasonable.
2. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Rachel Dolby in behalf of herself and her three infant children, stating that she is the widow of Brahson Dolby, dec'd. who early in the revolutionary war, enlisted as a seaman on board of the armed brig Northampton, under the command of Francis Bright, and continued in service for nearly three years, without ever receiving any emoluments in land, bounty or pay and depreciation; and praying the Legislature would pass a law allowing her and her children what they may deem proper, is reasonable.
3. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Thomas Meeney, praying the legislature would pass a law authorising the auditor to grant him a warrant on the treasury for $25 as a compensation for carrying from Nansemond county in his boat, and bearing the expenses of James Weatherly a supposed lunatic, to the Williamsburg hospital and back again to the said county, is reasonable.
4. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Robert Mitchell, praying that he may be relieved from the operation of a duplicate military certificate, he being in possession of the original, be rejected.
Your committee beg leave to state, that they consider the above subject, not a matter of legislation, but for the judiciary; as it relates to a question concerning the right of property.
5. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of George Fisher; stating that he received from Martin Mimns late keeper of the Penitentiary, certain warrants, issued by the auditor of this state, for repairs to the Penitentiary building, in payment for leather, which he furnished, for the use of the said Penitentiary at the full nominal value; and praying that he may be allowed to receive the amount of the said warrants from the public treasury is reasonable.
6. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Clement Shackleford, administrator of the estate of John Allgood and Catharine Allgood of Richmond county: stating that about the year 1777, John Allgood a brother of the said Catharine, enlisted as a soldier in the revolutionary army, and served during the war; that he received a military certificate, amounting to sixty one pounds twelve shillings and two pence the balance of his full pay; that the said certificate has been lost; and praying that a duplicate of the same, is reasonable.
The said resolutions being severally read a second time, were agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That bills be brought in pursuant to the 1st, 2d, 3d, 5th and 6th resolutions, and that the committee of claims do prepare and bring in the same.
A report from the committee of propositions and grievances (which lay on the table) was taken up and read in the following words:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the borough of Norfolk, praying that the land, between the lands of Paul Loyal on the west side of Church street, and Thomas Baker and John Calvert on the east side of said street, down to the river, and as far as the channel thereof and that the houses, land and dock may be valued and the proprietors paid their costs is reasonable.
2. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Norfolk and Princess Anne, praying that a law may pass authorising a toll bridge to be established across Tanner's creek in Norfolk county, from the lands of Samuel Coleman, to the lands of Doctor James Taylor, is reasonable.
The said resolutions being severally read a second time, were agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That bills be brought in pursuant thereto, and that the committee of propositions and grievances do prepare and bring in the same.
A report from the committee for courts of justice (which lay on the table) was taken up and read in the following words:
1. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Ann F. Irvine, adm'x. of Walter Irvine, dec'd. and guardian of Martha and Samuel Irvine infant children of the said Walter, praying that an act may pass authorising the petitioner to dispose of certain real property whereof the said Walter died seized and to apply the proceeds of the said sale to the support and education of the said infant children, be rejected.
2. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Michael Keafer, praying that an act may pass divorcing him from his wife Anne, be rejected.
3. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Frederick, praying that an act may pass authorising a sale of a poor house erected at the expense of the borough of Winchester, and said county, and an application of the proceeds of the sale in some other manner to the benefit of the poor of the said county and borough; and also that an act may pass requiring the magistrates of counties to be summoned to attend court previous to the times of levying money for buildings of any sort, or for any charges against their county, of settling with the collectors of their county or of making any order for the payment of money out of the funds thereof, is reasonable.
The 1st and 2d resolutions being read a second time, were agreed to by the House.
The 3d resolution being read a second time, was, on motion, ordered to be laid upon the table.
What sub-type of article is it?
Politics
Legal Or Court
Appointment
What keywords are associated?
Virginia Legislature
House Delegates
Bills Passed
Petitions Referred
Public Guard
Official Elections
Committee Reports
What entities or persons were involved?
Edmund Randolph
Hugh Nelson
Samuel Shepard
William Price
William Waller Hening
Where did it happen?
Richmond, Virginia
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Richmond, Virginia
Event Date
December 30, 1807 To January 5, 1808
Key Persons
Edmund Randolph
Hugh Nelson
Samuel Shepard
William Price
William Waller Hening
Outcome
multiple bills passed including those on trustees, appropriations, chancery courts, turnpikes, bridges, divorces, incorporations, and public guard suspension; officials re-elected; various petitions referred, rejected, or approved by committees; resolutions adopted for elections and executive requests.
Event Details
The House of Delegates passed bills on local governance, land sales, court appointments, legal publications, infrastructure, and personal matters; considered petitions from towns and individuals on lotteries, incorporations, police laws, estate sales, fines, constitutional conventions; received and referred memorial from Richmond citizens on public guard via Edmund Randolph, suspending rules to debate and refer; elected auditor and land office register; reviewed committee reports on claims, grievances, and courts, agreeing to several resolutions for bills.