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Domestic News
December 15, 1821
Richmond Enquirer
Richmond, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Proceedings of the U.S. Congress on December 10-11, 1821, including Senate and House sessions with member appearances, committee appointments, bill introductions, petition referrals, resolutions on lands, post roads, slave trade, and elections of chaplains Rev. Jared Sparks (House) and Rev. William Ryland (Senate), plus assistant doorkeeper balloting.
Merged-components note: Merged sequential components detailing congressional proceedings in Senate and House of Representatives, including the vote table for Chaplain election, as they form a single coherent report on legislative activities.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1821.
IN SENATE
Mr. Elliot of Georgia, and Mr. Walker, of Alabama, appeared and took their seats.
On motion of Mr. Barbour, it was
Resolved, That the Senate will, on Wednesday next, at 12 o'clock, proceed to the appointment of the standing Committees of this House.
The Senate took up and adopted the resolution offered by Mr. Dickerson on Friday last, for the appointment of a joint Committee on the arrangements for the Library of Congress ; and Messrs. Dickerson, Walker, and Elliot, were appointed on the part of the Senate.
Mr. Williams, of Tennessee, having obtained leave, introduced a bill to authorise the members of the two Houses to transmit certain documents by mail, free of postage, which bill was read three times by general consent, passed, and sent to the other House for concurrence : and the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. Blackledge, of North Carolina, appeared, was qualified, and took his seat.
The following committees were announced to have been appointed by the Speaker, in pursuance of the resolutions of this House on Friday last, viz.
On the Naval Establishment—Messrs. McLane, Fuller, Warfield, Cinner, Hardin, Cambreleng, Plumer, of Pa.
On the Military Establishment—Messrs. Eustis, Van Rensselaer, Bassett, Smith, of Ky. Cocke, Darlington, Matlack.
On the Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs of the United States—Messrs. Russell, Rodney, Trimble, Archer, Wright, Taylor, Farrelly.
On the Slave Trade—Messrs. Gorham, Hemphill, Phillips, Borland, Poinsett, J. T. Johnson, Swearingen.
There were presented this morning forty five petitions : of which there were referred—
To the committee of Revolutionary Pensions 16
Of Claims 4
Of Ways and Means
Of Post Offices and Post Roads
Of Commerce
Of Pensions & Rev'ry Claims 3
Of Military Affairs
Of Naval Affairs
Of the District of Columbia 1
Of Public Lands 3
Of the Judiciary
Of Elections 1
Of Private Land Claims 3
Among the petitions was one from Matthew Lyon, contesting the right of Mr. Bates to the seat of Delegate from the Arkansas Territory : one from Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, as Rector of the University of that State, praying that the duties may be abolished on the importation of books for the use of Literary Institutions; and one from the Corporation of Washington, praying from Congress authority to remove further east that part of the City Canal which now runs along Pennsylvania Avenue.
A bill from the Senate entitled "An Act for the transmission of certain documents, free of postage," was read the first and second time, and, by unanimous consent, was also read the third time and passed.
On motion of Mr. Scott, it was
Resolved, That the committee on the Public Lands be instructed to enquire into the expediency of making further provisions by law for the final adjustment of the unconfirmed land claims in the state of Missouri derived from the French and Spanish governments respectively, and of referring the final settlement of those claims to some tribunal, to be empowered, or established, for that purpose.
On motion of Mr. Bates, it was
Resolved, That the committee on Public Lands be instructed to enquire into the expediency of making provision by law for the final adjustment of the unconfirmed land claims in the Territory of Arkansas derived from the French and Spanish government— and of referring the settlement of those claims to some tribunal established or to be created.
On motion of Mr. Hendricks,
Resolved, That the committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing a post road in Indiana, from Terre Haute, by the way of Clinton, the seat of justice for the county of Park, and Crawfordsville, to Indianapolis.
Resolved, also, That the same committee be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing a post road from Lawrenceburg, in the state aforesaid, by the way of Napoleon, to Indianapolis.
On motion of Mr. Sawyer,
Resolved, That the committee on so much of the President's Message as relates to the suppression of the slave trade, be instructed to enquire into the expediency of continuing in force for a further time an act passed the 3d of March, 1819, which, by the act of the 15th May, 1820, was extended to two years, and entitled "An act to protect the commerce of the United States and punish the crime of piracy."
On motion of Mr. Walworth,
Resolved, That the committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be instructed to enquire into the expediency of having the public mail from the city of Albany to Plattsburg, and the northern part of the state of New York, transmitted on the west side of Lake Champlain.
On motion of Mr. Lathrop,
Resolved, That the committee of Revisal and Unfinished Business be instructed to consider the expediency of reviving the several acts of August 2d, 1813, January 9th, 1815, and March 8th, 1816, laying a direct tax within the United States, so far as to allow a further time of redemption on the lands sold for the non-payment of the tax, where the same have been purchased on behalf of the United States.
The following resolution was submitted by Mr. Cook, and rejected :
Resolved, That the committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be instructed to enquire into the expediency of allowing the members of the Legislature of each state to receive and transmit letters free of postage, and such documents not exceeding one ounce weight, as may be printed by order of such Legislature within the limits of their respective states.
The resolutions proposed by Mr. Wood on the 6th instant, for the appointment of sundry committees, were then taken up, and, after undergoing some modification, were agreed to.
Mr. Lathrop called for the consideration of the resolution which he had submitted to the House on Thursday last, relative to the further extension of the time allowed for the redemption of land sold for direct taxes, which was considered, and agreed to.
Mr. Tracy called for the consideration of the resolution relative to petitions that had been referred to committees during the last session of Congress and not acted upon, which was thereupon taken up, and after some discussion of the subject, the same, on motion of Mr. Walworth, was indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Mr. Bateman, the House then proceeded to the election of a Chaplain, and the following gentlemen were nominated, viz.
Rev. Jared Sparks, Rev. Mr. Wiley
On the first ballot, the votes were declared to stand as follows:
Whole number of votes 120
Necessary to a choice 61
Of which there were for
Rev. Mr. Sparks 42
Allison 30
Dwight 24
Post 13
Scattering 11
On the second ballot, the following result was declared:
Whole number of votes 120
Necessary to a choice 61
Of which there were for
Rev. Mr. Sparks 62
Allison 22
Dwight 24
Bradford 5
Post 4
Scattering 3
To the choice.
A third ballot presented the following result:
Whole number of votes 157
Necessary to a choice 79
Of which there were for
Rev. Mr. Sparks 75
Allison 35
Dwight 36
Scattering 11
Next.
The fourth ballot terminated as follows:
Whole number of votes 155
Necessary to a choice 78
Of which there were for
Rev. Mr. Sparks 76
Allison 46
Dwight 27
Blank 6
Whereupon it was declared, that the Rev. Jared Sparks was chosen Chaplain to Congress on the part of the House of Representatives and the House adjourned.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11.
IN SENATE.
Mr. King, of Alabama, and Mr. Ware, a member from Georgia, in the place of Mr. Walker, resigned, appeared to-day and took their seats.
Mr. Eaton moved that the rules of the Senate be referred to a committee with instructions to expunge so much thereof as relates to the appointment of standing committees which motion was, after some discussion, negatived: and Thursday next was fixed for the appointment of the standing committees.
The Senate then proceeded to the election of a Chaplain, when the first balloting resulted as follows:
For the Rev. Mr. Ryland 12
Mr. Brown 9
Mr. M'llvaine 8
Mr. Post 7
Scattering 4
On the second ballot, Mr. Ryland had 15, Mr. Brown 12, Mr. M'llvaine 10, Mr. Post 8.
On the third ballot, Mr. Ryland received 17, Mr. Brown 11, Mr. M'llvaine 5, Mr. Post 35.
A fourth ballot took place, which resulted as follows:
For Mr. Ryland 19
Mr. M'llvaine 13
Mr. Brown 30
The Rev. William Ryland having a majority of the votes, was accordingly elected Chaplain to Congress on the part of the Senate; and the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The following Committees were announced as having been appointed pursuant to the orders of yesterday.
On Public Buildings.—Messrs. Blackledge, Van Wyck, Cassedy, Brown, Cushman, Hobart, and Williams, Va.
On the expediency of occupying the Columbia River etc.—Messrs. Floyd, Ballies, and Scott.
On the Joint Library Committee.—Messrs. Poinsett, A. Smith, and Whipple.
Mr. Dane and Mr. Murray were appointed of the Committee of Enrolled Bills on the part of this House.
Mr. Reid, of Georgia, appeared, was qualified, and took his seat.
On this day, petitions were presented and referred to the following Committees, viz:
To the committee of Revolutionary Pensions 9
Of Ways and Means 2
Of Claims 3
Of Pensions & Revolutionary Claims 5
Of Public Lands 1
Of Naval Affairs 1
Of Commerce 1
Of Foreign Affairs 1
Of Private Land Claims 1
Of Post Office and Post Roads 1
Mr. Sloan, from the Committee on Elections, reported in favor of the petition of Cadwallader D. Colden, of New York, contesting the return in favor of P. Sharpe, which was on motion referred to a Committee of the whole House.
Mr. Sergeant, of Penn. from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported a bill for the establishment of an uniform system of Bankruptcy throughout the United States, which was read by its title.—Among other remarks, Mr. S. stated, that the subject of the bill was a matter of deep interest to the people of the United States; that he had presented it thus early in order to give members time to prepare their minds on it; and that it was the same in form, as that which came from the Senate at the last Session. Mr. S. then moved that it be referred to a Committee of the Whole House, and made the order of the day for the first Monday in January next; which was agreed to.
Mr. Cannon, of Tenn. submitted for consideration the following resolutions:
1. Resolved, That it is expedient to provide for the general defence, by making further provision for arming, organizing, and improving in discipline, the militia of the United States.
2. Resolved, That a select committee be appointed on the subject of militia, whose duty it shall be to enquire into the expediency of organizing and providing for the improvement in discipline of the militia of the different states and territories: and that said committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
3. Resolved, That the committee of Ways & Means be instructed to enquire into the expediency of increasing the annual appropriation for arming the militia.
4. Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of re-organizing the regular army, so that the companies in the different corps contain the number of non-commissioned officers and privates they did previous to the reduction and organization made under the act of the last session of Congress: and that said committee enquire into the expediency of disbanding the supernumerary officers, and reducing the general staff.
5. Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reducing the number of cadets (educated at the public expense in the military academy at West Point) to such a number as may be necessary for the regular army of the United States.
Those resolutions were ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Smith, of Md. moved the following resolutions:
1. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to report to this House a statement shewing the amount annually received under the act for the relief of sick and disabled seamen, during the years 1817, 1818, 1819, and 1820; and the annual expenditures for the same during those years.
2. Resolved, That the commissioners of the navy hospitals be directed to report to this house a statement shewing the annual receipts of the navy hospital fund, and the balance that remains in their hands unexpended.
These resolutions also were ordered to lie on the table.
On motion of Mr. Scott, it was
Resolved, That the committee on public lands be instructed to inquire into the expediency of providing by law for the payment to the State of Missouri of so much of the proceeds (being three per cent.) arising from the sale of the public lands in the State of Missouri, made since the 1st of January, 1821, as has been reserved by the third clause of the sixth section of the act of Congress of March, 1820, entitled "An act to authorize the people of Missouri territory to form a constitution and state government, and for the admission of such state into the Union on an equal footing with the original states, and to prohibit slavery in certain territories."
On motion of Mr. Rhea, it was
Resolved, That the committee on Pensions and Revolutionary Claims be instructed to inquire into the expediency of reviving and continuing in force the act entitled "An act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary war," approved on the 10th of April, 1806, and the several subsequent acts amending and extending the same.
On motion of Mr. Williams, of N. C. it was
Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of allowing to officers in the army of the United States a salary or stated sum of money per year, instead of pay and emoluments, as now allowed by law.
On motion of Mr. Montgomery, of Ky. it was
Resolved, That the Secretary of State be directed to lay before this House copies of any communications received at his office having relation to any misunderstanding which may have existed between Andrew Jackson, as governor of the Floridas, and Eligius Fromentin, as judge to the Court therein.
And, also, in relation to any delay, or omission, on the part of the officers under his Catholic Majesty to surrender to the officers and commissioners of the United States, duly authorized to receive the same, any of the archives and documents which relate directly to the property and sovereignty in and over the said Floridas.
And, also, in relation to the means adopted by the officers and commissioners, on the part of the United States to obtain possession of such archives and documents.
These resolutions, according to the rules of the house, lie on the table one day of course.
Mr. Nelson, of Md. submitted the following resolution:
Resolved, That a special committee be appointed, with instructions to enquire into the expediency of appropriating the proceeds of the public lands to the creation of a permanent fund for the purposes of education and internal improvements throughout the United States.
Mr. Hardin, of Ky. proposed to amend the resolution, so as to refer the subject to the committee on the Public Lands, instead of a select committee.
A discussion ensued on Mr. H's motion which was supported by the mover, and Messrs. Floyd, of Va. Rankin, and Baldwin, and opposed by Messrs. Nelson, of Md and Sergeant of Penn.: when Mr. Woodson, of Ky. moved to amend the amendment by substituting, after the word Resolved, in the original proposition, the following, viz:
"That a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of making such an appropriation of the public lands to the purposes of education in those states to which no grants have yet been made, as will correspond, in a just proportion with the appropriations heretofore made in favor of other states; and that said committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise."
Mr. Cook moved that the amendment last proposed lie on the table, to the end that the whole subject be postponed until further information be obtained relative to the disposition of the people in regard to the subject as expressed, by their respective legislatures now in session, before whom it is known to be agitated.
The motion to lay the subject on the table was opposed at some length by Messrs. Mallory, Woodson, Wright, and Warfield; but, by consent of the original mover (Mr. N.) the same was ultimately ordered to lie on the table.
On motion of Mr. Farrelly, it was
Resolved, That the resolution of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, "requesting their Senators and Representatives in Congress to use their exertions in procuring the passage of a law providing for the removal of the obstructions in the entrance of the harbor at Erie, on Lake Erie; and pledging the co-operation of that state with the United States, in the accomplishment of that object," and which was referred on the 12th February 1818, to the Committee on Commerce, be again referred to the same committee.
On motion of Mr. Hemphill, it was
Resolved, That the subject of roads and canals be referred to a select committee.
The order of the day was then taken up, on the appointment of an Assistant Doorkeeper.
Mr. Little moved that the subject be indefinitely postponed; which motion, after some discussion thereof, in which the mover and Mr. Wood and Mr. Wright took part, was negatived.
Mr. Rich thereupon moved to add to the motion for proceeding to the election of Assistant Doorkeeper the following: "who shall receive from the contingent fund of the house two dollars per day during the session of Congress, whilst his services are required."—After some debate the motion of Mr. R. was negatived; when
The following persons were nominated for the office, viz: Daniel Rapine, John O. Dunn, Richard Elliott, John C. Brush, Henry R. Teller, Wm. M'Farland, Hanson Catlett, Wm. Reily, Clement Sewall, Frederick W. Miller, John Frank, Underhill Dan, Thomas C. Prettyman, Isaac K. Hanson, Joseph Dougherty, George Wadsworth, Alfred Dowson, Hector Brownson, Joseph Gibson, Henry Wertz, and Henry S. Compton.
On the first ballot thereupon, the following result was declared:
On motion of Mr. Swearingen, The House then adjourned, near 4 o'clock.
IN SENATE
Mr. Elliot of Georgia, and Mr. Walker, of Alabama, appeared and took their seats.
On motion of Mr. Barbour, it was
Resolved, That the Senate will, on Wednesday next, at 12 o'clock, proceed to the appointment of the standing Committees of this House.
The Senate took up and adopted the resolution offered by Mr. Dickerson on Friday last, for the appointment of a joint Committee on the arrangements for the Library of Congress ; and Messrs. Dickerson, Walker, and Elliot, were appointed on the part of the Senate.
Mr. Williams, of Tennessee, having obtained leave, introduced a bill to authorise the members of the two Houses to transmit certain documents by mail, free of postage, which bill was read three times by general consent, passed, and sent to the other House for concurrence : and the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. Blackledge, of North Carolina, appeared, was qualified, and took his seat.
The following committees were announced to have been appointed by the Speaker, in pursuance of the resolutions of this House on Friday last, viz.
On the Naval Establishment—Messrs. McLane, Fuller, Warfield, Cinner, Hardin, Cambreleng, Plumer, of Pa.
On the Military Establishment—Messrs. Eustis, Van Rensselaer, Bassett, Smith, of Ky. Cocke, Darlington, Matlack.
On the Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs of the United States—Messrs. Russell, Rodney, Trimble, Archer, Wright, Taylor, Farrelly.
On the Slave Trade—Messrs. Gorham, Hemphill, Phillips, Borland, Poinsett, J. T. Johnson, Swearingen.
There were presented this morning forty five petitions : of which there were referred—
To the committee of Revolutionary Pensions 16
Of Claims 4
Of Ways and Means
Of Post Offices and Post Roads
Of Commerce
Of Pensions & Rev'ry Claims 3
Of Military Affairs
Of Naval Affairs
Of the District of Columbia 1
Of Public Lands 3
Of the Judiciary
Of Elections 1
Of Private Land Claims 3
Among the petitions was one from Matthew Lyon, contesting the right of Mr. Bates to the seat of Delegate from the Arkansas Territory : one from Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, as Rector of the University of that State, praying that the duties may be abolished on the importation of books for the use of Literary Institutions; and one from the Corporation of Washington, praying from Congress authority to remove further east that part of the City Canal which now runs along Pennsylvania Avenue.
A bill from the Senate entitled "An Act for the transmission of certain documents, free of postage," was read the first and second time, and, by unanimous consent, was also read the third time and passed.
On motion of Mr. Scott, it was
Resolved, That the committee on the Public Lands be instructed to enquire into the expediency of making further provisions by law for the final adjustment of the unconfirmed land claims in the state of Missouri derived from the French and Spanish governments respectively, and of referring the final settlement of those claims to some tribunal, to be empowered, or established, for that purpose.
On motion of Mr. Bates, it was
Resolved, That the committee on Public Lands be instructed to enquire into the expediency of making provision by law for the final adjustment of the unconfirmed land claims in the Territory of Arkansas derived from the French and Spanish government— and of referring the settlement of those claims to some tribunal established or to be created.
On motion of Mr. Hendricks,
Resolved, That the committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing a post road in Indiana, from Terre Haute, by the way of Clinton, the seat of justice for the county of Park, and Crawfordsville, to Indianapolis.
Resolved, also, That the same committee be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing a post road from Lawrenceburg, in the state aforesaid, by the way of Napoleon, to Indianapolis.
On motion of Mr. Sawyer,
Resolved, That the committee on so much of the President's Message as relates to the suppression of the slave trade, be instructed to enquire into the expediency of continuing in force for a further time an act passed the 3d of March, 1819, which, by the act of the 15th May, 1820, was extended to two years, and entitled "An act to protect the commerce of the United States and punish the crime of piracy."
On motion of Mr. Walworth,
Resolved, That the committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be instructed to enquire into the expediency of having the public mail from the city of Albany to Plattsburg, and the northern part of the state of New York, transmitted on the west side of Lake Champlain.
On motion of Mr. Lathrop,
Resolved, That the committee of Revisal and Unfinished Business be instructed to consider the expediency of reviving the several acts of August 2d, 1813, January 9th, 1815, and March 8th, 1816, laying a direct tax within the United States, so far as to allow a further time of redemption on the lands sold for the non-payment of the tax, where the same have been purchased on behalf of the United States.
The following resolution was submitted by Mr. Cook, and rejected :
Resolved, That the committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be instructed to enquire into the expediency of allowing the members of the Legislature of each state to receive and transmit letters free of postage, and such documents not exceeding one ounce weight, as may be printed by order of such Legislature within the limits of their respective states.
The resolutions proposed by Mr. Wood on the 6th instant, for the appointment of sundry committees, were then taken up, and, after undergoing some modification, were agreed to.
Mr. Lathrop called for the consideration of the resolution which he had submitted to the House on Thursday last, relative to the further extension of the time allowed for the redemption of land sold for direct taxes, which was considered, and agreed to.
Mr. Tracy called for the consideration of the resolution relative to petitions that had been referred to committees during the last session of Congress and not acted upon, which was thereupon taken up, and after some discussion of the subject, the same, on motion of Mr. Walworth, was indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Mr. Bateman, the House then proceeded to the election of a Chaplain, and the following gentlemen were nominated, viz.
Rev. Jared Sparks, Rev. Mr. Wiley
On the first ballot, the votes were declared to stand as follows:
Whole number of votes 120
Necessary to a choice 61
Of which there were for
Rev. Mr. Sparks 42
Allison 30
Dwight 24
Post 13
Scattering 11
On the second ballot, the following result was declared:
Whole number of votes 120
Necessary to a choice 61
Of which there were for
Rev. Mr. Sparks 62
Allison 22
Dwight 24
Bradford 5
Post 4
Scattering 3
To the choice.
A third ballot presented the following result:
Whole number of votes 157
Necessary to a choice 79
Of which there were for
Rev. Mr. Sparks 75
Allison 35
Dwight 36
Scattering 11
Next.
The fourth ballot terminated as follows:
Whole number of votes 155
Necessary to a choice 78
Of which there were for
Rev. Mr. Sparks 76
Allison 46
Dwight 27
Blank 6
Whereupon it was declared, that the Rev. Jared Sparks was chosen Chaplain to Congress on the part of the House of Representatives and the House adjourned.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11.
IN SENATE.
Mr. King, of Alabama, and Mr. Ware, a member from Georgia, in the place of Mr. Walker, resigned, appeared to-day and took their seats.
Mr. Eaton moved that the rules of the Senate be referred to a committee with instructions to expunge so much thereof as relates to the appointment of standing committees which motion was, after some discussion, negatived: and Thursday next was fixed for the appointment of the standing committees.
The Senate then proceeded to the election of a Chaplain, when the first balloting resulted as follows:
For the Rev. Mr. Ryland 12
Mr. Brown 9
Mr. M'llvaine 8
Mr. Post 7
Scattering 4
On the second ballot, Mr. Ryland had 15, Mr. Brown 12, Mr. M'llvaine 10, Mr. Post 8.
On the third ballot, Mr. Ryland received 17, Mr. Brown 11, Mr. M'llvaine 5, Mr. Post 35.
A fourth ballot took place, which resulted as follows:
For Mr. Ryland 19
Mr. M'llvaine 13
Mr. Brown 30
The Rev. William Ryland having a majority of the votes, was accordingly elected Chaplain to Congress on the part of the Senate; and the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The following Committees were announced as having been appointed pursuant to the orders of yesterday.
On Public Buildings.—Messrs. Blackledge, Van Wyck, Cassedy, Brown, Cushman, Hobart, and Williams, Va.
On the expediency of occupying the Columbia River etc.—Messrs. Floyd, Ballies, and Scott.
On the Joint Library Committee.—Messrs. Poinsett, A. Smith, and Whipple.
Mr. Dane and Mr. Murray were appointed of the Committee of Enrolled Bills on the part of this House.
Mr. Reid, of Georgia, appeared, was qualified, and took his seat.
On this day, petitions were presented and referred to the following Committees, viz:
To the committee of Revolutionary Pensions 9
Of Ways and Means 2
Of Claims 3
Of Pensions & Revolutionary Claims 5
Of Public Lands 1
Of Naval Affairs 1
Of Commerce 1
Of Foreign Affairs 1
Of Private Land Claims 1
Of Post Office and Post Roads 1
Mr. Sloan, from the Committee on Elections, reported in favor of the petition of Cadwallader D. Colden, of New York, contesting the return in favor of P. Sharpe, which was on motion referred to a Committee of the whole House.
Mr. Sergeant, of Penn. from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported a bill for the establishment of an uniform system of Bankruptcy throughout the United States, which was read by its title.—Among other remarks, Mr. S. stated, that the subject of the bill was a matter of deep interest to the people of the United States; that he had presented it thus early in order to give members time to prepare their minds on it; and that it was the same in form, as that which came from the Senate at the last Session. Mr. S. then moved that it be referred to a Committee of the Whole House, and made the order of the day for the first Monday in January next; which was agreed to.
Mr. Cannon, of Tenn. submitted for consideration the following resolutions:
1. Resolved, That it is expedient to provide for the general defence, by making further provision for arming, organizing, and improving in discipline, the militia of the United States.
2. Resolved, That a select committee be appointed on the subject of militia, whose duty it shall be to enquire into the expediency of organizing and providing for the improvement in discipline of the militia of the different states and territories: and that said committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
3. Resolved, That the committee of Ways & Means be instructed to enquire into the expediency of increasing the annual appropriation for arming the militia.
4. Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of re-organizing the regular army, so that the companies in the different corps contain the number of non-commissioned officers and privates they did previous to the reduction and organization made under the act of the last session of Congress: and that said committee enquire into the expediency of disbanding the supernumerary officers, and reducing the general staff.
5. Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reducing the number of cadets (educated at the public expense in the military academy at West Point) to such a number as may be necessary for the regular army of the United States.
Those resolutions were ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Smith, of Md. moved the following resolutions:
1. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to report to this House a statement shewing the amount annually received under the act for the relief of sick and disabled seamen, during the years 1817, 1818, 1819, and 1820; and the annual expenditures for the same during those years.
2. Resolved, That the commissioners of the navy hospitals be directed to report to this house a statement shewing the annual receipts of the navy hospital fund, and the balance that remains in their hands unexpended.
These resolutions also were ordered to lie on the table.
On motion of Mr. Scott, it was
Resolved, That the committee on public lands be instructed to inquire into the expediency of providing by law for the payment to the State of Missouri of so much of the proceeds (being three per cent.) arising from the sale of the public lands in the State of Missouri, made since the 1st of January, 1821, as has been reserved by the third clause of the sixth section of the act of Congress of March, 1820, entitled "An act to authorize the people of Missouri territory to form a constitution and state government, and for the admission of such state into the Union on an equal footing with the original states, and to prohibit slavery in certain territories."
On motion of Mr. Rhea, it was
Resolved, That the committee on Pensions and Revolutionary Claims be instructed to inquire into the expediency of reviving and continuing in force the act entitled "An act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary war," approved on the 10th of April, 1806, and the several subsequent acts amending and extending the same.
On motion of Mr. Williams, of N. C. it was
Resolved, That the committee on Military Affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of allowing to officers in the army of the United States a salary or stated sum of money per year, instead of pay and emoluments, as now allowed by law.
On motion of Mr. Montgomery, of Ky. it was
Resolved, That the Secretary of State be directed to lay before this House copies of any communications received at his office having relation to any misunderstanding which may have existed between Andrew Jackson, as governor of the Floridas, and Eligius Fromentin, as judge to the Court therein.
And, also, in relation to any delay, or omission, on the part of the officers under his Catholic Majesty to surrender to the officers and commissioners of the United States, duly authorized to receive the same, any of the archives and documents which relate directly to the property and sovereignty in and over the said Floridas.
And, also, in relation to the means adopted by the officers and commissioners, on the part of the United States to obtain possession of such archives and documents.
These resolutions, according to the rules of the house, lie on the table one day of course.
Mr. Nelson, of Md. submitted the following resolution:
Resolved, That a special committee be appointed, with instructions to enquire into the expediency of appropriating the proceeds of the public lands to the creation of a permanent fund for the purposes of education and internal improvements throughout the United States.
Mr. Hardin, of Ky. proposed to amend the resolution, so as to refer the subject to the committee on the Public Lands, instead of a select committee.
A discussion ensued on Mr. H's motion which was supported by the mover, and Messrs. Floyd, of Va. Rankin, and Baldwin, and opposed by Messrs. Nelson, of Md and Sergeant of Penn.: when Mr. Woodson, of Ky. moved to amend the amendment by substituting, after the word Resolved, in the original proposition, the following, viz:
"That a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of making such an appropriation of the public lands to the purposes of education in those states to which no grants have yet been made, as will correspond, in a just proportion with the appropriations heretofore made in favor of other states; and that said committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise."
Mr. Cook moved that the amendment last proposed lie on the table, to the end that the whole subject be postponed until further information be obtained relative to the disposition of the people in regard to the subject as expressed, by their respective legislatures now in session, before whom it is known to be agitated.
The motion to lay the subject on the table was opposed at some length by Messrs. Mallory, Woodson, Wright, and Warfield; but, by consent of the original mover (Mr. N.) the same was ultimately ordered to lie on the table.
On motion of Mr. Farrelly, it was
Resolved, That the resolution of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, "requesting their Senators and Representatives in Congress to use their exertions in procuring the passage of a law providing for the removal of the obstructions in the entrance of the harbor at Erie, on Lake Erie; and pledging the co-operation of that state with the United States, in the accomplishment of that object," and which was referred on the 12th February 1818, to the Committee on Commerce, be again referred to the same committee.
On motion of Mr. Hemphill, it was
Resolved, That the subject of roads and canals be referred to a select committee.
The order of the day was then taken up, on the appointment of an Assistant Doorkeeper.
Mr. Little moved that the subject be indefinitely postponed; which motion, after some discussion thereof, in which the mover and Mr. Wood and Mr. Wright took part, was negatived.
Mr. Rich thereupon moved to add to the motion for proceeding to the election of Assistant Doorkeeper the following: "who shall receive from the contingent fund of the house two dollars per day during the session of Congress, whilst his services are required."—After some debate the motion of Mr. R. was negatived; when
The following persons were nominated for the office, viz: Daniel Rapine, John O. Dunn, Richard Elliott, John C. Brush, Henry R. Teller, Wm. M'Farland, Hanson Catlett, Wm. Reily, Clement Sewall, Frederick W. Miller, John Frank, Underhill Dan, Thomas C. Prettyman, Isaac K. Hanson, Joseph Dougherty, George Wadsworth, Alfred Dowson, Hector Brownson, Joseph Gibson, Henry Wertz, and Henry S. Compton.
On the first ballot thereupon, the following result was declared:
| The whole number of votes | 164 |
| Necessary to a choice | 83 |
| Of which there were for | |
| J. Oswald Dunn | 35 |
| D. Rapine | 31 |
| George Wadsworth | 22 |
| Henry Wertz | 15 |
| Henry R. Teller | 10 |
| Hanson Catlett | 9 |
| Underhill Dan | 9 |
| Alfred R. Dowson | 6 |
| Hector Brownson | 6 |
| William Reily | 6 |
| Scattering | 15 |
On motion of Mr. Swearingen, The House then adjourned, near 4 o'clock.
What sub-type of article is it?
Politics
Appointment
What keywords are associated?
Congress Proceedings
Senate Session
House Representatives
Committee Appointments
Land Claims
Post Roads
Slave Trade
Chaplain Election
Assistant Doorkeeper
Petitions
Resolutions
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Barbour
Mr. Dickerson
Mr. Williams Of Tennessee
Mr. Blackledge
Mr. Scott
Mr. Bates
Mr. Hendricks
Mr. Sawyer
Mr. Walworth
Mr. Lathrop
Mr. Cook
Mr. Wood
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Bateman
Rev. Jared Sparks
Mr. King Of Alabama
Mr. Ware
Mr. Eaton
Rev. William Ryland
Mr. Floyd
Mr. Cannon Of Tenn.
Mr. Smith Of Md.
Mr. Rhea
Mr. Williams Of N. C.
Mr. Montgomery Of Ky.
Mr. Nelson Of Md.
Mr. Hardin Of Ky.
Mr. Sergeant Of Penn.
Mr. Farrelly
Mr. Hemphill
Mr. Little
Mr. Rich
Mr. Swearingen
Where did it happen?
Washington
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Washington
Event Date
December 10 11, 1821
Key Persons
Mr. Barbour
Mr. Dickerson
Mr. Williams Of Tennessee
Mr. Blackledge
Mr. Scott
Mr. Bates
Mr. Hendricks
Mr. Sawyer
Mr. Walworth
Mr. Lathrop
Mr. Cook
Mr. Wood
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Bateman
Rev. Jared Sparks
Mr. King Of Alabama
Mr. Ware
Mr. Eaton
Rev. William Ryland
Mr. Floyd
Mr. Cannon Of Tenn.
Mr. Smith Of Md.
Mr. Rhea
Mr. Williams Of N. C.
Mr. Montgomery Of Ky.
Mr. Nelson Of Md.
Mr. Hardin Of Ky.
Mr. Sergeant Of Penn.
Mr. Farrelly
Mr. Hemphill
Mr. Little
Mr. Rich
Mr. Swearingen
Outcome
bills passed on free postage transmission; committees appointed on naval, military, foreign affairs, slave trade, public buildings, library; resolutions instructed on land claims, post roads, slave trade suppression, direct tax redemptions, militia, bankruptcy system reported; chaplains elected: rev. jared sparks (house), rev. william ryland (senate); assistant doorkeeper election ongoing with no choice on first ballot.
Event Details
U.S. Senate and House of Representatives sessions on December 10-11, 1821, involved member arrivals, committee appointments and instructions on various topics including land claims in Missouri and Arkansas, post roads in Indiana and New York, slave trade, direct taxes, militia organization, pensions, military salaries, Florida archives, public lands for education and improvements, roads and canals; petitions presented and referred; bills introduced and passed; elections held for chaplains and assistant doorkeeper.