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Domestic News
April 19, 1794
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives from February 24 to April 2, including inquiries into treasury transactions, discussions on commercial treaties, passage of mint and post-office bills, constitutional amendment on judicial power, reports on military fortifications and stores, resolutions for indemnification against British depredations, and organization of militia forces.
Merged-components note: This component reports on congressional proceedings, which fits domestic_news for national non-story news; the table provides the militia apportionment list referenced in the text and is spatially adjacent, so merged.
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Federal Legislature.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Monday, February 24.
At the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, a motion was brought forward for the appointment of a committee to enquire into the transactions of the Treasury department. Agreed to. A committee was then appointed.
A message was received from the President, communicating extracts from letters lately received from the American minister in London, and other papers respecting a commercial treaty. These communications being confidential, the galleries were shut.
Tuesday, February 25.
An act in alteration of the act for establishing a mint, received from the Senate, passed the house this day without amendment.
Wednesday, February 26.
Mr. Smith called up the motion to appoint a committee to report on the propriety of remitting the duty on imported bar iron, in certain cases. A committee was appointed.
Mr. Fitzsimons moved, that that part of the President's message which relates to the arms and military stores of the United States, be referred to a committee, with instructions to report whether any and what additions are necessary to be made to any part of the same, with the probable expenses of such addition.
It being moved, by Mr. Nicholas, to take into consideration the confidential communications of the President, for determining whether they shall be made public—the galleries were cleared.
Friday, February 28.
The section of the appropriation bill, which authorizes the President to anticipate by loan the supplies for the service of government, which had been struck out, was taken up and unanimously agreed to by the house.
Monday, March 3.
The report relative to creating an office for issuing supplies under the war department, was agreed to.
A bill was brought in and twice read, authorizing a loan of one million of dollars.
A post-office bill was reported, and twice read.
A message was received from the president, communicating confidential letters from Spain and Portugal.
A bill providing for the payment of an installment due to the bank, was reported.
Tuesday, March 4.
The house took into consideration the amendment to the constitution of the United States, which has been passed by the Senate. This amendment is as follows:
"The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States, by citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State."
To this amendment Mr. Boudinot proposed an amendment, the object of which was to qualify the principle, by conditioning that the States should make provision for the attainment of justice in the State courts. This amendment was negatived—only seven ayes appearing on calling the ayes and nays.
The question then was on the third reading of the original amendment—this after some remarks by Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Scott, Mr. Dexter and Mr. Murray—the two last in favour, the two first in opposition to the amendment, was carried in the affirmative—it was accordingly read the third time.
On the question, will the house concur with the Senate? it was determined in the affirmative, yeas 81, noes 9.
In committee of the whole on the report relative to placing the ports and harbours of the United States in a posture of defence. Mr. Boudinot in the chair. The report was read: It states, that the following ports and harbours ought to be put in a state of defence, viz. Portland, in Maine; Portsmouth, in New-Hampshire; Cape-Ann, Salem, Marblehead, Boston, in Massachusetts: Newport, R. Island; New-London, Connecticut; New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Wilmington, North-Carolina; Ocracoke Inlet, Charleston, S. Carolina; Savannah, Georgia. The fortifications to be of a nature to defend the several ports and harbours against surprize by naval armaments; that the several places to be fortified be garrisoned by troops in the pay of the United States.
From the estimates it appears, that the sums necessary to erect the fortifications amount to 76,653 dollars 52 cents. That 200 cannon will be necessary, which with their carriages, &c. amount to 96,645 dollars. Total 172,698 dollars 52 cents. The annual expenses of the troops necessary to garrison the several fortifications, including pay, subsistence, &c. 90,349 dollars 52 cents.
The committee state, that in their opinion the security of the United States renders it necessary to provide the cannon, whether the fortifications should be erected or not. The report goes on to state the expense, which would probably be incurred at the several places mentioned—the aggregate of which is as above stated.
Several amendments and resolutions were adopted by the house: and a bill for carrying the report into effect was ordered to be brought in.
The committee on that part of the President's message relating to arms and military stores brought in a report, which states the several additions and augmentations necessary. Two additional arsenals; a national armoury; 5000 stand of arms; gunpowder, &c. are specified.
This report was twice read, and referred to the committee of the whole.
A message was received from the President of the United States, communicating sundry documents and papers laid before him by the Secretary of State, relative to depredations of the commerce of the United States: the communications were read.
The detail of the Secretary of State exhibits a deplorable statement of the losses and vexatious interruptions of our commerce and navigation by the cruizers of the belligerent powers: this communication was ordered to be printed.
Thursday, March 27.
Mr. Smith (S. Carolina) offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, That provision ought to be made for the indemnification of all citizens of the United States, whose vessels and cargoes shall have been seized and confiscated by any belligerent power, contrary to the law of nations.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill for carrying the foregoing resolution into effect.
The following including the object contemplated by those of Mr. Smith were presented by Mr. Dayton, and it was moved to go into committee of the whole upon them immediately, After some debate, the motion was carried—51 members rising in the affirmative.
Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law, for the sequestration of all the debts due from the citizens of the United States, to the subjects of the King of Great-Britain.
Resolved, That provision ought in like manner to be made for securing the payment of all such debts into the Treasury of the United States, there to be held as a pledge for the indemnification of such of the citizens of the said States as shall have suffered from the ships of war, privateers, or from any person or description of persons acting under the commission or authority of the British King, in contravention of the laws of nations, and in violation of the rights of neutrality.
The house accordingly went into committee of the whole on these resolutions, Mr. Sherburne in the chair.
Mr. Smith (S. C) then laid the following resolution on the table, as a substitute for those presented by Mr. Dayton.
Resolved, That all transfers or assignments of debts due to any subjects of Great-Britain by any citizen of the United States, made after the promulgation of this resolution, and for thirty days thereafter, be null and void to all intents and purposes.
The committee, to whom was referred to report means of rendering the force of the United States more efficient, after mature and deliberate consideration, have unanimously agreed to report to the house the following resolutions, as proper to be adopted:
Resolved, That effectual measures ought to be adopted to complete the present military establishment of the United States, and that provision ought to be made that the same may be kept full.
Resolved, That an additional corps of artillery, not to exceed 800 men, officers included, and also including one chief and four assistant engineers, ought to be raised for garrisoning the fortifications which are or may be erected for the defence of the sea coasts.
Resolved, That the President be authorized and empowered to call on the executives of the several States, to take effectual measures, as soon as may be, to organize, and hold in readiness to march at a moment's warning eighty thousand effective militia (officers included) to be apportioned to the States respectively, in proportion to the whole number of white inhabitants,—that is to say,
To the State Rhode-Island 1627
Massachusetts 11885
New-Hampshire 3544
80,000
Which detachment of militia shall be officered out of the present militia officers, or others, at the option and discretion of the constitutional authority of the States respectively.
Resolved, That any independent corps of cavalry, artillery or infantry, may be accepted, as part of the said detachment of militia, provided they shall voluntarily engage; and provided the same shall be deemed eligible by the President.
Resolved, That the President be desired to request the executives of the several States, to take effectual care that the men, detached as aforesaid, be armed and equipped according to law.
Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law for organizing and raising a military force, under the authority of the government of the United States, to consist of 5000 rank and file, with the proper officers, to serve for the term of three years, or during a war which may break out between the United States and any foreign European power; and that the President be authorized to take the measures necessary for raising the same: provided that no such measures be taken by the executive, until war shall be actually commenced between the United States and some foreign European power.
Friday, March 28.
A communication was received from the President, relative to some provisions, which the execution of the embargo required to be carried into operation.
The whole sitting was employed in further debate on Mr. Dayton's resolutions. Adjourned until Monday.
Wednesday, April 2.
It was moved, that the President be authorized to grant to citizens of the United States commissions of marque and reprisals against the regencies of Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis. Referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
The following motion, made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. Findley was laid on the table for consideration.
Resolved, That until the government of Great Britain shall cause restitution to be made for all losses and damages sustained by the citizens of the United States from armed vessels, or from any person or persons acting under commission or authority of the British King, contrary to the laws of nations, and in violation of the rights of neutrality: and also until all posts now held and detained by the king of Great Britain, within the territories of the United States, shall be surrendered and given up, all commercial intercourse between the citizens of the United States, and the subjects of the king of Great Britain, so far as the same respects articles of the growth or manufactures of Great Britain or Ireland, shall be prohibited: Provided such prohibition shall not extend to vessels or their cargoes arriving in any of the ports of the United States before the day of next.
Adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Monday, February 24.
At the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, a motion was brought forward for the appointment of a committee to enquire into the transactions of the Treasury department. Agreed to. A committee was then appointed.
A message was received from the President, communicating extracts from letters lately received from the American minister in London, and other papers respecting a commercial treaty. These communications being confidential, the galleries were shut.
Tuesday, February 25.
An act in alteration of the act for establishing a mint, received from the Senate, passed the house this day without amendment.
Wednesday, February 26.
Mr. Smith called up the motion to appoint a committee to report on the propriety of remitting the duty on imported bar iron, in certain cases. A committee was appointed.
Mr. Fitzsimons moved, that that part of the President's message which relates to the arms and military stores of the United States, be referred to a committee, with instructions to report whether any and what additions are necessary to be made to any part of the same, with the probable expenses of such addition.
It being moved, by Mr. Nicholas, to take into consideration the confidential communications of the President, for determining whether they shall be made public—the galleries were cleared.
Friday, February 28.
The section of the appropriation bill, which authorizes the President to anticipate by loan the supplies for the service of government, which had been struck out, was taken up and unanimously agreed to by the house.
Monday, March 3.
The report relative to creating an office for issuing supplies under the war department, was agreed to.
A bill was brought in and twice read, authorizing a loan of one million of dollars.
A post-office bill was reported, and twice read.
A message was received from the president, communicating confidential letters from Spain and Portugal.
A bill providing for the payment of an installment due to the bank, was reported.
Tuesday, March 4.
The house took into consideration the amendment to the constitution of the United States, which has been passed by the Senate. This amendment is as follows:
"The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States, by citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State."
To this amendment Mr. Boudinot proposed an amendment, the object of which was to qualify the principle, by conditioning that the States should make provision for the attainment of justice in the State courts. This amendment was negatived—only seven ayes appearing on calling the ayes and nays.
The question then was on the third reading of the original amendment—this after some remarks by Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Scott, Mr. Dexter and Mr. Murray—the two last in favour, the two first in opposition to the amendment, was carried in the affirmative—it was accordingly read the third time.
On the question, will the house concur with the Senate? it was determined in the affirmative, yeas 81, noes 9.
In committee of the whole on the report relative to placing the ports and harbours of the United States in a posture of defence. Mr. Boudinot in the chair. The report was read: It states, that the following ports and harbours ought to be put in a state of defence, viz. Portland, in Maine; Portsmouth, in New-Hampshire; Cape-Ann, Salem, Marblehead, Boston, in Massachusetts: Newport, R. Island; New-London, Connecticut; New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Wilmington, North-Carolina; Ocracoke Inlet, Charleston, S. Carolina; Savannah, Georgia. The fortifications to be of a nature to defend the several ports and harbours against surprize by naval armaments; that the several places to be fortified be garrisoned by troops in the pay of the United States.
From the estimates it appears, that the sums necessary to erect the fortifications amount to 76,653 dollars 52 cents. That 200 cannon will be necessary, which with their carriages, &c. amount to 96,645 dollars. Total 172,698 dollars 52 cents. The annual expenses of the troops necessary to garrison the several fortifications, including pay, subsistence, &c. 90,349 dollars 52 cents.
The committee state, that in their opinion the security of the United States renders it necessary to provide the cannon, whether the fortifications should be erected or not. The report goes on to state the expense, which would probably be incurred at the several places mentioned—the aggregate of which is as above stated.
Several amendments and resolutions were adopted by the house: and a bill for carrying the report into effect was ordered to be brought in.
The committee on that part of the President's message relating to arms and military stores brought in a report, which states the several additions and augmentations necessary. Two additional arsenals; a national armoury; 5000 stand of arms; gunpowder, &c. are specified.
This report was twice read, and referred to the committee of the whole.
A message was received from the President of the United States, communicating sundry documents and papers laid before him by the Secretary of State, relative to depredations of the commerce of the United States: the communications were read.
The detail of the Secretary of State exhibits a deplorable statement of the losses and vexatious interruptions of our commerce and navigation by the cruizers of the belligerent powers: this communication was ordered to be printed.
Thursday, March 27.
Mr. Smith (S. Carolina) offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, That provision ought to be made for the indemnification of all citizens of the United States, whose vessels and cargoes shall have been seized and confiscated by any belligerent power, contrary to the law of nations.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill for carrying the foregoing resolution into effect.
The following including the object contemplated by those of Mr. Smith were presented by Mr. Dayton, and it was moved to go into committee of the whole upon them immediately, After some debate, the motion was carried—51 members rising in the affirmative.
Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law, for the sequestration of all the debts due from the citizens of the United States, to the subjects of the King of Great-Britain.
Resolved, That provision ought in like manner to be made for securing the payment of all such debts into the Treasury of the United States, there to be held as a pledge for the indemnification of such of the citizens of the said States as shall have suffered from the ships of war, privateers, or from any person or description of persons acting under the commission or authority of the British King, in contravention of the laws of nations, and in violation of the rights of neutrality.
The house accordingly went into committee of the whole on these resolutions, Mr. Sherburne in the chair.
Mr. Smith (S. C) then laid the following resolution on the table, as a substitute for those presented by Mr. Dayton.
Resolved, That all transfers or assignments of debts due to any subjects of Great-Britain by any citizen of the United States, made after the promulgation of this resolution, and for thirty days thereafter, be null and void to all intents and purposes.
The committee, to whom was referred to report means of rendering the force of the United States more efficient, after mature and deliberate consideration, have unanimously agreed to report to the house the following resolutions, as proper to be adopted:
Resolved, That effectual measures ought to be adopted to complete the present military establishment of the United States, and that provision ought to be made that the same may be kept full.
Resolved, That an additional corps of artillery, not to exceed 800 men, officers included, and also including one chief and four assistant engineers, ought to be raised for garrisoning the fortifications which are or may be erected for the defence of the sea coasts.
Resolved, That the President be authorized and empowered to call on the executives of the several States, to take effectual measures, as soon as may be, to organize, and hold in readiness to march at a moment's warning eighty thousand effective militia (officers included) to be apportioned to the States respectively, in proportion to the whole number of white inhabitants,—that is to say,
To the State Rhode-Island 1627
Massachusetts 11885
New-Hampshire 3544
80,000
Which detachment of militia shall be officered out of the present militia officers, or others, at the option and discretion of the constitutional authority of the States respectively.
Resolved, That any independent corps of cavalry, artillery or infantry, may be accepted, as part of the said detachment of militia, provided they shall voluntarily engage; and provided the same shall be deemed eligible by the President.
Resolved, That the President be desired to request the executives of the several States, to take effectual care that the men, detached as aforesaid, be armed and equipped according to law.
Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law for organizing and raising a military force, under the authority of the government of the United States, to consist of 5000 rank and file, with the proper officers, to serve for the term of three years, or during a war which may break out between the United States and any foreign European power; and that the President be authorized to take the measures necessary for raising the same: provided that no such measures be taken by the executive, until war shall be actually commenced between the United States and some foreign European power.
Friday, March 28.
A communication was received from the President, relative to some provisions, which the execution of the embargo required to be carried into operation.
The whole sitting was employed in further debate on Mr. Dayton's resolutions. Adjourned until Monday.
Wednesday, April 2.
It was moved, that the President be authorized to grant to citizens of the United States commissions of marque and reprisals against the regencies of Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis. Referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
The following motion, made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. Findley was laid on the table for consideration.
Resolved, That until the government of Great Britain shall cause restitution to be made for all losses and damages sustained by the citizens of the United States from armed vessels, or from any person or persons acting under commission or authority of the British King, contrary to the laws of nations, and in violation of the rights of neutrality: and also until all posts now held and detained by the king of Great Britain, within the territories of the United States, shall be surrendered and given up, all commercial intercourse between the citizens of the United States, and the subjects of the king of Great Britain, so far as the same respects articles of the growth or manufactures of Great Britain or Ireland, shall be prohibited: Provided such prohibition shall not extend to vessels or their cargoes arriving in any of the ports of the United States before the day of next.
Adjourned.
| South-Carolina | 1333 |
| North-Carolina | 3550 |
| Kentucky | 7331 |
| Virginia | 1602 |
| Maryland | 11377 |
| Delaware | 5418 |
| Pennsylvania | 1256 |
| New-Jersey | 10768 |
| New-York | 4318 |
| Vermont | 7971 |
| Connecticut | 2139 |
What sub-type of article is it?
Politics
What keywords are associated?
House Of Representatives
Legislative Proceedings
Constitutional Amendment
Judicial Power
Military Fortifications
Ports Defense
Commerce Depredations
British Violations
Militia Organization
Indemnification Resolutions
What entities or persons were involved?
Secretary Of The Treasury
American Minister In London
Mr. Smith
Mr. Fitzsimons
Mr. Nicholas
Mr. Boudinot
Mr. Scott
Mr. Dexter
Mr. Murray
President
Mr. Dayton
Mr. Sherburne
Mr. Clark
Mr. Findley
Secretary Of State
Domestic News Details
Event Date
February 24 To April 2
Key Persons
Secretary Of The Treasury
American Minister In London
Mr. Smith
Mr. Fitzsimons
Mr. Nicholas
Mr. Boudinot
Mr. Scott
Mr. Dexter
Mr. Murray
President
Mr. Dayton
Mr. Sherburne
Mr. Clark
Mr. Findley
Secretary Of State
Outcome
various bills passed without amendment; committees appointed; constitutional amendment concurred with (yeas 81, noes 9); reports on fortifications and military stores adopted; resolutions on indemnification and military efficiency debated and referred; commerce depredations documented and printed.
Event Details
The House considered treasury transactions, confidential communications on commercial treaty, mint act, duty on bar iron, military stores, constitutional amendment limiting judicial power against states, defense of ports and harbors, additions to arms and stores, depredations on U.S. commerce, resolutions for indemnification and sequestration of debts to Britain, military establishment completion, artillery corps, militia organization of 80,000, and additional force of 5,000; embargo provisions and letters of marque discussed.