twice, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Mr. CLAY, of Alabama, gave notice that he would, to-morrow, ask leave to bring in a bill to estab sh an additional land district in the State of Alabama. Mr. PRENTISS, on leave, and in pursuance of previous notice, introduced the following bills, which were severally twice read and referred: A bill to establish a board of commissioners to hear and examine claims against the United States. A bill for the relief of John McLeod. A bili to establish a pension agency at Montpeier, in the State of Vermont. A bill for the relief of Elisha Town. A bill for the relief of Erastus Fairbanks and Thaddeus Fairbanks. Mr. KNIGHT, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill to allow a drawback of duties on imported hemp, when manufactured into cordage and exported: read twice and referred. Mr. BUCHANAN, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill for the relief of Thomas Sumpter; which was read twice and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. Mr. KNIGHT, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill for the relief of Sarah Angel, and the other heirs at law of Benjamin King, deceased: read twice and referred. Mr. FULTON gave notice that to-morrow he would ask leave to introduce a bill for the relief of William W. Stevenson, Joseph Henderson, and William Archer. Also a bill to set apart a certain quantity of land on the western borders of Arkansas, as bounty lands for those who shall engage in the defence of the western frontiers. The following resolutions were submitted: 1. Resolved, That the Committee on Roads and Canals be instructed to inquire into the expediency of making an appropriation for the construction of the Cumberland road in the States of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. 2. Resolved, That the Committe on Roads and Canals be instructed to inquire into the expediency of making an appropriation sufficient to complete the construction of the Cumberland road to the Mississippi river, or to Jefferson City, Mo.; the appropriation, when made, to be paid over to the several States within whose limits the road is situate, in annual instalments: Provided, The States will agree to accept and apply the money to the objects intended, and discharge the General Government from any further appropriations: And provided, also, That the States have authority to collect toll on said road sufficient to keep the same in good repair after its completion, and allow the arms and munitions of war of the General Government to pass the same toll free. By Mr. NORVELL, Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the expediency of increasing the salary of the District Judge of the United States, for the District of Michigan. By Mr. HUBBARD, Resolved, That the Committee on Pensions be instructed to inquire into the expediency of amending the acts of Congress, granting pensions for disabilities incurred during the last war, so as to have the pensions of such invalids commence at the time their disability was received; agreed to. Resolved, That the Committee on Pensions be instructed to inquire into the expediency of allowing a pension to Lemuel White, of Vermont, a soldier of the Revolution; agreed to. On motion by Mr. HUBBARD, Ordered, That the petition and papers of Lemuel White and John McNiel, on the files of the last session, be again referred to the Committee on Pensions. The bill for the reduction and graduation of the price of the public lands was read the second time, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands. Mr. PIERCE presented the memorials of William Fulton, William Rand, and Samuel Collins, - severally asking for pensions in consideration of Revolutionary services; which were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. On motion by Mr. RIVES, The memorial of Com. James Barron, laid on the table yesterday, was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed. On motion. by Mr. NORVELL, The petition of Jedediah Hunt, laid on the table yesterday, was referred to the Committee on Pensions On motion by Mr. WRIGHT, Ordered, That so much of the President's Message as relates to the finances, together with the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the same subject, be referred to the Committee on Finance. On motion by Mr. NORVELL, Ordered, That so much of the President's Message as relates to commerce be referred to the Committee on Commerce. On motion by Mr. ROBINSON, Ordered, That so much of the President's Message as relates to the Post Office and post roads be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. On motion by Mr. RIVES, Ordered, That so much of the President's Message as relates to naval affairs be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. On motion by Mr. CLAY of Alabama, Ordered, That so much of the President's Message as relates to the public lands be referred to the Committee on the Public Lands. On motion by Mr. WALL, Ordered, That so much of the President's Message as relates to the Judiciary be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. On motion by Mr. CLAY of Alabama, Ordered, That so much of the President's Message as relates to the militia be referred to the Committee on the Militia. After the consideration of Executive business, the Senate adjourned over until Monday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, The first business in order was the motion made on Monday by Mr. CRARY, and postponed till this day, that the Hon. J. W. DOTY, Delegate from Wisconsin, be qualified. Mr. MERCER, on whose motion it had been postponed, said, with a view to the action of the proper committee upon the subject, which would probably be announced on Monday, he would move a further postponement till that day. Mr. SERGEANT remarked that, as there was but one return before the House, he could not per ceive the necessity of deferring the subject at all. Mr. JONES, the contesting delegate, expressed a hope that the House would allow him an opportunity of presenting a reply to a paper that had been laid on their tables from his opponent. He trusted, too, that it would go to the Committee of Elections, though he himself was then prepared to go into the question. Mr. SERGEANT would not interpose an objection if the gentleman solicited delay to prepare his views. The motion to postpone was agreed to. Ordered, That the several standing committees be now appointed in pursuance of the rules and orders of the House. On motion of Mr. ALLEN, of Vt. Resolved, That the Clerk of the House furnish the members thereof with the usual plan of the Hall, showing the seat of each member. Mr. DROMGOOLE submitted the following, which, under the rule, lies over one day for consi. deration: Resolved, That the following be added to the standing rules of the House: Insert between the 10th and 11th rules, "in all cases of election by the House the vote shall be taken viva voce." Mr. ADAMS, pursuant to notice, introduced a bill to prohibit the giving or accepting, in the District of Columbia, of a challenge to fight a duel, and for the punishment thereof; which was read twice and referred to a select committe of nine. Mr. GRENNELL said it had been usual heretofore, after ordering the appointment of the standing committees to adjourn over till Monday, in order to afford the Speaker time to discharge that duty; and, as he understood some alterations were about to be made in the Hall, it was perhaps the more necessary now; he therefore moved that when the House adjourn to-day, it adjourn to meet on Monday, which motion was agreed to. Mr. ADAMS submitted the following resolutions: Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause to be transmitted to this House copies of any report or communication received from Andrew Sievenson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States, at the Court of London, relating to a controversy in the public newspapers between him and Daniel O'Connell, a member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in which controversy were involved the personal integrity of the said Stevenson, and the honor and interest of this country whose representative he is. 2. That the President of the United States be requested to inform this House, whether any cail has been made by him, or by his direction, upon the said Andrew Stevenson, to explain or account for his notorious violation of the laws of nations, of the laws of the land to which he was accredited as an Ambassador of peace, and of the privileges of the British House of Commons, in the person of one of its members; whether any instructions have been given to the said Andrew Stevenson, consequent upon his conduct in these transactions, or any disavowal or censure of his conduct communicated to the British Government. 3. That the President of the United States be requested to inform this House whether any call has been made by him, or by his direction, upon Matthew C. Perry, a captais in the Navy of the United States, to account for his violation of the laws of nations; of the laws of the foreign nations under the protection of which he was enjoying the benefits. of a generous hospitality; of the laws of his own country; and of the rules and regulations for the Government of the United States, by his participation, with other citizens of the United States, in a conspiracy against the life of Daniel O'Connell, a member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The resolution calling for Executive information, under the rule, would lie over one day. Mr. A. asked that it be now considered; but it was objected to. The SPEAKER laid before the House a communication from the Commissioner of the General Land Office, enclosing a statement of the quantity of land covered by grants to Shane and others in the Louisiana land district; which was laid on the table. The SPEAKER then announced that there was no other business on the table; whereupon, On motion of Mr. CUSHING, The House adjourned. IN SENATE, MONDAY, December 10, 1838. Mr. BENTON and Mr. LINN of Missouri, Mr. WALKER of Mississippi, Mr. NICHOLAS of Louisiana, Mr. CLAY of Kentucky, and Mr. PRESTON of South Carolina, severally appeared and took their seats. The PRESIDENT announced the appointment of the members to compose the additional standing committee, in pursuance of the resolution adopted at the last session, entitled the Committee on the Public Buildings, viz: Mr. FULTON, Chairman, Mr. BAYARD, and Mr. RRIVES. The PRESIDENT communicated a report from the War Department, made in compliance with the provisions of the second section of the act of May 9, 1836, making appropriations for the civil and diplomatic expenses of the Government for that year, containing a statement showing the expenditures under the contingent head for that department for the fiscal year ending 3d instant. On motion of Mr. HUBBARD, ordered to be laid on the table and printed. The PRESIDENT communicated a report from the Navy Department,made in complance with the provisions of the act of 9th May, 1836, making appropriations for the civil and diplomatic expenses of the Government for that year, containing a statement of the contingent expenses of the naval establishment for the year ending 3d instant; which, on motion of Mr. HUBBARD was ordered to be printed. Also, a similar report from the Post Office Department; which, on motion of Mr. ROBINSON was ordered to be printed. Also, a report from the Secretary of the Senate, containing a statement of the contingent expenses of the Senate for the past year. A message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Martin Van Buren, jr. his secretary, enclosing a special report from the Secretary of the Treasury upon the subject of the defalcation of the late collector of customs at New York. The message having been read, on motion of Mr. WRIGHT, it was ordered to be printed. Mr. HUBBARD presented the petition of John J. Bulow; which was referred to the Committee on Claims. Also, the petition of John Kurtz, praying remuneration for the loss of the ship Alleghany and cargo; which was referred to the same committee. On motion of Mr. HUBBARD, the petition and papers of Gad Humphrey, on the files of the last session, were again referred to the Committee on Claims. Mr. H. presented the petition of the heirs of Preserved Clapp, praying remuneration for the Revolutionary services of the deceased. Mr. LINN presented the credentials of the Hon. THOMAS H. BENTON, elected by the Legislature of Missouri a Senator from that State, to serve for six years from the 4th of March next, which were read. Mr. BAYARD presented the memorial of Charles F. Skinner, in behalf of himself and others, officers of the army, praying that officers of the line may be put on the same footing as officers of the staff as to pay and emoluments; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed. Mr. CLAY, of Alabama, presented the petition of Laurent Mellondon, of Louisiana; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Also, the petition of the heirs of John and Henry Banks; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. Also, the petition and documents of Wm. Barclay, of Alabama; which were referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Mr. SMITH of Connecticut presented the petition of the heirs of Moses Elmore. Also the petition of the heirs of Samuel Y. McKee; Also the petition of John Ramsey; Also the petition of the heirs of John Jordan; Also the petition of James McCrary, severally praying for commutation pay; which were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. Mr. NILES presented the petition of Esther Sawyer, praying for a pension; which was referred o the Committee on Pensions. Mr. ROANE presented the petition of the heirs and devisees of Dr. John Rumney, late of the Revolutionary army; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. Mr. WILLIAMS presented the petition of E. Jones; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. On motion of Mr. WILLIAMS, Ordered, That the petition and papers of Thomas Fry, on the files of the last session, be again referred to the Committee on Pensions. Mr. ROBBINS presented the petition of Com. James Barron; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. RIVES presented the petition of the heirs of Dr. William Ramsay; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. Mr. CRITTENDEN presented the petition of Simeon Knight; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. MORRIS presented the petition of Jacob Sly; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions. On motion by Mr. WALL, Ordered, That the petition of Morris, on the files of the last session, be again referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. Mr. PIERCE presented the memorial of Joseph Bassett; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions. Mr. LINN gave notice that to-morrow he would ask leave to introduce the following bills: A bill to transfer to the citizens of the parish of Concordia, in the State of Louisiana, the interest of the United States to a certain tract of land. A bill confirming certain land claims in Louisiana. A bill to confirm certain land claims in the Ouachita land district, in the State of Louisiana. A bill to confirm claims to lands in the district between the Rio Hando and Sabine rivers. A bill to amend an act entitled, "An act for the appointment of Commissioners to adjust the claims to reservations of land under the 14th article of the treaty of eighteen hundred and thirty, with the Choctaw Indians." A bill to authorize the issuing of a patent to the heirs or legal representatives of Francis Rivaud deceased. Mr. LYON gave notice that to-morrow he would ask leave to introduce the following bills: A bill to provide for the completion of certain roads begun by the United States in the State of Michigan. A bill granting to the county of Kalamazoo, in the State of Michigan, the right of pre-emption to a quarter section of land, and for other purposes. A bill to create an additional land office in the State of Michigan, and for other purposes. A bill to change the location of the office, of Surveyor General of the district composed of the States of Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, and for other purposes. Mr. LINN of Missouri gave notice that tomorrow he would ask leave to bring in the following bills: A bill to continue in force the "Act for the final adjustment of private land claims in Missouri," approved 9th July, 1832, and the act supplemental thereto, approved 2d March, 1833. A bill to provide for the legal adjudication and settlement of a claim granted by the Spanish Government to Julien Dubuque. A bill for the relief of Joseph Bogy. A bill to continue in force the "Act for the final adjustment of private land claims in Missouri," approved 9th July, 1832, and the act supplemental thereto, approved 24 March, 1833. A bill to authorize the Washington County Turnpike Company, in the State of Missouri, to eonstruct a road through the public lands. A bill for the relief of Sebastian Butcher, and the heirs and legal representatives of Bartholomew Butcher, Michael Butcher, and Peter Bloom. A bill to authorize the occupation of the Columbia or Oregon Territory. A bill to provide for the legal adjudication and settlement of a claim to land granted by the Spanish Government to Julien Dubuque. A bill to provide for the legal adjudication and settlement of the claims to land under the grants or concessions made to the Baron Bastrop, the Marquis de Maison Rouge, and others, in Louisiana; and Elisha, William and Gabriel Winters, and others, in Arkansas. Mr. DAVIS gave notice, that to-morrow he would ask leave to introduce the following bills: A bill to allow interest to the several States for disbursements in behalf of the United States during the late war. A bill for the relief of Thomas L. Winthrop and others. A bill to make certain allowances to the executor of Loammi Baldwin, deceased. Mr. FULTON presented resolutions adopted by the Legislature of the State of Arkansas, recommending a cession of the public lands to the States in which they lie: referred to the Committee on Public Lands. Also, a resolution of the same, praying for an extension of the act to allow soldiers of the late war to enter their bounty lands; referred to the Committee on the Public Lands. Also, resolutions of the same, asking for an appropriation for the improvement of the Black, White, and other rivers; referred to the Committee on Commerce. Mr. FULTON gave notice that to-morrow he would ask leave to introduce the following bills: A bill for the relief of sundry citizens of Arkansas, who have lost their improvements in consequence of a treaty between the United States and the Choctaw Indians. A bill for the relief of Richard T. Banks and other citizens of Arkansas. A bill making appropriations to complete certian military roads in Arkansas. Mr. SWIFT gave notice that he would to-morrow ask leave to bring in a bill for the relief of John Newton. Mr. WALKER, from the Committee on the Public Lands, to which had been referred the bill to provide for the reduction and graduation of the price of the public lands, reported the same with an amendment, which was read. Mr. WRIGHT, from the Committee on Finance, to which had been referred the bill for the relief of Elisha Town, reported the same without amend ment. Mr. WRIGHT, from the same committee, also reported the bill for the relief of Erastus Fairbanks and Thaddeus Fairbanks, without amendment; and the above two bills having subsequently been considered as in Committee of the Whole, were order. ed to be engrossed for a third reading. Mr. CLAY of Alabama, from the Committee on the Public Lands, to which had been referred the bill for the relief of the heirs of John Brahan, late receiver of public moneys at Huntsville, Alabama, reported the same without amendment. Mr. CLAY of Alabama, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill to establish an additional land district in the State of Alabama; which was twice read, and referred. Mr. WALL, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill to prevent the counterfeiting of foreign copper, gold and silver coins, and to prohibit the bringing the same into the United States; which was twice read, and referred. Also, a bill to amend the act entitled "An act for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States;" which was also twice read, and referred. Mr. LYON, on leave, and in pursuance et notice given, introduced a bill for the relief of Obe! P. Lacy; which was twice read, and referred. Mr. RUGGLES gave notice that he would, tomorrow, ask leave to bring in a bill for the relief of Samuel Brown. Mr. TIPTON, on leave, introduced a bill to confirm the sales of certain reservations: also, a bill to authorize John E. Metcalf, of Indiana, to locate certain claims to land in Indiana; which were severally twice read, and referred. Mr. T. also, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill to provide for the security and protection of the emigrant and other Indians west of the States of Missouriand Arkansas. Mr. ROANE gave notice that he would to-morrow ask leave to bring in a bill making an appropriation for the support of the Penitentiary of the District of Columbia for the preseni year. Mr. SMITH of Indiana, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill for the relief of the legal representatives of Colonel Francis Vigo; which was twice read, and referred. Mr. PRESTON gave notice that he would tomorrow ask leave to bring in a bill making an appropriation for the purchase of a site for a maga zine and keeper's house in the City of Washington. Mr. FULTON, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced the following bills: A bill to set apart a belt of land on the western borders of the States of Missouri and Arkansas, to be granted to those who shall engage for a certain term of years in the defence of the Western frontier: twice read and referred. A bill for the relief of William W. Stephenson, Joseph Henderson, and William Marks: twice read and referred. Mr. FOSTER, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill to amend an act entitled "An act to require the judges of the district court of East and West Tennessee to hold a court at Jackson, in said State," approved June 30, 1838: read twice and referred. Mr. PRENTISS offered the following resolution, which was agreed to: Resolved, That the Committee on Pensions be instructed to inquire into the expediency of granting a pension to Margaret Barnes, widow of Elijah Barnes, a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Mr. DAVIS offered the following resolution, which was agreed to: Resolved, That 1500 copies of the seventh report of Mr. Hassler upon the survey of the coast and the construction of standards of weights and measures be printed for the use of the Sonate, and that 500 copies thereof be delivered to the superintendent. Mr. WILLIAMS offered the following resolution, which was agreed to: Rvsolved, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of amending or repealing an act for the more equitable administration of the Navy Pension Fund, passed March 3, 1837. Mr. YOUNG offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing a hospital for the accommodation of sick and disabled boatmen and passengers navigating the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, at the mouth of the Ohio river, in the State of Illinois; Which, after a discussion, in which Mr. CLAY of Kentucky, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. DAVIS, and Mr. TIPTON, participated, was, on motion of Mr. TIPTON, laid on the table. The resolutions submitted on Thursday were considered and adopted. The bill for the relief of Thomas Sumpter was read a third time and passed. On motion by Mr. LUMPKIN, the Senate proceeded to ballot for a Chaplain, which resulted as follows: Forty-one ballots were given-twenty-one necessary to a choice; of which Rev. HENRY SLICER received 21 15 2422 1 Mr. SLICER was, therefore, duly elected. On motion by Mr. BUCHANAN, Ordered, That so much of the President's Message as relates to foreign relations be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. On motion by Mr. ROANE, Ordered, That so much of the President's Message as relates to the District of Columbia be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia. On motion by Mr. WRIGHT, The Senate went into the consideration of Executive business. After which, it adjourned HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Mr. YELL of Arkansas, Mr. HAMER of Ohio, Mr. SMITH of Maine, Mr. THOMPSON of South Carolina, and Mr. HARRISON of Missouri, appeared in their seats to-day. In compliance with an order of the House of Thursday last, the following standing committees were appointed, and this day announced from the Chair. A Committee of Elections.-Messrs. Buchanan, Griffin, Hawkins, Maury of Tennessee, Towns, Bronson, Hastings, Rives, and Swearingen. Committee of Ways and Means.-Messrs. Cambreleng, Sergeant, Jones of Virginia, Atherton, Haynes, Rencher, Pope, Rhett, and Webster. Committee of Claims.-Messrs. Chambers, Darlington, Russell, Campbell of Tennessee, Stuart, Williams of New Hampshire, Gray, Saltonstall, and Giddings. Commerce.-Messrs. Cushman, DeGraff, Toland, Curtis, Mason of Virginia, Worthington, Johnson of Louisiana, Montgomery and Reily. Public Lands.-Messrs. Casey, Williams of North Carolina, Lincoln, Chapman, Shields, Loomis, Maury of Kentucky, Duncan, and Word. Post Office and Post Roads.-Messrs. Connor, Briggs, Hall, Hopkins, Hubley, Calhoon of Kentucky, Towns, Palmer, and Leadbetter. District of Columbia.-Messrs. Bouldin, Jenifer, Dawson, Prentiss of New York, Hawkins, Beirne, C. H. Williams of Tennessee, Davee, and Lyon. Judiciary.-Messrs. Thomas, Robertson, of Virginia, Toucey, Corwin, Garland of Virgina, Samuel W. Morris of Pennsylvania, Turney, Martin, and Foster. Revolutionary Claims.-Messrs. Craig, Underwood, Taliaferro, Parmenter, Harper, Birdsall, A. H. Shepperd of North Carolina, and Joseph L. Williams of Tenneessee, and Keim. Public Expenditures.-Messrs. Haley, Alexander, Titus, Stratton, Rumsey, Fletcher of Vermont, Crockett, Sheffer, and Putnam. Private Land Claims.-Messrs. May, Calhoun of Massachusetts, Harlan, Beatty, Rariden, Cheatham, Garland of Louisiana, Fletcher of Massachusetts, and Crabb. Manufactures.-Messrs. Adams, Slade, Biddle, Tillinghast, Vail, Naylor, Hunter of Virginia, Elmore, and Kennedy. Agriculture.-Messrs. Deberry, Logan, Phelps, Weeks, Spencer, Noyes, Davies, Randolph, and Stone. Indian Affairs.-Messrs. Bell, Everett, Chaney, Parker, Graham of North Carolina, Lewis, Petrikin, Banks, and Parris. Military Affairs.-Messrs. McKay, Coles, Grennell, Miller, Rives, Kemble, Mason of Ohio, McClellan of Tennessee, Halstead, and Glascock. Militia.-Messrs. Wagener, Carter, Holt, Allen of Ohio, Griffin, Gallup, Dunn, Southgate, and Dennis. Naval Affairs.-Messrs. Ingham, Milligan, Reed, Wise, Grantland, Moore, Paynter, Anderson, and Pickins. Foreign Affairs-Messrs. Howard, Cushing, Jackson of Georgia, Dromgoole, Fairfield, Legare, Hoffman, Bynum, and Crary. Territories.-Messrs. Bronson, Potts, Pearce, Borden, Jones of New York, Farrington, White of Kentucky, Hammond, and Charles Shepard of North Carolina. Revolutionary Pensions.-Messrs. Morgan, Klingensmith, Bond, Fry, Johnson of Virginia, Sibley, Ewing, Whittlesey, and Childs. Invalid Pensions.-Messrs. Taylor, Williams of Kentucky, Allen of Vermont, McClellan of New York, Herod, Stanly, Mallory, Plumer, and Mitchell. Roads and Canals.-Messrs. Mercer, Evans, McKennan, Snyder, Fillmore, Johnson of Maryland, White of Indiana, Graves, and Grant. Patents-Messrs. Fletcher of Vermont, Phelps, Menefee, Beers, and Robinson of Me. Public Buildings and Grounds.-Messrs. Lincoln, Pratt, Mercer, McClure, and Jackson of Georgia. Revisal and Unfinished Business.-Messrs. Sheplor of Ohio, Noble, Southgate, Henry, and Peck. Accounts.-Messrs. Johnson of Virginia, Johnson of Maryland, Samuel W. Morris of Pennsylvania, Bicknell, and Hawes. Mileage. Messrs. Dawson, Howard, Briggs, Coffee, and Bicknell. Expenditures in the Department of State.-Messrs. M. Morris, Jackson, Sheplor, Yorke, and Andrews. Expenditures in the Department of the Treasury.— Messrs. Allen, Sheffer, Aycrigg, Gray, and Holsey. Expenditures in the Department of War.-Messrs. Clowncy, Vanderveer, Holt, Morris, and Marvin. Expenditures in the Department of the Navy.Messrs. Brodhead, Maxwell, Goode, Edwards, and Graham. Expenditures in the Department of the Post Office.Messrs. Childs, Dennis, Hawes, Gallup, and Plumer. Expenditures on the Public Buildings.-Messrs. Sawyer, Cranston, Menefee, Dunn, and Ridgway. The following were the gentlemen appointed to compose the Select Committee upon the bill of Mr. ADAMS, proposing "to prohibit the giving or ac Messrs. Elmore, Grantland, Coffin, Rariden, Clark, Grennell, and Henry. Mr. JONES of Wisconsin, on leave, peesented a statement of his claims for the seat as delegate from Wisconsin. The SPEAKER laid before the House a report of the Solicitor of the Treasury on the petition of John Norris, which, on motion of Mr. THOMAS, was referred to the committee on the Judiciary. 2. A communication from the Secretary of the Navy, transmitting an abstract of the contingent expenditures in the office of the 4th Auditor from October 1837 to September 1838. On motion of Mr. INGHAM, laid on the table. 3. From the Secretary of War, transmitting a statement of the contingent expenses of that Department during the last year. On motion of Mr. BRIGGS, laid on the table. 4. From the First Comptroller of the Treasury, transmitting a statement of the unsettled accounts, or those on which balances appear to be due, which was laid on the table. 5. From the Postmaster General, enclosing a statement of the expenditures out of the contingent fund of that department. On motion of Mr. CONNOR, laid on the table. 6. From the Secretary of State, enclosing in answer to a resolution calling for similar information from all the departments, a statement of the number of clerks employed, and how long so employed, in complying with calls for information. Mr. HOWARD moved to lay this on the table for the present, giving notice that, when the residue came in, he should move their printing and disposition together. 7. From the Secretary of State, transmitting an abstract of the returns made to that department by the collectors of customs, for the relief and protection of American seamen. On motion of Mr. HOWARD, laid on the table. 8. From the Secretary of the Treasury, a statement of the contingent expenditures of that department for the last year. On motion of Mr. CRARY, laid on the table. 9. From the Commissioner of the Public Buildings, containing a statement of the expenditures on the public buildings, and other objects committed to that officer, during the last year. On motion of Mr. LINCOLN, referred to the Committee on the Public Buildings. The following messages from the President of the United States were also laid before the House: WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 1838. To the House of Representatives of the United States: The act of the 1st July, 1836, to enable the Executive to assert and prosecute with effect the claim of the United States to the legacy bequeathed to them by James Smithson, late of London, having received its entire execution, and the amount recovered and paid into the Treasury, having, agreeably to an act of the last session, been invested in State stocks, I deam it proper to invite the attention of Congress to the obligation now devolving upon the United States to fulfil the object of the bequest. In order to obtain such information as might seem to facilitate its attainment, the Secretary of State was directed in July last to apply to persons versed in science, and familiar with the subject of public education, for their views as to the mode of disposing of the fund best calculated to meet the intentions of the testator, and prove most beneficial to mankind. Copies of the circular letter, written in compliance with these directions, and of the answers to it received at the Department of State, are herewith communicated for the consideration of Congress. M. VAN BUREN. On motion of Mr. ADAMS, referred to a select committee of nine. To the House of Representatives: I herewith transmit to the House of Representatives reports from the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, with accompanying documents, in answer to the resolution of the House of the 9th of July last. M. VAN BUREN. WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 1838. [The reports above alluded to contain all the papers and documents on file in the State and Treasury Departments relating to the Smithsonian bequest] On motion of Mr. ADAMS, referred to the same select committee as the foregoing. To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States: I herewith transmit a special report, made to me by the Secretary of the Treasury, for your consideration, in relation to the recently discovered default of Samuel Swartwout, late collector of the customs at the port of New York. I would respectfully invite the early attention of Congress to the adoption of the legal provisions therein suggested, or such other measures as may appear more expedient for increasing the public security against similar defalcations hereafter. M. VAN BUREN. Washington, Dec. 8, 1838. Mr. CAMBRELENG moved that so much of this document as related to the defalcation of the late collector of New York be referred to a select committee, and so much as related to the revenue laws to that on Ways and Means. Mr. C. remarked, that in making the first motion, which he regarded as one demanding the exclusive consideration of a committee, it was proper for him to state that he did it with no design of acting upon the committee himself in any capacity. On the contrary, charged as he was with the laborious duties on another committee, he could scarcely denote the requisite time; and, independent of that consideration, it would be much more satisfactory to him that the members should come from a different quarter of the Union than Mr. C. did. Mr. MERCER applauded the spirit and candor of the gentleman from New York, but he would suggest to the gentleman, as this was an important matter, to postpone it till to-morrow, and order it to be printed. Mr. C. assenting, the subject took that temporary direction. On motion of Mr. CAMBRELENG, the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the finances, except so much as related to the defalcation of the late collector of New York, was referred to the Commitee of Ways and Means. The Wisconsin election case being the next business in order, was, on motion of Mr. MERCER, referred to the Committee on Elections. VIVA VOCE VOTING. The next business was the following amendment to the rules submitted some days since by Mr. DROMGOOLE: Resolved, That the following be added to the standing rules of the House: Insert between the 10th and 11th rules, "in all cases of election by the House the vote shall be taken viva voce." Mr. WISE had but a word to say upon this resolution, and it was this: he considered it a direct attack upon the independence of the House, a direct attack upon the freedom of elections there. Had they come to this, that members of that House were not to be trusted with the secret mode of election by ballot? Were the screws to be applied to those who stood in a doubtful position, and who might thereby be called upon to vote in order to support a particular party against their own predilections and principles? Although Mr. W. believed the viva voce mode of voting to be the best among the people and the freest from fraud, as late events had proven, yet he could not tolerate it here as an engine of oppression and tyranny. Mr. DROMGOOLE had no design in introducing the proposition of operating tyrannically upon the members of the House. He had offered it because it was founded on correct principles, and principles which had received and bore the sanction of his own State, and which he understood had also obtained sanction in several other States. His only object was the establishment of a general principle he believed to be correct in the abstract, and necessary and essential in carrying out the great Democratic doctrine of accountability. Не would ask if it was not the fair and proper mode that the conduct of the Representative should be fully spread before his constituents, and he did hope that no Representative would oppose it be cause he wished to vote in secret and skulk from accountability, or because he desired to conceal his conduct from his constituents; nor was it with a view to any present purpose that he had introduced it, and he should have offered it before the election of Clerk, but for the delay that would have occurred in the organization of the House. Mr. D. drew the attention of his colleague to the fact that the viva voce system prevailed in Virginia in all their elections, from that of a constable upwards Mr. BRIGGS moved to strike out the words "viva voce," and insert "by ballot." He said he objected to the original resolution, first, because the viva voce mode was an inconvenient one, and took up considerably more time than that by ballot; second, because it was an innovation upon the uniform practice of the House for fifty years; and, third, it was not so independent a mode as that of the ballot. Mr. PICKENS opposed the resolution, though he held to responsibility to the fullest extent, so far as legislative duties were concerned. But there was a wide distinction between the responsibility they owed to their constituents for the exercise of the law-making power and that of choosing their mere ministerial officers; and he was yet to learn that he was responsible to his constituents for choosing this or that doorkeeper, this or that clerk. In snch cases, Mr. P. held that he himself constituted a part of the constituent body. They were, in part, his officers, accountable to him for their conduct, and not to the people. The converse doctrine pushed, might be carried next into their boarding houses. But Mr. P. was inclined to doubt the policy of that resolution upon other and higher grounds. The experience of the last few months had taught him to dread a power higher than their Executive, and more tremendous in its operation-he alluded to the power represented by corporations. Pass that resolution, and this power will be brought directly to bear upon that House, and when it is, governmental and executive influence would be nothing compared with it. M. P. admitted the general theory of the independence of open voting, especially in Virginia and Tennessee, where the mass of the voters are landholders; but go into other States where two-thirds of them were differently situated, and especially into the larger cities, and he would ask where would be the independence of the elective franchise, if it were expressed viva vorce with this tremendous power brought to bear upon it? He was opposed to the resolution, and should vote against it. The resolution was further opposed by Messrs. PEARCE of Maryland, WISE, REED, SERGEANT, and STANLEY, and supported by Messrs. ROBERTSON, JENIFER, WILLIAM MORRIS. Mr. TILLINGHAST, with a view to effect both objects, moved an amendment that the vote should be taken by ballot, but each member should nscribe his name thereon. Mr. STANLEY moved to lay the whole subject on the table; on which motion Mr. DROMGOOLE demanded the yeas and nays; which being ordered, were-yeas 81, nays 125, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Adams, Alexander, Heman Allen, Aycrigg, Bell, Biddle, Bond, Borden, Briggs, William B. Calhoun, John Calhoon, William B. Campbell, John Campbell, Carter, Cham. bers, Chile, Coffin, Corwin, Cranston, Crockett, Curtis, Cushing, Davies, Dennis, Evans, Everett, Richard Fletcher, Fillmore, Rice Garland, Giddings, Goode, William Graham, Graves Grennell, Hall, Harlan, Hastings, Henry, Herod, Henry Johnson, William Cost Johnson, Kennedy, Lincoln, Marvin, Samson Mason, May, Maxwell, McKennan, Mercer, Milligan, Mitchell, Calvary Morris, Naylor, Noyes, Ogle, Pearce, Peck, Pickens, Pope, Potts, Putnam, Randolph, Reed, Ridgway, Ro binson, Russell, Saltonstall, Sergeant, Charles Shepard, Shields, Sibley, Slade, Smith, Stanly, Stone, Toland, John White, Whit tlesey, Christopher H. Will ams, Wise, Word, and Yorke-81. NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Andrews, Atherton, Banks, Beatty, Beirne, Bicknell, Birdsall, Bouldin, Brodhead, Buchanan, Bynum, Cambreleng, Casey, Chaney, Chapman, Cheatham, Clark, Coles, Connor, Crabb, Craig, Crary, Cushman, Dawson, Davee, Deberry, De Graff, Dromgoole, Duncan, Dunn, Elmore, Ewing, Farrington, Fairfield, Isaac Fletcher, Foster. Fry, Gal. lup, James Garland, Glascock, James Graham, Grantland, Grant, Gray, Griffin, Hammond, Hamer, Harrison, Hawkins, Haynes, Holt, Hopkins. Howard, Hubley, Wm. H. Hunter, Robert M. T. Hunter, Thomas B. Jackson, Jabez Jackson, Jenifer, Joseph Johnson, Nathaniel Jones, John W. Jones, Kemble, Klingensmith, Legare, Leadbetter, Lewis, Logan, Loomis, Lyon, Mallory, James M. Mason, Maury, McKay, Robert McClellan, Abraham McClellan, McClure, Montgomery, Moore, Morgan, Mathias Morris, Samuel W. Morris, Murray, Noble, Palmer, Parker, Parmenter, Parris, Paynter, Petrikin, Phelps, Plumer, Pratt, Rariden, Reily, Rencher, Rives, Ro bertson, Rumsey, Sawyer, Sheffer, Augustine H. Shepperd, Sheplor, Snyder, Southgate, Spencer, Stuart, Stratton, Swearingen, Taliaferro, Thomas, Tillinghast, Titus, Toucey, Towns, Turney, Underwood, Vail, Vanderveer, Wagener, Webster, Albert S. White, Jared W. Williams, Joseph L. Williams, and Yell-125. So the House refused to lay the subject on the table. Mr. MONTGOMERY then rose and said that, in view of the shortness of the session, and the mass of business before them, and believing no further light could be thrown upon the subject, for it had undergone discussion, from year to year, for years back, he demanded the previous question, which the House seconded. The main question being on the adoption of the original resolution being then ordered thereon, Mr. DROMGOOLE called for the yeas and nays; which, being ordered, were-yeas 126, nays 85, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Andrews, Atherton, Banks, Beatty, Beirne, Bicknell, Birdsall. Bouldin, Broadhead, Buchanan, Bynum, Cambreleng, Wm. B. Campbell, Casey, Chaney, Clark, Coles, Connor, Crabb, Craig, Crary, Cushman, Dawson, Davee. Deberry, De Graff, Dromgoole, Duncan, Dunn, Elmore, Ewing, Fairfield, Foster, Fry, jr. Gallup, James Carland, Glascock, James Graham, Grantland, Grant, Gray, Griffin, Hammond, Hamer, Harrison, Hawes, Hawkins, Haynes, Holt, Hopkins, Howard, Hubley, Wm. H. Hunter, Robert M. T. Hunter, Thomas B. Jackson, Jabez Jackson, Jenifer, Joseph Johnson, Nathaniel Jones, John W. Jones, Kemble, Klingensmith, Legare, Leadbetter, Lewis, Logan, Loomis, Lyon, Mallory, James M. Mason, McKay, Robert McClellan, Abraham McC cllan, McClure, Menefee, Montgomery, Moore, Morgan, Mathias Morris, Samuel W. Morris, Murray, Noble, Palmer, Parker, Parmenter, Parris, Paynter, Petrikin, Phelps, Plumer, Prat, Rari. den, Reily, Rencher, Rives, Robertson, Sawyer, Sheffer, Augustine H. Shepperd, Sheplor, Snyder, Southgate, Spencer, Stuart, Swearingen, Taliaferro, Thomas, Tillinghast, Titus, Toucey, Towns, Turney, Underwood, Vail, Vanderveer, Wagener, Webster, Albert S. White, Whittlesey, Sherrod Williams, Jared W. Williams, Joseph L. Williams, and Yell-126. NAYS-Messrs. Adams, Alexander, Heman Allen, John W. Allen, Aycrigg, Bell, Biddle, Bond, Borden, Briggs, Wm. B. Calhoun, John Calhoon, Carter, Chambers, Cheatham, Childs, Coffin, Corwin, Cranston, Crockett, Curtis, Cushing, Davies, Dennis, Evans, Everett, Richard Fletcher, Isaac Fletcher, Fillmore, Giddings, Goode, Wm. Graham, Graves, Giennell. jr. Hall, Harlan, Hastings, Henry, Herod, Henry Johnson, Wm. Cost Johnson, Kennedy, Lincoln, Marvin. Samson Mason. Mau ry, May, Maxwell, McKennan, Mercer, Milligan, Mitchell, Calvary Morris, Naylor, Noyes, Ogle, Pearce, Peck, Pickens, Pope, Potts, jr. Putnam, Randolph, Reed, Ridgway, Robinson, Russell, Saltonstall, Sergeant, Charles Shepard, Shields, Sibley, Slade, Smith, Stanly, Stone, Stratton, Thompson, jr. Toland, John White, C. H. Williams, Wise, Word, and Yorke-85. So the proposition as originally introduced was agreed to. Pending the taking the question, Mr. ADAMS called the attention of the House to the fact that the resolution would be unconstitutional, on the ground that in elections by the House, the Constitution of the United States provided that they should be by ballot. At a subsequent stage, however, Mr. SHERROD WILLIAMS, on leave, submitted the following resolution, which was agreed to: Resolved, That the rule adopted on this day be modified as follows: after the word "House," in the 4th line, insert "of its officers." On motion of Mr. GARLAND of Virginia, the use of the Hall was granted to the American Colonization Society for to-morrow evening. On motion of Mr. CURTIS, Resolved, That the drawing accompanying the report from the Engineer Department on the light house on Timm's Knoll, in the harbor of New York, be printed. On motion of Mr. FILLMORE, it was Ordered, That the drawings illustrative of the condition of certain improvements in navigation on Lake Erie, which accompany the annual report from the Topographical Bureau, and forming a part of the documents with the President's Message, be printed. On motion of Mr. WORD, Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the expediency of passing a law to confer circuit court jurisdiction on the District Court of the United States for the northern district of the State of Mississippi. On motion of Mr. JOHNSON of Maryland, Resolved, That the use of this Hall be given to Professor J. Orville Taylor, of the University of New York, as requested by the American Common School Society, to deliver an address on Thursday evening, at o'clock, on the condition of the common schools in this country, and in furtherance of the cause of general education thronghout the United States. Mr. MORGAN asked leave to present to the House a resolution. Mr. GARLAND of Louisiana objected. On motion of Mr. MORGAN the rules were suspended; whereupon, he offered the following: Resolved, That this House will, on to-morrow, at one o'clock, proceed to the election of a chaplain to serve during the present session of Congress. Mr. BRONSON moved to strike out "to-morrow," and insert "this time;" which was disagreed to. The resolution was then adopted. On motion of Mr. SHIELDS, The House adjourned. IN SENATE, The PRESIDENT communicated a report from the Commissioner of the Public Buildings, made in pursuance of the act of March 3d, 1829, showing the sums expended on the different public buildings for the past year. The PRESIDENT also communicated the memorial of Samuel H. Thompson; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. Mr. TIPTON presented the memorial of the heirs of Henry Conway, late captain of the Revolutionary army; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. Mr. CALHOUN presented the memorial of sundry citizens of Charleston, (S. C.) praying that an appropriation may be made for the erection of a light-house at Indian Key, Florida; and also asking for the establishment of a port of entry and delivery at that place: referred to the Committee on Com merce. Mr. LUMPKIN presented the petition of Alfred Stewart, asking compensation for property taken from his late father in 1780, by the Cherokee Indians: referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Mr. TIPTON presented the memorial of certain officers of the army of the United Stars, asking for increase and graduation of their pay: referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. MERRICK presented the petition of the widow of John L. De Van Brun; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. Also, the petition of the executors of William D. Cheevers, asking remuneration for supplies furnished the United States troops during the late war: referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also, the memorial of Malachi Hagan, asking compensation for the occupation of his property by the United States troops in Florida; which was referred to the Committee on Claims. Also, the petition of Eliza Causin, asking for the pension to which her father, the late Colonel Stone, was entitled: referreed to the Committee on Pensions. Also the petition of John Brush, asking compensation for property destroyed during the last war with Great Britain; which was referred to the Committee on Claims. Mr. NICHOLAS presented the petition of Albin Michel, and the petition of Albin Michel in behalf of the heirs of T. B. Lusser; which were severally referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Also, the petition of Andrew Armstrong, asking a readjustment of his accounts as naval agent; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. Mr. ROANE presented the petition of Ann Cook, widow of Charles Cook; which was referred to the Committee on Claims. Mr. NILES presented the petition of Rufus Fox, asking for a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Peusions. Mr. NORVELL presented the petition of Jacob Gideon, a soldier of the Revolution, asking for arrears of pensions: referred to the Committee on Pensions. Also, the papers of the widow of Alexander Hamilton; which were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, The resolution submitted yesterday by Mr. WILLIAMS, was considered and agreed tc. Mr. CLAY of Alabama, from the Committee on Public Lands, to which had been referred the bill to establish an additional land district in the State of Alabama, reported the same without amend ment. Mr. CLAY of Alabama gave notice that he would to-morrow ask leave to introduce the following bills: A bill for the benefit of the Alabama, Florida and Georgia Railroad Company; and A bill for the benefit of the Selma and Tennessee Railroad Company. Mr. PRENTISS, on leave, in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill to authorize the payment of invalid pensions in certain cases; Also, a bill granting a pension to David Waller; which were severally twice read and referred. Mr. LINN gave notice that he would to-morrow ask leave to bring in a bill for the relief of the representatives of Philip Barbour, deceased. Mr. RIVES gave notice that he would to-morrow ask leave to bring in a bill to regulate the pay of masters in the navy. The following bills were severally read the third time and passed: The bill for the relief of Erastus Fairbanks and Thaddeus Fairbanks; and The bill for the relief of Elisha Town. Mr. FULTON gave notice that he would tomorrow ask leave to bring in a bill to settle the title to a certain tract of land in Arkansas. Mr. LINN, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill to authorize the issuing of a patent to the heirs or legal representatives of Francis Rivaud, deceased: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Also, a bill to transfer to the citizens of the pa rish of Concordia, in the State of Louisiana, the interest of the United States to a certain tract of land: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Also, a bill to confirm claims to land in the district between the Rio Hando and Sabine rivers: referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Also, a bill confirming certain land claims in Louisiana: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Also, a bill to confirm certain land claims in the Ouachita land district, in the State of Louisiana: read twice, and referred to the Committee on the Public Lands. Also, a bill for the relief of Joseph Bogy: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Also, a bill for the relief of Jean B. Valle: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Also, a bill for the relief of Sebastian Butcher, and the heirs and legal representatives of Bartholomew Butcher, Michael Butcher, and Peter Bloom: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Also, a bill to continue in force the "Act for the final adjustment of private land claims in Missouri," approved 9th July, 1832, and the act supplemental thereto, approved 2d March, 1833: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims. Also, a bill to authorize the occupation of the Columbia or Oregon Territory: read twice, and referred to a Select Committee, consisting of Mr. LYNN, chairman, Mr. CALHOUN, Mr. CLAY of Kentucky, Mr. WALKER, and Mr PIERCE. Mr. PRESTON, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a joint resolution making an appropriation for the purchase of a site for a magazine and keeper's house, in the city of Washington read twice, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. FULTON, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill making appropriations to complete certain military roads in Arkansas: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals. Also, a bill for the relief of sundry citizens of Arkansas, who have lost their improvements in consequence of a treaty between the United States and the Choctaw Indians; read twice, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Also, a bill for the relief of Richard T. Banks of Arkansas: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Mr. SWIFT, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill for the relief of John Newton; which, with papers relating to it, was referred to the Committee on Public Lands. Mr. ROANE, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill making an appropriation for the support of the Penitentiary of the District of Columbia: read twice, and referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia. Mr. DAVIS, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill making certain allowances to the executor of Loammi Baldwin, deceased: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. Also, a bill for the relief of Thomas L. Winthrop and others, directors of an association called the New England and Mississippi Land Company: read twice, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Mr. LYON, on leave, and in pursuance of notice given, introduced a bill making appropriations for the completion of certain roads bugun by the United States in the State of Michigan: read twice, and referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals. Also, a bill to change the location of the office of Surveyor General of the district composed of the States of Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, and for other purposes: read twice, and referred to the Committee on the Public Lands. Also, a bíl. granting to the county of Kalamazoo, in the State of Michigan, the right of pre-emption to a quarter section of land, and for other purposes: read twice, and referred to the Committee on the Public Lands. Also, a bill to create an additional land office in the State of Michigan, and for other purposes: read twice, and referred to the Committee on the Public Lands. Mr. YOUNG gave notice that he would, tomorrow, ask leave to introduce the following bills: A bill granting to the State of Illinois the right of way through the public lands of the United States and for other purposes. A bill granting to the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad Company the right of way over the public lands of the United States and for other purposes. A bili granting a quantity of land to the Missis sippi and Rock River Canal Company, in the State of Illinois, upon certain conditions therein expressed. A bill for the relief of Thomas H. Owen, John W. Skidmore, and others. A bill for the relief of James Dutton. A bill for the relief of Isabella Hill, widow, and John Hill, Elizabeth Hill and Samuel Hill, children and minor heirs at law of Samuel Hill, deceased. A bill for the relief of Ephraim Sprague. A bill authorizing the President of the United States to cause the reserved lead mines in the State of Illinois and Territories of Wisconsin and Iowa to be sold as other public lands. Mr. DAVIS gave notice that to-morrow he would ask leave to bring in a bill for the relief of the captors of the brig Lydia. A bill for the relief of the owners of the brig Despatch. Mr. McKEAN gave notice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a bill entitled "an act to revive and continue in force an act entitled 'an act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary war.'" Mr. CLAY of Alabama submitted the following resolution, which was considered and adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing a hospital at some point near the foot of the Muscle Shoals, for the accommodation of the sick and disabled boatmen and passengers navigating the Tennessee river. Mr. NILES submitted the following resolution, which was considered and adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on Pensions be in |