fence, or to resort to other means for adequate funds, the course presented to the adoption of a virtuous and enlightened people appeared to be a plain one. It must be gratifying to all to know that this necessity does not exist. Nothing, however, in contemplation of such important objects, which can be easily provided for, should be left to hazard. It is thought that the revenue may receive an augmentation ̧ from the existing sources, and in a manner to aid our manufactures, without hastening prematurely the result which has been suggested. It is believed that a moderate additional duty on certain articles would have that effect, without being liable to any serious objection. The examination of the whole coast, for the construction of permanent fortifications, from St. Croix to the Sabine, with the exception of part of the territory lately acquired, will be completed in the present year, as will be the survey of the Mississippi, under the resolution of the House of Representatives, from the mouth of the Ohio to the Ocean-and, likewise, of the Ohio, from Louisville to the Mississippi. A progress, corresponding wtth the sums appropriated, has also been made in the construction of these fortifications at the points designated. As they will form a system of defence, for the whole maritime frontier, and, in consequence, for the interior, and are to last for ages, the greatest care has been taken to fix the position of each work, and to form it on such a scale as will be adequate to the purpose intended by it. All the inlets and assailable parts of our Union have been minutely examined, and positions taken, with a view to the best effect, observing, in every instance, a just regard for economy. Doubts, however, being entertained, as to the propriety of the position and extent of the work at Dauphine Island, further progress in it was suspended, soon after the last session of Congress, and an order given to the Board of Engineers and Naval Commissioners to make a further and more minute examination of it, in both respects, and to report the result, without delay. Due progress has been made in the construction of vessels of war, according to the law providing for the gradual augmentation of the navy, and to the extent of existing appropriations. The vessels authorized by the act of 1820 have all been completed, and are now in actual service. None of the larger ships have been, or will be, launched, for the present, the object being to protect all which may not be required for immediate service, from decay, by suitable build_ ings erected over them. A squadron has been maintained, as heretofore, in the Mediterranean, by means whereof peace has been pre

served with the Barbary powers. This squadron has been reduced the present year to as small a force as is compatible with the fulfilment of the object intended by it. From past experience, and the best information respecting the views of those powers, it is distinctly understood that, should our squadron be withdrawn, they would soon recommence their hostilities and depredations upon our commerce. Their fortifications have lately been rebuilt, and their maritime force increased. It has also been found necessary to maintain

a naval force on the Pacific, for the protection of the very important interests of our citizens engaged in commerce and the fisheries in that sea. Vessels have likewise been employed in cruizing along the Atlantic coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, on the coast of Africa, and in the neighbouring seas. In the latter, many piracies have been committed on our commerce, and so extensive was becoming the range of those unprincipled adventurers, that there was cause to apprehend, without a timely and decisive effort to suppress them, the worst consequences would ensue. Fortunately, a considerable check has been given to that spirit by our cruizers, who have succeeded in capturing and destroying several of their vessels. Nevertheless, it is considered an object of high importance to continue these cruizes until the practice is entirely suppressed. Like success has attended our efforts to suppress the slave trade. Under the flag of the United States, and the sanction of their papers, the trade may be considered as entirely suppressed; and, if any of our citizens are engaged in it, under the flag and papers of other powers, it is only from a respect to the rights of those powers, that these offenders are not seized and brought home, to receive the punishment which the laws inflict. If every other power should adopt the same policy, and pursue the same vigorous means for carrying it into effect, the trade could no longer exist.

Deeply impressed with the blessings which we enjoy, and of which we have such manifold proofs, my mind is irresistibly drawn to that Almighty Being, the Great Source from whence they proceed, and to whom our most grateful acknowledgments are due.

Washington, December 3, 1821.

JAMES MONROE.

The message and accompanying documents were read.

On motion, by Mr. Lanman,

Ordered, That three thousand copies of the message be printed for the use of the Senate.

On motion, by Mr. Pleasants,

It was agreed, that when the Senate adjourn, it be to 12 o'clock to-morrow; and

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1821.

The Honorable Thomas H. Benton, appointed a Senator by the Legislature of the State of Missouri, produced his credentials, which were read; and the oath prescribed by law was administered to him, and he took his seat in the Senate.

The resolution authorizing, the Sergeant-at-arms to employ an assistant and two horses was read the second time, and considered as in committee of the whole, and having been reported to the House without amendment,

On the question, "Shall this resolution be engrossed and read a third time?"

It was determined in the affirmative.

The resolution for the appointment of Chaplains, yesterday submitted, was considered and agreed to.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion, by Mr. Lanman,

Resolved, That a committee for engrossed bills be appointed, agreeably to the 30th rule for conducting business in the Senate. Ordered, That Mr. Lanman, Mr. Benton, and Mr. Holmes, of Maine, be the committee.

On motion, by Mr. King, of New York,

Ordered, That the usual hour for the meeting of the Senate be at 11 o'clock, A. M.

On motion, by Mr. Parrott,

Resolved, That the Senate proceed to ascertain the classes in which the Senators from the State of Missouri shall be inserted, in conformity to the resolution of the 14th of May, 1789, and as the constitution requires.

That the Secretary put into the ballot-box two papers of equal size, one of which shall be numbered two, and the other shall be numbered three, and each Senator shall draw out one paper; that the Senator who shall draw the paper numbered two shall be in

serted in the class of Senators whose term of service will expire on the third day of March, 1825; and that the Senator who shall draw the paper numbered three, shall be inserted in the class of Senators "whose term of service will expire on the third day of March, 1827. Whereupon,

The numbers abovementioned were, by the Secretary, rolled up and put into the box; when Mr. Barton drew No. 2, and is accordingly of the class of Senators whose terms of service will expire on the 3d of March, 1825; and Mr. Benton drew No. 3, and is accordingly of the class of Senators whose terms of service will expire on the 3d of March, 1827.

On motion, by Mr. Lowrie,

Ordered, That two thousand copies of the documents accompanying the message of the President of the United States, of the 5th instant, be printed for the use of the Senate.

Mr. Thomas submitted the following motion for consideration: Resolved, That each Senator be supplied, during the present session, with three such newspapers, printed within the United States, as he may choose, to be paid for out of the contingent fund; provided the same be furnished at the rate for the annual charge for such newspapers; and provided, also, that if any Senator shall choose to take any newspapers other than daily papers, he shall be supplied with as many such papers us shall not exceed the price of three daily papers; and

The resolution was read the first and second time, by unanimous consent, and considered as in committee of the whole, and having been reported to the House without amendment,

On the question, "Shall this resolution be engrossed and read a third time?"

It was determined in the affirmative.

The said resolution having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, was read a third time by unanimous consent. Resolved, That this resolution pass.

On motion, by Mr. Johnson, of Kentucky,

It was agreed that, when the Senate adjourn, it be to Monday next.

Mr. Dickerson submitted the following motion for consideration, which was read:

Resolved, That a committee of three members be appointed, who, with three members of the House of Representatives, to be appointed

by that House, shall have the direction of the money appropriated to the purchase of books and maps, for the use of the two Houses of Congress.

Ordered, That it pass to the second reading.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1821.

The Honorable John Elliott, from the State of Georgia, who arrived on the 7th, and also the Honorable John W. Walker, from the State of Alabama, who arrived on the 8th instant, severally attended this day.

Mr. Barbour submitted the following motion for consideration: Resolved, That the Senate will, on Wednesday next, at 12 o'clock, proceed to the appointment of the standing committees of this House.

The resolution authorizing the Doorkeeper and Sergeant-at-arms to employ an assistant and horses, having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, was read a third time; and

Resolved, That this resolution pass.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution for the appointment of a joint committee on the arrangements for the library of Congress; and having agreed thereto,

Ordered, That Mr. Dickerson, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Elliott, be the committee.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives accordingly.

Mr. Williams, of Tennessee, asked and obtained leave, by unanimous consent, to bring in a bill authorizing the transmission of certain documents free of postage, and the bill was twice read by unanimous consent, and considered as in committee of the whole, and no amendment having made thereto, it was reported to the House, and On the question, "Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time?"

It was determined in the affirmative.

The said bill having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, was read a third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That this bill pass, and that the title thereof be, "An act authorizing the transmission of certain documents free of postage."