Mr. Tait, from the committee on naval affairs, communicated a letter from the Secretary for the Department of Navy, containing estimates of the expense of building and equipping one se venty-four, two forty-fours, and two sloops of war; which were read.

On motion by Mr. Tait,

Ordered, That they be printed for the use of the Senate.

The bill entitled "An act to enlarge the time for ascertaining the annual transfers and changes of property subject to the direct tax, and for other purposes," was read a third time. Resolved, That this bill pass.

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

The bill entitled "An act for the relief of Henry Fanning was read a third time.

Resolved, That this bill pass.

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

The Senate resumed the consideration of the bill authorizing the appointment of certain naval officers therein named.

On the question,

"Shall this bill be engrossed

and read a third time ?"

It was determined in the affirmative.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Dougherty, their Clerk.

Mr. President-The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled " An act to regulate

the commerce between the United States and the territories of his britannic majesty, according to the convention concluded the third day of July, one thousand eight hundred and fifteen; and the ratifications of which were exchanged on the twenty-second day of December, one thousand eight hundred and fifteen," in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

And he withdrew.

The bill last mentioned was read.

Ordered, That it pass to the second reading. The Senate resumed, as in committee of the whole, the consideration of the bill to fix the compensations of the officers of the Senate therein mentioned; and after progress,

On motion by Mr. Daggett,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until Wednesday next.

Mr. Dana submitted the following motion for consideration:

Resolved, That a committee be appointed, to inquire whether any provision is necessary for authorizing the proper officers, from time to time, to make payment of the sums, which the Senators and Representatives in Congress, are entitled by law to receive from the Treasury of the United States, in compensation for their services.

Mr. Williams, from the committee appointed to consider the subject, reported a bill authorizing the sale of public lands; and the bill was read.

Ordered, That it pass to the second reading.

After the consideration of executive business, the Senate adjourned to eleven o'clock to-morrow morning.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16th, 1816.

Mr. Taylor presented the memorial of the city council of Charleston, South-Carolina, on the subject of a marine hospital for that port; which was

read.

On motion by Mr. Taylor,

Resolved, That it be referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise.

Ordered, That Mr. Taylor, Mr. Bibb, and Mr. Daggett, be the committee.

Mr. Roberts reported, from the committee, that they had examined, and found duly enrolled, the bill entitled "An act for the relief of Jonathan B. Eastman;" the bill entitled "An act for the relief of Henry Fanning;" also, the bill entitled "An act to enlarge the time for ascertaining the annual transfers and changes of property subject to the direct tax, and for other purposes."

The bill entitled "An act to regulate the commerce between the United States and the territories of his britannic majesty, according to the convention concluded on the 3d day of July, 1815, and the ratifications of which were exchanged on the 22d day of December, 1815," was read the second time.

On motion of Mr. Barbour,

Ordered, That it be referred to the committee on foreign relations, to consider and report thereon.

The bill authorizing the sale of public lands, was read the second time and considered as in committee of the whole.

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

It was determined in the affirmative.

The bill authorizing the appointment of certain naval officers therein named, having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, was read a third time and the blanks were filled.

Resolved, That this bill pass, and that the title thereof be, "An act authorizing the appointment of admirals."

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in this bill.

A message from the House of Representatives by Mr. Dougherty, their Clerk:

Mr. President-The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed several enrolled bills, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of their President. And he withdrew.

The President signed the three enrolled bills last reported to have been examined; and they were delivered to the committee to be laid before the President of the United States.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion made the 15th instant for the appointment of a committee to inquire whether any provision is necessary for authorizing the payment of the sums which the Senators and Representatives are entitled to receive in compensation for their services; and

On motion by Mr. Roberts,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until Tuesday next.

Mr. Varnum, from the committee to whom was referred the bill entitled "An Act to authorize the discharge of James Jewett from his imprisonment," reported it with an amendment, which was read and taken up as in committee of the whole; and

On motion,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

After the consideration of executive business, the Senate adjourned to eleven o'clock to-morrow morning.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17th, 1816.

The President communicated a report of the Post Master General, containing a list of contracts made in the year 1815; which was read.

Mr. Turner presented the petition of William O'Neale and Robert Taylor, of the city of Washington, praying compensation for a schooner, chartered to the United States to attend the flotilla