UNITED STATES, _June_ 22, 1797.
Report of the Secretary of State to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
respecting the depredations committed on the commerce of the United
States:
1. Abstract of two cases of capture made by the British
cruisers of vessels belonging to citizens of the United
States since the first of October, 1796, and wherein
documents have been received at the Department of State;
also a copy of a memorandum filed by S. SMITH, Esq.,
relating to captures made by the British of vessels in the
property of which he was concerned. No documents accompany
the two cases of capture above mentioned, they having been
sent to London, in order that compensation might be
obtained for the damages suffered.
2. A correct copy of the decree of the Executive Directory
of March 2, 1797.
3. Copies of documents remaining in the Department of
State, relative to American vessels captured or condemned
by the French, since the first of October, 1796.
4. Extracts from communications from the Consuls of the
United States, relative to depredations committed on the
commerce of the United States by the French.
5. Schedule of the names of American vessels captured by
the French, and of the circumstances attending them,
extracted from the Philadelphia Gazette, and Gazette of the
United States, and commencing with July, 1796.
6. Extract of a letter from Rufus King, Esq., Minister,
&c., enclosing the protest of William Martin, master of the
Cincinnatus, of Baltimore, relative to the torture
inflicted on the said Martin by a French cruiser.
Mr. GILES moved that the above papers should be referred to a select
committee, to print such as would be useful to the House.
This question was negatived--50 to 46, and a motion carried for printing
the whole.
_Day of Adjournment._
Mr. GILES called up the motion which had some days ago been laid on the
table respecting an adjournment.
Mr. GALLATIN wished to modify his motion, by making the proposed day of
adjournment the 27th instead of the 24th instant.
Mr. SITGREAVES moved for the yeas and nays on the question.
Mr. MACON moved to make the day the 28th, which was consented to by the
mover.
Mr. DENT proposed to make it the 30th.
The question was taken on adjourning on the 30th, and negatived--there
being only 28 votes in favor of it.
The question on the resolution for the 28th was carried--yeas 51, nays
47.
SATURDAY, June 24.
_Protection of Trade._