WASHINGTON, _December 27, 1811_.
_Oliver Evans' claim for different applications of Steam Power._
Mr. LEIB presented the memorial of Oliver Evans, stating that the
memorialist verily believes himself to be the original proposer of
steam-boats and steam-wagons in the United States, (Doctor Franklin
only excepted;) and that he conceives his patent, dated February 14,
1804, secured to him the right to use his engine for boats, mills, and
land carriages, and praying to be left in full possession of those
rights, for reasons stated at large in the memorial; which was read,
and ordered to lie on the table.
MONDAY, December 30.
_Burning of the Richmond, Va., Theatre._
Mr. BRADLEY submitted the following motion for consideration:
_Resolved_, That the members of this House will wear crape
on the left arm for one month, in testimony of the national
respect and sorrow for the unfortunate persons who perished in
the city of Richmond, in Virginia, on the night of the 26th of
the present month.
TUESDAY, December 31.
Mr. BRADLEY called up the motion made yesterday on the subject; and, on
his motion, it was amended and agreed to as follows:
_Resolved_, That the members of this House will wear crape on the left
arm for one month, in testimony of the condolence and sorrow of the
Senate for the calamitous event by which the Chief Magistrate of the
State of Virginia, and so many of her citizens, perished by fire, in
the city of Richmond, on the night of the 26th of the present month.
THURSDAY, January 16, 1812.
_Hostile policy of Great Britain._
The following message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES:
_To the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States_:
I communicate to Congress a letter from the Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the Secretary
of State, with the answer of the latter.
The continued evidence afforded in this correspondence, of the
hostile policy of the British Government against our national
rights, strengthens the considerations recommending and urging
the preparation of adequate means for maintaining them.