Prayer by Rev. Dr. Read of the Presbyterian church.

        Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bill:

        No. 41. A bill to amend and re-enact an act passed March the 11th, 1863, entitled an act to amend the 39th section of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the compensation of clerks and sheriffs for public service.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented the following bill:

        No. 42. A bill to regulate transportation of freights and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, presented the following reports:

        An adverse report upon the petition of C. H. and R. A. E. Dabney, asking to have a license tax refunded.

        An adverse report upon the subject of exempting the model farm of the city of Petersburg from taxation.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on confederate relations, to whom had been referred a resolution in reference to the employment of convicts on government work, presented a report asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject, and that the same be referred to the committee on the penitentiary; which was agreed to.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the same committee, to whom had been referred

a resolution as to passports and furloughs, presented a report, that it is inexpedient to legislate upon the subject.

        Mr. PENDLETON presented the following preamble and resolution:

        Whereas it is represented that in some of the counties of this commonwealth the impressment or collecting agents of the confederate government claim the right to collect from the producer all surplus produce above what may be necessary for his own use, and regardless of what may be the wants of the immediate section surrounding the producer:

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire as to the facts, and the appropriate remedy, and that they confer with the confederate authorities with a view so to provide as to prevent particular counties of this state from being so stripped of their productions as not to leave a sufficiency therein for the residents thereof.

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton,

        Resolved, that the joint committee on the library enquire what additional regulations and what assistance to the librarian, if any; are necessary to preserve and keep in order the public library.

        On motion of Mr. BAKER,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of repealing or modifying so much of chapter 115 of the Code of Virginia as relates to the capacity of aliens to take and dispose of real estate.

        Mr. WORSHAM submitted the following resolution; which being objected to, was laid over under the rule:

        Resolved, that in view of our present struggle, it is the firm and unalterable determination of the general assembly of Virginia not to know or recognize religious sects by way of exemption in their military organization.

        Mr. BURWELL presented the memorial of the James river and Kanawha company, asking to be allowed to fix the rates of freights charged by common carriers on the James river and Kanawha canal; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

        On motion of Mr. SHELTON,

        Resolved, that until otherwise ordered by the house, the SPEAKER shall vacate the chair at 3 o'clock P. M. and resume it at 8 o'clock P. M.

        Mr. MULLENS presented the following resolution; which being objected to, was laid over under the rule:

        Resolved, that hereafter no member of this house be allowed to speak more than ten minutes on any one question.

        No. 17. A bill to authorize, for a limited period, the impressment of fuel by the Virginia Central rail road company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, and read a second time.

        Mr. MAGRUDER submitted an amendment. Pending the consideration thereof, the hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. MARYE moved to amend the first section of the bill as amended, by adding thereto the following: "any citizen of a foreign government residing but not domiciled in this state, shall not be held liable to military duty under the provisions of this act, until after the expiration of days from the passage thereof, in order that such foreigner may have opportunity to depart from this commonwealth, if he choose to do so;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. ANDERSON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 104, noes 14.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O: Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hughes, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Magruder, Marye, Mathews, McElroy, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, I. Robinson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--104.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Buford, Burwell, Hutcheson, Lundy, Lurty, Mullens, Murdaugh, Pitman, Powell, Rowan, Shackleford, Smith and Tibbs--14.

        Mr. MONROE moved further to amend the 1st section of the bill, by adding thereto the following: "provided, however, that all persons who are over fifty-five years of age, who may see proper to enroll themselves in the forces hereby raised, and are accepted by the mustering officer, shall be furnished with arms, and receive the same pay and rations that are allowed under this act, and be subject to the provisions thereof;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ARMSTRONG, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed bills entitled an act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 14; the 14th section of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23, and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of the government, No. 13; and an act to amend the act passed February 13th, 1862, entitled an act to amend section 14 of chapter 163 of the Code, in relation to the removal of the records and papers of courts, No. 18: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the bill in the 2d section, by striking out the following words: "regimental, battalion and company districts are hereby abolished, and the enrollment and organization of the militia shall hereafter be made by counties, cities and towns, and by magisterial districts," and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "the forces hereby organized shall be called the 'state forces,' and the enrollment and organization thereof shall be made by counties,

cities and towns, and by magisterial districts;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The section was then amended, by substituting "state forces" for "militia," wherever it occurs.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved to amend the bill, by adding in the 17th line the words "or discharged from the confederate service by reason of having furnished substitutes therein;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the bill, by striking out the words "whether exempted or not from service in the militia, or discharged from the confederate service by reason of having furnished substitutes therein;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WINSTON moved further to amend the section, by inserting in the 18th line, after the word enrollment, the following: "including all refugees and others temporarily sojourning in such districts;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BUFORD demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was determined in the negative--Ayes 36, noes 62.

        On motion of Mr. WARD, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Bouldin, Bowen, Buffiington, Burr, Butler, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Fleming, A. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, J. B. Johnson, Keiley, Kindrick, Lundy, Magruder, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, R. J. White, Winn, Winston and Worsham--36.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bland, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burwell, Chalmers, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Edwards, English, Flood, W. O. Fry, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick. Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Linkous, Lively, Lurty, Lynch, Mathews, McCutchen, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Rust, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, Thompson, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams and Woodley--62.

        On motion of Mr. ENGLISH, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock.

EVENING SESSION.

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved to amend the second section, in the 23d line, after the word "themselves," by inserting the words "whether temporary residents or not;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the section, in the 28th line, by adding thereto, after the word "convenient." the following: "provided, however, that in any magisterial district in which there are more than thirty and less than fifty, it shall be the duty of the commandant to form them into a separate company; such company to have but two company officers, one 1st and one 2d lieutenant."

        Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton moved to amend the amendment, by

striking out the entire amendment, and inserting the following: "provided, that they shall be so attached before said companies are organized and officers elected;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the bill in the second section and 25th line, by striking out the word "fifty," and inserting "more than thirty;" which was agreed to.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved further to amend the second section, by striking out the words "to the companies most convenient," and to insert "to such companies not having the maximum number, as they may severally select;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. IRVING moved to amend the section as amended, by striking out the following: "If in any district there are not more than thirty persons subject to enrollment, the magistrates shall report the names of those enrolled to the commandant of the county, and he shall attach them to such companies not having the maximum number, as they may severally select: provided, however, that in any magisterial district in which there are more than thirty and less than fifty, it shall be the duty of the commandant to form them into a separate company; such company to have but two company officers, one 1st and one 2d lieutenant," and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "If in any district there are not fifty persons subject to enrollment, the magistrates shall report the names of those enrolled to the magistrates of such magisterial districts, as they may severally select, and they shall be regarded in all respects as enrolled in the district to which they are so reported."

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the entire amendment, and inserting the following: "If in any district there are not thirty persons subject to enrollment, the magistrates shall distribute them among the neighboring districts most convenient; and they shall be organized into the companies of such districts: provided, that if there be thirty and less than fifty such persons in any district, they shall be organized into a separate company; to have but two company officers, one 1st and one 2d lieutenant;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HAYMOND of Marion demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. IRVING, was put, and decided in the negative.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Read of the Presbyterian church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Sept. 30, 1863.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact the 3d section of an act to incorporate the James river canal packet company, passed March 16th, 1860, No. 8.

        And they have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to repeal so much of the act passed February 15th, 1853, as exempts the white male citizens of the county of King George, of forty-five years and upwards, from working on the public roads in that county, No. 29.

        In which bill they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Mr. WARD presented the petition of the trustees of Watsontown, commonly called Capon springs, asking that they may be authorized to sell certain property vested in them; which, on his motion, was referred to a select committee.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee: Messrs. Ward, Magruder, Monroe, Williams and Walton.

        No. 18. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the act passed February 13th, 1862, entitled an act to amend section 14 of chapter 163 of the Code, in relation to the removal of the records and papers of courts, was read a first, second and third times and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 29. A senate bill entitled an act to repeal so much of the act passed February 15th, 1863, as exempts the white male citizens of the county of King George, of forty-five years and upwards, from working on the public roads in that county, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        No. 13. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23, and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of the government, was read a first and second times.

        Mr. COWAN moved that the bill be read again this day.

        Mr. TOMLIN moved that the bill be laid on the table. Pending the consideration of which, the hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. HOLDEN moved to amend the 2d section of the bill, by striking out the entire section, and inserting the following:

        "§ 2. Regimental, battalion and company districts are hereby abolished, and the enrollment and organization of the state forces

shall hereafter be made by counties, cities and towns, and by magisterial districts. On the 24th day of October 1863 the magistrates of each magisterial district, except those in cities and towns electing their own justices, and those in the counties herein after specified, shall assemble in their respective districts. Any two or more may act, and shall appoint three persons, justices of the peace, or others, to superintend the enrollment of the state forces at each precinct. The said magistrates shall at the same time designate some point of assembly in the district for the purpose of organization, and shall cause notice of the same, and of the day fixed by this act for the organization of the state forces, to be posted at each election precinct in the district, at an early hour on the day of enrollment. On the 31st day of October 1863, all white males between the ages of sixteen and fifty-five years, whether temporary residents or not, shall assemble, between the hours of 10 A. M. and 5 P. M., at the election precincts in their respective districts, and shall enroll themselves under the supervision of the persons appointed to make the enrollment. The rolls shall specify the names and ages of the persons enrolled. It shall be the duty of the magistrates to ascertain all persons delinquent in enrolling themselves, either at the first or subsequent enrollments, and to report them to the commandant of the county. If in any district there are not fifty persons subject to enrollment, the magistrates shall report the names of those enrolled to the commandant of the county, and he shall attach them to the companies most convenient, or add a sufficient number from adjacent districts to make the minimum number. But in squad drills they shall not be taken out of their own districts, nor in company drills, oftener than four times a year."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. JAMES moved to amend the 3d section of the bill, by adding after the word "company" the words "who shall hold their offices until the company shall assemble for the purpose of being mustered into service, when there shall be a reorganization, and the captain and first and second lieutenants elected by the members of the company."

        Mr. KENNEY moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the entire amendment, and inserting "such officers to act as such until a majority of such company may be present;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative. The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment, Mr. HAYMOND of Marion demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved to amend the bill in the third section, by adding at the end thereof the following: "provided, that the regiment organized in the city of Richmond for local defence shall be a part of the state forces, and retain its present organization; but any member of such regiment above the maximum age prescribed in this act, may withdraw therefrom;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. COKE moved to amend the 3d section of the bill, by striking out the words "and if it be found that a majority of the persons assigned to a company are not present, the magistrates shall appoint the officers of such company;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HAYMOND demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 72, noes 28.

        On motion of Mr. COKE, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Bouldin, Bowen, Brooke, Buford, Burr, Butler, Coke, Cox, Cummings, Custis, Deane; Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, Evans, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Magruder, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Robertson, J. A. Robinson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shelton, Staples, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, Winston and Worsham--72.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Chalmers, Cresap, Crockett, Duval, Fleming, L. D. Haymond, Herndon, Holden, W. Johnson, Keiley, Lurty, Lynch, Meade, Pitman, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Rutherfoord, Sherrard, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Williams and Woodley--28.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the bill in the 3d section, 7th line, by adding thereto after the word "other," "but no company of less than fifty men, rank and file, shall be organized in any magisterial district containing fifty enrolled men;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved further to amend the bill in the 3d section, by adding after the word "company," in the 12th line, the words "containing not less than fifty men. Companies containing less than that number shall elect one first and one second lieutenant;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved to amend the 4th section of the bill relating to vacancies and unfitness for office, by striking therefrom the following:

        "But if any person chosen to be a commissioned officer is alleged to be unfit for the position, the commandant of the county shall assemble a board of three commissioned officers of other companies, who shall enquire into the alleged unfitness, examine the party, and report to the commandant their opinion thereon. If the report be adverse to the party elected, the commandant shall order another election; and if any unfit person be a second time elected, the commandant shall recommend to the governor some suitable person for the position. The person so recommended shall be commissioned, unless the governor disapprove of such recommendation. In which case, he may require another to be made; and in case of a second disapproval, may fill the vacancy;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. WORSHAM moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 41, noes 57.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Bland, Bowles, Brooke, Butler, Chalmers,

Coke, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Goodall, Hall, L. D. Haymond, Herndon, Hoge, Huntt, Hutcheson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Keiley, Lynch, Magruder, Marye, McCue, McCutchen, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Pitman, Richardson, Riddick. Rixey, J. A. Robinson, D. J. Saunders, Sherrard, Tibbs, Tomlin, Walton, Woodley and Worsham--41.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burr, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Fleming, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Kenney, Kindrick, Lively, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Reid, Robertson, Rutherfoord, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, N. W. White, R. J. White, Winn, Winston and Wright--57.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock P.M.

EVENING SESSION.

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved to amend the bill in the fifth section, relating to commandants of counties, by adding after the word "commandant," in the 26th line, the following: "except when two or more such officers are to be chosen at one time; then the governor may select from the whole number herein before directed to be nominated by said courts, councils or legislative bodies;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. GILMER demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. HUTCHESON moved to amend the bill in the 7th line, by striking out the word "two," and inserting "one" (the effect being to limit the nomination of one person by the county courts, &c.); and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. MILLER demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the bill in the 5th section, by striking out the following words: "all such appointments shall be submitted for confirmation to the senate, if in session, and if not, they shall be submitted to that body on the first day of its next session;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. MATHEWS demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. WHITE of Brooke, the house adjourned until tomorrow 11 o'clock.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Read of the Presbyterian church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 1. 1863.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act for the relief of William E. Gaskins and James H. Gaskins, No. 14.

        And they have passed with amendment house bill entitled:

        An act to increase jailors' fees for keeping and supporting prisoners, No. 3.

        They have passed bills entitled:

        An act incorporating the Virginia volunteer navy company, No. 12.

        An act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, No. 22.

        An act to repeal so much of the ordinance of the convention of April 24th, 1861, as provides for a pay department of Virginia forces, No. 28.

        In which amendment and bills they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The amendment proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act to increase jailors' fees for keeping and supporting prisoners, was agreed to--Ayes 84, noes 6.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bouldin, Buford, Burr, Butler, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, Melvin, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--84.

        NOES--Messrs. W. Johnson, Kindrick, Miller, Morgan, Patterson and Tomlin--6.

        No. 12. A senate bill entitled an act incorporating the Virginia volunteer navy company, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        No. 22. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on lunatic asylums.

        No. 28. A senate bill entitled an act to repeal so much of the ordinance of the convention of April 24th, 1861, as provides for a pay department of Virginia forces, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the expediency of so legislating as more effectually to prevent the growing crime of horse stealing, presented a report, that it was inexpedient to legislate on the subject.

        Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the expediency of excluding certain residents of the state from the rights of citizenship, presented a report; which, on his motion, was recommitted.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, to whom had been referred a resolution as to the expediency of employing male convicts in the penitentiary in the coal pits, presented a report, asking that the committee be discharged from the consideration of the subject, and that the same be referred to the committee on the penitentiary.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND, the report was laid on the table.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the expediency of authorizing the banks to redeem their issues in confederate notes, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

        Mr. WARD, from the select committee, presented the following bill:

        No. 43. A bill for the sale of Capon springs; which was read a first time, and two-thirds concurring, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the select committee on extortion, presented the following bill:

        No. 44. A bill to regulate the price of all articles produced or manufactured in this state, and the sale of all other goods, wares and merchandise in the same; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        No. 13. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 14; the 14th section of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23, and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of the government, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. JONES, referred to the committee on finance.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of increasing the appropriation for the support of the Virginia military institute.

        On motion of Mr. BURR,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of the Merchants insurance company of the city of Richmond.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. STEWART moved to amend the 5th section, in the 37th line thereof, by striking out the words "or within thirty days thereafter," (referring to the time of nomination of commandants by county courts), and inserting "within the time specified;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the 5th section of the bill, by striking out the words "subject to ratification and confirmation by the senate, as prescribed in this section," and inserting the following: "but such appointments shall be submitted for confirmation to the senate, if in session; and if not, they shall be submitted to that body on the first day of its next session" (the effect being to require an appointment made by the governor to be confirmed by the senate); and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. JAMES moved to amend the 5th section, by striking out all of

the section from the commencement thereof, down to the word "courthouses," in the 7th line, and inserting "at the first county courts held in all the counties of the commonwealth after the companies therein have been organized under this act, the justices of every county having three or more companies of state forces, and at the first meeting of the council or other legislative body of every city or town, after the companies therein have been organized under this act, having three or more companies of state forces, the said justices or council, as the case may be, shall nominate to the governor;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. MARYE,

        Resolved, that while the senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia is under consideration by this house, no member shall speak longer than five minutes, nor more than once upon any question touching the same, and that all debate upon said bill and amendments shall cease on the day of the present month, excepting only that the chairman of the military committee shall be allowed to make explanations touching any questions arising during the consideration of said bill, not exceeding five minutes upon any such question.

        Mr. WALTON moved to amend the 5th section, by adding thereto the following: "provided, that such appointment shall not be made in any county, city or town in which the operation of this act shall be suspended by the governor under the 37th section, until thirty days after the removal of such suspension, and notice thereof to the presiding or some other justice of said county, or the mayor of said city or town;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BROOKE moved to strike out the 10th section of the bill, and to insert the following:

        "Every person failing to enroll as directed in the 2d, 9th, 28th and 29th sections of this act, shall, unless excused therefor by the regimental or battalion board, be fined not more than ten dollars per diem, and be subject to such additional military service in the field or otherwise as the regimental or battalion board may prescribe, not exceeding five days for every day's delinquency."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. ANDERSON demanded a division of the question; which was agreed to.

        The question being on striking out, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 36, noes 58.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Brooke, Buford, Cox, Cresap, Cummings, Custis, Draper, Edwards, Fletcher, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Harris, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Magruder, McElroy, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Pretlow, Riddick, J. A. Robinson, D. J. Saunders, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--36.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Crawford, Crockett, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, English, Fleming, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodall, L. D. Haymond, Herndon, Holden, Horton, James, W. Johnson, Jordan, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Mathews, McCue, McMillan, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, I. Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, F. Saunders,

Scott. Shackleford, Smith, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, R. J. White, Williams, Woodley and Worsham--58.

        Mr. IRVING moved to amend the bill in the 11th section, by adding in the 11th line the words "or for such physical disability as will render him unable to perform duty in such forces;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved to amend the 11th section, by adding thereto the following: "provided, that the surgeon or assistant shall be one of said number for the examination of all cases of bodily infirmity;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WALTON moved to amend the 11th section (in relation to re-examination for exemption), by inserting "provided, that no such re-examination shall be made in cases where the disability has been declared permanent by a board constituted under the act of the general assembly of 1862, or by a confederate board of exemption;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Read of the Presbyterian church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, OCT. 2, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to the resolution from the house of delegates for adjournment of the general assembly.

        They have passed house bill entitled:

        An act authorizing special terms of the circuit courts to be held to carry into effect the provisions of the law to prevent the unlawful distillation of whiskey or other spirituous or malt liquors, No. 7.

        And have passed with amendments house bill entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact the twenty-eighth section of chapter fifty-two of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), No. 22.

        They have also passed bills entitled:

        An act declaring what contracts shall be payable in currency, No. 15.

        An act to abolish the auditing board, and to provide for the settlement of all claims remaining unsettled by said board, No. 24.

        An act to authorize the transfer of causes from courts which cannot be held by reason of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, to other circuit courts not so situated, No. 25.

        In which amendments and bills they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 28th section of chapter fifty-two of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), were agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 15. A senate bill entitled an act declaring what contracts shall be payable in currency, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 24. A senate bill entitled an act to abolish the auditing board, and to provide for the settlement of all claims remaining unsettled by said board, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 25. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the transfer of causes from courts which cannot be held by reason of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, to other circuit courts not so situated, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bills:

        No. 45. A bill amending the first section of the third chapter of the Code of Virginia, defining citizenship.

        No. 46. A bill to amend and re-enact section 4 of an act entitled an act to provide for the trial of persons charged with offences committed in counties in the possession of the enemy or threatened with immediate invasion, passed March 27th, 1863; which last bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. KAUFMAN, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following bill:

        No. 47. A bill to amend the charter of the Merchants insurance company of the city of Richmond.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on confederate relations, to whom had been referred a resolution in relation to the purchase of real estate by certain persons, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject, and that the same be referred to the committee for courts of justice; which was agreed to.

        Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on the penitentiary, presented the following bill:

        No. 48. A bill to provide for the sale of certain slaves now in the penitentiary; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. JOHNSON of Barbour, from the committee on agriculture and manufactures, presented the following bill:

        No. 49. A bill for the protection of sheep, and to increase the growth of wool.

        Mr. BAKER, from the joint committee on the library, presented a report; which, on his motion, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 9.

        No. 7. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the act passed February 13th, 1863, entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 1st and 2d sections of an act entitled an act to repeal the fence law of

Virginia as to certain counties, and to authorize the county courts to dispense with enclosures in other counties, passed October 3d, 1862, and to legalize the action of county courts held under said law, was taken up, on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, on its second reading.

        The bill was then amended, and as amended read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 40. A bill for the relief of the indigent soldiers of the state of Virginia who have been or may be disabled in the military service, and the widows and minor children of soldiers who have died or may hereafter die in said service, and of the indigent families of those now in the service, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD, and read a second time.

        The bill was then amended. Pending the consideration of which, on motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD, the bill was laid on the table and made the order of the day for Monday next at 11¼ o'clock.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on the penitentiary enquire into the expediency of hiring the male free negro and slave convicts confined in the penitentiary to colliers in the counties of Goochland, Powhatan and Chesterfield.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, was taken up.

        Mr. ANDERSON moved to amend the 14th section (relating to fines), by inserting in the 2d line, after the words "fines not exceeding one hundred dollars," the words "and imprisonment, not exceeding one month."

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the entire amendment, and inserting "an extra tour of duty as patrols, guards or laborers;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BROOKE demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 11, noes 85.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Buffington, Goodall, Herndon, Nighbert, Pitman, Richardson, Rutherfoord, Tibbs, Tomlin and Woodley--11.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Bowen, Bowles, Brooke, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, English, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Parramore, Patterson, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--85.

        Mr. MORGAN moved to amend the bill, by striking out in the 15th section the following words: "Interruptions from bystanders on drill or parade, or during any discharge of duty, may be punished by a

fine not exceeding two hundred dollars, and by arrest and confinement during the remainder of the day;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. CUMMINGS moved to amend the 15th section, by striking out the clause of the bill directing the payment of expenses by county levies, and inserting "out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. KENNEY moved to strike out from the 16th section the following: "The state forces shall be governed by the Army Regulations of the Confederate States, so far as the same are applicable, and when on duty shall be under military law from the date of the order assembling them until they are discharged, and shall be governed by the articles of war of the Confederate States, so far as the said articles are applicable," and to insert "The state forces shall, from the day on which they are required to be assembled, and until discharged, be governed by the Army Regulations and the articles of war of the Confederate States, as far as the same are applicable."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. ANDERSON demanded a division of the question; which was agreed to; and the question being on striking out, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. CUMMINGS moved to amend the amendment, by striking out all thereof, and inserting "The state forces, when in actual service, shall be governed by the Army Regulations and by the articles of war of the Confederate States, so far as the same are applicable;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative. The amendment as amended was then agreed to.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. COLLIER, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bill entitled an act to incorporate the Fire and hose insurance company of the city of Petersburg, with amendments: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        On motion of Mr. WALKER, the house adjourned until Monday, 11 o'clock.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jeter of the Baptist church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 3, 1863.

        The senate have passed bills entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact the first section of chapter 80 of the Acts of 1861-2, entitled an act to provide for the trial of persons charged with offences committed in counties in the possession of the enemy or threatened with immediate invasion, passed March 27th, 1862, and to repeal the act amending the same, passed October 4th, 1862, No. 25.

        An act requiring rail road and canal companies to transport troops and munitions of war without the right to demand prepayment of fare, No. 27.

        In which they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 25. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the first section of chapter 80 of the Acts of 1861-2, entitled an act to provide for the trial of persons charged with offences committed in counties in the possession of the enemy or threatened with immediate invasion, passed March 27th, 1862, and to repeal the act amending the same, passed October 4, 1862, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 27. A senate bill entitled an act requiring rail road and canal companies to transport troops and munitions of war without the right to demand prepayment of fare, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to No. 16, a house bill entitled an act to incorporate the Fire and hose insurance company of the city of Petersburg, were taken up, and on motion, laid on the table.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, to whom had been referred the petition of Messrs. Elam, Gray, Brightwell and others, asking that tobacco inspectors be exempted from military duty, presented an adverse report thereon.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the expediency of doing nothing to weaken the efforts of the confederate government, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

        Mr. KAUFMAN, from the committee of propositions and grievances, to whom had been referred

        No. 12. A senate bill entitled an act incorporating the Virginia volunteer navy company; and

        No. 29. A senate bill entitled an act to repeal so much of the act passed February 15, 1853, as exempts the whole male citizens of the county of King George, of forty-five years and upwards, from working on the public roads in that county, reported the same without amendment.

        Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following bill:

        No. 50. A bill amending and re-enacting the 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th sections of the 14th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, to whom had been referred the following bills, reported the same without amendment:

        No. 13. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 14; the 14th section of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23, and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of the government.

        No. 15. A senate bill entitled an act declaring what contracts shall be payable in currency.

        Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, to whom had been referred

        No. 24. A senate bill entitled an act to abolish the auditing board, and to provide for the settlement of all claims remaining unsettled by said board, reported the same with an amendment.

        Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, to whom had been referred

        No. 28. A senate bill entitled an act to repeal so much of the ordinance of the convention of April 24th, 1861, as provides for a pay department of Virginia forces, presented a report asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the bill, and that the same be referred to the committee on military affairs; which was agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations be requested to enquire into the expediency of reporting by bill or otherwise some measure to induce or prevent the confederate authorities from the impressment of articles on their way to market, actually necessary for the support of the people of the cities of the commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. EDWARDS,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of requiring the banks to receive deposits from all citizens of this state who may propose so to deposit.

        On motion of Mr. IRVING,

        Resolved, that it be referred to the committee on military affairs to consider and report by bill or otherwise on the expediency of forming military districts of such counties and towns as, by their local relations to each other and their common exposure to raids from any particular direction, should especially co-operate with each other in their common defence, or in the defence of any public work of great importance located within their boundaries, and of providing for the appointment of a military commandant for each of such districts, charged with the duty of defending his district from invasion or raids of the enemy, and clothed with power to concentrate the forces of his district, and make proper dispositions for its defence, and to keep pickets and scouts on the lookout in threatened localities, to give timely notice of the approach of any raiding party of the enemy, with such other provisions as the commandant may deem necessary to perfect the scheme indicated by this resolution.

        Mr. PRETLOW presented the following resolution; which being objected to, was laid over under the rule:

        Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed by this house to wait upon the governor of this commonwealth, and ask him to make known to the citizens of Virginia, by proclamation or otherwise, their rights under the impressment law of the Confederate States, and their course of procedure for illegal seizures of their property.

        No. 40. A bill for the relief of the indigent soldiers of the state of Virginia who have been or may be disabled in the military service, and the widows and minor children of soldiers who have died

or may hereafter die in said service, and of the indigent families of those now in service, being the special order of the day, was taken up.

        The bill was then further amended.

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the bill, by striking out of the bill, in the 4th section, the following words: "Any person shall be held and deemed a speculator within the meaning of this act, who shall purchase any of the necessaries of life for profit by resale, or who shall purchase or hold the same when not needed for the consumption of his or her family during the then ensuing 12 months."

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to amend the amendment, by striking out all after the word "resale;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. WINSTON, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 41, noes 52.

        On motion of Mr. TOMLIN, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Butler, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cummings, Deane, Draper, English, Gilmer, Goode, Goodykoontz, Harris, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Irving, Jones, Kenney, Kindrick, McCue, McKinney, McMillan, Miller, Monroe, Nighbert, Pretlow, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, Shelton, Smith, Staples, Tomlin, Tredway, Winn, Winston and Woodley--41.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Bowen, Bowles, Burr, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke, Cresap, Crockett, Dickey, Duval, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Goodall, L. D Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Linkous, Lively, Lurty, Mathews, McKinney, Morgan, Mullens, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, I. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford. Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, R. J. White and Williams--52.

        Mr. PENDLETON moved to amend the bill, by adding to the 4th section, at the end thereof, the following:

        "Where the confederate government has an impressing agent in any county, it shall be the duty of the county court, in order to prevent collision, at once to cause an estimate to be made of the amount of supplies so needed by the persons mentioned in the 1st and 3d sections, and also of the amount needed for such other residents of such county as may not have supplies adequate to their necessities, who shall make affidavit as to such deficiency. It shall be the duty of the said county agent to report the aggregate amount of said estimates to the impressing officer of the Confederate States for said county, and endeavor so to arrange with the said agent as that a sufficiency for the said purpose of the surplus products of said county may be turned over by the confederate agent to the said agent of the county court, who shall proceed to sell so much thereof as may have been obtained for that purpose, at cost, to the persons not mentioned in the first and third sections of this act, adding the expenses of transportation and proper allowance for mortgage."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Pending the further consideration of the bill,

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 12 o'clock.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1863.

        E. D. MAGUIRE, a delegate elected from the county of Wood, appeared, was qualified and took his seat.

        Mr. JONES, from the committee of privileges and elections, presented the following bill:

        No. 51. A bill amending and re-enacting section 20, chapter 14 of the Code of Virginia, giving additional mileage in currency to members of the general assembly.

        Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, to whom had been referred

        No. 25. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the transfer of causes from courts which cannot be held by reason of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, to other circuit courts not so situated, reported the same without amendment.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following bill; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 52. A bill declaring who shall be exempt from military service under an act to organize the state forces.

        No. 49. A bill for the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MCCUE, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. PENDLETON submitted the following preamble and resolutions; which were read, and on his motion, laid on the table:

        Whereas the general assembly of Virginia did, on the 17th day of January 1862, adopt the following preamble and resolution: Whereas the public enemy, invited by domestic foes, being in power in some of the counties of Virginia, where they are confiscating the property of loyal citizens, and otherwise oppressing them in a cruel manner; and whereas the traitors there, contemplating a division of this time-honored commonwealth, with the aid of the public enemy, have set up a pretended government over the same, which, under the force of circumstances, could not be prevented by the timely sending of an adequate military force: and whereas the legislature desires to reassure all loyal citizens throughout the commonwealth of their desire and intention to protect them: Therefore,

        Resolved by the senate and house of delegates, that in no event will the state of Virginia submit to or consent to the loss of a foot of her soil; that it is the firm determination of the state, and known to be that of the confederate government, to assert and maintain the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the state of Virginia to the uttermost limits of her ancient boundaries, at any and every cost.

        And whereas, since the passage of said resolution by the general assembly, the government of the United States, in pursuance of its settled purpose to override and destroy the separate existence of the states, has attempted to form a new state out of the state of Virginia, in contravention alike of the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of Virginia, and is upholding, by

the power of her armies, certain evil disposed and traitorous citizens of this state, who are leagued with the said United States in their nefarious and wicked purposes against the peace, welfare, institutions and integrity of Virginia; and whereas it is the fixed and unalterable intention of Virginia to maintain and assert her prerogative, as set forth in said resolution of the last general assembly, and approved by the confederate congress, and to protect alike her citizens and her soil from the machinations of traitors within and enemies without: Therefore,

        Resolved by the senate and house of delegates, that Virginia maintains, fixed and unalterable, the purpose and determination so clearly set forth in the resolution of the last general assembly, and that this general assembly cordially readopts and sanctions the same, and redeclares alike to her citizens and the world, that it is "the firm determination of the state, and known to be that of the confederate government, to assert and maintain the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the state of Virginia, to the uttermost limits of her ancient boundaries, at any and every cost."

        Resolved, that the governor be requested to present a copy of these resolutions, properly certified, to the congress of the Confederate States, to convene on the 22d of February 1864, for their approval.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. COLLIER, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to a resolution requesting the return of house bill entitled an act to incorporate the Fire and hose insurance company of the city of Petersburg, No. 16, to the senate.

        The request of the senate was agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. KEILEY carry the bill to the senate.

        Subsequently, a message was received from the senate by Mr. COLLIER, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed with amendments, house bill entitled an act to incorporate the Fire and hose insurance company of the city of Petersburg, No. 16: in which amendments they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the prompt publication of all important acts of a general nature, in one or more of the newspapers of this state, or in such other form as may in their opinion suffice to give information of such acts to the people of this commonwealth.

        No. 40. A bill for the relief of the indigent soldiers of the state of Virginia who have been or may be disabled in the military service, and the widows and minor children of soldiers who have died or may hereafter die in said service, and of the indigent families of those now in the service, being the unfinished business of yesterday, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD.

        The bill was then further amended in the 4th section, on motion of Mr. WALTON.

        Mr. ROBERTSON moved further to amend the bill, by striking therefrom all that portion thereof giving the county courts the power of

impressment, as follows; "or if the said courts shall deem it prudent and necessary, may authorize its agent or agents to impress, upon its order, a stated quantity of necessaries for the persons and families mentioned in the said 1st and 3d sections of this act, at prices not exceeding those prescribed by the commissioners appointed for the state of Virginia, under the act of the confederate congress regulating impressments, preferring in said impressment articles in the hands of persons who may have purchased the same for purposes of speculation; and said courts shall have the authority to prescribe the articles to be purchased, and to fix the compensation of the agent or agents, and to adopt rules and regulations for the proper care of such articles so purchased or impressed, and for the distribution of the same in such quantities and in such manner as shall best conduce to the relief of the distress and wants of the persons and families mentioned in the said 1st and 3d sections. Any person shall be held and deemed a speculator within the meaning of this act, who shall purchase any of the necessaries of life for profit by resale, or who shall purchase or hold the same when not needed for the consumption of his or her family;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HAYMOND demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 30, noes 68.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Bowen, Buford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Draper, English, Goode, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, Horton, Irving, Kenney, Kindrick, Marr, McCue, Monroe, Patterson, Pretlow, Rixey, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, Smith, Tredway, Winn, Winston and Woodley--30.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Barksdale, Bland, Bowles, Brooke, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke. Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Dickey, Duval, Edwards. Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lively, Maguire, Mathews, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, I. Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White and Williams--68.

        Mr. PENDLETON moved to amend the bill in the 4th section as amended, by adding thereto the following: "provided, that when the owner of property impressed is dissatisfied with the price, he may appeal to the county court, whose decision shall be final; but the agent may take possession of the property impressed immediately on the appeal being taken;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BUFORD moved further to amend the 4th section as amended, by adding thereto the following: "provided further, that so much of this act as defines who shall be held and deemed a speculator, shall not be so construed as to apply to a licensed merchant, who only buys and sells such goods, wares and merchandise as he is authorized to do by virtue of his license; nor to a farmer, who only holds such necessaries of life as are of his own production; but such articles deemed necessaries of life, owned by any such merchant or farmer, shall be liable to impressment in like manner as if owned by any person other than one held and deemed a speculator under this act."

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the amendment, by adding thereto the following: "and provided further, that no impressment shall be

made of any supplies laid in, and necessary for the support of any family for a period not exceeding 12 months;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BROOKE demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment as amended, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BROOKE moved further to amend the 4th section of the bill as amended, by adding thereto the following: "and provided further that no such order of impressment shall be made, except at a term of said court to which all the justices of said county have been previously summoned: and provided further, whenever the said county agent or agents shall report to the clerk of said court his or their inability to procure, by purchase, the supplies necessary for the support of the persons and families aforesaid, the clerk of such court shall issue a summons to convene the justices of said county at the next regular term of such court." Pending the consideration of which, the hour of 3 o'clock having arrived, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing a letter from the governor of Georgia, and a memorial of B. H. Bigham, salt agent for the state of Georgia, on the subject of the manufacture of salt at Saltville for the state of Georgia, and complaining of the action of the board of public works of Virginia in relation to transportation; which were read, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 10.

        No. 40. A bill for the relief of the indigent soldiers of the state of Virginia, who have been or may be disabled in the military service, and the widows and minor children of soldiers who have died, or may hereafter die in said service, and of the indigent families of those now in service, was taken up.

        The question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. BROOKE, Mr. TOMLIN moved to amend the amendment, by inserting after the word "purchase" the following: "at rates not exceeding those prescribed by the schedule of prices fixed by the commissioners for the state of Virginia, under the act of the confederate congress regulating impressments;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put and decided in the affirmative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment as amended, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. CUMMINGS moved further to amend the bill, by inserting as an independent section the following:

        "For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this act, the county and corporation courts are hereby authorized and empowered

to levy the necessary tax, either entirely or in part, upon yearly income and profits, or entirely upon profits realized in any one year since the 17th of April 1861, and yearly thereafter: provided, however, that yearly incomes and profits of less than $2,000 shall be exempt from taxation; and when more than $2,000 and less than $5,000, the tax shall not exceed 3 per centum; and when more than $5,000, the tax shall be at the discretion of the justices: and provided further, that no income, salary, compensation or fees received from the discharge of any office shall be taxed under this section; and if the said courts or any of them should deem it proper and expedient to levy the tax as above authorized, then the said courts may by their order direct the commissioners of the revenue of their respective counties to make the necessary assessment; and the commissioners shall examine on oath all parties concerned, and any other person whose evidence may aid them in the performance of their duty."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the bill, by adding, as an independent section, the following, to come in after the 6th section:

        "Be it further enacted, that for the purpose of carrying the provisions of this act into effect in counties held or threatened by the public enemy, and when the court thereof cannot be held at the courthouse of such county, it shall be lawful for any five or more of the acting justices thereof to assemble at some place in said county other than the courthouse thereof, who, when so assembled, shall be regarded in all respects as the county court of said county, for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this act."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? Mr. ANDERSON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jeter of the Baptist church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 6, 1863.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to incorporate the Old Dominion trading company, passed March 24th, 1863, No. 9.

        They have agreed to the amendment of the house of delegates, with amendments, to senate bill entitled:

        An act to amend the act passed February 13th, 1863, entitled an act amending and re-enacting the first and second sections of an act entitled an act to repeal the fence law of Virginia as to certain counties, and to authorize the county courts to dispense with enclosures in other counties, passed October 3d, 1862, and to legalize the action of county courts held under said law.

        In which amendments to the amendment they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to the amendment proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act to amend the act, &c. to repeal the fence law of Virginia, &c., were taken up.

        The 1st amendment, striking out "Henrico," was disagreed to. The 2d amendment, striking out "Campbell," was agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act to incorporate the Fire and hose insurance company of the city of Petersburg, No. 16, were agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, to whom had been referred

        No. 27. A senate bill entitled an act requiring rail road and canal companies to transport troops and munitions of war without the right to demand prepayment of fare, reported the same to the house without amendment.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the same committee, presented the following bill:

        No. 53. A bill to authorize the James river and Kanawha company and all other navigation companies to regulate all charges by boats and boat owners using the works and improvements of the said companies.

        Mr. TOMLIN, from the committee on finance, presented the following bill:

        No. 54. A bill for the relief of William F. Ritchie, public printer.

        Mr. TOMLIN, from the same committee, gave notice that he would on to-morrow move to add the following to the standing rules of the house:

        There shall be a standing committee on public printing, to whom shall be referred all questions of printing not otherwise ordered by the house. It shall be the duty of said committee to examine all accounts for printing annually, and to make such reports and recommendations as it may deem necessary or proper.

        On motion of Mr. WINN,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing the auditor of public accounts to refund to commissioners of the revenue of the several counties and corporations of the state, whose fees for assessing the tax on licenses have been improperly paid into the treasury, the amount of said fees.

        The report of the committee of propositions and grievances, heretofore laid on the table, on a resolution referred to it to enquire into the expediency of employing the male convicts of the penitentiary in the coal mines near the city of Richmond, and of devoting the proceeds of their labor towards furnishing fuel to the destitute wives and families of our soldiers in this city and vicinity, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the same, and that it be referred to the committee on the penitentiary, was agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee for confederate relations enquire into the expediency of authorizing the government of the Confederate States to acquire and hold real estate in the counties of Montgomery and Pulaski of this state.

        Mr. RICHARDSON submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that Brigadier General James L. Kemper, the former distinguished speaker of this house, whose virtues and public worth have long been admired by the people of his native state, and whose heroic bearing in many battles for the defence of his country, has so justly entitled him to the love and admiration of the people of Virginia, be invited to occupy a seat within the bar of this house during his stay in Richmond; which was unanimously agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of permitting the Petersburg iron works to acquire and hold sufficient real estate, not exceeding fifteen thousand acres of land, for the working of one or more iron furnaces.

        Mr. HALL presented the memorial of N. Carroll, in reference to the propriety and necessity of additional fortifications to protect the city of Richmond; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

        On motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of incorporating the Southern insurance and savings society of Petersburg.

        The following bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 51. A bill amending and re-enacting section 20, chapter 14 of the Code of Virginia, giving additional mileage in currency to members of the general assembly.

        The following bill was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time:

        No. 46. A bill to amend and re-enact section 4 of an act entitled an act to provide for the trial of persons charged with offences committed in counties in the possession of the enemy, or threatened with immediate invasion, passed March 27th, 1863.

        The preamble and resolutions heretofore submitted by Mr. PENDLETON, "asserting the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the state of Virginia over her ancient boundaries," were taken up, on his motion.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON, the vote was taken upon the preamble

and resolutions as a whole; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Dickey, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lurty, Maguire, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, I. Robinson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--105.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. WALKER of Rockingham moved to strike out the 17th section of the bill, as follows:

        "17. The commandant of each company shall cause his company to be arranged into two classes, comprising in the first class all those between the ages of eighteen and fifty, whose term of service shall be three months, unless sooner discharged. The second class shall comprise those between the ages of sixteen and eighteen and fifty and fifty-five. The first class, or any portion of them, may be called into the service of the state by the governor to repel invasion, to suppress insurrection, to guard public property and public works, to guard prisoners, to arrest deserters from the confederate army, and upon the requisition of a duly authorized civil officer, to quell riots, to assist in the preservation of order and in the execution of civil or criminal process, and in a county, city or town, may be called out for the same purposes by the commandant thereof; but in case of invasion or insurrection, he shall immediately report his action to the governor. The second class, or any portion of them, may be called out in the same manner to arrest deserters and for all police duties, and whenever the first class is deemed insufficient for all the other purposes aforesaid; but they shall not be taken out of the limits of the county, except to prevent raids, or in cases of great emergency, and shall be discharged as soon as the emergency ceases. The term of service of the second class shall in no case exceed twenty days from the day of assembly at the place of rendezvous; nor shall the first class be kept in the field longer than twenty days, unless it may be indispensably necessary, in the discretion of the governor, or commandant under whose order the call is made: the intention of the general assembly being, that the regular industrial pursuits of the country shall not be interrupted by the withdrawal of the body of the population therefrom, except under such circumstances and for such period as extraordinary danger to the state or localities may imperatively demand. Whenever, under the provisions aforesaid, parts

of companies are called out or kept in the field, the commandant of the county shall make such arrangements for consolidating them, and shall appoint such officers to command them as he may deem proper, without reference to the ages of such officers; the residue of the officers to be retained at home to command the militia remaining"--and to insert in lieu thereof the following:

        "The intention of the general assembly being that the regular industrial pursuits of the country shall not be interrupted by the withdrawal of the body of the population therefrom, except under such circumstances and for such period as extraordinary danger to localities may imperatively demand, the term of service of the forces raised under this act shall in no case exceed twenty days. The forces raised under this act, or any portion of them, may be called into service by the county commandant to repel raids, suppress insurrection, to guard prisoners, to arrest deserters from the confederate army, and upon the requisition of any duly authorized civil officer, to quell riots, to assist in the preservation of order and in the execution of civil process. They shall not be taken beyond the limits of their county, except to repel raids or suppress insurrection; in which case, the commandants of one county shall have power to call on the commandants of adjoining counties to aid with the forces under their command. Any forces volunteering to go beyond the limits herein prescribed, to aid their sister counties, shall be placed upon the same footing as those called upon by county commandants."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. BUFORD moved to strike out the word "fifty," in the 3d line of the 17th section, and to insert "forty-five;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 73, noes 28.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Barksdale, Bowen, Bowles, Buford, Burr, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Dickey, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goode, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, J. B. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, Miller, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, I. Robinson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Staples, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston and Woodley--73.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Brooke, Buffington, Butler, Burwell, Evans, Hendrick, Herndon, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Linkous, Marr, McMillan, Meade, Monroe, Parramore, Pitman, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Shackleford, Sherrard, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Welsh and N. W. White--28.

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the section in the 9th line, by inserting after the words "public works" the words "of the state;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BROOKE moved to strike out in the 20th line of the section the following words: "except to prevent raids, or in cases of great emergency;" and the question being on agreeing to the amendment, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. BURWELL moved to amend the 17th section, by striking out

in the 3d line the words "whose term of service shall be three months, unless sooner discharged," and to insert "the first class shall not be called into or compelled to continue in field service, under the provisions of this act, for more than forty days at any one time; nor shall they be recalled into such service, except after an interval of ten days between such calls: provided, that any company organized under the provisions of this act shall have power, by vote of a majority of the members thereof present, to volunteer for a further and more extended term of field service than that fixed by this section, not exceeding twenty days additional service at any one time;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. MCKINNEY moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 29, noes 63.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Bland, Bowles, Buffington, Cresap, Goodall, Hoge, Holden, Jones, Linkous, McKinney, McMillan, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Pitman, Pretlow, Richardson, Riddick, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Sherrard, Tomlin. Welsh, Williams, Winston and Worsham--29.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Barksdale, Bowen, Brooke, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell. Chalmers, Coke, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Dickey, Duval, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Horton, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Patterson. Pendleton, Reid, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, Shackleford, Shelton, Staples. R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, R. J. White, Winn and Woolfolk--63.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. BURWELL--pending the consideration of which, the hour of 3 o'clock having arrived, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock.

EVENING SESSION.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the consideration of the order of the day was postponed for half an hour.

        Mr. PRETLOW presented the memorial of the Religious Society of Friends, at their half yearly meeting held at Richmond on the 5th day of the 10th month 1863, praying exemption from military duty; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

        Mr. PENDLETON submitted an amendment by way of substitute to house bill No. 51, in relation to mileage of the members of the general assembly; which, on his motion, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed.

        No. 15. A bill to provide for the appointment of general agents and storekeepers for counties and corporations, was taken up, amended, and as amended read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. BURWELL, Mr. HALL moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 22, noes 45.

        On motion of Mr. AMBERS, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Bland, Burwell, Deyerle, Edwards, Hall, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Linkous, Maguire, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, Welsh and Williams--22.

        NOES--Messrs. Barksdale, Bowen, Buford, Butler, Crawford, Cummings, Deane, Dickey, Duval, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goode, Graham, Harris, Horton, Huntt, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kindrick, Lively, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Nighbert, Pendleton, Powell, Shackleford, Shelton, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--45.

        No quorum voting, Mr. MAGRUDER moved a call of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto,

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the house adjourned until tomorrow, 11 o'clock.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jeter of the Baptist church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 7, 1863.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act amending and re-enacting the 1st and 3d sections of an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act further to provide for the public defence, passed October 3d, 1862, with amendments.

        They have also passed a bill entitled:

        An act to suspend proceedings in certain cases, and on executions, attachments, distress warrants, trust deeds and other demands, in cases of refusal to receive payment in currency received in payment to the state, and to repeal the act passed March 29th, 1862, entitled an act to suspend sales and legal proceedings in certain cases.

        In which amendments and bill they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 1st and 3d sections of an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act further to provide for the public defence, passed October 3d, 1862, were taken up.

        The 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th amendments were agreed to.

        The 2d amendment was agreed to with an amendment.

        The 3d amendment was disagreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 17. A senate bill entitled an act to suspend proceedings in certain cases, and on executions, attachments, distress warrants, trust deeds and other demands, in cases of refusal to receive payment in currency received in payment to the state, and to repeal the act passed March 29th, 1862, entitled an act to suspend sales and legal proceedings in certain cases, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bills:

        No. 55. A bill to authorize the corporate authorities of the city of Richmond to purchase wood, and to impress fuel and transportation in certain cases.

        No. 56. A bill releasing the commonwealth's claim to certain land to Matthew Sylvia.

        No. 57. A bill amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 58. A bill prohibiting by-bidding and frauds of all kinds at auction sales within this commonwealth.

        The last mentioned bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, to whom had been referred

        No. 28. A senate bill entitled an act to repeal so much of the ordinance of the convention of April 24, 1861, as provides for a pay department of Virginia forces, reported the same with amendments.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, presented the following reports:

        An adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of forming military districts in the state, and of appointing a military commandant for each of said districts.

        An adverse report to the petition of the justices of Henrico, in relation to the exemption of constables from military duty.

        An adverse report to the petition of the Society of Friends, asking exemption from military duty.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the expediency of abolishing the office of paymaster of the Virginia forces, presented a report on that subject.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, presented the following resolution; which, on motion, was laid on the table.

        Resolved by the senate and house of delegates, that the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Virginia state line are entitled to the same commutation for clothing that is allowed by the act of the confederate congress of October 8th, 1862, to soldiers of the army of the Confederate States, at the rate of $134 12 for one year, and at the same rate for a shorter period, and that they be allowed the same on the pay rolls, deducting therefrom the price of all clothing furnished in kind at the rates fixed by the Confederate States, and retaining any excess advanced above the regulation allowance, out of the pay, if necessary.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the paymaster of the Virginia forces suspend all commutation for clothing until the further order of the general assembly.

        Ordered, that Mr. PENDLETON carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 27. An engrossed bill to amend and re-enact section 4 of an

act entitled an act to provide for the trial of persons charged with offences committed in counties in the possession of the enemy, or threatened with immediate invasion, passed March 27th, 1862, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MARYE, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that Mr. MARYE carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        Subsequently, a message was received from the senate by Mr. COGHILL, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed the bill with amendments: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the amendments were agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. MARYE inform the senate thereof.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, in response to a resolution of the house of delegates, showing, from reports from the adjutant and inspector general of the Confederate States, and from the chief of ordnance of Virginia, the number of men and arms furnished to the confederate government by Virginia, and the number of arms on hand; which was read, and on motion, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 11.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ARMSTRONG, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the joint resolution directing the paymaster of the Virginia forces to suspend all payment of commutation for clothing, &c.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. BURWELL to the 17th section, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD moved to amend the 17th section as amended, by striking out the entire section, and inserting the following:

        "The forces organized under this act, or any portion of them, may be called into the service of the state by the governor, to repel invasion by raids; to suppress insurrection; to guard public property and public works; to guard prisoners; to arrest deserters from the confederate army; and upon the requisition of a duly authorized civil officer, to quell riots; to assist in the preservation of order, and in the execution of civil and criminal process. The forces of a county, city or town may be called out for the same purpose by the commandant thereof; but in case of raids or insurrection, he shall immediately report his action to the governor. The term of service of the forces called out under this act shall be forty days from the day of assembly at the rendezvous, unless sooner discharged."

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the entire amendment, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

        "The state forces, or any portion of them, may be called into the service of the state by the governor, to repel invasion; to suppress insurrection; to guard public property and public works; to guard prisoners; to arrest deserters from the confederate army; and upon the requisition of duly authorized civil officers, to quell riots; to assist

in the preservation of order, and in the execution of civil or criminal process; and in a county, city or town, may be called out for the same purposes by the commandant thereof: but in case of invasion or insurrection, he shall immediately report his action to the governor. The state forces shall not be taken out of the limits of the county against their consent, except to prevent raids, or in cases of great emergency, and shall be discharged as soon as the emergency ceases. But in no case shall the term of service exceed thirty days from the day of assembling at the place of rendezvous, nor shall the same men be called out a second time without their consent, until the lapse of ten days from the expiration of their term of service: the intention of the general assembly being that the regular industrial pursuits of the country shall not be interrupted by the withdrawal of the body of the population therefrom, except under such circumstances and for such period as extraordinary danger to the state or localities may imperatively demand."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BUFORD demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The question recurring upon agreeing to the amendment as amended, Mr. BUFORD demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the bill in the 17th section and 8th line, by striking out the word "invasion," and inserting "raids;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 35, noes 78.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Brooke, Buford, Cummings, Deane, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Graham, Harris, Herndon, Hiett, Irving, Jones, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lundy, McElroy, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Patterson, Pendleton, Randolph, Reid, I. Robinson, Shelton, Sherrard, Thompson, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, J. L. Wilson and Woolfolk--35.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Duval, English, A. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Holden, Horton, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Keiley, Linkous, Lively, Maguire, Magruder, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pitman, Powell, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, Ward, Welsh, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--78.

        Mr. ROBERTSON moved to amend the bill, by striking out the 17th section, and inserting the following:

        "The commanders of companies shall arrange their respective companies into two classes, to be known as the 'first class' and the 'second class.' The first shall comprise all members thereof between the ages of 18 and 45, and the second, all under 18 and over 45. Both classes, or either, or any portion of either, may be called into service by the governor, or by the county commandant, to repel invasion; suppress insurrection; guard public property and public works of this state; guard prisoners; arrest deserters; and upon the requisition of a duly authorized civil officer, quell riots, assist in the preservation of order, or in the execution of civil or criminal process: but whenever called out by the commandant, he shall immediately

report his action to the governor. The term of service of the first class shall be sixty days, and of the second class, not exceeding twenty days from the day of their assembling under such call, if their service shall be so long needed: but they shall not be kept in service longer than the public exigences may require, but shall all, or any part of them, be discharged and restored to their homes and civil pursuits as soon as the public necessities will allow: it being the intention of the general assembly that the agricultural and industrial pursuits of the citizens hereby subjected to military service, shall be liable to the least interruption consistent with provision for the particular objects and emergencies herein set forth."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. RANDOLPH moved the indefinite postponement of the bill and amendments; and the question being on agreeing thereto, the hour of 3 o'clock having arrived, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

        Mr. BOULDIN presented a memorial from citizens of Charlotte, in relation to the laws on the subject of distillation, and praying permission to distill sorghum or Chinese sugar cane; which was ordered to be referred to a select committee.

        On motion of Mr. CUSTIS,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to provide for the safe keeping of the records of the county of Warwick and the city of Williamsburg.

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. RANDOLPH, by leave of the house, withdrew the motion for the indefinite postponement of the bill.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. ROBERTSON, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. KENNEY moved to amend the bill in the 23d line of the 17th section, by striking out "twenty," and inserting "ten" (the limit of service of the second class); and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. WELSH demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the bill in the 19th section, 3d line, by striking out the words "whenever their tour of service shall exceed five days; but no pay shall be received for a less period of time" (the effect being to allow pay for any service); and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. GRAHAM demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton moved to amend the bill in the 19th section, by striking out the words "when their tour of service exceeds one day" (the effect being to give subsistence, &c. for any term of service); and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. RANDOLPH moved to amend the 19th section, by striking out the following words: "commandants, when not receiving pay under this section, shall receive half pay from the treasury of the state," and inserting "commandants shall receive full pay, whether on duty or not;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HAYMOND of Marion asked a division of the question; which was agreed to; and the question being on striking out, was put, and decided in the affirmative. The question being on inserting, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. PENDLETON moved to fill the blank in the bill with the following words: "commandants, when not on duty, shall receive half pay, but without allowances;" and the question being on agreeing thereto--pending the consideration thereof,

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Mays of Alabama.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 8, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to the preamble and resolutions from the house of delegates, asserting the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the state of Virginia over her ancient boundaries.

        And they insist on their first amendment to the amendment of the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act to amend the act passed February 13th, 1863, entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 1st and 2d sections of an act entitled an act to repeal the fence law of Virginia as to certain counties, and to authorize the county courts to dispense with enclosures in other counties, passed October 3d, 1862, and to legalize the action of county courts held under said law.

        On motion, the house receded from their disagreement to the senate bill mentioned in the foregoing communication.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following bills:

        No. 59. A bill incorporating the Southern insurance and savings society of Petersburg.

        No. 60. A bill allowing the Petersburg iron manufacturing company to hold not more than 20,000 acres of land at any one time.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on confederate relations, presented the following report:

        A report on the subject of details from the confederate army.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the propriety of canceling the

bonds of this state in the hands of the government of the United States, and the citizens thereof, presented a report, that it was inexpedient to legislate upon the subject.

        Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on the penitentiary, presented the following bill:

        No. 62. A bill to authorize the governor to hire free negro and slave convicts to work in coal pits.

        Mr. CROCKETT, from the committee on lunatic asylums, to whom had been referred

        No. 22. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, reported the same with amendments.

        On motion of Mr. CROCKETT, the bill was taken up.

        The amendments were agreed to, and the bill read a third time and passed--Ayes 110.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Duval, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goode, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hughes, Huntt, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lurty, Maguire, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--110.

        Ordered, that Mr. CROCKETT carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, the house resolved itself in secret session.

        The doors being opened,

        On motion of Mr. TOMLIN,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of refunding to William A. Braxton a tax, of the benefit of which he was deprived by the act of the public enemy.

        Mr. BUFORD submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the resolution recently adopted by the two houses, by which they agreed to an adjournment of this general assembly on Monday the 12th inst., be and the same is hereby rescinded; which, being objected to, lies over under the rule.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee on the memorial of citizens of the county of Charlotte, in relation to the distillation of sorghum: Messrs. McCue, Barksdale, Worsham, Marr, Cowan, Goodykoontz and McElroy.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. LYNCH, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 4th, 5th and 56th sections of the 87th chapter of the Code of Virginia, No. 12, with amendments: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 40. An engrossed bill for the relief of the indigent soldiers of the state of Virginia who have been or may be disabled in the military service, and the widows and minor children of soldiers who have died or may hereafter die in said service, and of the indigent families of those now in the service, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD, read a third time and passed--Ayes 106, noes 2.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goode, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Maguire, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--106.

        NOES--Messrs. Marr and J. L. Wilson--2.

        The title was then amended, by adding after the word "soldiers," wherever it occurs, the words "and sailors."

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. PENDLETON,

        Mr. PENDLETON, by leave of the house, withdrew the amendment.

        Mr. IRVING moved to fill the blank in the bill with the following words: "Commandants and adjutants, when not receiving pay under this section, shall receive half pay from the treasury of the state for such time as the county or corporation court may certify that their services were required."

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved to add to the 20th section the following: "provided, however, that no money shall be drawn from the public treasury by any quartermaster to pay troops, until such troops are in active service; nor shall any quartermaster receive any compensation for a longer period than he is in active service in the army;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. HARRIS moved to amend the bill in the 21st section, by striking out that portion of the bill which allows the governor "to request the president to permit a brigadier in the confederate service to assume the command under his orders;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The section was then further amended.

        Mr. HAYMOND moved to amend the section, by striking out from the 21st section all but the following: "Any commandant may call for assistance upon the commandants of other counties, which shall be given accordingly; and until a brigadier is appointed, the ranking commandant shall command the entire force;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. GILMER demanded the previous question;

which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. PRETLOW moved to amend the section as amended, by striking out the words "until a brigadier is appointed;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. PENDLETON moved to suspend the rule, with a view to reconsider the vote striking out the following words in the 21st section:

        "When regiments or battalions, having in the aggregate eighteen or more companies, are assembled, the governor may commission a brigadier to command them. The brigadier so appointed may recommend to the governor for appointment such staff officers as are allowed to a brigadier in the confederate army, but his and their commissions shall expire when the brigade is dissolved." Pending the consideration of which,

        On motion of Mr WHITE of Brooke, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jeter of the Baptist church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 9, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to the amendment proposed by the house of delegates to the second amendment of the senate, and have insisted on their third amendment to the house bill entitled:

        An act amending and re-enacting the 1st and 3d sections of an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act further to provide for the public defence, passed October 3d, 1862.

        The house receded from its disagreement to the amendment of the senate to house bill entitled:

        An act amending and re-enacting the 1st and 3d sections of an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act further to provide for the public defence, passed October 3d, 1862, No. 34.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 4th, 5th and 56th sections of chapter 87 of the Code of Virginia, were agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, to whom had been referred

        No. 25. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the first section of chapter 80 of the Acts of 1861-2, entitled an act to provide for the trial of persons charged with offences committed in counties in the possession of the enemy, or threatened with immediate invasion, passed March 27th, 1862, and to repeal the act amending the same, passed October 4th, 1862, reported the same with amendments.

        Mr. BARKSDALE, from a select committee, to whom had been referred a memorial of citizens of Charlotte, in relation to the distillation of sorghum, &c., presented the following bill:

        No. 63. A bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to prevent the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufacturers of spirituous and malt liquors, passed October 2, 1862, passed March 11, 1863.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the joint committee on salt, presented the following resolution; which was agreed to:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the joint committee on salt have leave to visit in person the salt works at Saltville, if said committee shall deem such a visit necessary.

        Ordered, that Mr. BROOKE carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        The following resolution, heretofore submitted by Mr. BUFORD, was taken up and agreed to:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the resolution recently adopted by the two houses, by which they agreed to an adjournment of this general assembly on Monday the 12th instant, be and the same is hereby rescinded.

        Ordered, that Mr. BUFORD carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the auditing board in relation to certain orders in regard to the commutation of clothing, and in response to a report of the committee on military affairs of the house of delegates upon the same subject; which was read, and on motion, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 13.

        The report of the committee on military affairs, in relation to the same subject, and abolishing the office of paymaster of the Virginia forces, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 12.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. BALL, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the joint resolution rescinding the order for adjournment on Monday the 12th instant, and that the senate had agreed to the joint resolution authorizing the joint committee on salt to visit the salt works, with an amendment: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on the motion heretofore submitted by Mr. PENDLETON, to suspend the rule with a view to reconsider the vote by which the house had struck out a portion of the 21st section, was put, and decided in the negative.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that pending the consideration of the senate bill No. 19,

entitled an act to reorganize the militia, no amendment shall be debated exceeding twelve minutes, nor by any one member exceeding three minutes.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved to amend the bill, by striking out the 21st section, and inserting the following:

        "Not less than two nor more than six regiments or battalions, when assembled together, shall constitute a brigade; and the commissioned officers present may select a commandant from among the commandants of regiments and battalions present, whose duty it shall be to command the whole: provided, that the brigadier general herein after provided for is not present. When two or more brigades are assembled, the governor shall appoint a brigadier general to command: provided, that not more than three brigadiers shall be appointed for the state, and they shall only receive pay when on duty in the field. Any commandant may call for assistance upon the commandants of other counties; which shall be given accordingly. The commission of any such brigadier shall expire when the brigade is dissolved."

        Mr. JONES moved to amend the amendment, by striking therefrom all from the words "when two or more brigadiers," to the words "the brigade is dissolved," at the end of the amendment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 47, noes 60.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Bouldin, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Cox, Custis, Deane, Dickey, Douthat, English, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Lundy, Marye, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Patterson, Powell, Randolph, Riddick, Robertson, I. Robinson, Thomas, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn and Woolfolk--47.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bowen, Buffington, Buford, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, Gilmer, L. D. Haymond, Hoge, Horton, James, Jordan, Keiley, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, Maguire, Meade, Melvin, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Welsh, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, Woodley and Worsham--60.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. DEYERLE, was put, and decided in the negative.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. HART, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to suppress gaming, No 34: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE, the bill under consideration was laid on the table, for the purpose of considering the amendment of the senate to the resolution from the house authorizing the joint committee on salt to visit Saltville.

        The amendment of the senate was agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        The bill was then further amended, on motion of Mr. IRVING, in the 29th section.

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to amend the bill in the 37th section, by striking out the words "But the governor may suspend the operation of

this act in any county, city or town in possession of the enemy, or so threatened by them that the law cannot be safely executed, until such possession or danger shall cease," and to insert "This act shall not apply to any county, city or town in the possession or power of the enemy, nor to any county; city or town in which the county or corporation court thereof shall certify to the governor is so threatened by the enemy that the law cannot be safely executed."

        The hour of 3 o'clock having arrived, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

        The following bills were read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 29. A bill providing for the payment of tobacco destroyed by fire at the public warehouse.

        No. 31. A bill authorizing the board of public works, acting as a board of supervisors for the production and distribution of salt, to modify the contract of lease between Stuart, Buchanan & Co. and Thomas R. Friend.

        No. 32. A bill to amend the charter of the town of Ashland in Hanover county.

        No. 33. A bill authorizing rail road companies and other corporations to pay their indebtedness to the commonwealth in a certain manner.

        No. 37. A bill incorporating the Home insurance company of the city of Petersburg.

        No. 41. A bill to amend and re-enact an act passed March the 11th, 1863, entitled an act to amend the 39th section of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the compensation of clerks and sheriffs for public service.

        No. 42. A bill to regulate transportation of freights and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth.

        No. 45. A bill amending the first section of the third chapter of the Code of Virginia, defining citizenship.

        No. 47. A bill to amend the charter of the Merchants insurance company of the city of Richmond.

        No. 50. A bill amending and re-enacting the 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th sections of the 14th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 53. A bill to authorize the James river and Kanawha company and all other navigation companies to regulate all charges by boats and boat owners using the works and improvements of the said companies.

        No. 54. A bill for the relief of Wm. F. Ritchie, public printer.

        No. 56. A bill releasing the commonwealth's claim to certain land to Matthew Sylvia.

        No. 57. A bill amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 59. A bill incorporating the Southern insurance and savings society of Petersburg.

        No. 60. A bill allowing the Petersburg iron manufacturing company to hold not more than 20,000 acres of land at any one time.

        No. 63. A bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to prevent the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufacturers of spirituous and malt liquors (passed October 2d, 1862), passed March 11th, 1863.

        The following bill was read a first time, and on motion, was laid on the table.

        No. 55. A bill to authorize the corporate authorities of the city of Richmond to purchase wood, and to impress fuel and transportation in certain cases.

        No. 62. A bill to authorize the governor to hire free negro and slave convicts to work in coal pits, was read a first time, and two-thirds concurring, was read a second time, amended, laid on the table and ordered to be printed.

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        The bill was then further amended in the 30th section.

        Mr. WALTON moved to amend the 31st section, by striking out the following words: "Students of the university of Virginia and of the incorporated colleges of the state under the age of 21 years, and the professors thereof, are exempt from enrollment under this act, during their connection with the university, or with any of said colleges: provided, that the authorities of such institutions" (shall cause them to be organized, &c.), and to insert "Students of the university of Virginia and of the colleges and schools of the state, and the professors and teachers thereof, are exempted from enrollment under this act, during their connection with the same: provided, that the authorities and teachers of such institutions" (shall cause them to be organized); and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The bill was then further amended. Pending the consideration thereof,

        On motion of Mr. KAUFMAN, the house adjourned until Monday, 11 o'clock.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Pettigrew of the Reformers church.

        No. 34. A senate bill entitled an act to suppress gaming, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented the following bills:

        No. 64. A bill to provide for the completion of the Covington and Ohio rail road.

        No. 65. A bill declaring certain rail road companies the only responsible common carriers on their roads, and regulating charges for express service thereon.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution directing an enquiry into the rates of toll on the York river rail road, presented an adverse report.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, presented the following bill:

        No. 66. A bill authorizing the payment of fees of commissioners of the revenue.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the expediency of releasing Thos. W. Garnett from a tax, presented an adverse report.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on confederate relations, to whom had been referred a resolution of enquiry as to the expediency of requesting the president to convene an extra session of congress, presented an adverse report.

        On motion of Mr. WELSH,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be instructed to enquire into the cause of the failure of the Richmond and Danville rail road to connect with the South side rail road, and report, by bill or otherwise, such measures as shall restore an uninterrupted rail road connection between the Richmond and Danville and South side rail roads and other rail roads connecting with them.

        On motion of Mr. WALKER of Augusta,

        Resolved, that the committee on lunatic asylums enquire into the expediency of making an appropriation to meet a deficiency in the ordinary appropriation for the support of the Central lunatic asylum.

        On motion of Mr. REID,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the propriety of amending the charter of the Bank of Rockbridge.

        No. 13. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 14; the 14th section of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23; and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of the government, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, and read a second time.

        The bill was then amended.

        Mr. BURWELL moved to strike out "the sum of four thousand dollars," the sum fixed in the bill as the salary of the secretary of the commonwealth; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. DEYERLE moved to lay the bill and amendment on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 13, noes 97.

        On motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Bowen, Deyerle, A. Fry, Graham, Horton, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Melvin, Miller, Patterson, F. Saunders, Staples and J. Walker--13.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lurty, Maguire, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--97.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the motion to strike out "four thousand," was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question being--Shall the bill be read a third time? Mr. COWAN demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. STAPLES demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 88, noes 22.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Butler, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Dickey, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lurty, Maguire, Magruder, McCue, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woodley and Wright--88.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Burwell, Deyerle, Douthat, Ferguson, Fletcher, A. Fry, Graham, Horton, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Lundy, McElroy, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, F. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, J. Walker, R. J. White and Worsham--22.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing a letter from the president of the Central lunatic asylum, with a report of the board of directors, asking an additional appropriation to said asylum; which was read, and referred to the committee on lunatic asylums.

        On motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of suspending the charters of such banks of this commonwealth as refuse to receive money on deposit.

        On motion of Mr. CUSTIS,

        Resolved, that the committee on lunatic asylums enquire into the expediency of abolishing the board of directors of the Eastern lunatic asylum, and placing the same in the hands of the government during the war.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the propriety of providing by law for the protection of soldiers' families, so that the said families shall not be dispossessed of the tenements they may occupy during the existing war, by their landlords.

        Mr. KEILEY presented the petition of Joseph Boisseux, asking to be released from the payment of a judgment for $950, overvalue of a slave purchased by him at a sheriff's sale; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond presented the memorial of O. A. Ericson and others, asking the incorporation of the Virginia female institute; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. BURWELL moved to amend the bill in the 2d line of the 30th section, by inserting after the word "act" the following: "or any companies organized under the act of congress, passed March 13th, 1862, entitled an act to authorize the formation of volunteer companies for local defence;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the 30th section by adding at the end thereof the following: "But no company organized under the act of congress approved October 13th, 1862, shall be organized under this act, as a part of the state forces, unless such company be disbanded by the president of the Confederate States;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BOULDIN (for Mr. BROOKE), moved further to amend the bill, by striking out the 32d section, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

        "When commissions are of the same date, the rank is to be decided, first--By former rank in the confederate army, if both parties were in such army. Second--If one has served in the confederate army, and the other not, the former shall rank the latter. Third--In all other cases, the question of rank shall be decided by lot."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved to amend the bill, by striking out the 33d section, creating an inspector general and defining his duties; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. PENDLETON moved to add as an independent section the following:

        "The adjutant general of this state shall act as inspector general of the forces organized under this act."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The hour of 3 o'clock having arrived, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following reports:

        A report asking to be discharged from the consideration of a resolution of enquiry as to exempting principals of female schools from military duty.

        A report asking to be discharged from the consideration of the memorial of N. Carroll, in relation to the defence of the city of Richmond.

        A report asking to be discharged from the consideration of a resolution of enquiry as to increasing the appropriation for the Virginia military institute, and that it be referred to the committee on finance; which was concurred in.

        The report of the committee on military affairs, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of the justices of Henrico, in relation to the exemption from military duty of constables, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ENGLISH, and on motion, referred to the committee on confederate relations.

        The report of the committee on military affairs, adverse to the memorial of the Religious Society of Friends, asking exemption from military service, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, recommitted to the committee.

        No. 19. A bill for the relief of Washington G. Singleton, clerk of the district court of the 6th judicial district, was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 55. A bill to authorize the corporate authorities of the city of Richmond to purchase wood, and to impress fuel and transportation in certain cases, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        The following addition to the rules of the house, notice of which had been given, was taken up and agreed to:

        "There shall be a standing committee on public printing, to whom shall be referred all questions of printing not otherwise ordered by the house. It shall be the duty of said committee to examine all accounts for printing annually, and to make such reports and recommendations thereon as it may deem necessary and proper."

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the bill in the 36th section, by striking out the following words in the beginning of the section: "The following acts and parts of acts are hereby repealed," and insert "So much of the following acts and parts of acts as may conflict with the provisions of this act, are hereby repealed;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put and decided in the negative.

        Mr. DEYERLE submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the bill under consideration be referred to a select committee, with instructions to revise the 36th section (repealing clause); and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. RICHARDSON moved to amend the bill, by striking out the 36th section, as follows:

        "36. The following acts and parts of acts are hereby repealed: The 22d chapter of the Code (edition 1860); the 23d chapter of the Code, except sections 21, 22, 23, 24 25 and 26; the 1st, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 17th and 20th sections of the 24th chapter of the

Code; the 25th chapter of the Code; the 26th chapter of the Code; the 12th section of chapter 27 of the Code; chapter 28 of the Code; the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 13th and 14th sections of the 29th chapter of the Code; the 1st, 2d, 6th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 22d, 23d, 24th and 25th sections of chapter 30 of the Code, and the 31st chapter of the Code; an act amending certain laws respecting the militia of the commonwealth, so as to render them more efficient, passed March 23d, 1861; an ordinance for the protection of property in counties of the state not actually invaded, passed June 24th, 1861; an ordinance to amend an ordinance passed May 1st, 1861, concerning persons exempt from military duty, passed June 26, 1861; an act for ascertaining and enrolling the military forces of the commonwealth, passed February 8th, 1862; an act to raise troops to meet the requisition on Virginia by the president of the Confederate States, passed February 10th, 1862; an act to authorize the governor to organize and call out certain military forces for the defence of the state, passed March 7th, 1862; and the 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th sections of an act amending and re-enacting an act amending and re-enacting the 2d section of chapter 22 of the Code of Virginia, respecting persons exempt from military duty, passed October 1st, 1862," and inserting the following:

        "The existing laws governing the militia organization of this state shall not be held to apply to or affect the organization created by this act."

        Mr. HALL moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the amendment, and inserting in lieu thereof, "All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act, are hereby repealed;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. RICHARDSON, Mr. ROWAN demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. HALL moved further to amend the bill, by striking out the 36th section; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. ANDERSON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved further to amend the bill, by inserting as an independent section the following (to come in after the 35th section):

        "Be it further enacted, that when two regiments or more shall be called into service under the provisions of this act, it shall be the duty of the governor to tender such force so raised to the president of the Confederate States, to enable that government to repel invasion, insurrection or rebellion within the limits of Virginia: provided, however, that in no case shall they be held in service for a longer period than that provided for in the 17th section of this act; and the organization thereof shall continue, as is provided in this act;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 16, noes 73.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Burwell, Cresap, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Lurty, Morgan, J. A. Robinson, Rutherfoord, R. F. Taylor and Welsh--16.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Crawford, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Maguire, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn and Worsham--73.

        The question being--Shall the bill be read a third time? Mr. HAYMOND demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The bill was then read a third time, and the question being--Shall the bill pass? Pending the consideration thereof,

        On motion of Mr. ROWAN, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Pettigrew of the Reformers church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 12, 1863.

        The senate have disagreed to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, No. 22.

        They have passed bills entitled:

        An act to authorize the arrest of deserters by the civil authorities, No. 35.

        An act to arm and equip the militia, No. 38.

        In which bills they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The following senate bills were read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on military affairs:

        No. 35. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the arrest of deserters by the civil authorities.

        No. 38. A senate bill entitled an act to arm and equip the militia.

        The disagreement of the senate to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, was taken up, and the question being--Will the house insist upon their amendments? on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the bill and amendments were referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, to whom was referred

        No. 17. A senate bill entitled an act to suspend proceedings in certain cases, and on executions, attachments, distress warrants, trust deeds and other demands in cases of refusal to receive payment in currency received in payment to the state, and to repeal the act passed March 29, 1862, entitled an act to suspend sales and legal proceedings in certain cases, reported the same with amendments.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, presented the following bill:

        No. 67. A bill concerning omitted taxes and erroneous assessments.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented the following reports:

        An adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of making some provision for the support of such of the poor of the commonwealth as have been driven from their homes by the enemy, and have located in other cities and counties of this state.

        An adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of exempting from taxation those counties of the state which have been or are now occupied by the public enemy.

        An adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of making an appropriation for the support of the families of soldiers left within the lines of the enemy.

        A report asking to be discharged from the further consideration of a resolution enquiring into the expediency of opening a correspondence between this state and the other Confederate States of America, as to the propriety of issuing state bonds to the amount of the outstanding treasury notes of said Confederate States, in proportionate sums, according to the population and property of each, with the view of absorbing the same, and with the further view of recommending to the government of the Confederate States the inauguration of a system of taxation in the future, for the support of the government, military and civil, according to estimates to be made by its executive to the congress thereof annually, and that the same be referred to the committee on confederate relations; which was concurred in.

        Mr. CROCKETT, from the committee on lunatic asylums, presented the following bills:

        No. 68. A bill to meet the deficiency in the ordinary appropriation for the support of the Central lunatic asylum; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        No. 69. A bill abolishing the board of visitors of the Eastern lunatic asylum.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following bill:

        No. 70. A bill to encourage the formation of volunteer navy companies in the state of Virginia; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house the following communication from the governor:

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Richmond, Va., Oct. 13, 1863.

Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Delegates:

        Another young and gifted son of Virginia has fallen in defending the honor of his native state, and in upholding the cause of the Confederacy. Prior to the opening of the war, Captain William B. Newton represented the county of Hanover in the house of delegates with distinguished ability, and his political career gave assurance of great future distinction. His conduct during the war has been marked by gallantry, courage and devotion to the cause. In private life he was amiable, courteous and gentlemanly. His character for honor, integrity and virtue, public and private, was irreproachable. When such men die, it is proper that their names and services should be held in grateful remembrance; that their virtues should be held up before the rising generation for emulation, and that their memories should be enshrined in the hearts of their countrymen.

Respectfully,

JOHN LETCHER.

        On motion of Mr. COWAN,

        Resolved unanimously, that the communication from the governor be entered upon the journal of the house, and that the clerk be requested to enclose a copy to the family of the deceased.

        No. 44. A bill to regulate the price of all articles produced or manufactured in this state, and the sale of all other goods, wares and merchandise in the same, was taken up, on motion of Mr. DEYERLE, and read a second time.

        Mr. ANDERSON (for Mr. Wilson of Norfolk) presented a substitute to the bill, by way of amendment; and on motion, the bill and amendment were laid on the table, and the substitute ordered to be printed.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of providing for proceedings against persons residing within the enemy's lines, by publication, as in cases of non-residents.

        Mr. ENGLISH presented the memorial of citizens of Henrico, praying the passage of a special act to raise a mounted corps for the defence of their county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being--Shall the bill as amended pass? Mr. COWAN demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house, and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 88, noes 15.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Ferguson, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond,

Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hughes, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Keiley, Linkous, Lundy, Lurty, Maguire, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Morgan, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Reid, Rixey, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Sherrard, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, R. J. White, S. M. Wilson and Woodley--88.

        NOES--Messrs. Fletcher, Hall, Jones, Kindrick, McElroy, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Pretlow, Smith, Staples, Stewart, J. L. Wilson, Worsham and Wright--15.

        Ordered, that Mr. ANDERSON carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        The following senate bills were read a third time and passed:

        No. 12. An act incorporating the Virginia volunteer navy company.

        No. 29. An act to repeal so much of the act passed February 15th, 1853, as exempts the white male citizens of the county of King George, of forty-five years and upwards, from working on the public roads in that county.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        On motion of Mr. JONES, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Pettigrew of the Reformers church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 13, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 14; the 14th section of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23, and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of the government, No. 13.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following bill:

        No. 71. A bill to incorporate the Virginia female institute of the city of Richmond.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, to whom had been referred

        No. 22. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, with the amendments thereto proposed by the house of delegates, and disagreed to by the senate, reported the same, with a recommendation that the house insist upon its amendments.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented the following:

        No. 27. A bill to provide for the construction and equipment of the Covington and Ohio rail road.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the expediency of compelling by law the agents of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road at Saltville to give receipts for salt, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the failure of the Richmond and Danville rail road to connect with the South side rail road, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill by which the compensation of the governor may be made to approximate the salary prescribed by the constitution.

        On motion of Mr. BAKER,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing the governor to import a supply of shoes and blankets for the use and benefit of the Virginia troops in the confederate army.

        On motion of Mr. SNOWDEN,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the Code as to authorize the sale of any free negro who, since the commencement of the war, shall have aided and assisted any slave to escape from his owner, or who shall hereafter aid and assist any slave to escape; the proceeds of such sale to be applied to the indemnity of the owner of such slave for the loss of his slave, or for any property carried off by such slave.

        No. 24. A senate bill entitled an act to abolish the auditing board, and to provide for the settlement of all claims remaining unsettled by said board, was read a third time, and on motion, indefinitely postponed.

        No. 28. A senate bill entitled an act to repeal so much of the ordinance of the convention of April 24th, 1861, as provides for a pay department of Virginia forces, was taken up, amended, and as amended, read a third time and passed--Ayes 93, noes 9.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Dickey, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Holden, Horton, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lundy, Lurty, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, J. A. Robinson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson and Worsham--93.

        NOES--Messrs. Buford, Hendrick, Hiett, Irving, W. Johnson, Monroe, Powell, Rowan and Tomlin--9.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        Mr. BURR presented the petition of C. Y. Morris, president of the James river canal packet company, remonstrating against the passage

of an act allowing the James river and Kanawha company to regulate tolls on the James river and Kanawha canal; which was ordered to be laid on the table.

        No. 50. A bill amending and re-enacting the 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th sections of the 14th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. MARYE, and read a second time.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved the indefinite postponement of the bill; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. RUTHERFOORD demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        The bill was then amended, and as amended read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 39. A bill to define and punish the offences of forestalling, regrating and engrossing, and to regulate and restrict the intermediate employment of capital between the producer and consumer, was taken up, on motion of Mr. RUTHERFOORD, and read a second time, amended, and as amended ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        The following bills were read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time:

        No. 31. A bill authorizing the board of public works, acting as a board of supervisors for the production and distribution of salt, to modify the contract of lease between Stuart, Buchanan & Co. and Thomas R. Friend.

        No. 60. A bill allowing the Petersburg iron manufacturing company to hold not more than 20,000 acres of land at any one time.

        No. 62. A bill to authorize the governor to hire free negro and slave convicts to work in coal pits.

        No. 22. A senate bill to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, with the amendments thereto proposed by the house of delegates, and disagreed to by the senate, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. CUSTIS, indefinitely postponed.

        No. 43. An engrossed bill to authorize the sale of Capon springs, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WARD, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        Mr. PITMAN submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that this house do meet at 10 o'clock A. M., and continue in session until 3 o'clock P. M., unless otherwise ordered; which, being objected to, was laid over under the rule.

        On motion of Mr. JAMES,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending an act passed the 13th of October 1863, increasing the salaries of certain officers of government.

        On motion of Mr. WALKER of Augusta, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock.

EVENING SESSION.

        The SPEAKER announced the following standing committee on printing, under a rule recently adopted: Messrs. Pendleton, Walton, Rowan, English, Saunders of Richmond, Chalmers, Branch, Ferguson, Scott, Maguire, Coke, Winn, Woodley, McNeil and Hiett.

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN, the rule was suspended, with the view to reconsider the vote by which

        No. 39. A bill to define and punish the offences of forestalling, regrating and engrossing, and to regulate and restrict the intermediate employment of capital between the producer and consumer, was ordered to its engrossment.

        Mr. BOULDIN submitted an amendment to the bill. Pending the consideration of which,

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN, the bill was laid on the table.

        No. 15. A senate bill entitled an act declaring what contracts shall be payable in currency, was read a third time and passed.

        No. 27. A senate bill entitled an act requiring rail road and canal companies to transport troops and munitions of war without the right to demand prepayment of fare, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. MCCUE, laid on the table.

        No. 23. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the transfer of causes from courts which cannot be hold by reason of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, to other circuit courts not so situated, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight, laid on the table.

        No. 25. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the first section of chapter 80 of the Acts of 1861-2, entitled an act to provide for the trial of persons charged with offences committed in counties in the possession of the enemy, or threatened with immediate invasion, passed March 27th, 1862, and to repeal the act amending the same, passed October 4th, 1862, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight, laid on the table.

        No. 17. A senate bill entitled an act to suspend proceedings in certain cases, and on executions, attachments, distress warrants, trust deeds and other demands, in cases of refusal to receive payment in currency received in payment to the state, and to repeal the act passed March 29th, 1862, entitled an act to suspend sales and legal proceedings in certain cases, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, laid on the table.

        No. 15. A senate bill entitled an act to suppress gaming, with the amendments thereto proposed by the committee for courts of justice, was taken up and read a second time.

        The amendments were agreed to.

        Mr. HALL moved to amend the bill, by inserting (in addition to the punishment affixed in the bill for exhibiting any game prohibited by the act) "and shall receive thirty-nine lashes, well laid on, on his bare back, at the public whipping post;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. ROWAN moved further to amend the bill, by adding as an independent section the following:

        "Be it further enacted, that any free white person who shall play at any game of cards for money, shall receive the same punishment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The bill was then read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 69, noes 10.

        On motion of Mr. FLOOD, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Chalmers, Crawford, Crockett, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, J. H. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kenney, Kindrick, Lundy, Magruder, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, Melvin, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, J. A. Robinson, Shackleford, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Welsh, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson and Winn--69.

        NOES--Messrs. Custis, James, Jones, Linkous, Monroe, Parramore, Rowan, Sherrard, Smith and R. F. Taylor--10.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Pettigrew of the Reformers church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 14, 1863.

        The senate have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to repeal the act passed March 5th, 1862, entitled an act to authorize the issue of registered certificates of state stock to Dr. Peter F. Brown, in lieu of two lost bonds, No. 41.

        In which they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 41. A senate bill entiled an act to repeal the act passed March 5th, 1862, entitled an act to authorize the issue of registered certificates of state stock to Dr. Peter F. Brown, in lieu of two lost bonds, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. AMBERS, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented the following bill:

        No. 73. A bill to amend an act entitled an act to regulate the toll for passing Mayo's bridge, passed March 12th, 1835.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the expediency of prohibiting express companies from transporting any goods, wares or merchandise belonging to such companies, and to protect the state from any monopoly or injustice which such companies entail, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

        No. 39. A bill to define and punish the offences of forestalling, regrating and engrossing, and to regulate and restrict the intermediate employment of capital between the producer and consumer, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, and on his motion, recommitted to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bills:

        No. 74. A bill to provide for the preservation of the records of the county of Warwick.

        No. 75. A bill amending and re-enacting the 10th section of chapter 170 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 76. A bill to amend and re-enact the act passed October 1st, 1863, entitled an act to amend the act passed February 13th, 1862, entitled an act to amend section 14 of chapter 163 of the Code, in relation to the removal of the records and papers of courts.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, to whom had been referred

        No. 35. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the arrest of deserters by the civil authorities, reported the same with amendments.

        Subsequently, the amendments were agreed to, and the bill read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, to whom had been referred

        No. 38. A senate bill entitled an act to arm and equip the militia, reported the same with a substitute therefor by way of amendment.

        Subsequently, the substitute was agreed to, and the bill as amended read a third time and passed--Ayes 100.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lundy, Magruder, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--100.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, to whom had been recommitted the memorial of the Society of Friends, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the same.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, reported the following

        No. 77. A bill to amend the charter of the bank of Rockbridge; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the same committee, presented a report on the

subject of the currency, with a plan proposed for the reform thereof; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 14.

        No. 30. A bill to protect the treasury notes of the Confederate States from improper appreciation, by restricting the sale or exchange thereof at less than their nominal value, and the exportation of coin and other state currency to foreign states, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, and read a second time.

        Mr. MORGAN submitted the following as an independent section:

        "That the governor be respectfully requested to communicate the passage of this act to the executives of the other states of the Confederacy, and ask them to recommend to their respective legislatures the adoption of similar legislation upon this subject;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? Mr. HAYMOND of Marion demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was determined in the affirmative.

        No. 51. A bill amending and re-enacting section 20, chapter 14 of the Code of Virginia, giving additional mileage to members of the general assembly, was taken up, on motion of Mr. JONES.

        Mr. PENDLETON moved to amend the bill, by striking out the entire bill, and inserting the following:

        "Whereas the compensation fixed by law as the per diem of members of the general assembly is payable in specie: and whereas it is impracticable to pay the same at present, as contemplated by law, and it is but just that a fair equivalent should be provided in currency, so as to meet, if practicable, the necessary expenses of members, many of whom, in consequence of their exile and the destruction of their property by the public enemy, have no other means of support: and whereas the general assembly of Virginia did, in 1781, under similar circumstances produced by the first revolution, provide for commutation of the specie compensation in currency: Therefore,

        1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, that it shall be the duty of the auditor of public accounts of this state to pay to each member of the general assembly $ in currency for each $4 that may become due and payable as per diem under the existing laws; such commutation to take effect from the first day of the present session, and to continue during the existing war, unless otherwise ordered by the general assembly.

        2. This act shall be in force from its passage."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The bill as amended was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. NEWMAN, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act to suppress gaming, with amendments: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        On motion of Mr. EDWARDS,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of reporting a joint resolution instructing our senators and requesting our representatives in the congress of the Confederate States to use their efforts to procure the passage of a law requiring commutation to be made to soldiers of such portion of rations as are not issued in kind, and are now allowed by the published Regulations of the war department.

        The following engrossed bills were read a third time and passed:

        No. 15. A bill to provide for the appointment of general agents and storekeepers for counties and corporations.

        No. 19. A bill for the relief of Washington G. Singleton, clerk of the district court of the sixth judicial district--Ayes 91.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Linkous, Lundy, Lurty, Magruder, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--91.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 31. An engrossed bill authorizing the board of public works, acting as a board of supervisors for the production and distribution of salt, to modify the contract of lease between Stuart, Buchanan & Co. and Thomas R. Friend, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 89.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Crockett, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lundy, Lurty, Magruder, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk and Worsham--89.

        Ordered, that Mr. BOULDIN carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 50. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting the 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th sections of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up and read a third time.

        The 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th blanks in the bill were filled. Pending the further consideration of which,

        Mr. COWAN moved that the house adjourn; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 36, noes 41.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Bland, Buffington, Burr, Burwell, Chalmers, Cowan, Duval, Ferguson, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, W. Johnson, Jones, Linkous, McElroy, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Pitman, Riddick, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Sherrard, Snowden, Stewart, Tomlin, J. Walker, Ward, Welsh and S. M. Wilson--36.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Crawford, Cresap, Custis, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, Flood, Hall, Horton, James, Jordan, Kenney, Kindrick, Lurty, Marr, Marye, McCue, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Reid, Rowan, Rust, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, R. J. White and Winn--41.

        The hour of 3 o'clock having arrived, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

        On motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the relief of the sheriff of the county of Isle of Wight, for failure to collect taxes for the year 1862.

        No. 50. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th sections of the 14th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), being the unfinished business of the morning session, was taken up.

        The remaining blank was then filled.

        Mr. WARD submitted a ryder to the bill; which was read a first and second times, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? on motion of Mr. MCCUE, the bill was laid on the table.

        No. 49. A bill for the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MCCUE, and read a second time.

        The bill was then amended.

        Mr. GILMER submitted an amendment to the bill. Pending the consideration of which,

        On motion of Mr. DEYERLE, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Pettigrew of the Reformers church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 15, 1863.

        The senate have passed bills entitled:

        An act to supply deficiencies in the appropriation for the support of the Central lunatic asylum, No. 43; and an act to enlarge the powers of the common council of the city of Petersburg, No. 45.

        In which they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 43. A senate bill entitled an act to supply the deficiencies in the appropriation for the support of the Central lunatic asylum, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on lunatic asylums.

        No. 45. A senate bill entitled an act to enlarge the powers of the common council of the city of Petersburg, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. KEILEY, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act to suppress gaming, No. 34, were taken up.

        The question being on agreeing to the amendment proposed by the senate to the amendment proposed by the house, to strike out "and shall receive on his bare back, well laid on, thirty-nine lashes," and insert "may, at the discretion of the court, be subjected to stripes on his bare back, not exceeding thirty-nine," was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 56, noes 45.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Bryan, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Custis, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Duval, English, Ferguson, Gilmer, Goodall, Goode, Goodykoontz, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Huntt, James, Jones, Jordan, Lurty, Marr, McNeil, Miller, Monroe, Nighbert, Patterson, Powell, I. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tredway, J. Walker, Ward, Welsh, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--56.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buffington, Butler, Chalmers, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Douthat, Edwards, Flood, W. O. Fry, Graham, Hoge, Hutcheson, W. Johnson, Keiley, Kindrick, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Riddick, D. J. Saunders, Scott, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, Walton and R. J. White--45.

        The remaining amendment was agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, to whom had been referred

        No. 41. A senate bill entitled an act to repeal the act passed March 5th, 1862, entitled an act to authorize the issue of registered certificates of state stock to Dr. Peter F. Brown, in lieu of two lost bonds, reported the same without amendment.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented the following bills:

        No. 78. A bill refunding to John Nunan part of a license tax paid by him; which was read a first time, and two-thirds concurring, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 79. A bill to amend and re-enact the 14th section of an act entitled an act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 14; the 14th section of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23, and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of the government; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented the following reports:

        An adverse report as to the expediency of relieving notaries public from tax under the bill of the last session on that subject.

        An adverse report as to the expediency at this time of amending the 13th section of an act passed 28th of March 1863, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, so as to increase the rate of taxation from ten to fifty per centum, or such other rate as they may deem expedient.

        An adverse report as to the expediency at this time of taxing all notes, bonds and other securities for which the holder refuses to receive confederate money as so much gold at its market value.

        An adverse report as to the expediency of amending the 7th section of chapter 107 of the Code of Virginia, so as to provide for the imposition of a tax not less than two dollars and fifty cents upon seals attached to the registers of negroes.

        An adverse report as to the expediency of so amending the existing laws as to increase the fees of clerks, sheriffs and commissioners of the revenue.

        An adverse report as to the expediency of releasing from the payment of all arrears arising from taxation, the counties which have been overrun and permanently occupied by the enemy, and that the said counties continue to be exempt from taxation so long as the enemy shall continue to occupy the same.

        An adverse report as to the expediency of permitting the South side rail road company to pay off its indebtedness to the state, or so much thereof as it may be able out of its earnings to discharge.

        A report asking to be discharged from the further consideration of a resolution of enquiry into the propriety of providing by law that the passing of or dealing in any federal paper currency, shall be punished by confinement in the penitentiary, and that the traffic in bank notes, gold and silver or other currency of Virginia, shall be punished as a high misdemeanor, and also the propriety of prohibiting brokerage in the state of Virginia.

        An adverse report on the petition of Joseph Boisseau, asking to be relieved of the payment of $950, overvalue of a slave purchased by him at a sheriff's sale.

        No. 51. An engrossed bill to provide for additional mileage to the members of the general assembly, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, and read a third time.

        The blank was then filled; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. COWAN demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, the roll was called, with the following result--Ayes 61, noes 54:

        AYES--Messrs. Bland, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, Ferguson, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, Jones, Keiley, Lurty, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McMillan, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Parramore, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, I. Robinson, J. A. Robinson, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Welsh, J. L. Wilson, Woodley and Wright--61.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen,

Branch, Buford, Burnett, Burwell, Chalmers, Custis, Deyerle, Draper, English, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goode, Graham, Horton, Irving, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lundy, Magruder, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Pendleton, Powell, Reid, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shelton, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Ward, R. J. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk and Worsham--54.

        Thereupon, the SPEAKER declared the bill rejected.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the rule was suspended, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was rejected, and the bill laid on the table.

        No. 50. A bill amending and re-enacting the 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th sections of the 14th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. MARYE, and read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? the roll was called, with the following result--Ayes 64, noes 24:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke, Crawford, Duval, Edwards, English, Ferguson, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goode, Goodykoontz, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Holden, Hutcheson, Irving, Jones, Keiley, Kenney, Lurty, Magruder, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Pitman, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, J. A. Robinson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Sherrard, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, Ward, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woodley and Wright--64.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burnett, Deyerle, Dickey, Flood, Horton, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kindrick, McElroy, Miller, Morgan, Patterson, F. Saunders, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, J. Walker, Walton, R. J. White and Woolfolk--24.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES, the rule was suspended, with a view to reconsider the vote rejecting the bill, and the same was laid on the table.

        No. 49. A bill for the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MCCUE; and the question being on the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. GILMER, to strike out "shall" in the 3d section, and to insert "a majority of the justices being first summoned," (so as to give the county court discretion in taxing dogs); pending the consideration of which,

        On motion of Mr. WORSHAM, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1863.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 16, 1863.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act authorizing the board of public works, acting as a board of supervisors for the production and distribution of salt, to modify the contract of lease between Stuart, Buchanan & Co. and Thomas R. Friend, No. 31.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, to whom had been referred a resolution as to the expediency of authorizing the

governor to import shoes and blankets for Virginia soldiers in the confederate army, presented a report asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bill:

        No. 80. A bill amending and re-enacting the 5th section of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        On motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations be enlarged, by the addition of three members.

        The SPEAKER announced the following members as added to the committee: Messrs. Marye, White of Brooke and Hancock, and Keiley.

        Mr. CROCKETT, from the committee on lunatic asylums, to whom had been referred

        No. 43. A senate bill entitled an act to supply deficiencies in the appropriation for the Central lunatic asylum, reported the same without amendment.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, in relation to the request of the secretary of the treasury that he should recommend to the general assembly to make an appropriation to pay the taxes to the confederate government upon tobacco stored in the public warehouses, and declining to do so, with accompanying documents; which were read, and on motion of Mr. BURWELL, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 15.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house the following letter from WYNDHAM ROBERTSON, Esq., resigning his seat as a member of the house of delegates from the city of Richmond:

HOUSE OF DELEGATES, Oct. 16, 1863.

SIR:

        I beg leave hereby respectfully to resign my seat as a member of this body.

I am, most respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

WYNDHAM ROBERTSON.

HON. H. W. SHEFFEY,
Speaker House of Delegates.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures be instructed to enquire into the expediency of appointing a board of manufacturers, charged, among other things, with causing to be established a public factory for the manufacture and distribution of machinery, tools and implements proper for producing manufactures of wool, cotton, metal or leather.

        On motion of Mr. JOHNSON of Barbour,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of investing the surplus in the treasury in bonds of the Confederate States, and report by bill or otherwise.

        No. 51. An engrossed bill entitled an act to provide additional mileage for members of the general assembly, was taken up, on motion of Mr. HAYMOND, and read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? the roll was called, with the following result--Ayes 67, noes 44.

        AYES--Messrs. Bland, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Chalmers, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, Ferguson, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, Jones, Keiley, Linkous, Lurty, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Richardson, I. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Woodley and Wright--67.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burnett, Burwell, Cowan, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, English, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goode, Graham, Horton, Irving, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kenney, Kindrick, Lundy, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil; Meade, Miller, Patterson, Reid, F. Saunders, Staples, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk and Worsham--44.

        The SPEAKER thereupon declared the bill rejected.

        Mr. COWAN moved to suspend the rule, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was rejected.

        The bill was laid on the table.

        On motion of Mr. TOMLIN,

        Resolved, that the delegate from the city of Richmond, Mr. ROBERTSON, who has this day tendered the resignation of his seat on this floor, be requested to withhold the same for the present.

        The resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. STEWART, and laid over under the rule, instructing our senators and requesting our representatives to use their efforts to procure the passage of a law increasing the pay of soldiers, was taken up, on his motion, and referred to the committee on military affairs.

        No. 60. An engrossed bill allowing the Petersburg iron manufacturing company to hold not more than twenty thousand acres of land at any one time, was taken up, on motion of Mr. KEILEY, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        Mr. WALKER of Augusta submitted the following resolution; which being objected to, was laid over under the rule:

        Resolved, that with the consent of the senate, that this house will adjourn on Thursday the 22d instant, sine die.

        No. 49. A bill for the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. GILMER--pending the consideration of which, the bill was laid on the table.

        Mr. HUTCHESON submitted the following resolution; which being objected to, was laid over under the rule:

        Resolved, that on Monday, and thereafter until otherwise ordered, this house will meet at 10 o'clock A. M., and at 2 o'clock P. M. the SPEAKER will vacate the chair until 4 o'clock P. M., when this house will reassemble.

        Mr. PENDLETON submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the reprint of five hundred copies of 3d Grattan's

Reports, heretofore ordered, be suspended until the further order of the general assembly; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        The communication from the governor, transmitting documents from Georgia in relation to salt, was taken up, on motion of Mr. DEANE.

        Mr. DEANE moved to refer the communication to the committee on confederate relations; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The communication was then referred to the joint committee on salt.

        On motion of Mr. WILSON, the house adjourned until Monday, 11 o'clock.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1863.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 17, 1863.

        The senate have passed bills entitled:

        An act to provide for the trial of friendly suits in chancery for partition, &c. arising in counties in the possession of the enemy, or threatened with invasion, No. 46.

        An act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, No. 47.

        In which they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 46. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the trial of friendly suits in chancery for partition, &c. arising in counties in the possession of the enemy, or threatened with invasion, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 47. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on lunatic asylums.

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD, from the committee on confederate relations, presented the following reports:

        A report asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of justices of the county of Henrico, asking that certain constables of said county be exempt from military duty.

        A report asking to be discharged from the further consideration of a resolution in relation to the expediency of opening a correspondence between this state and the Confederate States of America, as to the propriety of issuing state bonds to the amount of the outstanding treasury notes of said Confederate States, in proportionate

sums, according to the population and property of each, with the view of absorbing the same, and with the further view of recommending to the government of the Confederate States the inauguration of a system of taxation in the future for the support of the government, military and civil, according to estimates to be made by its executive to the congress thereof annually.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, presented the following bill:

        No. 81. A bill repealing all laws authorizing insurance of tobacco by the state, and providing for the sale of the public warehouses.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented the following report:

        An adverse report on a resolution as to the expediency of investing the surplus in the state treasury in bonds of the Confederate States.

        Mr. CROCKETT, from the committee on lunatic asylums, presented the following bill:

        No. 82. A bill to authorize the Central lunatic asylum to impress necessary supplies and transportation; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD presented the following communication from WYNDHAM ROBERTSON, Esq.:

OCTOBER 16, 1863.

DEAR SIR:

        Sensible of no claims to the high and touching honor done me by the resolution of the house, which you have just communicated in terms so gratifying, my respect for that body, and sensibility to its good will, will allow me to say no less than that its wish that I should withhold the resignation of my seat for the present, shall be for me a law of action in regard to it, if the house thinks, and so far as, I can exercise any control over the subject.

        Begging you to offer my most profound thanks to the house for so great an honor as they have done me, and tendering them to you also for the obliging terms of your communication,

I am, with the highest consideration,
Your obedient servant,

WYNDHAM ROBERTSON.

H. W. SHEFFEY, ESQ.
Speaker House of Delegates.

        The said communication was ordered to be entered on the journal.

        On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be requested to enquire into the expediency of increasing the tolls on the Richmond and York river rail road.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of conscribing all male free negroes between the ages of eighteen and fifty years, to be employed as laborers in the mines and manufactories by the Confederate States government during the war, and that they report by bill or otherwise.

        Mr. TOMLIN presented the petition of Philip P. Duval of King William county, asking to have refunded a tax improperly imposed; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        On motion of Mr. BLAND,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be instructed to enquire into the expediency of appropriating from the public treasury a sum of money sufficient to construct and equip a rail road from some point on the Virginia Central rail road not east of Milboro' in Bath county, and not west of Gauley bridge, to terminate at some point on the Northwestern Virginia or the Baltimore and Ohio rail road not west of Clarksburg on the former road, nor west of Fairmont, Marion county, on the latter.

        The motion to suspend the rule with a view to reconsider the vote by which a bill to provide for additional mileage for members of the general assembly, No. 51, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being--Shall the bill pass? on motion of Mr. COWAN, the bill was laid on the table.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD, the report of the committee on banks relative to the currency, was taken up, read, and on motion, laid on the table.

        The following senate bills were read a third time and passed:

        No. 41. A senate bill entitled an act to repeal the act passed March 5th, 1862, entitled an act to authorize the issue of registered certificates of state stock to Dr. Peter F. Brown, in lieu of two lost bonds.

        No. 43. A senate bill entitled an act to supply deficiencies in the appropriation for the support of the Central lunatic asylum--Ayes 87:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, English, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Kenney, Lundy, Lynch, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Smith, Snowden, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--87.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        The following engrossed bills were read a third time and passed:

        No. 62. An engrossed bill to authorize the governor to hire free negro and slave convicts to work in coal pits--Ayes 86, noes 5.

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kenney, Lundy, Lurty, Lynch, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--86.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Bouldin, Bryan, Goode and Shackleford--5.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the title was amended so

as to read as follows: "To authorize the governor to hire free negro and other convicts to work in coal pits."

        No. 78. An engrossed bill refunding to John Nunan part of a license tax paid by him--Ayes 81, noes 2.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, English, Ferguson, W. O. Fry, Goode, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, James, Jones, Jordan, Kenney, Lundy, Lurty, Lynch, Mathews, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Randolph, Reid, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--81.

        NOES--Messrs. W. Johnson and Pitman--2.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 44. An engrossed bill to protect the treasury notes of the Confederate States from improper depreciation, by restricting the sale or exchange thereof at less than their nominal value, and the exportation of coin and other state currency to foreign states, was read a third time.

        Mr. BROOKE submitted a ryder to the bill; which was read a first and second times, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        The bill was then read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that Mr. BUFORD carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 44. A bill to regulate the price of all articles produced or manufactured in this state, and the sale of all other goods, wares and merchandise in the same, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, and read a second time.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the bill, by inserting in the 7th line of the first section, after the word "increase," the words "in their respective cities and towns;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. ANDERSON moved to amend the bill, by inserting in the 8th line of the first section, after the word "aforesaid," the words "and the prices fixed by the commissioners to be appointed under the 2d section of this act;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to strike out in the 9th line of first section the words "in their respective cities and towns;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved further to amend the bill, by striking out in the 1st line of the 2d section the word "all," and inserting the word "no;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved further to amend the bill, by striking out in the 3d line of the 2d section the word "not;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. ANDERSON moved to amend the bill, by adding at the end of the 2d section the following: "provided, that merchants regularly

licensed to trade in the articles mentioned in this act and the preceding section, may sell the same at an advance of per centum upon said price, adding thereto the actual cost of transportation to the place of sale: and commission merchants may sell said articles at a price sufficient to cover their commissions, not exceeding five per centum over the price fixed by said commissioners: and provided further, that the provisions of this and the preceding section shall not apply to any sale of a decedent's estate, or to any sale under a mortgage or deed of trust recorded prior to the passage of this act, or to any sale under an order of, or process issued from any court;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. ANDERSON moved further to amend the bill, by adding after the word "sheriff," in the 26th line of section 3, the words "or collector;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON, the bill was laid on the table.

        The report and resolutions from the committee on confederate relations, on a resolution in relation to the subject of details for the Confederate States army, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD.

        The committee on confederate relations, to whom was referred a resolution, with instructions to enquire into the subject of details for the Confederate States army, for government and other works, with a view to the reduction of the number of said details, beg leave to report:

        That the best examination they have been able to give the subject, and the facts brought to their knowledge, though not so full and specific as they could wish, lead them to believe that the evil is a great and growing one, and unless arrested, will be most disastrous in its consequences to the strength and efficiency of the army. The committee are informed that great frauds have been practiced on the government in this matter; that men are or have been detailed in large numbers to perform work altogether unnecessary, or which could as readily have been performed by other labor; that in some cases, perhaps many, they have been detailed at the instance of contractors, to whom they have paid a bonus for procuring the detail, or for whom they are working gratuitously, as a consideration therefor, and that too when such contractors could easily procure other labor, if they would pay for it, at reasonable prices, of persons not within the conscript age. That a large number of the men thus detailed have furnished other labor in their stead (in some cases negro labor), and are themselves employed in their former business pursuits, or engaged in speculation. That large numbers have been detailed without regard to their fitness or skill in the operations to which they are assigned. That in one county in this state as many as one-third of the entire conscript force of the county have been detailed--a large part of them to cut wood for a furnace which has already a year's supply of wood on hand.

        The committee are of opinion that this state of things is producing

many incidental and consequential evils in the country, and particularly a degree of dissatisfaction on the part of the people at large, and the older citizens of the country, who believe (the committee think with reason) that the present apparent necessity for putting the old men and boys in the service, is in a great measure, if not entirely due to this cause.

        The committee feel sure that the government of the Confederate States is ignorant of the extent of the frauds and evils referred to; and inasmuch as the remedy is exclusively within the power of that government, they recommend the adoption of the following resotions:

        1. Resolved, that the attention of the secretary of war be called to the frauds and evils growing out of the present details in the confederate army, and that he be requested to adopt such prompt and effective measures as he may deem judicious and proper to prevent the same, and return to their commands the persons thus detailed.

        2. That the secretary of war be further requested to adopt such measures as will in his opinion substitute men over the conscript age and the labor of free negroes, by a draft, if necessary, for those now detailed from the ranks, if the same can be done without detriment to the public service.

        3. Resolved, that the SPEAKER of this house transmit to the secretary of war a copy of the foregoing report and resolutions.

        The question being on agreeing to the resolutions, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The following resolution in relation to the hour of meeting, heretofore submitted, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON:

        Resolved, that this house do meet at 10 o'clock A. M., and continue in session until 3 o'clock P. M., unless otherwise ordered.

        The question being on agreeing to the resolution, Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1863.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, accompanied with letters from the secretary of the treasury and the commissioner of taxes of the Confederate States, in relation to the payment by the banks, of taxes on all their deposits on the first day of July last; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a special act authorizing fiduciaries in the counties of this state, in which county courts are not held by reason

of the inroads or presence of the enemy, to make annual settlements of their accounts during the war before the commissioners of their respective counties, instead of requiring them to make such settlements before the commissioners of the courts of other counties, wherein the order was made conferring their authority as fiduciaries.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of Bethany college.

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of so amending the 61st section of the act passed March 28th, 1863, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, as to reduce the tax imposed on brokers; and also into the expediency of refunding a portion of the tax paid by brokers under said section.

        On motion of Mr. JAMES,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to Ferdinand Waltz, Eliza Price and Jacob A. Henry part of a license tax paid by them, on account of the license being revoked by the county court of Botetourt county in 1862.

        On motion of Mr. WALKER of Augusta,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to Peter Engleman a part of a tax assessed against and paid by him for the privilege of distilling.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented the following bill:

        No. 83. A bill authorizing an increase of the capital stock of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company.

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD, from the committee on confederate relations, presented the following bill:

        No. 84. To amend the 17th section of the 61st chapter of the Code of Virginia, giving priority of transportation for food to consumers; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following joint resolution; which was agreed to.

        Resolved by the general assembly, that we instruct our senators and request our representatives in the confederate congress to use their best efforts to procure, at as early a day as practicable, the passage of a law giving increased compensation to the soldiers in the confederate army, and commutation for rations allowed by the Army Regulations, and not furnished in kind.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, presented the following bill:

        No. 85. A bill to authorize and regulate the subscription to a national loan, and to provide for the payment of a state subscription thereto; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. SHELTON submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending section 1st of chapter 15 of the Code of Virginia, as to provide for the meeting of the biennial sessions of the general assembly on the second Monday in January, instead of the first Monday in December, as now required.

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved a call of the house; which was agreed to.

        The roll was then called, and the following gentlemen answered to their names:

        Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Byan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, English, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goode, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Monroe, Morgan, C. A. Nelson, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Welsh, S. M. Wilson, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--85.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, further proceedings under the call of the house were dispensed with.

        The question being on agreeing to the resolution submitted by Mr. SHELTON, Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:

        "Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the propriety of changing the time of the meeting of the general assembly."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. PRETLOW moved the indefinite postponement of the resolution as amended; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. JONES demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. WALKER of Augusta, for an adjournment sine die of the general assembly, was taken up, on motion of Mr. DEANE.

        The resolution was then amended, on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion; and the question being on agreeing to the resolution as amended, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The resolution as amended is as follows:

        "Resolved, that with the consent of the senate, this house will adjourn on the first Monday in November sine die."

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        The resolutions heretofore submitted by the committee on banks, on the subject of the currency, were taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD.

        Mr. BUFORD submitted an amendment to the 2d resolution. Pending the consideration of which,

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN, the resolutions were laid on the table.

        No. 54. An engrossed bill for the relief of William F. Ritchie, public printer, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 84, noes 6.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bouldin, Branch, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goode, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lundy, Lurty, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, Welsh, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--84.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Cummings, Deyerle, Huntt, McElroy and Miller--6.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 24. A bill amending and re-enacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia, reorganizing the penitentiary, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, laid on the table.

        No. 65. A bill declaring certain rail road companies the only responsible common carriers on their roads, and regulating charges for express service thereon, was taken up, on motion of Mr. DEANE, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        No. 17. A bill to authorize, for a limited period, the impressment of fuel by the Virginia Central rail road company, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, laid on the table.

        No. 18. A bill to authorize the impressment of slaves to be employed in the repair of certain rail roads, was read a second time.

        The bill was then amended, on motion of Mr. BURWELL (so as to confine its provisions to the Virginia Central rail road).

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the bill in the 1st section, by adding thereto the following: "And in case of any further call for slaves to labor on the fortifications and other works for public defence, pursuant to the act passed March 13, 1863, providing for the public defence, the counties and individuals that may have furnished slaves under this act shall be relieved pro tanto for such further requisition;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. ENGLISH moved a suspension of the rule with a view to reconsider the vote by which the amendment submitted by Mr. WINSTON was lost; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. TOMLIN submitted an amendment to the bill. Pending the consideration of which,

        On motion of Mr. WORSHAM, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1863.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 20, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to a joint resolution concerning commissioners of the revenue.

        And they have passed bills entitled:

        An act incorporating the Home insurance company of the city of Petersburg, No. 48.

        An act incorporating the Southern insurance and savings society of Petersburg, No. 49.

        And they have passed house bill entitled:

        An act for the relief of the indigent soldiers and sailors of the state of Virginia who have been or may be disabled in the military service, and the widows and minor children of soldiers and sailors who have died or may hereafter die in said service, and of the indigent families of those now in the service, No. 40, with amendments.

        In which resolution, bills and amendments they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The following senate bills were read a first and second times, and referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        No. 48. A senate bill entitled an act incorporating the Home insurance company of the city of Petersburg.

        No. 49. A senate bill entitled an act incorporating the Southern insurance and savings society of Petersburg.

        The resolution from the senate concerning commissioners of the revenue, was referred to the committee on finance.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act for the relief of the indigent soldiers and sailors of the state of Virginia who have been or may be disabled in the military service, and the widows and minor children of soldiers and sailors who have died or may hereafter die in said service, and of the indigent families of those now in the service, were taken up, and on motion, referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. JONES, from the committee of privileges and elections, presented a report in the contested election from the county of Halifax; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed.

        Mr. FRY, from the minority of said committee, presented a report in the said election case; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following bill:

        No. 86. A bill to organize a board of trustees for Bethany college; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time, and two-thirds concurring, was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD, from the committee on confederate relations, presented the following bill:

        No. 87. A bill to authorize the government of the Confederate States to acquire and hold real estate for the purpose of mining coal and iron, and manufacturing iron and other metals for the public use and defence; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD, from the same committee, presented the following resolutions:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the scarcity of provisions and supplies in the markets of this commonwealth renders it expedient and necessary that the confederate authorities should forbear impressment on all the necessaries of life in transitu to market, and on at least one-fourth part of the surplus production of each producer, leaving the same free to seek such convenient markets as the owners thereof may select.

        Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be forthwith communicated to the secretary of war, with the request that he will give such instruction to all agents of the government as will carry out the purpose and design of the foregoing resolution, and to make such action generally known to the people of this commonwealth; which, on his motion, were taken up for consideration.

        Mr. ANDERSON moved to amend the first resolution, by inserting after "necessaries of life," "belonging to the producer;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the resolution, by striking out all after the word "resolved," to the word "authorities," in the 4th line, and to insert "that it is advisable, in the opinion of the general assembly, that the agents of the confederate government engaged in the procurement of supplies should be required to procure such supplies from the producer at the place of production and;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The resolution as amended was then agreed to.

        The second resolution was then agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. SHACKLEFORD carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        Mr. RIDDICK, from the committee on agriculture and manufactures, presented the following bill:

        No. 88. A bill to organize certain manufactories within this commonwealth.

        Mr. CROCKETT, from the committee on lunatic asylums, to whom had been referred

        No. 47. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, reported the same without amendment.

        Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight submitted an amendment by way of substitute for house bill authorizing subscriptions to a national loan, &c.; which, on his motion, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed.

        No. 79. A bill to amend and re-enact the 14th section of an act

entitled an act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 14; the 14th section of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23, and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of government, passed October 13th, 1863, was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        The report and resolutions of the committee on banks relative to the currency, with the pending amendment to the second resolution, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, and on his motion, laid on the table, and made the order of the day for to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

        No. 17. A bill to authorize, for a limited period, the impressment of fuel by the Virginia Central rail road company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BURWELL.

        Mr. BURWELL submitted an amendment to the bill by way of substitute, and on his motion, the bill and substitute were laid on the table, and the substitute ordered to be printed.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. COGHILL, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting section 9, chapter 160 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860): in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the bill was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        On motion of Mr. MATHEWS,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to prohibit the impressment (by the confederate or state authorities) of supplies produced or provided by superintendents of poorhouse farms, for the sustenance of county paupers.

        On motion of Mr. WORSHAM,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of appropriating dollars for the relief of the destitute refugees of this state.

        On motion of Mr. BAKER,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the payment of interest on loans to the state made by banks now beyond the enemy's lines.

        No. 17. A senate bill entitled an act to suspend proceedings in certain cases, and on executions, attachments, distress warrants, trust deeds and other demands, in cases of refusal to receive payment in currency received in payment to the state, and to repeal the act passed March 29, 1862, entitled an act to suspend sales and legal proceedings in certain cases, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BARKSDALE; and the question being on agreeing to an amendment thereto submitted by the committee for courts of justice, Mr. MCKINNEY moved the indefinite postponement of the bill; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        No. 18. A bill to authorize the impressment of slaves to be employed in the repair of certain rail roads, was taken up; and the

question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. TOMLIN, to strike out in the first section the words "in the usual way," and to insert "by offering in the public prints for at least two weeks the highest market price therefor, and otherwise by diligent exertions for that purpose;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to amend the bill, by striking out in the 1st section the words "and contiguous to" (so as to confine impressments to the counties through which the road passes); and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. DICKEY demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. DEANE moved to amend the 1st section of the bill, by adding thereto the following: "provided, that the Virginia Central rail road company shall not be entitled to the benefit of the provisions of this act, until the governor of this state shall be convinced, by satisfactory evidence, that the said company has expended in the repairs of the road, machinery and rolling stock an amount equal to the net income of said company for the previous year;" and the question being on agreeing thereto--the hour of three having arrived, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock.

EVENING SESSION.

        No. 18. A bill to authorize the impressment of slaves to be employed in the repair of certain rail roads, being the unfinished business of the morning session, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. DEANE, Mr. PENDLETON moved to amend the amendment, by inserting "after the first day of January next" (so that the provisions of the amendment would apply only after that date); and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment as amended, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to amend the bill, by striking out the words "through and contiguous to which the said road passes" (so as to make the impressment general); and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved to amend the bill, by adding to the first section the following: "provided no impressment of slave labor shall be made under the provisions of this act, unless it is an absolute public necessity;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. DEANE moved to amend the bill, by striking out the words "the counties, cities and towns through and contiguous to which the said rail road passes, in proportion to their respective slave populations," and to insert "the stockholders in the said rail road company taking into the estimate for apportionment the number of slaves and

the number of shares owned by each stockholder" (so as to confine the impressment to the slaves owned by stockholders in the road); and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. KEILEY moved the indefinite postponement of the bill; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 37, noes 49.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Butler, Chalmers, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, English, Flood, Goode, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, Hiett, Horton, Jones, Keiley, Marr, McKinney, Meade, Patterson, Pretlow, Riddick, F. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--37.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bowles, Burr, Burwell, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, T. S. Haymond, Holden, James, Jordan, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, J. Walker, Walton, S. M. Wilson, Winston and Woodley--49.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. DEANE, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. MARYE moved to amend the bill, by adding to the first section the following: "but no such requisition shall apply to slaves in any county which may, under existing laws, be exempted from liability to labor upon the public defences;" which was agreed to.

        Mr. ENGLISH moved to amend the bill, by striking out the following: "and the value of all such slaves as may escape from the service of said rail road companies and not be returned to their owners, or of all such slaves as may be seized or killed by the public enemy for want of proper diligence and precaution upon the part of the officers and agents of said companies, or by reason of their failure to exercise such diligence and precaution in any manner, be lost to the owners of such slaves, shall be paid by the said rail road companies to the owner, and in like manner compensation shall be made for any injury to slaves arising from a want of due diligence and precaution on the part of the officers or agents of said rail road companies, or which shall, by reason of the failure to exercise such diligence and precaution, in any manner be lost to the owners, shall be paid by the said rail road companies to the owners of such slaves: and in like manner compensation shall be made for any injury to slaves arising from a want of due diligence and precaution on the part of the officers and agents of the said companies. And in all cases the burden of proof shall be on the said rail road companies to discharge the latter from liability to the former," and inserting the following: "and the value of all such slaves as may die during their term of service, or thereafter, from injuries received or of diseases contracted in such service, or not returned to their owners, shall be paid by the said rail road company to the owners of such slaves; and full compensation shall be made for all injuries received by slaves while in the service of the said rail road company: provided, that the said rail road company shall not be liable for any slave not returned by reason of fraud or collusion on the part of the owner or his agent, or if his death should be caused by act of God, or by disease of said slave existing when received by the said rail road company: and in all cases the burden of proof shall be upon the authorities of the

said rail road company to discharge the latter from liability to the former;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 43, noes 38.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bowles, Burwell, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Gilmer, Goodall, T. S. Haymond, Holden, Horton, James, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Stewart, Thomas, Tibbs, J. Walker, Walton, Winston and Woodley--43.

        NOES--Messrs. Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buford, Butler, Chalmers, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Duval, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goode, Harris, Hiett, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, McKinney, Meade, Miller, Pretlow, Riddick, F. Saunders, Scott, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--38.

        On motion of Mr. PITMAN, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 21, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to a joint resolution from the house of delegates in relation to the increase of pay to soldiers and commutation for rations not furnished in kind.

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD, from the committee on confederate relations, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the expediency of prohibiting any resident or citizen of Virginia from passing into the enemy's country, with a view of returning, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution to enquire into the expediency of reporting an address to the people of Virginia on the state of the country, presented a report asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, to whom had been referred

        No. 48. A senate bill entitled an act incorporating the Home insurance company of Petersburg; and

        No. 49. A senate bill entitled an act incorporating the Southern insurance and savings society of Petersburg, reported the same without amendment.

        Subsequently, the said bills were read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 86. An engrossed bill to organize a board of trustees for Bethany college, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, read a third time and passed.

        The title was amended, so as to read "to reorganize the board, &c."

        Ordered, that Mr. PENDLETON carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        Mr. WINSTON submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the president of the Confederate States be and he is hereby authorized to use such proportion of the slave labor now employed in the fortifications around Richmond, as he may deem necessary in the repair of the Virginia Central rail road; and the question being on agreeing thereto, on motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK, the resolution was laid on the table.

        No. 71. A bill to incorporate the Virginia female institute of the city of Richmond, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        No. 79. An engrossed bill to amend and re-enact the 14th section of chapter 14 of the Code of Virginia, as amended and re-enacted by an act entitled an act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 14; the 14th section of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23; and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of the government, passed October 13, 1863, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 86, noes 10.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goode, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lurty, Lynch, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, Thomas, Tibbs, Walton, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Wright--86.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Buford, Cummings, W. Johnson, McElroy, Miller, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin and Worsham--10.

        Ordered, that Mr. JAMES carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 47. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, was read a second time, amended, and as amended read a third time and passed--Ayes 96.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Linkous, Lurty, Lynch, Magruder, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. Walker, Walton, Welsh, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--96.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 18. An engrossed bill to authorize the impressment of slaves to be employed in the repair of certain rail roads, was read a third time.

        Mr. ENGLISH moved a suspension of the rule with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was ordered to its engrossment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. ENGLISH submitted an amendment to the bill--pending the consideration of which, on motion of Mr. WINSTON, the bill was laid on the table.

        The report and resolutions heretofore presented by the committee on banks relative to the currency, being the special order of the day, were taken up; and the question being on agreeing to an amendment to the 2d resolution, heretofore submitted by Mr. BUFORD, Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight moved to amend the amendment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, on motion of Mr. WILSON, the resolutions and amendments were laid on the table, and made the order of the day for to-morrow at 11 o'clock.

        No. 51. An engrossed bill to provide for additional mileage for members of the general assembly, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MONROE, read a third time and passed--Ayes 81, noes 34.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Chalmers, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, English, Ferguson, Gilmer, Goodall, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, Jones, Keiley, Linkous, Lurty, Lynch, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Richardson, Riddick, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Woodley and Wright--81.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burwell, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, Flood, W. O. Fry, Horton, Irving, W. Johnson, Jordan, Magruder, McElroy, McKinney, Meade, Miller, C. A. Nelson, Patterson, Reid, Rust, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, J. Walker, R. J. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--34.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the title was amended, so as to read "An act to commute the per diem compensation of members of the general assembly."

        Ordered, that Mr. HAYMOND of Marion carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 50. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting the 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th sections of the 14th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. MARYE, read a third time and passed--Ayes 92, noes 17.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Chalmers, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Ferguson, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Keiley, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tibbs, J. Walker, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Wright--92.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burnett, Cummings, Flood, Horton, W. Johnson, Jordan, Lurty, McElroy, Miller, Patterson, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin and R. J. White--17.

        Ordered, that Mr. MARYE carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 23. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the transfer of causes from courts which cannot be held by reason of the proximity of the public enemy, to other circuit courts not so situated, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BROOKE, amended, and as amended read a third time and passed.

        The title was amended so as to read "An act to authorize the transfer of causes from the courts of the city of Williamsburg and county of James City to other circuit courts."

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 84. A bill to amend the 17th section of the 61st chapter of the Code of Virginia, giving priority of transportation for food to consumers, was taken up, on motion of Mr. IRVING, amended, and as amended ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 65. A bill declaring certain rail road companies the only responsible common carriers on their roads, and regulating charges for express service thereon, was taken up, on motion of Mr. DEANE, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        On motion of Mr. NELSON of Fluvanna, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 22, 1863.

        The senate have passed house bills entitled:

        An act for the relief of Washington G. Singleton, clerk of the district court of the sixth judicial district, No. 19.

        An act to authorize the sale of Capon springs, No. 43.

        An act allowing the Petersburg iron manufacturing company to hold not more than twenty thousand acres at any one time, No. 60.

        They have passed with an amendment house bill entitled:

        An act to authorize the governor to hire free negro and other convicts to work in coal pits, No. 62.

        The senate have agreed to sundry, and disagreed to sundry amendments, and have, with amendments, agreed to several amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act to reorganize the militia, No. 19.

        In which amendments they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act to authorize the governor to hire free negro and other convicts to work in coal pits, were taken up, and on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, the bill and amendments were laid on the table.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act to reorganize

the militia, and the disagreement of the senate to sundry amendments of the house, were taken up, and on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, laid on the table.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, to whom had been referred a joint resolution concerning commissioners of the revenue, reported the same without amendment.

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN, the resolution was agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following bill; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 89. A bill to enroll the free negroes to be employed in the service of the Confederate States.

        Mr. HUNTT, from the committee on enrolled bills, presented the following report:

        The committee on enrolled bills have had under examination sundry such bills, and finding them correctly enrolled, respectfully report them for further examination.

        Ordered, that Mr. HUNTT carry the same to the senate for further examination.

        No. 84. An engrossed bill to amend and re-enact the 17th section of the 61st chapter of the Code of Virginia, giving priority of transportation for food to consumers, was taken up, on motion of Mr. KEILEY, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        The following bills were read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time:

        No. 47. A bill to amend the charter of the Merchants insurance company of the city of Richmond.

        No. 38. A bill amending the 1st section of chapter 10 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), extending the time within which a person intending to contest the election of another as senator or delegate, may give notice.

        No. 45. A bill amending the first section of the third chapter of the Code of Virginia, defining citizenship.

        No. 82. A bill to authorize the Central lunatic asylum to impress necessary supplies and transportation.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee on printing enquire and report what legislation (if any) is needed on the subject of the public printing, and why the journal of this house is not more promptly furnished by the public printer.

        On motion of Mr. SCOTT,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing and requiring the common councils or other authorities of the cities of this commonwealth to take immediate measures to ascertain the amount of provisions, usually called necessaries of life, hoarded, stored away and withheld from sale in their several cities; also for the seizure and sale of all such articles found so stored away and withheld from sale.

        On motion of Mr. WINSTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of increasing the compensation of commonwealth's attorneys, and the fees of commissioners in chancery, clerks of corporation, county and circuit courts and of county surveyors.

        No. 18. A bill to authorize the impressment of slaves to be employed in the repair of certain rail roads, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WINSTON.

        Mr. WINSTON submitted an amendment to the bill, to strike out the entire bill, and insert the following:

        "1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, that if the president of the Confederate States shall deem it essential to the public interests, he may transfer to the control of the president and directors of the Virginia Central rail road company, with their consent, so many of the slaves called out to work on the fortifications around the city of Richmond, drawn from counties through or contiguous to which said rail road runs, as may be necessary to repair said rail road.

        2. Proper rations, medicine and medical attendance shall be furnished such slaves by said rail road company without charge, and the value of all such slaves as may die while in the service of said rail road company, or thereafter, from injuries received or of diseases contracted in such service, or from any cause are not returned to their owners, shall be paid by said rail road company to the owners of such slaves; and full compensation shall be made to such owners by the said rail road company for all injuries to such slaves arising from the act of the public enemy or otherwise while in the service of the said company: provided, that the said rail road company shall not be liable for any slave not returned by reason of fraud or collusion on the part of the owner or his agent, or if his death should be caused by the act of God, or by disease of such slave, existing when received by the said rail road company: and in all cases the burden of proof, between the said rail road company and such owners, shall be upon the said rail road company to discharge them from liability to such owners.

        3. Any transfer of slaves under the first section of this act, shall be construed as an acceptance by said rail road company, and shall be held to be an acceptance of all the provisions of this act.

        4. This act shall be in force from its passage."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? Mr. HAYMOND of Marion demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. CUMMINGS presented a copy of an order of the court of the county of Washington, at a special term held on the 12th day of October 1863, in relation to grievances, consisting in part of stragglers and deserters from the army, roaming especially about the county of Washington, and robbing citizens, &c.

        On motion of Mr. CUMMINGS,

        Resolved, that a special committee of five be appointed to enquire into some proper measure of relief from alleged grievances in South-western Virginia, as communicated to this house in the order of the county court of Washington county, dated October 12th, 1863, and to this end that said committee be instructed to confer with the secretary of war in reference to said complaint, with a view of procuring the adoption of such measures by the confederate authorities as will remove the evils complained of, and prevent their recurrence in future.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. CHRISTIAN, the senator from Middlesex, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia, reorganizing the penitentiary, No. 36: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 69. A bill abolishing the board of visitors of the Eastern lunatic asylum, was taken up, on motion of Mr. CUSTIS, and read a second time, and two-thirds concurring, read a third time.

        Mr. CUSTIS submitted an amendment by way of substitute; which was agreed to.

        The bill as amended was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, with the disagreeing votes of the senate to certain other amendments proposed by the house, were taken up.

        Mr. HALL moved the indefinite postponement of the bill; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Certain amendments of the senate were agreed to, and certain others disagreed to.

        The house receded from their 6th, 7th and 9th amendments, and insisted upon their other amendments disagreed to by the senate.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the house respectfully request the appointment of a committee of conference to consider the subject of disagreement between the two houses.

        Ordered, that Mr. ANDERSON inform the senate of the action of the house, and respectfully ask their concurrence in the resolution for a committee of conference.

        Subsequently, a message was received from the senate by Mr. RANDOLPH, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the resolution, and appointed a committee on their part.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee on the part of the house: Messrs. Anderson, Haymond of Marion, Bouldin, Brooke, Cummings, Buford, Pendleton, Goode and Walton.

        The report of the committee of privileges and elections, relative to the contested election from the county of Halifax, was taken up and read.

        The report of the minority of the committee was read.

        Mr. CHALMERS, the sitting member, submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that there be a new election by the qualified voters of the county of Halifax, to fill the seat on this floor held by David Chalmers, and contested by George H. West; and the question being on agreeing thereto,

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1863.

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN, leave was given to the committee of conference on the disagreement of the two houses in relation to senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, to sit during the session of the house.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, October 23, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bills entitled:

        An act to provide for the payment of certain claims against the Eastern lunatic asylum, No. 47.

        An act to authorize the transfer of causes from courts which cannot be held by reason of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, to other circuit courts not so situated, No. 25.

        They have passed house bills entitled:

        An act for the relief of William F. Ritchie, public printer, No. 54; an act to reorganize the board of trustees for Bethany college, No. 86.

        And they have passed a bill to provide for employing in the public service, or for the public benefit, free negroes convicted of misdemeanors, No. 26.

        In which bill they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The following senate bill was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice:

        No. 26. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for employing in the public service, or for the public benefit, free negroes convicted of misdemeanors.

        No. 36. A senate bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia reorganizing the penitentiary, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on the penitentiary.

        The SPEAKER announced the following select committee under the resolution submitted by Mr. CUMMINGS, agreed to on yesterday: Messrs. Cummings, Crockett, Shackleford, Bowen and Gilmer.

        No. 45. An engrossed bill amending the 1st section of the 3d chapter

of the Code of Virginia, defining citizenship, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WOODLEY.

        On motion of Mr. WOODLEY, the rule was suspended with a view to reconsider the vote ordering the bill to its engrossment.

        The bill was then amended, and as amended ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DICKINSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to joint resolutions respecting the impressment of the necessaries of life, with an amendment: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The following engrossed bills were read a third time and passed:

        No. 38. An engrossed bill amending the 1st section of chapter 10 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), extending the time within which a person intending to contest the election of another as senator or delegate, may give notice.

        No. 47. An engrossed bill to amend the charter of the Merchants insurance company of the city of Richmond.

        No. 65. An engrossed bill declaring certain rail road companies the only responsible common carriers on their roads, and regulating charges for express service thereon.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 82. An engrossed bill to authorize the Central lunatic asylum to impress necessary supplies and transportation, was read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight moved to lay the bill on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put--and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. CROCKETT moved a call of the house; which was agreed to.

        The roll was then called the first time, when the following gentlemen were noted as absent:

        Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bouldin, Brooke, Buford, Butler, Cox, Cummings, Douthat, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Goodall, Graham, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, F. C. S. Hunter, R. W. Hunter, J. B. Johnson, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Lurty, Magruder, Maguire, McCue, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Murdaugh, C. A. Nelson, Noland, Pendleton, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Richardson, Robertson, I. Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, S. M. Wilson, Woolfolk and Wright.

        A quorum appearing,

        On motion of Mr. HARRIS, further proceedings under the call were dispensed with.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the motion to lay the bill on the table, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. SHEFFEY submitted a ryder to the bill; which was read a first and second times, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        On motion of Mr. JONES, the report of the committee of privileges and elections, in relation to the contested election from the county of Halifax, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. CHALMERS, the sitting member, declaring the seat vacant, and ordering a new election, Mr. FRY of Madison moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the resolution, and inserting the following (being in effect the resolutions of the minority of the committee):

        "Resolved, that David Chalmers is not entitled to a seat in the house of delegates of the present general assembly of Virginia, and that George H. West was duly elected one of the representatives of the county of Halifax in the present general assembly."

        On motion of Mr. FRY of Madison, George H. West, the contestant, was admitted to a seat upon the floor of the house.

        The question being on agreeing to the amendment to the resolution, Mr. JONES moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the entire amendment, and inserting the following:

        "Resolved, that the principles decided by the committee of privileges and elections, in their report to the house, in the contested election from the county of Halifax, be adopted for the government of the committee in said case; and that the polls referred to in said report of voters of the county of Halifax in the military service for delegates to the general assembly, sent to the secretary of the commonwealth, be received, and that the contestant and sitting member have leave, within days from the passage of this resolution, to give the proper notice to contest the votes, each, on the poll of the other with a view to determine the right to the seat in this case."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. KAUFMAN demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. FRY of Madison, Mr. GILMER demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 20, noes 62.

        On motion of Mr. COWAN, the vote was recorded as follows:

        AYES--Messrs. Cowan, Crawford, W. O. Fry, Hall, Hendrick, Hutcheson, James, W. Johnson, Jordan, Linkous, McElroy, Parramore, Pitman, Richardson, Rowan, Scott, Thomas, J. L. Wilson, Winn and Worsham--20.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Burwell, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Ferguson, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Irving, Jones, Kaufman, Lynch, Marye, Mathews, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Nighbert, Patterson, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, J. A. Robinson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tibbs, Tredway, Welsh, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson and Woodley--62.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the resolution, Mr. COWAN moved to amend the resolution, by adding thereto the following: "the said seat being hereby declared vacant;" which was agreed to.

        The question being on agreeing to the resolution as amended, Mr. WOODLEY moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:

        "Resolved, that David Chalmers, the sitting member, is entitled

to his seat in the present house of delegates;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the resolution as amended, Mr. STAPLES demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The resolution as agreed to is as follows:

        "Resolved, that there be a new election by the qualified voters of the county of Halifax, to fill the seat on this floor, now held by David Chalmers and contested by George H. West, said seat being hereby declared vacant."

        On motion of Mr. JONES, the house adjourned until Monday, 10 o'clock.

MONDAY OCTOBER 26, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Burrows of the Baptist church.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee of conference in relation to the matters of disagreement of the two houses upon the senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, presented the following report:

        The committee of conference, to whom was referred senate bill No. 19, with the amendments proposed by the house of delegates, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully submit the following report:

        They recommend that the senate recede from its disagreement to the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 22d, 23d, 27th, 28th, 30th, 32d, 33d, 35th, 35½th, 36th, 37th, 39th, 41st, 43d, 48th, 52d, 55th, 56th, 57th, 58th, 59th, 60th, 61st, 62d, 63d, 64th, 65th, 66th, 67th, 68th, 72d, 76th and 85th amendments of the house of delegates.

        They recommend that the disagreement of the senate be concurred in by the house of delegates to the 17th, 25th, 31st, 40th, 42d, 44th, 45th, 46th, 47th, 50th, 51st, 75th and 79th amendments of the house of delegates.

        They recommend that the 11th amendment of the house of delegates be agreed to, with the following amendment: Insert in the 4th line of the amendment, after the word "select," the following: "or if there be no company in the county, shall organize them with residents of other districts."

        They recommend that the house of delegates recede from its disagreement to the amendment of the senate to its amendment, with the following amendment: Instead of the words stricken out by the senate, insert the following: "nor shall any term of service commencing within ten days from the termination of a preceding term of service, exceed ten days, except in such emergency as shall require at least a fourth of the entire force of the state to be called out."

        They recommend that the senate recede from its disagreement to the 19th amendment of the house of delegates, with the following

amendment: Strike out all of the 5th section, down to the word "and," inclusive, in the 6th line.

        They recommend that the disagreement of the senate to the 31st amendment of the house of delegates be concurred in, and that the 14th section of the bill be amended, by striking out in the 6th and 7th lines the words "two hundred," and insert in lieu thereof the words "one hundred."

        They recommend that the senate recede from its disagreement to the 34th amendment of the house of delegates, with the following amendment: Insert after the word "paid," in the 5th line of the 15th section, the words "out of the public treasury."

        They recommend the following amendments to the 21st section of the bill: Strike out all after the word "governor," in the 2d line, down to the word "may," in the 4th line. Strike out in the 4th line the words "for that purpose," and insert "to command them." Strike out in the 9th line the words "or assigned."

        They recommend that the disagreement of the senate to the 75th amendment of the house of delegates be concurred in, and the 30th section of the bill be amended as follows: Add at the end of the section the following: "but the companies shall be united in any subsequent organization that may be made of them."

        They recommend that the senate recede from its disagreement to the 84th amendment of the house of delegates, with the following amendment: Add at the end of the amendment the following: "unless such court shall certify, or the governor shall be satisfied that the danger thereto has ceased; and the governor, whether such certificate be given or not, may suspend the act in such counties, cities and towns until the danger ceases."

        They also recommend the following amendments to the 2d, 3d, 29th and 37th sections of the bill: Strike out "October 24th," in the 2d and 29th sections, and insert "November 14th." Strike out "October 31st," in each of said sections, and insert "November 21st." In the 3d, 29th and 37th sections, strike out "November 7th," and insert "November 29th." In the 3d section, strike out "November 14th," and insert "December 5th."

        They further recommend the following amendment to the 36th section: Insert after the word "sixty-one," in the line, the following: "an act entitled an act to organize a home guard, passed May 14th, 1862, and the act amendatory thereof, passed March 30th, 1863."

        They recommend the adoption of the following resolution:

        "Resolved, that three thousand copies of the act to organize the state forces be printed with the least possible delay, and that the governor be requested to distribute them to the justices of the peace as speedily as possible, by special messenger or otherwise; and that he be further requested to cause a synopsis of the said act to be inserted once a week for three weeks in one or more of the newspapers of the state having the most extensive circulation."

        Mr. THOMAS submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the governor be requested to ascertain from the confederate authorities whether Yankee prisoners and deserters are

discharged from custody, and if so, upon what terms and conditions they have been so discharged; what number have been discharged, and if an oath of allegiance or fidelity has been administered to them, to ascertain and report the form of such oath, and by whom it is administered; and whether a record is kept, and by whom kept.

        Which being objected to, was laid over under the rule:

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending section 1 of chapter 10 of the Code of Virginia as to allow further time than that now allowed by law, to any person intending to contest the election of another as senator or delegate to the general assembly, to give to the other notice thereof.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that the committee of schools and colleges be instructed to enquire into the expediency of transferring the pay and duties of the state guard to a corps of cadets, to be organized and instructed at an institution of military instruction to be established at the city of Richmond.

        The following bills were read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time:

        No. 71. A bill to incorporate the Virginia female institute of the city of Richmond.

        No. 77. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Rockbridge.

        No. 87. A bill to authorize the government of the Confederate States to acquire and hold real estate for the purpose of mining coal and iron, and manufacturing iron and other metals for the public use and defence, was taken up, amended, and as amended read a second time; and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? Mr. JAMES moved that the bill be laid upon the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on the engrossment of the bill, Mr. ANDERSON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. FRAZIER, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 22 of chapter 34 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860): in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DICKINSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to provide fuel and lights for the governor's house: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. RANDOLPH, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the report of the committee of conference on the matters of disagreement between the two houses in relation to senate bill No. 19, entitled an act to reorganize the militia.

        Subsequently, the report of the committee was taken up; and the

question being on agreeing thereto, on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the report was laid on the table.

        On motion of Mr. JONES,

        Resolved, that the SPEAKER of the house be directed to issue a writ of election to supply the vacancy in the representation of the county of Halifax in the present house of delegates of the general assembly.

        Mr. HAYMOND submitted the following preamble and resolutions; which were unanimously agreed to:

        The house of delegates having heard, with feelings of profound regret, of the death of ISRAEL ROBINSON, late a delegate to this legislature from the county of Berkeley, and being desirous of manifesting its high regard and consideration for the character of the deceased:

        Resolved, that the members and officers of the house sincerely sympathize with the family of the deceased, in their sad bereavement--and as an expression of their regard, will wear the usual badge of mourning during the remainder of the present session of the general assembly.

        Resolved, that a committee be appointed to make all proper arrangements for the funeral, and that the members of the house of delegates will attend the last ceremonies.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. Cowan, Haymond, Bland, Kaufman, Monroe, McMillan, Lurty, White of Brooke and Hancock, Robinson of Taylor, Thomas and Burnett.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND, as a further mark of respect for the memory of the deceased, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Burrows of the Baptist church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 26, 1863.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact the 14th section of chapter 14 of the Code of Virginia, as amended and re-enacted by an act entitled an act to amend the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 13th, 14th and 16th sections of chapter 14; the 14th section of chapter 21; the 27th section of chapter 23, and the 10th section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salaries of certain officers of the government, passed October 13th, 1863, No. 79.

        The amendment proposed by the senate to a resolution from the house respecting the impressment of the necessaries of life, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 39. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 22 of chapter 34 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on military affairs.

        No. 53. A senate bill entitled an act to provide fuel and light for the governor's house, was read a first and second times, amended, and as amended read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? the roll was called, with the following result--Ayes 68, noes 30.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Edwards, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, James, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Linkous, Lundy, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Monroe, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--68.

        NOES--Messrs. Bouldin, Bowen, Brooke, Buford, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, English, Fletcher, A. Fry, Graham, Harris, Huntt, Irving, W. Johnson, Jones, Kenney, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Rixey, Smith, Staples, Tomlin, Walton, R. J. White, Winn and Winston--30.

        Resolved, that the bill be rejected.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE, the rule was suspended with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was rejected.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the rule was suspended with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was ordered to its third reading.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the rule was suspended with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was amended.

        The amendment was then, by leave of the house, withdrawn.

        The bill was then read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. JAMES demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 82, noes 20.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Edwards, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Linkous, Lundy, Lynch, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, J. A. Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Shackleford, Snowden, Stewart, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--82.

        NOES--Messrs. Bouldin, Bowen, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, English, Fletcher, A. Fry, Harris, Irving, W. Johnson, Miller, Patterson, Rixey, F. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, R. J. White and Winn--20.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the committee for courts of justice, to whom had been recommitted

        No. 39. A bill to define and punish the offences of forestalling, regrating and engrossing, and to regulate and restrict the intermediate employment of capital between the producer and consumer, reported the same with amendments.

        Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on the penitentiary, to whom had been referred

        No. 36. A senate bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia, reorganizing the penitentiary, reported the same without amendment.

        Mr. COWAN, from the committee of arrangements to superintend the funeral of ISRAEL ROBINSON, late a delegate from the county of Berkeley, presented the following report:

        The committee of arrangements have discharged the duty assigned them, and respectfully report, that the funeral of the late ISRAEL ROBINSON will take place at 3 o'clock this day, from the capitol.

        No. 17. A bill to authorize, for a limited period, the impressment of fuel by the Virginia Central rail road company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BURWELL, and read a second time.

        Mr. BURWELL moved to amend the bill, by striking out all after the words "Be it enacted by the general assembly," and inserting the following:

        "1. Every rail road company subject to the provisions of the 61st chapter of the Code (edition of 1860), shall conform to the following regulations:

        2. Whenever any person shall give notice in writing to the superintendent of any such rail road, that he has delivered at any depot, or switch upon the said road, not less than eight cords of wood or eight tons of coal, consigned to some city, town, village or chartered institution of learning, upon the line of such road, and that he is prepared to load the same upon the cars within six hours after such cars shall be ready to receive it, it shall be the duty of said superintendent to provide forthwith sufficient transportation for the same.

        3. The said rail road companies shall be entitled to receive for the transportation of such fuel an addition of twenty-five per cent. upon the rates of freight per ton per mile allowed them by law, and shall be entitled moreover to demand from any shipper referred to in the second section of this act, the delivery at the place of shipment, and at the value thereof at such place, of one-fourth part of all such fuel, to be applied to the use of such road. In case of any disagreement between such company and the shipper of such fuel as to the price thereof, such company shall be entitled to employ the provisions of the 56th chapter of the Code (edition of 1860) in fixing the valuation thereof.

        4. If any such company shall fail to perform the duties imposed thereon by this act, it shall be subject to a fine of five hundred dollars in every case; to be recovered in any court having jurisdiction, by presentment, information or indictment. One-half of such fine shall be paid to the informer or prosecutor, and the balance to the commonwealth, according to the provisions of the 43d chapter of the Code (edition of 1860).

        5. This act shall be in force from its passage."

        Mr. DEANE moved to amend the amendment, by adding at the end thereof the following: "provided, that the board of public works, in order to secure the transportation of salt and of fuel for the salt furnaces, may in their discretion exempt for such periods of time as said board may order, the Virginia and Tennessee rail road from the

provisions of this act;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment as amended, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being on the engrossment of the bill as amended, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house the following letter from the Hon. James A. Seddon, secretary of war, which was read, and on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, referred to the committee on confederate relations:

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT,
Richmond, Va., Oct. 24, 1863.

SIR:

        I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 21st instant, enclosing a report and resolutions adopted by the house of delegates on the subject of details by the confederate government.

        I am reluctant to suppose the house of delegates contemplated asserting any jurisdiction or right of supervision over the disposition by the confederate government of the soldiers or conscripts enrolled in its service; yet, to avoid all misconstruction, from the broad terms of the report and resolutions, it behooves me, as an officer of that government, respectfully to remind you that it possesses exclusive control over the whole subject, and to say that my answer is dictated by no recognition of other authority in the matter, but solely by the consideration which I am happy to feel for the opinions of the representatives in one of the houses of the general assembly of Virginia. I have preferred to consider the report and resolutions as evincive only of the deep interest felt by the house of delegates in the common cause, and of its desire to afford counsel and assistance in the discovery and removal of hindrances and abuses tending to lessen the strength and efficiency of our armies. Viewed in this light, I accept the report and resolutions with satisfaction, and acknowledge my obligations for the information and suggestions sought to be given by them. I will not deny they might have been more acceptable, had they been couched less in the language of complaint and stricture; but I shall not on that account fail to seek from them the benefits of which they may be susceptible. In furtherance of that end, I may be pardoned for requesting that the house of delegates, in substantiation of the somewhat vague and general charges of the report and resolutions, will require the committee to submit to the department the proof before them of the cases of imputed fraud and abuse, with the names of the parties committing or participating in them, on which they have founded their statements. In my limited experience in the department, I have too frequently found general charges, when sought to be probed and investigated, unsustained by the facts; but I cannot doubt that adequate evidences were possessed by the committee and the house before they embodied, in the form of a report and resolutions, such grave charges. When furnished with such evidences, I may be enabled, as I shall be prompt,

to investigate and correct the supposed abuses. I cannot indulge the hope, that where so many interests and temptations exist, abuses and excesses to some extent have not prevailed, but I have been ever anxious to guard against and remove them. It would be tedious to enumerate the orders and measures which have been from time to time adopted by the department to restrict details to the industrial operations indispensable to the government, and which could not otherwise be carried on. It has been earnestly sought to withdraw as few men as possible from military service in the field, and none when it was not confidently believed they could be more beneficially employed for the common cause in works of production than in arms. The resolutions of the house found me engaged in urgent measures to effectuate such restrictions, and I am happy to be assured of the co-operation of the house in attaining them. It is with some surprise, however, as well as satisfaction that I find myself, by the second resolution of the house, urged to adopt such measures as will in my opinion substitute men over the conscript age and able-bodied free negroes by draft, for details from the army. It has been my earnest wish to do this, and as far as temptations to voluntary engagements could be presented to the classes referred to, they have been liberally offered; but I have not been invested by the legislature of the state with the power of compulsion in the premises. Whenever any effort of the kind, even under the stress of military necessity, has been essayed, it has been at once met by discontent and remonstrance, which members of your house have on some occasions been the organs to express. In the resolution of the house I trust is to be found a purpose, so far as depends on them, to afford by appropriate legislation the command of the resources they recommend. When so afforded, I shall promptly seek to bring them into efficient use, and manifest my appreciation of the confidence reposed by the legislature in the confederate authorities, by a zealous effort to employ the instrumentalities your house has desired.

Very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't,

JAMES A. SEDDON,
Sec'y of War.

H. W. SHEFFEY, ESQ.
Speaker House of Delegates of Va.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the county court of Northumberland, in respect to the eligibility of Thomas E. Betts, delegate to the general assembly from the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland; which was read, and on motion of Mr. JONES, referred to the committee of privileges and elections.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the joint committee on salt, presented a joint resolution ratifying the contract entered into between the chairman of the joint committee on salt and Stuart, Buchanan & Co. and Charles Scott & Co.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, presented the following bill:

        No. 90. A bill making an appropriation for the purchase of salt; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        The report of the committee of conference upon the matters of disagreement between the two houses in relation to senate bill No. 19, entitled an act to reorganize the militia, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. JAMES demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, the roll was called with the following result--Ayes 51, noes 49.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burr, Butler, Coke, Crawford, Crockett, Deyerle, Draper, Duval, Ferguson, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hutcheson, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jordan, Keiley, Linkous, Lundy, Mathews, McKinney, Nighbert, Parramore, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, R. F. Taylor, Tibbs, Welsh, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--51.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burwell, Cowan, Cummings, Deane, Edwards, English, Flood, W. O. Fry, Graham, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, Jones, Kaufman, Kenney, Lynch, Marye, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller Monroe, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Randolph, Riddick, Rixey, F. Saunders, Smith, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, N. W. White, R. J. White and Woolfolk--49.

        Seventy-seven members not having voted in the affirmative,

        Resolved, that the report be rejected.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the senate be informed that the house of delegates have disagreed to the report of the committee of conference upon senate bill No. 19, entitled an act to reorganize the militia, and respectfully ask the appointment of another committee of conference upon the matters of disagreement between the two houses on said bill.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        On motion of Mr. COWAN, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Burrows of the Baptist church.

        A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

IN SENATE, Oct. 27, 1863.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act to provide for the appointment of general agents and storekeepers for counties and corporations, No. 15.

        And they have agreed to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act to authorize the arrest of deserters by the civil authorities, No. 35.

        And they have agreed to sundry amendments and disagreed to several amendments, and have agreed with amendments to an amendment of the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act to repeal so much of the ordinance of the convention of April 24th, 1861, as provides for a pay department of Virginia forces, No. 28.

        They have passed a bill entitled:

        An act for the relief of Wm. A. Braxton of King William county, No. 42.

        In which amendments and bill they respectfully request the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to the amendment of the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act to repeal so much of the ordinance of the convention of April 24th, 1861, as provides for a pay department of Virginia forces, was taken up.

        The first amendment of the senate was agreed to with an amendment.

        The second amendment of the senate was agreed to.

        The amendments disagreed to by the senate were insisted upon by the house.

        Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 42. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of William A. Braxton of King William county, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, to whom had been referred

        No. 39. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 22 of chapter 34 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), reported the same without amendment.

        Mr. BLAND submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that leave be given to bring in a bill amending and re-enacting the 2d section of an act passed 11th March 1863, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to prevent the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufacturers of spirituous liquors, passed October 2d, 1862; which, on motion, was laid on the table.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. TAYLOR, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the resolution for the appointment of another committee of conference upon the matters of disagreement between the two houses upon senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, No. 19.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. COGHILL, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 9th section of the 57th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860): in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the joint committee on salt, presented a report.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, presented the following bills; which were read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 91. A bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to authorize the appointment of an inspector of salt, passed March 30, 1863.

        No. 92. A bill to amend and re-enact the 11th section of the act for the production and distribution of salt, passed March 30, 1863, as amended by the act passed September 18, 1863.

        No. 93. A bill to amend and re-enact the 2d, 5th and 7th sections of an act entitled an act to provide for the production and distribution of salt, passed March 30, 1863.

        No. 94. A bill to authorize the sale and transportation of salt belonging to John N. Clarkson.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee of conference on the part of the house upon the matters of disagreement between the two houses in relation to senate bill No. 19, entitled an act to reorganize the militia: Messrs. Pendleton, Tomlin, Marye, Shackleford, Monroe, Deane, Irving, James and Keiley.

        On motion of Mr. MELVIN,

        Resolved, that the SPEAKER of this house is hereby authorized to issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Israel Robinson, late a member of this house from the county of Berkeley.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND, leave of absence was granted to Mr. HOLDEN for the rest of the present session.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing a letter from the principal of the institution for the deaf and dumb and the blind at Staunton, in relation to the buildings used by said institution; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on confederate relations.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house the following communication from the governor; which was read, and on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, ordered to be entered upon the journal of the house:

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Richmond, Va., Oct. 28, 1863.

Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Delegates:

        It becomes my painful duty to announce to you the sudden death of Brigadier General Charles Dimmock. He was stricken with paralysis about 10 o'clock yesterday morning, and remained speechless and unconscious until his dissolution, which took place at 12 o'clock last night.

        General Dimmock had attained the age of sixty-three years. He was a graduate of the West Point military academy, in the class of 1821, and after his graduation served with efficiency in the United States army until September 30, 1836, when he resigned. After his resignation he came to Virginia to prosecute the profession of a civil engineer, and subsequently became general superintendent of what is now known as the Seaboard and Roanoke rail road. While occupying this position, he was selected by Governor McDowell, and

commissioned commandant of the public guard--a position which he continued to hold to the day of his death.

        When the legislature, in anticipation of the war in which we are now engaged, created an ordnance department, General Dimmock was nominated to the senate, and confirmed by that body as its chief officer.

        In all these positions his duties were discharged with scrupulous fidelity, ability and energy. From the year 1860 to the day of his death his services in the ordnance department have been invaluable to the state and her cause. Although General Dimmock was a northern man by birth, he yet loved Virginia with the affection of a son, and served her with the fidelity of a son. As a husband, a father, a citizen, a public officer, he was without reproach. He was honest, just, patriotic, upright. When such men are taken from us at a time like this, well may the people mourn.

        It is a noticeable fact, that a son of Rockbridge appointed him commandant of the guard--another from the same county and town appointed him colonel of ordnance and brevetted him brigadier general for meritorious services during the war, and now announces to you his death.

        His funeral will take place from his residence, to-morrow at 12 o'clock meridian.

Respectfully,

JOHN LETCHER.

        The report of the committee on banks relative to the currency, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight; and the question being on agreeing to an amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. BUFORD to the second resolution of the committee, as follows: "And that the plan submitted with the report is hereby approved by the general assembly, and recommended to the confidence of the people of Virginia, and that the legislatures of the other states of the Confederacy be respectfully invited to take correspondent action therein," Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the words "submitted with this report," and inserting "contained in the following bill."

        "1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, that the auditor of public accounts and the second auditor shall be and they are hereby authorized and directed, under the supervision of the governor, to sell the stocks now owned by the commonwealth in the several banks of this state, whether standing in the name of the commonwealth, or any of its funds.

        2. The said sales shall be made from time to time as the same can be effected at fair prices, either at public or private sale, as may be deemed most advisable by the said officers; but the same shall not be sold at less than the par value; and the several banks shall have the privilege of purchasing any of said stocks.

        3. The 29th, 30th and 31st sections of chapter 44 of the Code of Virginia of 1860 shall be and the same are hereby repealed.

        4. It shall be the duty of the said auditors to proceed to sell, in

like manner, all the stocks owned by the commonwealth, whether standing in its name, or in the name of any of its funds, in the capital stock of any rail road company in this commonwealth, and all dividend bonds, or bonds whereby any of said roads or their property or franchises are mortgaged for the payment of any loan heretofore effected for the benefit of such roads: provided, that such stocks or bonds shall not be sold for less than their par value, or less than the amount specified as due on their face. And the said rail road companies shall have the privilege respectively of purchasing any of the stocks or bonds issued by their own company. And any of the said banks or said rail road companies may purchase any of said stocks as investments of their respective contingent or surplus funds.

        5. So soon as one-fifth part of the stocks held in any such rail road company by the commonwealth, whether standing in its name, or in the name of any of its funds, are sold, then only two directors on the part of the commonwealth shall be appointed; and when two-fifths thereof shall be sold, then only one director shall be appointed on the part of the state; and when all of the said stocks shall have been sold, neither proxies nor directors therein shall be appointed on the part of the state. But reports shall be made by each of said companies, as required by the 61st chapter of the Code of Virginia (1860).

        6. As soon as the proceeds of the sales herein before authorized, or any part thereof, have been paid into the public treasury, the said auditors, under the supervision of the governor, are hereby authorized to invest the net proceeds arising therefrom in such of the certificates of debt of the Confederate States government as may be deemed by them to be advisable. All investments of funds arising from the sale of stocks belonging to the literary fund or the Dawson fund, shall be transferred by said officers to said funds respectively, to be held as the original stocks which were sold were previously held, and to be applied to the purposes for which they were originally purchased. All the investments of funds belonging to any other fund owned by the commonwealth shall be transferred to and made a part of the sinking fund, to be applied as provided by law for the payment of the interest and final redemption of the principal of the public debt, in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of chapter 44 of the Code of Virginia (1860).

        7. For every hundred dollars invested by said officers in said certificates of debt of the Confederate States, they shall cause to be prepared certificates of debt of the state of Virginia to an amount equal to the aggregate amount of such investment. The said certificates shall be signed by the second auditor, be countersigned by the treasurer, sealed with the seal of the state, be made payable to the holder thereof, and shall purport that the principal will be payable by the commonwealth at a day named therein, not more than thirty-four years from the respective dates of such certificates. Coupons of interest not exceeding six per cent. per annum, in such form and evidenced in such manner as the said officers shall prescribe, and transferable by delivery, shall be attached to the certificates; and the certificates

and coupons attached thereto shall be payable at the treasury of the state, at the times specified in each respectively.

        8. The said auditors, under the supervision of the governor, shall expose to sale, either publicly or privately, the said certificates of debt from time to time as they may direct. But no certificate so authorized to be sold shall be sold for less than the sum appearing on its face to be owing from the state. The net proceeds arising from the said sale shall be invested in the manner herein before provided, in such of the certificates of the debt of the Confederate States government as may be deemed by said officers expedient. The said certificates of debt so purchased as an investment, shall be held as a part of the sinking fund of the state, and the interest receivable therefrom, and the principal when redeemed, shall be applied to the payment of the public debt, as now prescribed by law, and in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of chapter 44 of the Code of Virginia (1860).

        9. This act shall be in force from its passage"--is hereby approved, &c.; and the question being on agreeing thereto.

        The hour of 3 o'clock having arrived, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.