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Journal of the House of Delegates of the State of Virginia, for the Session of 1863-64.
Message of the Governor of Virginia, and Accompanying Documents:

Electronic Edition.

Virginia. General Assembly. House of Delegates


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First edition, 2001
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Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
2001.

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Source Description:
(first title page) Journal of the House of Delegates of the State of Virginia, for the Session of 1863-64.
(second title page) Message of the Governor of Virginia, and Accompanying Documents.
(spine) Journal H. Delegates 1863 & 1864.
278, xxiv p.
Richmond
William F. Ritchie, Public Printer
1863

Call number 2356conf 1863 called session (Rare Book Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)


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Illustration


JOURNAL
OF THE
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
OF THE
STATE OF VIRGINIA,
FOR THE
SESSION OF 1863-64.

RICHMOND:
WILLIAM F. RITCHIE, PUBLIC PRINTER.
1863.


Page 3

JOURNAL.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1863.

        This day being the time fixed by law for the assembling of the general assembly, the SPEAKER called the house of delegates to order at 12 o'clock, meridian.

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

        The roll was then called, when the following gentlemen answered to their names:

        Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Burnett, Burr, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Dickey, Draper, Duval, English, Flood, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hoge, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Keiley, Lively, McCue, Melvin, Morgan, Murdaugh, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Sherrard and Tomlin--46.

        No quorum appearing,

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1863.

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

        The roll was called to ascertain if a quorum was present, when the following gentlemen answered to their names:

        Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Bland, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Duval, English, Fletcher, Flood, Goodall, Graham, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Lively, Lynch, McCue, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Noland, Parramore, Pitman, Reid, Riddick, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Sherrard, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Woolfolk--62.

        No quorum appearing, Mr. MCCUE moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 15, noes 50.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Bland, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Cox, Fletcher, Hughes, Lively, McCue, Noland, Parramore, Pitman, Rowan, and Sherrard--15.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burwell, Cowan, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Duval, English, Flood, Goodall, Graham, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Lynch, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Woolfolk--50.


Page 4

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. CHRISTIAN, the senator from Augusta, who informed the house of delegates that the senate was organized, and ready to proceed to business.

        On the last vote, no quorum voting, Mr. BROOKE moved a call of the house, and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The roll was then called the first and second times, and the following members noted as absent:

        Messrs. Anderson, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Bryan, Buffington, Coke, Crawford, Cummings, Custis, Douthat, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, F. C. S. Hunter, R. W. Hunter, James, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lundy, Lurty, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Monroe, Mullens, C. A. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Rixey, J. A. Robinson, Rutherfoord, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Worsham and Wright--65.

        It appearing that only sixty-six members (less than a quorum) had answered to their names, the doors were closed by order of the Speaker.

        Mr. MCCUE moved an adjournment, and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 26, noes 39.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Burnett, Butler, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Draper, Duval, English, Hall, Hoge, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Lively, McCue, Murdaugh, Noland, Parramore, Pitman, Randolph, Rowan, Sherrard, R. F. Taylor, S. M. Wilson, Woodley and Woolfolk--26.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Bland, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burr, Burwell, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Fletcher, Flood, Goodall, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Lynch, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Stewart, Tomlin, Winn and Winston--39.

        Mr. BUFORD moved that further proceedings under the call be dispensed with; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BUFORD asked leave to withdraw the motion. Objection being made, and the question recurring on agreeing to the motion--pending the consideration thereof,

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1863.

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

        The roll was called, when the following delegates answered to their names:

        Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Duval, English, Fletcher, Flood, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Marr, McCue, McKinney, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Noland, Parramore, Pitman, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders,


Page 5

F. Saunders, Sherrard, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, N. W. White, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--78.

        A quorum appearing, on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion a committee was appointed consisting of Messrs. Haymond, Woolfolk and Flood, to wait on the governor, and inform him that the house being now organized, was ready to receive any communication which he might be pleased to transmit.

        Subsequently, Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee, reported that the committee had discharged the duty assigned them, and that the governor would communicate a message to the house immediately.

        The governor's message was then received, read, and on motion of Mr. BURWELL, laid on the table and ordered to be printed.--[For message, see Doc. No. 1, appended to this volume.]

        On motion of Mr. JONES,

        Resolved, that the senate be informed that the house is now organized, and ready to proceed to business.

        Ordered, Mr. JONES inform the senate thereof.

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

        Resolved, that the bills pending and not acted upon during the late extra session of this legislature, be continued upon the calendar at this session, and acted upon as bills on their first reading, in the order in which they stand on the calendar, as fixed by the clerk, by order of the house of delegates, at its said extra session.

        Mr. MAGRUDER presented the petition of citizens of Nelson, praying to be annexed to Albemarle; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill changing and defining the line between the counties of Albemarle and Nelson.

        On motion of Mr. MCCUE,

        Resolved, that bill 49, of last session, be withdrawn from the files of the house, and be referred to the committee on agriculture and manufactures.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the auditor of public accounts furnish this house with the following information, to wit:

        1. The number of slaves listed for taxation in the counties and corporations from which returns have been received for the year 1863; the number of horses, mules, asses and jennets; the number of cattle; the number of sheep and the number of hogs listed for taxation during the same year within the same district--showing the same separately by counties and corporations, and the aggregates thereof.

2. The number of slaves in the counties and corporations aforementioned, enumerated in the census of 1860; the number of horses, mules, asses and jennets; the number of sheep and the number of hogs listed for taxation in the same counties and corporations during the year 1860--showing the same as aforesaid separately by counties and corporations, and the aggregates thereof.


Page 6

3. That as far as practicable, he ascertain and report the increase or loss of the several subjects named, as well in the district from which returns have been received, as from the state at large.

        On motion of Mr. FLOOD,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of authorizing the banks of this commonwealth to redeem their notes, issued prior to the first of January 1862, in the treasury notes of the Confederate States, by an act declaring that the said banks shall be discharged from the payment of all their said notes as shall not be presented for payment according to their tenor, in the treasury notes aforesaid, before the 1st day of July 1864, unless it be made to appear that such notes as may be thereafter presented for payment as aforesaid, have not been the property, or in the possession of an alien enemy, since the said first day of January 1862, and that said committee report by bill or otherwise.

        On motion of Mr. CROCKETT,

        Resolved, that the committee on roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of increasing the capital stock of the Wytheville and Grayson turnpike company.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DICKINSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had unanimously agreed to the following preamble and resolutions:

        Whereas it pleased Almighty God, on the 3d day of December 1863, to remove from among us our late colleague, John Seddon of the county of Stafford, and it is the desire of the senate to testify its high appreciation of the manly virtues and public services of the deceased:

        Resolved, that in the death of Mr. Seddon the country has lost a brave and unselfish patriot, who, spurning the ease and security of an honorable civil position, sprang to arms at the first call of Virginia, and cheerfully encountered all the dangers and hardships of three campaigns, in defence of her soil and sovereignty against the common enemy of the Confederacy.

        Resolved, that as a member of the house of delegates for several sessions, and subsequently as state senator, Mr. Seddon was diligent and faithful in the discharge of his representative duties, exhibiting at all times an integrity of purpose, a boldness of action and an intellectual power, that justly obtained for him the admiration and esteem of his colleagues and the unvarying support of his constituents.

        Resolved, that apart from his character and excellencies as a public man, his amiable disposition, his genial manners and gentle deportment in the council and in the social circle, endeared him to us as a true and faithful friend, an honorable opponent and ever acceptable companion, whose loss we deeply deplore, and over whose untimely end we desire to mingle our sympathetic grief with the more bitter sorrow of his afflicted family.

        Resolved, that we tender our heartfelt condolence to the bereaved widow and sorrowing relatives of the deceased, and that in honor of his memory we will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.


Page 7

        Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be communicated to the widow of the deceased.

        Mr. JONES submitted the following preamble and resolutions:

        The house of delegates have received with deep regret the official announcement of the death of John Seddon, late a senator from the 23d district. Called into public life in his early manhood, he exhibited, in a long service upon this floor, ability, fidelity and unswerving attachment to the rights, interest and honor of his mother state and of her sister states of the south. In the memorable session of the general assembly which originated the measures which resulted in the secession of Virginia, Mr. Seddon bore an active and distinguished part. After a gallant and arduous service in the field, his return to the public councils as a senator created among his numerous and devoted friends bright hopes of a future career of usefulness and honor. But "the glories of our mortal state are shadows--not substantial things."

        Resolved, that in testimony of our respect for the memory of the deceased, the members of this house will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.

        Resolved, as a further mark of respect, this house do now adjourn.

        Resolved, that the clerk communicate a copy of these proceedings to the family of the deceased.

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative by an unanimous vote.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1863.

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

        ROBERT B. FAUNTLEROY, a delegate from the counties of Matthews and Middlesex, appeared, was qualified and took his seat.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending the 40th section of the act passed 28th March 1863, imposing taxes for the support of government.

        On motion of Mr. DICKEY,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of releasing the securities of R. P. Baker, late sheriff of Grayson county, of certain damages.

        On motion of Mr. BUTLER,

        Resolved, that senate bill 81 (session 1862-3) be withdrawn from the files of the house, and referred to the committee on finance.

        On motion of Mr. WORSHAM,

        Resolved, that the committee on lunatic asylums enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill directing the auditor of public accounts to pay the steward of the Eastern lunatic asylum his salary from the 1st day of January 1863 to the 1st day of May 1863, inclusive.


Page 8

        On motion of Mr. WORSHAM,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of allowing the claim of H. J. Hartwell, sheriff of Dinwiddie county, for a certain sum of money due him for transporting and conveying two lunatics from the said county to the Eastern lunatic asylum.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that so much of the governor's message as relates to impressment of slaves to work on fortifications be referred to a select committee.

        On motion of Mr. MEADE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the criminal laws of the commonwealth as to prohibit any person from being confined in the penitentiary for a shorter period than three years.

        On motion of Mr. WOODLEY,

        Resolved, that so much of the governor's message as relates to schools and colleges and the university of Virginia, be referred to the committee of schools and colleges.

        On motion of Mr. JONES,

        Resolved, that the proceedings of the county court of Northumberland county, presented at the late extra session of the general assembly, relative to the ineligibility of Edward S. Betts, as a delegate to represent the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland in the house of delegates, be referred to the committee of privileges and elections.

        On motion of Mr. KAUFMAN,

        Resolved, that so much of the governor's message as relates to the paymaster general of the Virginia forces, be referred to the committee on military affairs.

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH,

        Resolved, that the salt committee enquire whether some legislation is not necessary to prevent speculators from buying up salt claims from citizens within the enemy's lines, with the view of speculating in the same.

        On motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK,

        Resolved, that the committee on salt enquire into the expediency of increasing the number of clerks allowed the superintendent of salt.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE,

        Resolved, that a select committee enquire into the expediency of making provision, by an appropriation from the public treasury, or otherwise, for the relief of the indigent soldiers and their families residing in counties where, by reason of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, the existing law making provision for such cases cannot be carried into effect.

        Mr. KEILEY presented the petition of thirty-nine clerks and commissioners in chancery, for an increase of fees; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. DUVAL presented the petition of A. G. Ingraham, asking to be relieved of certain damages; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.


Page 9

        Mr. BURR presented the petition of M. G. Whitman, for remission of a tax; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. KEILEY gave notice that he would on to-morrow move an amendment to the rules of the house as follows:

        "Resolutions of enquiry to be referred to any of the standing committees of this house, and all amendments thereto, shall be submitted without debate."

        The resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, was taken up, amended, and as amended agreed to.

        The resolution is as follows:

        Resolved, that the bills pending and not acted upon at the late extra session of this legislature, be continued upon the calendar at this session, and acted upon as bills of this house on their first reading, in the order in which they stand upon the calendar, as fixed by the clerk, by order of the house of delegates, at its said extra session.

        These bills are as follow:

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

        Resolved, with the consent of the senate, that the joint committee appointed at the late extra session of the general assembly on the subject of salt, be continued during the present session of the general assembly, and that it shall consist of the same members heretofore appointed, until otherwise ordered by either house as to its own committee.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1863.

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

        The SPEAKER announced the following select committee under the resolution in relation to the impressment of slaves: Messrs. Barksdale, Powell, Magruder, Gilmer, Worsham, McCue, Draper, Reid and Butler.

        The SPEAKER announced the following select committee under the resolution respecting provision for families of indigent soldiers who cannot have the benefit of the act passed at the late session of the general assembly: Messrs. Brooke, Baker, Marye, Richardson, Riddick, Hendrick, Monroe, Kaufman, Melvin, Williams and Fauntleroy.

        Mr. BURWELL presented the petition of James Lancaster, praying that a fine imposed upon him under the provisions of an act to provide for the public defence, shall be released or refunded: which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight moved to suspend the rule, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the house agreed to a resolution placing the bills of the last extra session upon the calendar of this session; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending the 21st section of chapter 66 of the Code, in regard to the appointment of directors and proxies in internal improvement companies by the board of public works.

        On motion of Mr. IRVING,

        Resolved, that it be referred to the committee for courts of justice to enquire and report, by bill or otherwise, what legislation is necessary to prevent and punish unlawful trading by employees on boats running on the rivers and canals of this commonwealth, and to take away the facilities now enjoyed by said boats for the escape of slaves and the removal of stolen property.


Page 13

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

        Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that our senators be instructed and our representatives be requested to urge the passage of a bill to double the pay of the privates and non-commissioned officers of our army, and to increase in like ratio the pay for the use of cavalry horses, and to compensate their owners for the loss of them (whether killed in actual battle or not), if the officer in command of the company will certify that it was not the result of negligence, and to issue rations of tobacco.

        On motion of Mr. WINSTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the act passed at the called session, to amend and re-enact an act passed March 11, 1863, in relation to the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers, &c., as to authorize, for a limited period, the distillation of the juice of molasses cane or sorghum, heretofore prepared for the purpose, under a misapprehension of the license law.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the act passed March 5, 1863, entitled an act authorizing fiduciaries to invest funds in their hands in certain cases, and for other purposes.

        On motion of Mr. WALKER of Augusta,

        Resolved, that so much of the governor's message as refers to the impressment of supplies, be referred to the committee on confederate relations.

        Mr. PITMAN submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be and are hereby required to enquire into the expediency of having the eagle perched over the Speaker's chair removed, and a more suitable emblem elevated in its stead; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        On motion of Mr. FRY of Madison,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of amending the 27th section of chapter 122, Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so that wills, or any such authenticated copy, may be admitted to probate, by proving the handwriting of the witnesses, whenever such witnesses may be prisoners of war, residents within the lines of the enemy, or soldiers in the confederate army.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of so amending the law as to require all bank directors, whether elected or appointed, to be stockholders; and further to require those stockholders receiving their dividends at branch banks, to meet, either in person or by proxy, at least ten days before the annual meeting of the stockholders, and appoint their proxy to represent them in said meeting, and that the cashiers of the branch banks shall give at least ten days' notice of such meeting; and farther to prevent


Page 14

all mother or branch banks and other incorporated companies owning their own stock, from having said stock represented in any meeting of the stockholders of said bank, or any of its branches.

        On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Pendleton,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending the criminal law as to make horse stealing a capital offence.

        On motion of Mr. HUTCHESON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending the stay law, passed March 29, 1862, as to authorize the collection of debts due by all parties not in the army.

        The following resolution, heretofore submitted by Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WINSTON:

        Resolved, with the consent of the senate, that the joint committee appointed at the late extra session of the general assembly, on the subject of salt, be continued during the present session of the general assembly, and that it shall consist of the same members heretofore appointed, until otherwise ordered by either house as to its own committee.

        Mr. DEANE moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:

        "Resolved by the general assembly, that in addition to the other standing committees, there shall be appointed at the present, and every ensuing session during the war, a joint committee on salt."

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to amend the amendment, by adding thereto the following:

        "And that during the present session the members of the joint committee on the part of the house during the extra session, shall constitute the committee on the part of the house."

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

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

        The original resolution was then agreed to.

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

        Mr. BUFORD moved that bill 55, entitled a bill to reorganize the militia, be recommitted to the committee on military affairs: pending the consideration of which,

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


Page 15

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1863.

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

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

        No. 58. A bill for the relief of the securities of R. P. Baker, late sheriff of Grayson county.

        On motion of Mr. DUVAL,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill repealing an act providing for the exemption of certain parties upon religious grounds, passed March 29th, 1862.

        On motion of Mr. SHELTON,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending the 6th section, chapter 98 of the Code of Virginia, so as to increase the compensation of patrols.

        On motion of Mr. LIVELY,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the propriety of exempting by law Virginia soldiers in the Confederate States service from state and county tax, except upon real and personal property.

        On motion of Mr. REID,

        Resolved, that the outlines of a tax bill, prepared by the auditor of public accounts, in pursuance of a joint resolution of the general assembly, adopted March 31st, 1863, be referred to the committee on finance.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending the charter of the Charlottesville savings institution, so as to reduce the number of directors.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that the committee on the penitentiary enquire into the expediency of purchasing or impressing one of the coal mines in the vicinity of Richmond, and making the same a part of the penitentiary, for the purpose of employing the convicts of the penitentiary.

        On motion of Mr. MARYE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the enforcement and execution of all judgments and liens created by deeds, where such enforcement will affect the property only of alien enemies.

        On motion of Mr. HUTCHESON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending chapter 186 of the Code of Virginia (1860), as to authorize or require the court of appeals to try, hear and determine at its sessions in the city of Richmond, during the continuance of the present war, all such cases as by the 7th section of said chapter are required to be tried at Lewisburg.


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        On motion of Mr. BUFFINGTON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the propriety of remunerating loyal citizens for losses sustained under the operation of a proclamation issued by the governor of this commonwealth on the 11th day of May 1861.

        On motion of Mr. DEYERLE,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire what legislation is necessary to enable the farmers to procure a supply of plaster for agricultural purposes.

        On motion of Mr. MEADE,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of increasing the fees and compensation of commissioners of the revenue of the commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of so amending existing laws prescribing the rate of tolls which may be charged by the rail road companies of the commonwealth, as to increase the maximum rate during the continuance of the war.

        On motion of Mr. RUTHERFOORD,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill against trade combinations.

        On motion of Mr. HUTCHESON,

        Resolved, that a special committee be appointed to ascertain the propriety of making an appropriation from the treasury of the state for the purpose of providing suitable clothing for the destitute soldiers from the state of Virginia now in the confederate army.

        On motion of Mr. MEADE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of authorizing the county courts to allow counsel assigned to defend slaves a reasonable compensation for their services.

        Mr. PRETLOW submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that our senators be instructed and our representatives in congress be requested to use their best endeavors to effect the repeal of the impressment law of the Confederate States, or to so remodify the law as that the government shall pay the market prices whenever impressment shall be necessary; which being objected to, was laid over under the rule.

        On motion of Mr. WALKER of Rockingham,

        Resolved, that a joint committee of the two houses of the general assembly, to consist of three on the part of the senate, and five on the part of the house, be appointed to inform William Smith and Samuel Price of their election respectively to the offices of governor and lieutenant governor of the commonwealth.

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

        Mr. ROBERTSON presented the memorial of the committee on public buildings of the house of representatives of the congress of the Confederate States, for leave to erect a temporary addition to their hall; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.


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        Mr. KENNEY presented the petition of F. K. Spirk and other citizens of the town of Bridgewater, in the county of Rockingham, praying an amendment of the charter of said town; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        On motio of Mr. WALKER of Augusta,

        Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the house, the petition of Peter Ingleman, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

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

        The following bills were read a second time, and on motions severally made, laid on the table:

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the house adjourned until Monday, 12 o'clock.


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MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

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

        No. 59. A bill to authorize the Charlottesville savings bank to reduce the number of its directors.

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

        No. 60. A bill to amend the 1st section of an act passed 13th April 1852, entitled an act to authorize the construction of the Wytheville and Grayson turnpike, and to make branches thereof to the lead mines of Wythe county, and to Hillsville, in Carroll county.

        The SPEAKER presented the petition of William A. McMullen, praying the release of tax on certain slaves; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        The SPEAKER presented the petition of James Lesley and twenty others, citizens of Augusta, praying that the gate near Staunton, on the Staunton and Parkersburg road, be thrown open; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

        On motion of Mr. FRY of Giles,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of making provision by law allowing Virginia soldiers in camp and elsewhere to vote for county officers in their respective counties.

        On motion of Mr. WALKER of Augusta,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to amend the charter of the Central Bank of Virginia.

        On motion of Mr. BRANCH,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the 16th section of the 171st chapter of the Code, so as to authorize the appointment of a guardian ad litem for a married woman at rules.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton,

        Resolved, that the joint committee on the subject of salt enquire into the expediency of continuing the manufacture of salt by the state at Saltville, Virginia, for a longer period than that for which provision by law is already made, in order that if it be deemed expedient, the labor necessary for that purpose may be procured at the beginning of the ensuing year.

        The amendment to the rules of the house, heretofore submitted by Mr. KEILEY, was taken up, on his motion.

        The amendment is as follows:

        "Resolutions of enquiry to be referred to any of the standing committees of this house, and all amendments thereto, shall be submitted without debate."

        Mr. HAYMOND moved to amend the proposed addition to the rules;


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and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. COWAN moved to lay the resolution and amendment on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HALL moved the indefinite postponement of the whole subject; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. KEILEY, by consent of the house, withdrew the resolution.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill so amending the 5th section of chapter 148 of the Code, as to make the owners of boats navigating canals and rivers, liable for the value of slaves transported without authority and lost.

        On motion of Mr. SCOTT,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill providing a further remedy for the compensation of slaves owned by the citizens of this commonwealth, escaping or dying while in the service of the confederate government.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of so amending existing laws as to increase the fees of notaries public.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be instructed to enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of the Union female college in the town of Danville.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE,

        Resolved, that the committee on the penitentiary enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the purchase or lease, on behalf of the state, of a colliery or collieries in the vicinity of Richmond, and the incorporation of such property with the penitentiary, in such manner as that the same be operated for the benefit of the commonwealth, by such of the convicts in the penitentiary as the governor may from time to time assign thereto, and under such regulations as may secure the safe-keeping of such convicts.

        On motion of Mr. HUTCHESON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of repealing, during the existence of the present war, sections 4 to 24, inclusive, of chapter 162 of the Code of 1860, providing for the organization of juries in civil cases, and substituting instead thereof sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 of chapter 162 of the Code of 1849.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the propriety of repealing the several acts incorporating turnpike companies, passed before the commencement of the present war, where the state will be a subscriber when a company shall be organized.

        On motion of Mr. NELSON of Fluvanna,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of so amending the charter of the Rivanna navigation company, as to authorize an increase of the tolls on the same.


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        On motion of Mr. WALKER of Rockingham,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of authorizing turnpike companies that have kept their roads in repair, to increase their rates of tolls, and to regulate transportation on their roads.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be instructed to enquire into the expediency of authorizing the town of Danville to acquire lands in the county of Pittsylvania, for the purpose of a cemetery, and for other purposes.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be instructed to enquire into the expediency of granting authority to the Richmond and Petersburg rail road company to acquire and hold timbered land in the county of Chesterfield, not exceeding in quantity three thousand acres in all.

        On motion of Mr. PRETLOW,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing the representatives of A. B. Urquhart, Joseph E. Gillett and Madison J. Davis of Southampton county, to continue the slaves and other property, of a personal and perishable nature, lately owned by said parties, now dead, on the land lately owned by them, and to cultivate the same for the benefit of the parties respectively interested in said estates.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending chapter 109 of the Code of 1860, concerning divorces.

        On motion of Mr. CUMMINGS,

        Resolved, that the board of public works, acting as supervisors of salt, be requested to furnish this house with copies of the contracts under which eight of the ten state furnaces are now being operated; and that they report what amount of money has been paid over to the state under said contracts, stating separately the amount paid upon each contract.

        Resolved, that the said board of supervisors be instructed to ascertain the terms upon which the ten state furnaces, or any of them, can be leased (the rent to be paid in salt) from the 1st of January 1864 to the 8th day of June text; and that they make report thereof to this house at as early a day as practicable; and that said board report to this house the quantity of state and confederate salt on hand at Saltville on the first day of the present month.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. JOHNSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act authorizing the increase of the capital stock of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company, No. 1, and a joint resolution for a recess of the general assembly: in which bill and resolution they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.


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        The resolution for the recess of the general assembly, was taken up, on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion.

        The resolution is as follows:

        Resolved, that the two houses of the general assembly will take a recess from Monday the 21st instant, until Wednesday the 6th day of January 1864.

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the resolution, by striking out "Monday the 21st," and inserting "Saturday the 19th."

        Mr. JAMES moved to amend the amendment, by inserting "Wednesday the 23d;" 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 negative.

        Mr. WORSHAM moved the indefinite postponement of the resolution; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 22, noes 68.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Bland, Bowles, Brooke, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, A. Fry, Hall, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, Kindrick, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, Pitman, Stewart and Worsham--22.

        NOES--Messrs. Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buford, Burwell, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, McCue, McNeil, Meade, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Pretlow, Reid, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn and Woodley--68.

        The question being on agreeing to the resolution from the senate, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

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

IN SENATE, Dec. 14, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to a joint resolution reviving the select joint committee on salt, and a joint resolution for the appointment of a committee to inform the governor and lieutenant governor elect of their election.


        No. 1. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the increase of the capital stock of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company, was read a first and second times, and ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

        Mr. Fauntleroy was added to the committee on the penitentiary.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures


Page 24

enquire whether it is necessary for the production of clover and for other agricultural purposes, that the farmers in certain sections of the commonwealth should be furnished with plaster of paris or other fertilizing substances; and if found necessary, that they further enquire whether it is expedient and proper to organize a system, with proper restrictions, for the production and distribution of such fertilizers; and for this purpose, that they be authorized to ascertain the terms upon which real estate containing such fertilizers can be leased for a term of years, or purchased by the state.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that so soon as the present session of this body shall terminate, all of the able bodied members of the same will attach themselves to some branch of the confederate military service, and continue therein until required to resume their civil duties in said body; which being objected to, was laid over under the rule.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing by law for a more effective organization of the population capable of bearing arms, and not now in the confederate service.

        On motion of Mr. AMBERS,

        Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of this house the petition of Lieut. Col. Wm. B. Ball, praying to be relieved from payment of money for shoes furnished a volunteer company, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

        On motion of Mr. SMITH,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing the purchase of the surplus blankets in the state for the use of the Virginia soldiers in the service of the Confederate States; and where such purchase cannot be made, that some provision be made for the impressment of the same upon just and equitable principles.

        On motion of Mr. HUTCHESON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill providing for the holding an election for judges of court of appeals, in accordance with the provisions of section 16, chapter 6, of the constitution of Virginia.

        On motion of Mr. WOODLEY,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be directed to enquire into the propriety of prohibiting all agents and other employees of the rail roads within this commonwealth from buying any articles intended for the use and consumption of the cities and towns of the state.

        On motion of Mr. HUTCHESON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be authorized to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill requiring the county courts to levy at least two-thirds of the county levies for the support of the families of soldiers in the confederate army, upon property, and of releasing the soldiers from the payment of the capitation tax.


Page 25

        On motion of Mr. STEWART,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of making an appropriation for the purpose of constructing a rail road from some point on the Virginia Central rail road not east of Staunton, to connect with the Baltimore and Ohio rail road at some point not west of the junction at Grafton.

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

        Resolved, that the joint committee on salt be enlarged, by the addition of one member on the part of the senate and three on the part of the house.

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

        Resolved, that our senators be instructed and our representatives in congress requested to use their utmost exertions to secure the passage of a law to exempt from the payment of the tax in kind a sufficiency of pork raised by the families of soldiers for their own use, where said soldiers are in actual service in the field, or have been so disabled from wounds received in battle as to render them unable to perform manual labor.

        On motion of Mr. MCCUE,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of procuring machinery and establishing a manufactory of cotton and wool cards, as well as clothing for woolen manufactories.

        On motion of Mr. BURR,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of amending an act to amend the 4th and 5th sections of the 87th chapter of the Code of Virginia, relating to rent and inspection fees to be paid on tobacco in the warehouses.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing by law for an increase of the fees of clerks of courts, commissioners in chancery and county surveyors during the existing war.

        Mr. KEILEY submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that our senators be instructed and our representatives requested to endeavor to procure the passage of an act making the import duties of the Confederate States payable in specie only; which being objected to, was laid over under the rule.

        Mr. MULLENS submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that our senators be instructed and our representatives in congress be requested to use their influence to procure the passage of a bill furnishing soldiers with rations of tobacco, and increasing their pay to thirty dollars per month; which being objected to, was laid over under the rule:

        On motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee on the penitentiary be instructed to enquire into the expediency of hiring out the public penitentiary to the highest bidder.


Page 26

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of punishing by law confederate officers and agents who exceed their authority, and thereby trespass upon private rights and property.

        On motion of Mr. MILLER,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire what means, if any, can be adopted to effect the release of Virginia soldiers now held as prisoners of war by the United States government, by having them paroled.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of so amending the laws governing the second class militia, as to increase the fines for failure to attend drills, and of further so amending said laws as to render the said organization more efficient.

        On motion of Mr. IRVING,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the 14th section of chapter 192 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860) as will make the larceny of goods and chattels of the value of twenty dollars or more, in such currency or notes as may at the time of the larceny be receivable in payment of taxes and other public dues to this state, to be grand larceny.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the governor be requested to enquire upon what terms a coal mine in the vicinity of the city of Richmond can be purchased or leased, and communicate the result of his enquiries to this house.

        On motion of Mr. WOODLEY,

        Resolved, that the committee of schools and colleges be directed to enquire into the expediency of investigating the present condition of the university of Virginia, as to the propriety of making some satisfactory provision for the professors, and for the protection and preservation of the public buildings and other property of the institution during the continuance of the present war.

        The resolution of instruction heretofore submitted by Mr. MCKINNEY, was taken up, on his motion.

        The resolution was amended so as to read as follows:

        "Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that our senators be instructed and our representatives in congress be requested to urge the passage of a bill to increase the present pay of the privates and non-commissioned officers of our army, and to increase in a like ratio the pay for the use of cavalry horses, and to compensate their owners for the loss of them (whether killed in actual battle or not), if the officer in command of the company will certify that it was not the result of negligence, and to issue rations of tobacco to privates and non-commissioned officers, and rations to commissioned officers."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the resolution was referred to the committee on military affairs.

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


Page 27

        No. 15. A bill to amend the charter of the town of Ashland, in the county of Hanover.

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

        No. 59. A bill to authorize the Charlottesville savings bank to reduce the number of its directors.

        No. 60. A bill to amend the 1st section of an act passed 13th April 1852, entitled an act to authorize the construction of the Wytheville and Grayson turnpike, and to make branches thereof to the lead mines of Wythe county, and to Hillsville, in Carroll county.

        No. 57. 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. HUTCHESON, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        On motion of Mr. DEYERLE,

        Resolved, that a select committee be appointed to enquire what measures are necessary to be adopted to encourage and foster the manufacturing and agricultural interests of the state, and discourage the present spirit of speculation.

        On motion of Mr. FLEMING,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the removal and proper care of convicts in the penitentiary who have or may hereafter become lunatics.

        On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond city,

        Resolved, that the committee on the penitentiary be requested to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the increase of the salaries of the officers and guard of said institution.

        On motion of Mr. WINSTON,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of organizing the male citizens of the state not liable to conscription, for the performance of patrol and police duties, so as to afford adequate protection to the persons and property of the citizens of the state.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

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

IN SENATE, Dec. 15, 1863.

        The senate have passed bills entitled:

        An act for the relief of William E. Prince of Sussex county, No. 2.

        An act amendatory of the act passed October 27th, 1863, entitled an act to authorize the arrest of deserters by the civil authorities, No. 6.


Page 28

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


        No. 2. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of William E. Prince of Sussex county, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 6. A senate bill entitled an act amendatory of the act passed October 27, 1863, entitled an act to authorize the arrest of deserters by the civil authorities.

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

        No. 61. A bill to amend and re-enact the charter of the Union female college.

        No. 62. A bill to amend the 6th section of chapter 98 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860) concerning patrols.

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

        No. 63. A bill releasing William B. Ball from the payment of a certain sum of money.

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

        No. 64. A bill to provide additional employment for convicts in the penitentiary.

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

        No. 1. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the increase of the capital stock of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company, reported the same without amendment.

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

        No. 65. A bill to amend the 21st section of chapter 66 of the Code in regard to appointment of directors and proxies by the board of public works.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution agreed to on yesterday on the subject of fostering agriculture and manufactures and discouraging speculation: Messrs. Burwell, Deyerle, Tredway, James, Taylor of Prince George, Harris, Lynch, Meade and Goodall.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under a resolution heretofore adopted on the subject of providing clothing for the destitute soldiers of Virginia in the Confederacy: Messrs. Hutcheson, Haymond of Braxton, Gilmer, Pendleton, Keiley, Hiett, Pitman, Lundy, Kindrick, Butler and Patterson.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under a resolution appointing a committee to inform the governor and lieutenant governor elect of their election: Messrs. Walker of Rockingham, Bowen, Burr, Fry of Madison, and Thomas.

        Mr. Worsham was appointed on the joint committee on salt, in place of Mr. Goode, resigned.

        On motion of Mr. MCCUE,

        Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the


Page 29

house a communication from the governor, enclosing a letter from the principal of the institution for the deaf and dumb and the blind, and that the same be referred to the committee on confederate relations.

        Mr. BARKSDALE presented a bill to be entitled an act to provide a state guard; which was, on his motion, referred to the committee on military affairs.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of appropriating a sum of money not exceeding two million dollars, for the purpose of providing clothing for such of the soldiers of Virginia in the confederate service as, by the presence of the public enemy in their respective counties, are deprived of the aid authorized by law to be afforded by the county courts, and from the voluntary contribution of friends.

        On motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK,

        Resolved, that a special committee be appointed, whose duty it shall be to visit the various editors of papers of this city, and see what is the best arrangements that can be made for the report of the proceedings of this house, and to report the result of their investigation.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. McCue, Burwell, Haymond of Braxton, James and Stewart.

        On motion of Mr. WALTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the act of the 12th of March 1862, to prevent the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers, &c., as to provide, 1, the manner in which the forfeiture of grain declared in the 5th section of said act shall be determined and enforced; and 2, a larger penalty for the bond required to be given under the 4th and 6th sections of said act.

        On motion of Mr. WALTON,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of so amending the act of 31st October 1863, for the relief of indigent soldiers and sailors of the state of Virginia, &c., as to provide, 1, that those mentioned in the act, and such others as are herein after mentioned, who may reside within the lines of the enemy, shall have the benefit of said act; 2, that families or persons dependent upon others than husbands or parents, shall be entitled to the benefit of said act in cases where such others have been taken into the military service; and 3, that the duties imposed by said law upon agents appointed by the court, shall be made mandatory, and enforced by penalties.

        On motion of Mr. COKE,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of providing for the support of indigent families now in the enemy's lines, and of the soldiers and seamen in the confederate service.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the propriety


Page 30

of allowing George J. Arnold to settle with the auditor of public accounts a judgment against him as a commissioner of delinquent and forfeited lands for the county of Lewis, at a rate of interest not exceeding six per centum per annum.

        On motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the act of March 1862, respecting the distillation of grain, as to prevent the distillation of spirits exclusively for the use of the confederate government out of refuse grain to be furnished by the quartermaster or commissary departments of the Confederate States.

        On motion of Mr. REID,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the propriety of authorizing the payment to Gov. Letcher of his expenses incurred in furnishing the executive mansion with fuel and light during his occupancy.

        On motion of Mr. HUTCHESON,

        Resolved, that a committee be appointed to ascertain whether it be true that the confederate authorities of this city have by improper impressment prevented the agents of the Central rail road and other parties in their efforts to supply the people with meat at reasonable prices.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency, 1, of reorganizing the official duties of the first and second auditors, the treasurer and register of the commonwealth; and 2, of constituting a department of manufactures, mines and commerce.

        On motion of Mr. BUFFINGTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the propriety of so amending an act passed the 3d day of October 1862, to protect and indemnify citizens of Virginia, as to make the property of the original obligee or holder of the bond liable to the penalties of said act.

        On motion of Mr. HUTCHESON,

        Resolved, that the committee on printing be directed to enquire into the expediency of having twelve hundred extra copies of the late message of the governor of the commonwealth printed for the use of the members of this house.

        On motion of Mr. AMBERS,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the Code of Virginia, as more clearly to define the punishment to be inflicted upon slaves for the various offences therein mentioned.

        No. 1. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the increase of the capital stock of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company, was read a second time, amended, and as amended read a third time and passed--Ayes 86.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Burwell, Coke, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson,


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Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, McCue, McElroy, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Randolph, Reid, D. J. Saunders, Sherrard, Smith, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Woolfolk--86.

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

        No. 15. An engrossed bill to amend the charter of the town of Ashland, in Hanover county, was 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:

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

        The following resolution, heretofore submitted by Mr. MELVIN, was taken up on his motion, and on motion, referred to the committee on military affairs:

        Resolved, that our senators be instructed and our representatives in congress requested to use their utmost exertions to secure the passage of a law to exempt from the payment of the tax in kind a sufficiency of pork raised by the families of soldiers for their own use, where said soldiers are in actual service in the field, or have been so disabled from wounds received in battle as to render them unable to perform manual labor.

        On motion of Mr. WALKER of Rockingham,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill increasing the compensation of members of the next general assembly.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations confer with the confederate authorities, and ascertain why it is that the officers,


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military and naval, referred to in a special message of the governor of this state, and who took service under the state of Virginia, by invitation of the convention, are not in the confederate service, and to ascertain whether they have been offered places under the confederate government of equal grade to that they held in the U. S. army.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DOUGLAS, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act providing compensation for members of the general assembly, judges and other officers of the government, in lieu of the compensation now allowed by law, No. 3: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The bill was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, read a first and second times, and on his further motion, read a third time and passed--Ayes 86, noes 25.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lively, Lynch, Marr, McCue, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Sherrard, Smith, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn and Woodley--86.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Branch, Buford, Cummings, Deane, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Graham, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kenney, Kindrick, Lundy, Magruder, McElroy, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Tredway, R. J. White, Winston and Worsham--25.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

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

        No. 66. A bill to amend and re-enact an act passed October 31, 1863, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act passed March 11, 1863, in relation to the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufacturers of spirituous and malt liquors.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution of enquiry as to allowing soldiers to vote in the election of county officers, presented a report, asking that the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject, and that the same be referred to the committee of privileges and elections.

        Mr. PENDDETON, from the committee on printing, to whom had been referred a resolution as to printing an additional number of copies of the message of the governor, presented a resolution providing for printing twenty-five hundred extra copies thereof.


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        Mr. PENDLETON, from the same committee, presented the following resolution, which was agreed to:

        Resolved, that the printing of the militia bill, heretofore ordered, be suspended.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee, under a resolution heretofore adopted in respect to the reorganization of the duties of the auditors and other officers, and the establishment of a bureau of manufactures and commerce: Messrs. Burwell, Haymond of Marion, Robertson, Deane, Cowan, Irving, Buford, McCue, Branch, Tredway, and White of Rockbridge.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee, under a resolution heretofore adopted in respect to suggested action by the confederate authorities to prevent the supplying of the people with meat at reasonable prices: Messrs. Hutcheson, Saunders of Richmond, Fleming, Keiley, Walker of Rockingham, Shelton, Taylor of Amelia, Nelson of Fluvanna, and Bryan.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. JOHNSON, 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 authorize an increase of the capital stock of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company, with an amendment: in which they respectfully asked the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the amendment was agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. CARSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to authorize the admission of wills to record upon proof of the handwriting of the attesting witnesses in certain cases: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the bill was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

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

        No. 59. A bill to authorize the Charlottesville savings bank to reduce the number of its directors.

        No. 60. A bill to amend the first section of an act passed April 12, 1862, entitled an act to authorize the construction of the Wytheville and Grayson turnpike, and to make branches thereof to the lead mines of Wythe county, and to Hillsville, in Grayson county--Ayes 89.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Barksdale, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Richardson, J. A. Robinson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--89.


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

        No. 61. A bill to amend and re-enact the charter of the Union female college, was read a second time, and ordered to be read a third time.

        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 for the enrollment of persons between the ages of sixteen and fifty-five years, domiciled in this commonwealth: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the bill was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on military affairs.

        Mr. CUMMINGS, from the committee on military affairs, to whom had been referred a resolution of instruction to the senators from Virginia in relation to cavalry horses, &c., presented the following joint resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that in the opinion of this general assembly, the congress of the Confederate States should, as soon as practicable, provide by law for the increase of the compensation allowed to cavalrymen for the use of their horses in service, and that they should be paid the actual value of their horses when such horses are lost in service, whether killed in actual battle, or lost from any of the casualties peculiarly incident to their employment in said service, as contradistinguished from ordinary service and use, if the officer in command of the company will certify that such loss was not the result of negligence on the part of the owner; and should also provide for the issue of rations of tobacco to the noncommissioned officers and privates, and single rations to commissioned officers.

        Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be furnished to our senators and representatives in congress.

        The resolutions were agreed to.

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

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the justice and expediency of reporting a bill in conformity as near as may be to the principles of the bill passed December 16, 1863, allowing compensation to the members of the general assembly and other officers of the government, so as to place all civil officers of government paid out of the public treasury, and who are not already compensated on similar principles, on the same footing, as respects their salaries, with the officers provided for in the aforesaid bill; and if they deem it inexpedient to report such bill, that they state the grounds of that opinion.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire what legislation may be expedient to provide for the removal of slaves from portions of the state occupied by or exposed to the incursions of the enemy.


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        On motion of Mr. BURR,

        Resolved, that the committee on roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of increasing the maximum rate of tolls now authorized to be charged by the James river and Kanawha company and other internal navigation companies.

        On motion of Mr. DOUTHAT,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of refunding to Hiram Snider thirteen dollars and ninety cents, the amount of taxes improperly paid by him.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks be instructed to enquire into the expediency of restricting by law the traffic in confederate and federal currency.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the restriction and regulation of sales at public auction.

        On motion of Mr. KENNEY,

        Resolved, that the committee on lunatic asylums enquire into the expediency of releasing F. M. Ervine as surety for P. Y. Ervine of Missouri, in a bond executed for the support of a female lunatic in the Central lunatic asylum.

        Mr. HUTCHESON submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that in view of the recent intelligence received of the action of the enemy in the southwestern portion of the state since the passage of the resolution to adjourn on the 21st instant, and demonstrating the imperative necessity for the immediate organization of the military force of the state for the public defence, that this general assembly will not take the recess as proposed by said resolution, but will remain in session until such laws shall be enacted as will be best calculated to remedy the evil and secure the people against such destructive raids of the enemy in future.

        Mr. IRVING moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the joint resolution by which the senate and house of delegates resolved to take a recess from Monday the 21st December 1863 to Wednesday the 6th January 1864, be and the same is hereby rescinded; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being on agreeing to the resolution as amended, Mr. MONROE moved to lay the resolution upon the table.

        Mr. HUTCHESON moved the indefinite postponement of the resolution; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HUTCHESON asked leave to withdraw the motion.

        Objection being made, the question was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 62, noes 37.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Buford, Butler, Cox, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Edwards, English, Evans, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Graham, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, James W. Johnson, Jordan,


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Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, McCutchen, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Pretlow, Powell, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Thomas, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn and Woolfolk--62.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Baker, Bland, Branch, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Burwell, Coke, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Draper, Fauntleroy, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Holden, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kenney, Lynch, Magruder, Marr, McCue, Melvin, Pitman, Reid, F. Saunders, Smith, S. M. Wilson, Winston and Worsham--37.

        On motion of Mr. WARD,

        Resolved, that a select committee of five be appointed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill increasing the pay of the judge of the 13th judicial circuit.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. Ward, Bouldin, Pendleton, Irving and Woolfolk.

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

        No. 67. A bill increasing the compensation of the judge of the 13th judicial circuit.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of providing for a connection between the Richmond and Petersburg rail road and the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac rail road, on some other route more practicable than the present.

        The following resolution, heretofore submitted by Mr. PRETLOW, was taken up, on his motion:

        Resolved, that our senators be instructed and our representatives in congress requested to use their best endeavors to effect the repeal of the impressment law of the Confederate States, or to so modify the law as that the government shall pay the market prices whenever impressment shall be necessary; and the question being on agreeing thereto,

        On motion of Mr. MONROE, the resolution was referred to a select committee.

        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; which was read, and on motion, referred to the committee on confederate relations.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

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

IN SENATE, Dec. 17, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to a resolution requesting the house of delegates to return a certain bill, and a resolution concerning the pay of soldiers in the Confederate States army.


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


        The resolution requesting the return to the senate of senate bill No. 38 of last session, entitled an act to arm and equip the militia, was agreed to.

        The resolution concerning the pay of soldiers in the Confederate States army, was read twice, and referred to the committee on military affairs.

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

        No. 68. A bill to authorize the common council of the town of Danville to acquire lands in the county of Pittsylvania for certain public uses.

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

        No. 69. A bill to amend and re-enact section 14, chapter 192 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

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

        No. 70. A bill for the relief of A. J. Ingraham.

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

        No. 6. A senate bill entitled an act amendatory of the act passed October 27th, 1863, entitled an act to authorize the arrest of deserters by the civil authorities, reported the same without amendment.

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

        No. 10. A senate bill entitled an act for the enrollment of persons between the ages of sixteen and fifty-five years, domiciled in the commonwealth, reported the same with amendments.

        Mr. PENDLETON, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution in relation to exempting the pork and bacon of soldiers from the tax in kind, presented a report.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under a resolution in relation to impressments: Messrs. Pretlow, Wilson of Isle of Wight, Marr, Walton, Monroe, Woolfolk, Thompson, McNeil and Meade.

        Mr. KEILEY presented the petition of the common council of Petersburg, praying an amendment to the charter of that city; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, in relation to pardons, &c., which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 16.

        On motion of Mr. COX,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of providing by law an act which shall forbid any future exchange, traffic or trade in any of the United States currency, by making it a penal offence, and punishable by confinement in prison and fine, and report the same by bill or otherwise.


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        On motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire what legislation is necessary for the relief of such of the citizens of the state as have had all of their provisions destroyed by the enemy.

        On motion of Mr. RICHARDSON,

        Resolved, that so much of the governor's message as relates to arms and ordnance be referred to the committee on the armory.

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of such legislation as may be necessary to authorize justices of the peace for counties within the enemy's lines, who may be within our lines, to discharge the duties of their office for the benefit of refugees from their respective counties.

        The resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. NELSON of Fluvanna, providing for the addition of one member on the part of the senate and three on the part of the house, to the joint committee on salt, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON; 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.

        On motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee on printing enquire into the condition of the matter sent to the public printer for reprinting by order of the house at this session.

        On motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill refunding to Robert H. Rogers a license tax improperly assessed against him.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that it be referred to a select committee to enquire into the expediency of increasing the police force of the city of Richmond.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. Robertson, Deane, Pendleton, English and Baker.

        Mr. WOODLEY submitted the following resolution; which was, on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, referred to the committee for schools and colleges:

        Resolved, that the clerk of the house issue subpoenas for the proctor and secretary of the board of visitors of the university of Virginia to appear as witnesses before the committee for schools and colleges on Tuesday the 12th day of January 1864, and that the last named officer appear with the record or journal of the board of visitors for the last two years--the object of this resolution being to ascertain the general condition of that institution, for the purpose of making such disposition of its funds and other property as to meet the present state of the country.

        On motion of Mr. HERNDON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill confiscating or escheating all the lands in this state owned by citizens of the federal states, or citizens of Virginia who have renounced their allegiance to their state by taking


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up arms against the Confederate States, or holding office under the usurped government within her borders, or in any way aided or assisted her enemies.

        On motion of Mr. BURR,

        Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of this house the petition of N. Carroll, with the accompanying plans and specifications relating to the fortifications of the city of Richmond.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that the committee of schools and colleges enquire into the expediency of providing for the education of the indigent children of this commonwealth.

        Mr. HUTCHESON submitted the following preamble and resolutions; which, on his motion, were referred to the committee on confederate relations:

        Whereas Abraham Lincoln, president of the United States, has, by various messages and proclamations, endeavored to create the impression upon the civilized world, that the secession of the several states of the south and the organization of the Confederacy were acts of those whom he styles the leaders of the people, in contradistinction to the people themselves, and was not the free and spontaneous choice of the people: and whereas, in order to carry out this idea, he has recently issued his proclamation, in which he endeavors to seduce the patriotic soldiers of our army and the citizens of this ancient commonwealth from their love of country, and incite them to the abandonment of their duties, which devolve upon them as descendants of the noble and chivalrous ancestry of '76, in the present struggle for national independence and civil and religious liberty:

        Therefore, we, the members of the general assembly, freely chosen by the people, in accordance with the time-honored laws and institutions of the state, and fresh from the association and intercourse with our patriotic constituency, do hereby, for and on behalf of ourselves, and in the name of the people of Virginia,

        Resolve, 1, that the separation from the United States was the deliberate act of the representatives of the people, in convention assembled, ratified by the almost unanimous voice of the constitutional voters of the state; confirmed by a voluntary enlistment of more than one hundred and thirty thousand men, cheerfully sustained by a rate of taxation unprecedented in the annals of legislation, and defended by a heroism and self-sacrificing patriotism unexampled in the pages of history, and that any representation from any quarter whatever, that the people of Virginia have acted under duress in this revolution, is a gross misrepresentation of facts, and a slander upon their character. That having calmly counted the cost and weighed the dangers and difficulties necessary for the achievement of the rights and independence they covet, the people of the Old Dominion spurn with contempt the proffered pardon and amnesty of the said Lincoln.

        2. That the terms proposed by the said proclamation are degrading to freemen, and all who sincerely entertain them are destitute of patriotism and traitors to their country, and will be so regarded and treated by the authorities of this commonwealth.


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        3. That the people of Virginia have in this struggle inalienably united their destiny, for weal or for woe, with the other states of the Confederacy, and that they will share the same fate, accept no offers, make no terms of peace that do not secure to our sister states the same rights, privileges and independence which we seek for ourselves.

        4. That although the difficulties which now seem to environ us appear to be great, yet there is no just cause for alarm, because they are nothing like as distressing or embarrassing as those which frequently darkened the prospects and threatened with destruction the efforts of our ancestors; and relying upon the same source of support which brought them out of all their difficulties and crowned them with success--confidence in the prudence, energy and faithfulness of the properly constituted authorities--the patience, unanimity and liberality of the people, and the courage of our brave soldiers, guided by the wisdom and sustained by the mercy of an allwise and beneficent ruler, we have every faith in the ultimate success of our arms and the accomplishment of our object--the independence of the Confederate States of America.

        No. 6. A senate bill entitled an act amendatory of the act passed October 27th, 1863, entitled an act to authorize the arrest of deserters by the civil authorities, was taken up, read a second time, ordered to its third reading; and on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, laid on the table.

        No. 10. A senate bill entitled an act for the enrollment of persons between the ages of sixteen and fifty-five years, domiciled in this commonwealth, was read a second time, amended, and the question being--Shall the bill be ordered to its third reading? Mr. BUFORD moved the indefinite postponement of the bill; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. DICKEY demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, and it appearing that no quorum voted,

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1863.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

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

IN SENATE, Dec. 18, 1863.

        The senate have agreed to the joint resolution from the house of delegates in relation to the increase of pay to cavalrymen for the use of their horses; to the pay for horses lost in service; to issuing rations of tobacco, and rations to officers.

        And they have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to provide for employing in the public service, or for the public benefit, free negroes convicted of misdemeanors, No. 9.


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


        No. 9. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for employing in the public service, or for the public benefit, free negroes convicted of misdemeanors, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. BROOKE, from a select committee, presented the following bill:

        No. 71. A bill for the relief of families of soldiers within the lines or power of the enemy.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from a select committee, presented the following bill:

        No. 72. A bill to increase the number and enlarge the powers of the police of the city of Richmond; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, which was read, and on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, laid on the table, and five hundred extra copies ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 17.

        No. 10. A senate bill entitled an act for the enrollment of persons between the ages of sixteen and fifty-five years, domiciled in the commonwealth, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the motion heretofore submitted for the indefinite postponement of the bill, was put, and decided in the negative.

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

        No. 61. An engrossed bill to amend and re-enact the charter of the Union female college, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. GILMER, laid on the table.

        No. 1. A bill amending and re-enacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia, reorganizing the penitentiary, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, was laid on the table, and made the order of the day for the 8th day of January 1864.

        On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond city,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations be instructed to confer with the confederate authorities in reference to the impropriety of turning loose upon this community paroled prisoners of the federal army, and report to this house the result of that conference.

        On motion of Mr. ENGLISH,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire and report what number of paroled federal prisoners are now going at large in this city; by whose authority they have been thus liberated, and what legislation is necessary to effect their removal and prevent a recurrence of the evil for the future.

        On motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire what legislation is necessary to prevent the evil of officers, soldiers and others from employing negroes without the consent of their masters.

        On motion of Mr. BAKER,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill making an appropriation for the purchase of


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corn in the southern states, for the relief of the indigent families of this commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the committee on the library be requested to ascertain the number of volumes of books purchased for the library, with their cost, and also the number of volumes so purchased and now on hand; the number of law books published, and the cost thereof; the number now on hand, and the amount realized from the sale of law books, including the Statutes at Large, and the several Revised Codes, with their cost; and also the number of books received by national and state exchanges, with the number now on hand of each, together with all other books received in the library, and the number now on hand of such books as were not purchased.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. COGHILL, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a resolution to authorize the superintendent of the salt works to hire slaves to operate furnaces leased of Stuart, Buchanan & Co.: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Mr. HALL presented the following petition:

        The petition of Harriet Adams, praying to be divorced from her husband; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        The petition of W. R. Polk, praying to have refunded to him the sum of $2,083 34, the amount of two fines imposed by the circuit court for the county of Caroline; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        The following bills were read a second time, and on motions severally made, laid on the table:

        No. 2. A bill to amend and re-enact section 22 of chapter 34 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 3. A bill for the relief of William A. Braxton of King William county.

        No. 5. A bill to authorize the impressment of slaves to be employed in the repair of certain rail roads.

        No. 7. A bill authorizing the second auditor to settle the loan of one million of dollars made to the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company, by act of assembly passed the 9th day of February 1853.

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

        No. 4. A bill abolishing the board of directors of the Eastern lunatic asylum.

        No. 6. A bill to amend the 13th section of chapter 34 of the Code of Virginia, concerning the Virginia military institute.

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

        A joint resolution reported from the committee on military affairs in relation to amending the law imposing a tax in kind, so as to exempt from said tax a sufficiency of pork and bacon raised by the families of soldiers for their own use, was taken up and agreed to.

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

        The joint resolution communicated from the senate to authorize the superintendent of salt works to hire slaves to operate furnaces leased of Stuart, Buchanan & Co., was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, when the roll was called with the following result--Ayes 72, noes 14:

        AYES--Messrs. Baker, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Lynch, Marr, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robinson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Sherrard, Thomas, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--72.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Barksdale, Bowen, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Draper, Fleming, Hiett, Kindrick, Monroe, Randolph, Smith and Woodley--14.

        A majority of the whole house not having voted in favor of the resolution.

        Resolved, that the resolution be rejected.

        Mr. BROOKE submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that in the opinion of this house the superintendent of salt works, under the authority now vested in him, has the power to employ hands for operating the salt works during the continuance of the existing lease; and if necessary for that purpose, that the hiring may be made for the whole of the ensuing year; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. MONROE,

        Resolved, that the committee on public printing be instructed to enquire into the expediency of employing, at a fair compensation, a reporter, whose duty it shall be to give an accurate and succinct report of all the proceedings of this house, in order that the same be published in the daily papers of this city.

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

        Whereas the business of this house is sometimes seriously interfered with on account of the absence of its members: and whereas


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it is desirable, in times of public trial, to have a full attendance: Therefore,

        Resolved, that after the recess of this general assembly, the members be required to obtain leaves of absence from this body, and the same will be entered upon the journal of the house.

        On motion of Mr. Sherrard, the house adjourned until Monday, 12 o'clock.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1863.

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

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

IN SENATE, Dec. 19, 1863.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act to authorize the Charlottesville savings bank to reduce the number of its directors, No. 59.

        And they have passed a bill entitled:

        An act extending the jurisdiction of the circuit court of the town of Danville, No. 14.

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


        A senate bill entitled an act extending the jurisdiction of the circuit court of the town of Danville, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the committee to consult with the editors of newspapers as to the reporting of the proceedings of the house of delegates, was enlarged by the addition of five members.

        The SPEAKER announced the following gentlemen as added to the committee: Messrs. Haymond of Marion, Hutcheson, Holden, English and Richardson.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, leave was given to the committee to sit during the recess of the house.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire into the expediency of recommending to the state and confederate governments, each in their appropriate spheres of authority, the following measures for the reduction of prices and the consequent improvement of the currency.

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the abuses of our laws of naturalization, to which attention has been called by a recent message from the governor of the commonwealth, and to recommend such legislation as may be necessary to correct the evil.

        On motion of Mr. BURR,

        Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the house, session 1859-60, bill 159, with accompanying documents, and that the same be referred to the committee on claims.

        On motion of Mr. WALTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the 5th section of chapter 205 of the Code as to authorize an examining court, at a regular term, to adjourn an examination to an earlier day than the next regular term, and to invest the same with the powers in this respect now possessed by examining courts holding special sessions.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the senate be informed that the house is now ready to take the recess provided by joint resolution, until the 6th day of January 1864.

        Ordered, that Mr. PENDLETON inform the senate thereof.

        Subsequently, a message was received from the senate by Mr. CHRISTIAN, the senator from Augusta, who informed the house of delegates that the senate was ready on its part to take the recess.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the house adjourned until Wednesday the 6th of January 1864.


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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1864.

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

        William Baskervill, a delegate elected from the county of Mecklenburg, to supply a vacancy created by the resignation of Thomas F. Goode, and John W. Lewis, a delegate elected from the county of Halifax, to supply a vacancy created by the action of the house declaring vacant the seat lately held by David Chalmers, appeared, were qualified, and took their seats.

        The roll was then called, when the following gentlemen answered to their names:

        Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Baskervill, Brooke, Buffington, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Jones, Keiley, Lewis, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Parramore, Pitman, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, Smith, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--59.

        No quorum appearing,

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1864.

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

        The roll was then called, and the following members answered to their names:

        Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hoge, Holden, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lurty, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, Ward, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--77.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor of the commonwealth, enclosing the inaugural address delivered by him on the 1st day of January 1864, before an assemblage of the people; which, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 18.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the commissioners of the sinking fund; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 6.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the auditor of public accounts, enclosing certain statistical tables, in answer to a resolution of the house; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 19.

        On motion of Mr. HOLDEN,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the


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expediency of amending the laws providing for escheating property, both personal and real, of all persons who have left or may hereafter leave the state of Virginia, to go into the federal lines, and of all persons who resided in the state in 1861, who claim to be citizens of foreign governments, thereby evading the performance of military service in the armies of the state or confederate governments.

        On motion of Mr. WINSTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending sections 7 and 8 of chapter 104 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), as more effectually to prevent slaves from going at large, trading as freemen, or hiring themselves out.

        On motion of Mr. TOMLIN,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing some speedy and effectual remedy against the destruction of enclosures and private property by persons traveling on the public highways.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of amending the act to incorporate the American agency.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of abolishing the office of quartermaster general of the state of Virginia, and whether the quartermaster's department is longer needed; and if it is, whether the duties thereof cannot be performed by officers of the old United States army now in the pay of the state, under an ordinance of the Virginia convention, passed April 17, 1861, and not otherwise assigned; and also what officers and clerks are at present on pay in said department, and the amount of compensation: and said committee is hereby authorized to send for persons and papers.

        On motion of Mr. DUVAL,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill prohibiting the purchase of any blockade goods except articles of prime necessity.

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

        Resolved, that on and after this date no member of this house be allowed to draw the commutation allowed by the act passed 16th December 1863, entitled an act providing compensation for members of the general assembly, judges and other officers of the government, in lieu of the compensation now allowed by law, unless he is present at the sessions of the house, or detained from his seat by sickness or some providential cause beyond his control.

        On motion of Mr. DUVAL,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill prohibiting all trade or traffic for all or any Yankee currency, except gold and silver.

        Mr. PENDLETON submitted the following preamble and resolutions; which, on his motion, were referred to the committee on confederate relations:


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        Whereas the execution of the impressment law, passed by the confederate congress, as carried out in the various counties of this commonwealth, has given just cause of dissatisfaction to our citizens, and has in many instances worked great hardship, resulting, in the opinion of the general assembly, in the main, from the appointment of young, vain, inexperienced agents, mostly ignorant of the law, and unable or unwilling to understand the instructions of their respective departments under the war office, and whose qualifications and youth essentially fit them for the field: and whereas the duties of impressing and purchasing agents could be much more satisfactorily performed by citizens of the counties respectively above the conscript age, who, from their age and acquaintance, could much more efficiently serve the government, at the same time that they would know the necessities and protect the rights of the citizens: Now, therefore, with a view of protecting our own citizens from illegal impressments, as well as to increase the numbers and promote the efficiency of the army:

        Resolved, by the general assembly, that our senators be instructed and our representatives be requested to use their best exertions to procure such action, by amendment to the impressment law or otherwise, as will take the class of government agents above mentioned from their present positions, and send them to the field, and supply their places by the appointment of men of age, experience and business character, residents of the respective counties or districts for which they are appointed, and above the conscript age.

        Resolved, that at the present crisis it is the duty of all good citizens promptly to accept such positions when offered them, knowing that by so doing they will effectively conduce to the good of the cause, and at the same time preserve their own citizens from annoyance, and oftentimes from injustice and oppression; but that if these considerations fail, it should be made the duty by law of the appointee to accept and discharge the duties imposed upon him.

        Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be furnished to our senators and representatives in the confederate congress.

        Mr. BURR presented the petition of R. Archer and others, praying for the renewal of the lease of a lot of land near the armory; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on the armory.

        No. 4. An engrossed bill abolishing the board of directors of the Eastern lunatic asylum, was read a third time, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND, laid on the table.

        No. 6. An engrossed bill to amend the 13th section of chapter 34 of the Code of Virginia, concerning the Virginia military institute, was read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? the roll was called, when seventy-three members voted in the affirmative: and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. HAYMOND moved a call of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The roll was then called the first and second times, and the following members noted as absent:

        Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bowen, Bryan, Coke, Cowan, Cresap, Cummings,


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Custis, Fleming, Fletcher, Goodall, Graham, Hall, Harris, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, F. C. S. Hunter, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Kendrick, Lively, Lundy, Lurty, Magruder, Marr, Marye, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, C. A. Nelson, Nighbert, Noland, Powell, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Woolfolk and Wright.

        The doors were then closed, by order of the SPEAKER.

        The roll was again called, and the following members were excused for non-attendance, on motions severally made:

        Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Bowen and Bryan.

        Pending the call of the roll, Mr. TOMLIN moved that further proceedings under the call be dispensed with; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. TOMLIN, by leave of the house, withdrew the resolution.

        Mr. ROBERTSON moved that further proceedings under the call be dispensed with; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The doors were then opened.

        A quorum appearing on the calls of the house, the question was upon the passage of the bill to amend the 13th section of chapter 34 of the Code of Virginia, concerning the Virginia military institute; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 80:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Hughes, Huntt, Irving, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lynch, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--80.

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

        The following bills were read a second time, and on motions severally made, were laid on the table:

        No. 10. A bill appointing a commission to make experiments with torpedoes and submarine batteries.

        No. 11. A bill concerning auctioneers, and prohibiting sales at auction in certain cases.

        No. 13. A bill for the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool.

        No. 14. A bill prohibiting by-bidding and frauds of all kinds at auction sales within this commonwealth.

        No. 17. A bill to regulate transportation of freights and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth.

        No. 18. 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.

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

        No. 8. A bill to repeal the act passed March 29th, 1862, entitled


Page 50

an act providing for the exemption of certain parties upon religious grounds.

        No. 9. A bill providing for the payment of tobacco destroyed by fire at the public warehouse.

        No. 12. A bill to provide for the sale of certain slaves now in the penitentiary.

        No. 16. A bill authorizing rail road companies and other corporations to pay their indebtedness to the commonwealth in a certain manner.

        No. 19. A bill releasing the commonwealth's claim to certain land to Matthew Sylvia.

        No. 20. A bill amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was read a second time, amended, and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? Pending the consideration thereof,

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Marshall of the state of Mississippi.

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

        No. 73. A bill amending and re-enacting the 5th section of an act entitled an act to incorporate the American agency, passed March 29, 1861.

        No. 74. A bill for the relief of George J. Arnold.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill incorporating the Stonewall insurance company of Albemarle.

        On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of adjudicating claims against the confederate government for negroes lost, by death or otherwise, while at work upon the fortifications or other public works, or of negroes dying from disease contracted, or injuries received while performing such service.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire whether any, and if any, what changes in the existing law with relation to free negroes, is rendered necessary by the present circumstances of the country.

        Mr. COWAN submitted the following preamble and resolution; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative by an unanimous vote.

        The house of delegates of Virginia, learning of the arrival in this city of Brigadier General John H. Morgan, and being desirous in


Page 51

some mode of showing their appreciation of his gallantry and distinguished services:

        Resolved, that he be invited to take a seat of privilege on the floor of the house of delegates.

        Resolved, that the SPEAKER be requested to communicate to General Morgan the passage of the foregoing resolution.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire whether any additional legislation is necessary for providing for the prompt settlement by the Confederate States of the debt due and coming to Virginia under the convention between the commonwealth and the Confederate States, adopted on the 25th of April 1861, and report what progress has been made in the adjustment of said claims, and whether any payment has been yet made by the Confederate States; and said committee shall have power to send for persons and papers.

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

        Resolved, that after to-day this house will not entertain any resolutions after half past twelve o'clock, but will after that hour on each day proceed with the business in its order on the calendar.

        On motion of Mr. RANDOLPH,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of preparing a bill, by the provisions of which all deserters who succeed in escaping the military authorities, shall be rendered liable to such civil disabilities as they may deem proper.

        On motion of Mr. GILMER,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the 28th section of chapter 52 of the Code, as to increase the penalty for failure to work on county roads.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into and report to this house the expediency of enrolling and organizing all able-bodied white men in this commonwealth, who are not subject to the conscript law, for the purpose of constituting a local military force in each of the counties of this state, to repel raids, to protect public property, to suppress insurrection, and to act generally as a part of the county police.

        On motion of Mr. LINKOUS,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of a law transferring all right, title and interest of any citizen of the United States or any alien enemy or disloyal citizen of the Confederate States (whether legal or equitable, in and to any lands in this commonwealth), to any loyal citizen having title thereto, legal or equitable, derived mediately or immediately by grants from the commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire whether any legislation is necessary to continue in office county court clerks, for counties in which elections cannot be held after their terms of office expire.


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        On motion of Mr. TAYLOR of Prince George and Surry,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to allow John H. Hankins of the county of Surry to pay into the treasury of the state an amount of taxes on certain slaves which said Hankins failed to list in the year 1862, under a misapprehension of the law on that subject.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations communicate with the proper authorities of the confederate government, with the view of reporting to this house whether an arrangement can be made with the said government, by which the duties now performed by the details in the different counties for the arrest of conscripts and deserters, may be discharged by a state force organized in each county for that purpose.

        On motion of Mr. WALTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the 7th section of chapter 107 of the Code of Virginia, so as to impose a tax on seals attached to the registers of free negroes, and allowing clerks a proper remuneration for their services in preparing and entering such registers.

        Mr. MAGRUDER presented the memorial of the professors of the university of Virginia, praying an increase of salary; which was read, and ordered to be referred to the committee of schools and colleges.

        No. 1. A bill amending and re-enacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia, reorganizing the penitentiary, being the order of the day, was taken up, read a second time and amended; and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? Pending the consideration of which,

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

        Mr. BURWELL, from a select committee, presented the following bill:

        No. 75. A bill to authorize the appointment of a reporter of the proceedings of the house of delegates; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1864.

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

IN SENATE, Jan. 8, 1864.

        The senate have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to amend the third section of chapter seven of the Code of Virginia, so as to provide for the election of an attorney for the commonwealth in cities where circuit courts are held.


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


        No. 16. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the third section of chapter seven of the Code of Virginia, so as to provide for the election of an attorney for the commonwealth in cities where circuit courts are held, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. TREDWAY, from the committee of schools and colleges, presented the following bill:

        No. 76. A bill to increase the salaries of the professors of the university of Virginia, and to provide for the instruction of disabled citizens.

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN, Mr. Rutherfoord, at his own request, was excused from further service on the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. WINSTON was added to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. IRVING presented the petition of W. Wilson, J. C. Page and D.C. Randolph, praying an amendment of the charter of the Willis' river navigation company; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on roads and internal navigation.

        No. 1. A bill amending and re-enacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia, reorganizing the penitentiary, was taken up, on motion of Mr. HAYMOND, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 17. A bill to regulate transportation of freight and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BURWELL, and on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, laid on the table.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill repealing all acts authorizing a subscription on the part of the state to rail road, navigation and turnpike companies, which have not been organized since the year 1851.

        On motion of Mr. AMBERS,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of amending the 5th section of chapter 53, Code of Virginia of 1860, so that county and corporation courts may be authorized to assess a certain per centum upon the dividends of factories and other incorporated companies located therein, for the purpose of aiding in defraying the expenses of said counties and corporations.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that the committee on roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of incorporating a joint stock company for the erection, at or near the city of Lynchburg, of a factory for the manufacture of locomotive engines and other machinery, and a mill for rolling rail road iron, and of authorizing a state subscription thereto.

        On motion of Mr. FLOOD,

        Resolved, that the committee of schools and colleges enquire into the expediency of so amending the ordinance of the convention,


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passed 26th June 1861, appropriating the revenue accruing to the literary fund, as to appropriate a part thereof to the education of indigent children.

        On motion of Mr. WINSTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending an act passed March 5th, 1863, entitled an act authorizing fiduciaries to invest funds in their hands in certain cases, and for other purposes, as to limit the investment authorized by said act to funds received by fiduciaries since the day of 1862; and also to require the motion or petition for leave to make such investment, with the order of the judge thereupon, to be filed in the clerk's office of the court by which such fiduciary was appointed.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that the senate be respectfully requested to return to this house a bill authorizing the Confederate States to hold real estate for mining purposes, heretofore sent to the senate.

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

        Resolved by the general assembly, that our senators in congress be instructed and our representatives requested to move the adoption of some measures that will effect the parole and release of the Virginia officers and soldiers now or hereafter held and confined as prisoners of war by the government of the United States, by an agreement to parole the prisoners on both sides, leaving the question of exchange to be settled hereafter, or by some other mode that will effect the object hereby intended.

        On motion of Mr. BAKER,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the establishment of a "soldiers' home" in the city of Richmond for Virginia troops.

        On motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of amending the 1st section of chapter 15 of the Code of Virginia of 1860, so as to provide for the future meeting of the general assembly on the second Monday in January of every alternate year.

        On motion of Mr. BAKER,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing the collection of the dividends due by the Raleigh and Gaston rail road company to the city of Norfolk, and that the same may be appropriated to the relief of persons from that city now in the service of the Confederate States.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the propriety of the consolidation of the several rail road companies in this commonwealth that can be conveniently united.

        The SPEAKER presented the following letter from Brig. Gen. John H. Morgan:


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BALLARD HOUSE, Richmond, January 8th.

SIR:

        Your polite communication inviting me to a seat of privilege on the floor of the house, is gratefully acknowledged.

        I appreciate very highly the honor of such a courtesy, and will take an early occasion to accept it.

Very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't,

JNO. H. MORGAN, Brig. Gen.


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

        Mr. RICHARDSON submitted the following preamble and resolution:

        Gen. John H. Morgan having accepted the invitation of this house to a seat on this floor: Therefore,

        Resolved, that the SPEAKER appoint a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to wait upon Gen. Morgan, and inform him that this house will be ready to receive him in open session at 2 o'clock Monday the 11th instant; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee in accordance with the foregoing resolution: Messrs. Richardson, Buford and Worsham.

        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 providing an additional appropriation to the Virginia military institute, No. 19, in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Mr. ROBERTSON presented the memorial of the educational association of Virginia; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of schools and colleges.

        No 8. An engrossed bill to repeal the act passed March 29, 1862, entitled an act providing for the exemption of certain parties upon religious grounds, was read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. HALL moved the indefinite postponement of the bill; and the question on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 8, noes 77.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Buffington, Irving, Keiley, Lynch, Miller, Pretlow, T. W. Taylor and Tredway--9.

        NOES--Messrs. Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cox, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Holden, Huntt, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Lewis, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Smith, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--77.

        Mr. WALTON moved that the bill be laid on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.


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        The question recurring on agreeing to the passage of the bill, Mr. WINSTON moved that the rule be suspended with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was ordered to its engrossment; 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; and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time?

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

        No. 9. An engrossed bill providing for the payment of tobacco destroyed by fire at the public warehouse, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 85.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hoge, Holden, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Linkous, Lewis, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shelton, Smith, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward R. J. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Wright--85.

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

        Mr. Baskervill was assigned to the committees on confederate relations and of roads and internal navigation; Mr. Lewis, to the committees on military affairs and of agriculture and manufactures.

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Edwards of the Methodist church.

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act providing an additional appropriation to the Virginia military institute, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

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

        No. 77. A bill to incorporate the Stonewall insurance company.

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

        No. 78. A bill authorizing the collection of dividends due by the Raleigh and Gaston rail road company to the city of Norfolk.

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

        No. 79. A bill to incorporate the Virginia locomotive factory and rolling mill company.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. KEEN, returning a bill of the extra session, in response to a resolution of the house.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the


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house, bill 87 of the extra session of 1863 (just returned from the senate), to authorize the government of the Confederate States to acquire and hold real estate for the purpose of mining, &c., and that the same be referred to the committee on confederate relations.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of providing a more certain remedy for the recovery of money due to the state, and which was stolen from the Exchange Bank of Virginia at Weston.

        On motion of Mr. WORSHAM,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of equalizing the value of slaves throughout the commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks be instructed to enquire into the expediency of authorizing, with the assent of the stockholders, the transfer of the Bank of Pittsylvania from Pittsylvania courthouse to Danville.

        On motion of Mr. SMITH,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing an agency for the purpose of recording the names of all Virginia soldiers who have been killed in battle, or died of wounds received in battle, or of disease while in the service of the state of Virginia, or of the Confederate States, during the present war.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of incorporating a joint stock company for the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods, and for the manufacture of cotton and wool cards, and providing for a state subscription thereto.

        On motion of Mr. MEADE,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of vacating all commissions now held in the militia of the state.

        On motion of Mr. HOLDEN,

        Resolved, that the committee on the library enquire into the propriety of extending to the officers of the Confederate States congress the privilege of withdrawing books from the state library, under the rules and regulations which are now, or hereafter may be established by law.

        On motion of Mr. NELSON of Fluvanna,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill increasing the capital stock of the Union manufacturing company of Fluvanna.

        Mr. DEYERLE submitted the following preamble and resolution; which was agreed to:

        Whereas it is absolutely necessary to the independence of the Confederate States, to increase the production of the country both in manufactures and agricultural products: and whereas there is a large


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amount of unproductive labor in the country, consisting in exempts from military duty, youths and free negroes, that are now a burden to the country:

        Resolved, therefore, that the committee for courts of justice enquire what legislation is necessary to make said labor available, and report by bill or otherwise.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing certain resolutions of the general assembly of Georgia; which was read, and on motion, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 20.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of acquiring possession, on state account, by purchase, lease or impressment of certain cotton factories within the commonwealth, of manufacturing yarns and cloth, and of distributing the same among the people of this commonwealth at the cost of production.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill increasing the capital of the Scottsville woolen and cotton manufacturing company.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of a sale of the stocks owned by the state in the banks and the dividend paying incorporated companies, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the state, and report by bill or otherwise.

        On motion of Mr. WALTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending the law in relation to the enslavement of free negroes, as to provide that at least one-half of the value of the same shall be paid into the treasury of the commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. COKE,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the necessity of requiring the magistrates in each magisterial district to report monthly to the enrolling officers of their respective counties, cities or towns, a correct list of all white males between the ages of 18 and 45 years in their respective districts.

        On motion of Mr. STEWART,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations be instructed to confer with the confederate authorities in regard to their facilities for supplying the soldiers of Virginia in the field with proper clothing, shoes, blankets, &c.

        On motion of Mr. WINN,

        Resolved, that the committee of privileges and elections enquire into the expediency of providing by law for taking the votes of soldiers in the service, in any general election to be held for county, city or town officers, for whom all the citizens of such county, city or town may legally vote.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to


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enquire into the expediency of increasing the appropriation to the Virginia army agency, and of so amending the act constituting said agency as to authorize the agent to procure and distribute clothing to Virginia soldiers when in circumstances of destitution.

        On motion of Mr. HARRIS,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill so amending section 5, chapter 156, Code of 1860, as to impose fine and imprisonment on persons refusing to obey or evading the service of the writ of habeas corpus.

        On motion of Mr. JOHNSON of Carroll,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of exempting from taxation the property of non-commissioned officers and privates in the confederate army, except so much as exceeds four thousand dollars in value.

        No. 73. A bill amending and re-enacting the 5th section of an act entitled an act to incorporate the American agency, passed March 29, 1861, was taken up, read a second time, and ordered to be read a third time.

        No. 12. An engrossed bill to provide for the sale of certain slaves now in the penitentiary, was read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? on motion of Mr. JONES, the rule was suspended, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was ordered to its engrossment, and the bill referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        Brig. Gen. John H. Morgan, attended by the committee of the house of delegates, appeared in the hall, and was presented to the SPEAKER, and through him, to the members of the house of delegates, by Mr. Richardson, chairman of the committee.

        Gen. Morgan was then received by the SPEAKER, and having returned his acknowledgments for the honor conferred upon him, took the seat assigned to him.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Peterkin of the Episcopal church.

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

        No. 5. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the admission of wills to record, upon proof of the handwriting of the attesting witnesses, in certain cases, reported the same with an amendment.

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

        No. 80. A bill amending and re-enacting the 4th section of the 212th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

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


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        An adverse report as to the expediency of so amending the criminal code as to prohibit any person from being confined in the penitentiary for a less period than three years.

        An adverse report as to the expediency of making horse stealing a capital offence.

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

        No. 81. A bill authorizing the governor to cause sufficient covering to be erected for the protection of the artillery belonging to the state.

        On motion of Mr. FRY of Giles,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending chapter 151, section 3d of the Code of Virginia, as to enable creditors to obtain attachments against debtors going through the enemy's lines.

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN,

        Resolved, that the governor's communication of the 18th December 1863, relative to the state naturalization laws, be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the committee of privileges and elections enquire into the propriety of providing by law that soldiers and refugees shall be authorized to vote at elections for judges for districts in whole or in part in the possession of the public enemy.

        Mr. MCKINNEY submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that in the opinion of the general assembly of Virginia, the conscript act should only embrace within its provisions the ablebodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, and the remaining male population, capable of performing military duty, should be organized by the state as a reserved force for home defence; which was referred to the committee on military affairs.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire and ascertain from the secretary of war what order or rule has been adopted in relation to granting furloughs to persons in the volunteer force of this state, who have been elected as members of this house, and whether furloughs are granted or denied to all alike, without making any distinction.

        No. 16. An engrossed bill authorizing rail road companies and other corporations to pay their indebtedness to the commonwealth in a certain manner, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 94, no 1.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--94.

        No--Mr. Burnett--1.


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

        No. 1. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia, reorganizing the penitentiary, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 99, noes 2.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, MCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Robinson, Scott, Sherrard, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--99.

        NOES--Messrs. Edwards and W. Johnson--2.

        Ordered, that Mr. HAYMOND of Marion carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 4. An engrossed bill abolishing the board of directors of the Eastern lunatic asylum, was taken up on motion of Mr. CUSTIS, read a third time and passed--Ayes 99.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Dickey, Douthat, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hughes, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Robertson, Robinson, Scott, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--99.

        On motion of Mr. CROCKETT, the title was amended, by adding thereto the following: "and conferring the powers of the same on the governor of the commonwealth."

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

        No. 19. An engrossed bill releasing the commonwealth's claim to certain land to Matthew Sylvia, was read a third time, and on motion, laid on the table.

        No. 5. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the admission of wills to record, upon proof of the handwriting of the attesting witnesses, in certain cases, was read a second time, amended, and as amended, read a third time and passed.

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

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice, be requested to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to prohibit any person who was a citizen of the United States on the 1st day of June 1862, from holding real estate within this commonwealth, or from obtaining license to practice any profession or employment which requires a license.


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        No. 20. A bill amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was read a second time, amended, and as amended, ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Deshiel of the Episcopal church.

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

        No. 82. A bill to amend an act incorporating the Union manufacturing company.

        No. 83. A bill to amend an act incorporating the Scottsville manufacturing company.

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

        No. 84. A bill vacating the commissions of militia officers.

        No. 85. A bill to enroll the state forces of the commonwealth: which last bill was, on his motion, read a second time.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution in relation to a connection between the Richmond and Petersburg and Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac rail roads, presented a report, asking that the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject, and that the same be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation; which was concurred in.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the consideration of so much of the governor's message as relates to the paymaster general's office.

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

        No. 86. A bill for the relief of William M. Kelley of Caroline county.

        No. 87. A bill prescribing the mode of serving notices in certain cases.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented an adverse report as to the expediency of amending the 5th section of chapter 53 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

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

        No. 88. A bill requiring the board of public works to suspend the payment of any subscription on the part of the state to certain internal improvement companies.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on confederate relations, to whom had been referred a resolution in relation to voting in camps in


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county elections, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the consideration of the subject, and that the same be referred to the committee of privileges and elections; which was concurred in.

        Mr. HORTON presented the petition of citizens of Scott county, praying that further time be allowed for the collection of taxes in that county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. HORTON presented the petition of citizens of Scott county, praying that Clinch river be made a lawful fence; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        Mr. BURR presented the petition of Henry Exall, for payment of a claim; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of claims.

        Mr. SHELTON presented the remonstrance of citizens of Nelson, against the annexation of a part of said county to the county of Albemarle; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        Mr. SHELTON presented the petition of Brent, Baker & Co., praying for the incorporation of the Piny river cotton milling company; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        On motion of Mr. SHELTON,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of incorporating the Piny river cotton milling company.

        On motion of Mr. NELSON of Fluvanna,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the act entitled an act for the relief of indigent soldiers, &c., passed October 31st, 1863, as to render the provisions in said act for the impressment of necessaries in certain cases, more efficient.

        On motion of Mr. MILLER,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of suspending the collection of taxes in the border counties of the commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of changing the mode of settlement of accounts of fiduciaries, so that in certain cases they may be settled in other counties than those in which the decedents may have died.

        On motion of Mr. DEYERLE,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of exempting from taxation property, to the amount of five thousand dollars, of the officers and privates in the field service of the Confederate States from this state, or that have been disabled by reason of said service, and also the widows of such soldiers as have been killed or died in said service.

        On motion of Mr. JAMES,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill providing relief for Martha A. Bishop and William D. Bishop, executors of William C. Dobson deceased, of


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Botetourt county; and further to enquire into the expediency of declaring the clause in the will of said decedent, by which he emancipates twenty-three slaves, null and void.

        Mr. JAMES presented the petition of the executors of William C. Dobson, praying the relief asked for in the foregoing resolution; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 20. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was read a third time, and on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, laid on the table.

        The following bills were read a second time, and on motions severally made, were laid on the table:

        No. 21. A bill to authorize the corporate authorities of the city of Richmond to purchase wood and impress fuel and transportation in certain cases.

        No. 24. A bill to encourage the formation of volunteer navy companies in the state of Virginia.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ARMSTRONG, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, No. 7: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        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 house bill entitled an act amending and reenacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia, reorganizing the penitentiary, with an amendment: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 25. A bill to enroll free negroes to be employed in the service of the Confederate States, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, recommitted to the committee on military affairs.

        No. 26. 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 read a second time, and on motion of Mr. BUFORD, laid on the table, and made the order of the day for Monday next at 1 o'clock.

        No. 28. A bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to authorize the appointment of an inspector of salt, passed March 30th, 1863, was taken up, read a second time, amended; and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time?

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


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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Peterkin of the Episcopal church.

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

IN SENATE, Jan. 13, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bills entitled:

        An act to amend the charter of the town of Ashland in Hanover county, No. 15.

        An act to amend the thirteenth section of chapter thirty-four of the Code of Virginia, concerning the Virginia military institute, No. 6.

        They have agreed to the amendment proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act to authorize the admission of wills to record, upon proof of the handwriting of the attesting witnesses, in certain cases, No. 5.

        And they have passed bills entitled:

        An act amending the 9th section of chapter 104 of the Code of Virginia, in relation to harboring or employing slaves, No. 15.

        An act allowing additional compensation to certain officers of the government, No. 17.

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


        The amendment proposed by the senate to house bill No. 1, entitled an act amending and re-enacting chapter 213 of the Code of Virginia, reorganizing the penitentiary, was taken up and agreed to--Ayes 100.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--100.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 7. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 15. A senate bill entitled an act amending the 9th section of chapter 104 of the Code of Virginia, in relation to harboring or employing slaves, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 17. A senate bill entitled an act allowing additional compensation to certain officers of the government, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        William B. Colston, a delegate elected from the county of Berkeley, to supply a vacancy created by the death of Israel Robinson, appeared, was qualified and took his seat.


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

        No. 9. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for employing in the public service, or for the public benefit, free negroes convicted of misdemeanors, reported the same without amendment.

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

        No. 16. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 3d section of chapter 7 of the Code of Virginia, so as to provide for the election of an attorney for the commonwealth in cities where circuit courts are held, reported the same with an amendment.

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

        No. 12. A bill to provide for the sale of certain slaves now in the penitentiary, reported the same with amendments, by way of substitute.

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

        No. 89. A bill amending and re-enacting an act passed March 30, 1861, entitled an act to amend the 15th section of chapter 109 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, presented an adverse report as to the expediency of repealing exemptions upon religious grounds.

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

        No. 90. A bill refunding to Peter Engleman part of a license tax paid by him.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, to whom had been referred a resolution expressing the opinion of the general assembly as to whom ought to be included in the conscription act, presented the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that in the opinion of this general assembly, the conscription act of the Confederate States should, under existing circumstances, only embrace within its provisions the able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, and the remaining male population capable of performing militia duty, should be organized by the state as a reserved force for home defence.

        Mr. HAYMOND moved to amend the report by adding thereto the following resolution:

        "Resolved, that the governor be requested to communicate the foregoing resolution to our senators and representatives in congress."

        The question being on agreeing to the first resolution, Mr. HARRIS demanded a division of the question; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. DEYERLE moved the indefinite postponement of the report of the committee; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, presented the following bills:

        No. 91. A bill amending and re-enacting section 10, chapter 57 of the Code of Virginia.


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        No. 92. A bill amending and re-enacting section 3 of chapter 56 of the Code of Virginia.

        No. 93. A bill to authorize the transfer of the Bank of Pittsylvania from Chatham to Danville.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion presented the petition of E. D. Boyd of Kentucky, praying for the restoration of a large number of negroes and of other property captured in Floyd county in said state by Col. Clarkson, and brought into Virginia where Col. Clarkson commanded troops belonging to the state line; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into and report to the house whether the present session of the general assembly is or is not the session at which, by the confederate constitution, an election is required to be held for the election of a senator to represent the state of Virginia in the confederate congress.

        On motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of increasing the capital stock of the Bank of the City of Petersburg to two millions of dollars.

        No. 19. An engrossed bill releasing the commonwealth's claim to certain land to Matthew Sylvia, was taken up, on motion of Mr. KEILEY, read a third time and passed--Ayes 103.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Horton, R. W. Hunter, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lively, Lewis, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--103.

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

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Peterkin of the Episcopal church.

        Mr. TREDWAY, from the committee of schools and colleges, presented the following bill:

        No. 94. A bill to repeal ordinance No. 66 of the convention of Virginia, respecting the revenue of the literary fund.

        Mr. RICHARDSON, from the committee on the armory, presented the following bill:

        No. 95. An act to authorize the governor to lease a portion of land adjoining the armory.


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

        No. 96. A bill to amend the charter of the town of Bridgewater, Rockingham county.

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

        No. 97. A bill authorizing the board of public works to fix from time to time the rate of tolls and other charges upon certain rail roads within this commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. SNOWDEN,

        Resolved, that leave be given to bring in a bill to provide nurses for sick soldiers.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. Snowden, Lynch and White.

        On motion of Mr. WINSTON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of amending sections 93 and 95 of chapter 35, and section 2 of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the compensation and fees of commissioners of the revenue and county surveyors.

        On motion of Mr. BURR,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the act passed October 30, 1863, amending and re-enacting section 11 of chapter 208 of the Code of Virginia.

        On motion of Mr. CUMMINGS,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of exempting from military duty one deputy sheriff in counties where the public revenue exceeds one hundred thousand dollars.

        On motion of Mr. BUTLER,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of allowing the county court of Caroline county to levy a tax on dogs in said county.

        On motion of Mr. COWAN,

        Resolved, that the auditor of public accounts be requested to report to this house in what manner and by whom, subsistence is furnished to the public guard.

        On motion of Mr. CRAWFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill providing for the payment of an independent company, known as the "Dixie boys," for services rendered during the present war in the defence of the counties of Randolph, Tucker and Pendleton.

        On motion of Mr. ENGLISH,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be requested to enquire into the expediency of exempting all students now at the university of Virginia, military institute, and the several colleges of the state, from military duty.

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures


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enquire into the expediency of adopting such legislation as will most effectually encourage the domestic manufacture of woolen and cotton cloths, by requiring the county courts to offer premiums and rewards for the manufacture and production of such articles in their respective counties.

        On motion of Mr. BAKER,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the act passed March 13th, 1863, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act further to provide for the public defence, passed October 3d, 1862, as to require that in any further draft of slaves for labor on fortifications and other works of public defence, slaves employed in manufacturing pursuits, particularly in manufacturing tobacco, shall be first taken, so as to relieve, as far as practicable, those employed in tilling the soil.

        No. 17. A bill to regulate transportation of freights and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth, was taken up, on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, read a second time, amended, and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? Pending the consideration thereof,

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1864.

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

        No. 15. A senate bill entitled an act amending the 9th section of chapter 104 of the Code of Virginia, in relation to harboring or employing slaves, reported the same with an amendment.

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

        No. 98. A bill for the relief of the personal representatives of A. B. Urquhart, Joseph E. Gillett and Madison J. Davis.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to a resolution to enquire into the expediency of amending the act passed October 30, 1863, amending and re-enacting section 11 of chapter 208 of the Code of Virginia.

        Mr. KAUFMAN, from the committee of claims, presented the following bill:

        No. 99. A bill authorizing the payment of a sum of money to Henry Exall of the city of Richmond, for drawings, plans and specifications of the armory and its grounds.

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

        No. 17. A senate bill entitled an act allowing additional compensation to certain officers of the government, reported the same, with an amendment by way of a substitute.


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        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented an adverse report of the committee on finance to a petition asking longer time within which the sheriff of the county of Scott may collect the taxes of said county.

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

        No. 25. A bill to enroll free negroes to be employed in the service of the Confederate States, reported the same, with amendments by way of substitute.

        Mr. SNOWDEN, from a special committee, presented the following bill:

        No. 100. A bill to provide nurses for sick soldiers.

        No. 81. A bill authorizing the governor to cause sufficient covering to be erected for the protection of the artillery belonging to the state, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. RANDOLPH presented the petition of the county court of Clarke county, that they may be permitted to meet at such point as they may see proper, for reasons stated therein; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        On motion of Mr. IRVING,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of establishing an agency and of making a proper appropriation for the purchase of raw cotton, cotton yarns and cotton cloth, to be sold to the citizens of this state.

        On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations be instructed to enquire into the expediency of appropriating a sum of money to Chimborazo hospital in the city of Richmond, and such other hospitals in the state of Virginia or any of the Confederate States, where Virginia patients are only received, for the better providing for the comfort of the patients in such hospitals.

        On motion of Mr. BAKER,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the laws now in force in regard to ordinary licenses.

        On motion of Mr. REID,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire as to the expediency of encouraging domestic family manufactures, by furnishing machinery and implements used in such manufactures.

        On motion of Mr. LIVELY,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of so amending an act passed October 31, 1863, amending and re-enacting the act passed March 11, 1863, in relation to the unnecessary consumption of grain, by distillation and other manufacture of spirituous and malt liquors, so as to prevent the distillation of spirituous liquor from sugar, molasses, or the sap produced from the sugar maple.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the special committee on the rearrangement of the


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basement offices, enquire into the expediency of abolishing or remodeling the office of register of the land office, so as to prohibit the future issue of grants in the name of the commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. WALKER of Augusta,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of recommending to congress the exempting from military service all persons who were regularly engaged in agricultural pursuits before the first day of January 1864, so long as they may continue in said pursuit.

        Mr. SCOTT presented a petition of Miers W. Fisher, respecting certain slaves of his impressed by J. N. Clarkson, under act of the 30th of March 1863, and asks that some relief may be given him.

        On motion of Mr. SCOTT,

        Resolved, that the petition of Miers W. Fisher be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances, and said committee enquire what further legislation is necessary to prevent the superintendent of salt works, acting under the control and management of the board of supervisors, from illegally impressing the slaves of the citizens of this commonwealth, and retaining them in his employ, contrary to the provisions of the act passed March 30, 1863: and that said committee further enquire what legislation is necessary to compel the said superintendent to carry out, in good faith, all contracts entered into by said Stuart, Buchanan & Co. prior to the time the state took possession of their property at the salt works.

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

        Resolved, that on and after Monday the 18th instant, this house will meet at 11 o'clock A. M., unless otherwise ordered.

        On motion of Mr. TAYLOR of Prince George and Surry,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending an act passed 31st October 1863, entitled an act for the relief of indigent soldiers, sailors, and their families, so as to allow a just compensation to sheriffs and sergeants for making a list of all such soldiers, sailors, and their families.

        On motion of Mr. JONES,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of incorporating the Hardy coal mining company, in the county of Hardy.

        On motion of Mr. AMBERS,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of amending the 37th chapter of the Code of Virginia (1860), so that town lots returned delinquent for the non-payment of taxes, shall be sold at the town hall instead of at the courthouse, as the law now directs.

        No. 17. A bill to regulate transportation of freights and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BURWELL, read a second time, amended, and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, the bill was laid on the table.


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

        Resolved, that the board of public works be requested, at as early day as practicable, to report to this house:

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the house adjourned until Monday, 12 o'clock.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1864.

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

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

IN SENATE, Jan. 16, 1864.

        The senate have passed a bill entitled:

        An act for the relief of William R. C. Douglas, late steward of the Eastern lunatic asylum, No. 27.

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


        No. 27. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of William R. C. Douglas, late steward of the Eastern lunatic asylum, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, to whom had been referred a petition of James Lesly and others, citizens of Augusta, praying that the gate near Staunton, on the Staunton and Parkersburg road, be thrown open, presented a report, asking that the committee be discharged from the consideration thereof, and that the same be referred to the board of public works; which was concurred in.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of granting authority to the Richmond and Petersburg rail road company to hold land, &c.

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


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        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act providing an additional appropriation to the Virginia military institute, reported the same, with an amendment.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented the following resolution; which was agreed to:

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of repealing, altering or amending the charters of such manufacturing companies as refuse to sell their products to private citizens, as contradistinguished from the "trade," at reasonable prices.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, presented the following reports:

        An adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of authorizing the banks to redeem their notes issued prior to the 1st of January 1862.

        An adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of so amending the laws as to make all bank directors stockholders.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the auditor of public accounts, in answer to a resolution of the house of delegates in relation to the public guard; which was read, and referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 26. 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, being the order of the day, was taken up, and on motion, postponed, and made the order of the day for Wednesday at 1 o'clock.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire what legislation, if any, is expedient to give additional authority to the publication known as the "Code of Virginia (edition of 1860)."

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of calling in and redeeming all outstanding treasury notes of this commonwealth.

        No. 17. A bill to regulate transportation of freights and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BURWELL, read a second time, further amended, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        Mr. MCCUE submitted the following preamble and resolution:

        Whereas the confederate government has most unaccountably neglected to secure the rail road iron on the road from Acquia creek to Fredericksburg, and the state of Virginia is in very pressing need of the same: Therefore,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be instructed to enquire into the best mode by which said iron can be secured, for the use of our roads now rapidly getting out of repair.

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

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD submitted the following preamble and resolution:

        Whereas James K. Skinker of Fauquier, Henry Shackleford of


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Culpeper, and fourteen other citizens of the same and the adjoining counties of this commonwealth, and who are non-combatants, have been arrested by the federal authorities, and held in close confinement in the city of Washington, for several months last past, and who have been sent to this city on parole, to return within thirty days, if they shall not be able to obtain an exchange, as set out in said parole: Therefore,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations be instructed to enquire into the circumstances under which said persons were arrested and held in confinement by the federal authorities, and to report what steps can be legally taken on the part of Virginia to relieve her said citizens from this lawless oppression, and cause them to be relieved from their said parole, by exchange or otherwise.

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

        Mr. BROOKE presented the memorial of John M. Forbes, asking that the accompanying papers may be referred to committee of propositions and grievances in connection with the petition of Miers W. Fisher, presented on the 18th January 1864; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        No. 85. A bill to enroll the state forces of the commonwealth, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD, and read a second time.

        Mr. BOULDIN submitted an amendment to the bill--pending the consideration whereof,

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1864.

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

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

IN SENATE, Jan. 18, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act providing for the payment of tobacco destroyed by fire at the public warehouse, No. 9, with amendments.

        And they have passed a bill entitled:

        An act authorizing the payment of a sum of money to Lee A. Dunn of King William county, for extra copies of his land and property books, No. 29.

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


        No. 29. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the payment of a sum of money to Lee A. Dunn of King William county, for extra copies of his land and property books, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an


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act providing for the payment of tobacco destroyed by fire at the public warehouse, were taken up.

        The first amendment was agreed to; and the question being on agreeing to the second amendment, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, the bill and amendment were laid on the table.

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

        No. 14. A senate bill entitled an act extending the jurisdiction of the circuit court of Danville, reported the same, with an amendment.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution relating to the punishment by law of confederate officers and agents, for exceeding their authority, presented a report, asking that the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject, and that the same be referred to the committee on confederate relations; which was agreed to.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to a resolution to enquire into the expediency of amending the 28th section of chapter 52 of the Code of Virginia.

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

        No. 101. A bill changing the time of holding the sessions of the general assembly.

        No. 81. A bill authorizing the governor to cause sufficient covering to be erected for the protection of the artillery belonging to the state, was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        On motion of Mr. MCCUE,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations confer with the proper authorities of the confederate government in regard to the propriety of erecting suitable hospital buildings at Staunton, in lieu of the deaf, dumb and blind institution, now occupied as such.

        On motion of Mr. TOMLIN,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of amending the 2d and 3d sections of chapter 37 of the Code (edition of 1860), so as to limit the list of delinquent lands required to be sold, to lands returned delinquent within ten years next preceding.

        On motion of Mr. FLOOD,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of requiring the taxes paid upon estates in the hands of legal representatives of deceased persons, where there is any impediment to the distribution of the estate, to be charged ratably to the legatees, whether they be specific or not.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON,

        Resolved, that the proceedings of the county court of Botetourt, on the subject of the failure of the salt agent to supply that county its quota of salt, be referred to the committee on salt, with instructions to enquire into the subject, and make such report, by bill or otherwise, as may be necessary to redress the grievance complained of.


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        On motion of Mr. ROWAN,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of so amending section 48 of chapter 85 of the Code, as to increase the amount now allowed for clothing insane persons confined in the jails of the commonwealth.

        No. 85. A bill to enroll the state forces of the commonwealth, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON; and the question being on the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. BOULDIN, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The bill was then further amended.

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

        "This act shall not apply to any county, city or town, wherein courts cannot be held by reason of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, or whose court shall certify that it is so seriously threatened as to render such enrollment dangerous or impracticable, until the court of said county or corporation shall certify that the reason of such exemption has ceased to exist."

        Mr. ANDERSON moved to amend the amendment, by striking out all thereof after the word "enemy;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. WALKER of Rockingham demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 42, noes 64.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Bland, Bouldin, Branch, Buford, Butler, Crawford, Crockett, Deyerle, Duval, Ferguson, Gilmer, Hendrick, Holden, R. W. Hunter, James, Jordan, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Maguire, McCutchen, McKinney, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Rowan, Scott, Staples, R. F. Taylor, J. Walker, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Worsham--42.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Baskervill, Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Burwell, Colston, Cox, Cummings Custis, Deane, Douthat, English, Fauntleroy, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Lynch, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Patterson, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Woodley and Wright--64.

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

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

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, in relation to the case of Ferdinand A. Winston, a justice of the peace for the county of Floyd, charged with disloyalty; which was read, and ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal -navigation enquire into the expediency of revising and amending the law regulating the charges for rail road transportation, and of requiring the


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rail road companies of the state to devote a larger proportion of their net revenue to repairs of their roadways and machinery, and to the increase and improvement of their rolling stock and other means and materials needed for an increased transportation: also to enquire into the expediency of regulating the engagements of such companies with other agencies for express transportation.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1864.

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

        Mr. KAUFMAN, from the committee of claims, presented the following bill:

        No. 102. A bill authorizing the payment of a sum of money to Henry Exall of the city of Richmond, for services rendered and expenses incurred in altering and repairing the state courthouse in the city of Richmond.

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

        No. 27. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of William R. C. Douglas, late steward of the Eastern lunatic asylum; and

        No. 29. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the payment of a sum of money to Lee A. Dunn of King William county, for extra copies of his land and property books, reported the same without amendment.

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

        No. 103. A bill amending the 2d and 28th sections of chapter 37 of the Code (edition of 1860), concerning the sale of delinquent lands.

        No. 104. A bill authorizing James Lancaster to be released from the payment of a fine, and the same to be refunded to him, if paid.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to a resolution as to the expediency of allowing John H. Hankins of the county of Surry, to pay into the treasury an amount of taxes.

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

        No. 105. A bill to provide for the purchase of shoes, blankets and other articles of clothing for the troops of this state in the service of the state, or of the Confederate States; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the same committee, to whom had been referred certain resolutions concerning impressing agents, reported the same without amendment.

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


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to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring into the best mode of securing the rail road iron on the road between Acquia creek and Fredericksburg, presented a report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

        Mr. WALKER of Rockingham presented the petition of the president of the Valley turnpike company, praying for an increase of rates of toll on said road; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire whether any legislation is required to place the rail roads of this state more fully at the disposal of the confederate government, to be used for military purposes, or the transportation of troops, supplies and munitions of war.

        On motion of Mr. MORGAN,

        Resolved, that the governor be requested to communicate to this house the result of the purchase made in Europe by the late governor; the amount of goods purchased, and from what fund the money was taken, and by what authority; and also whether any purchase was made for the military institute, and by what authority, and out of what fund; how much money was borrowed to aid in the purchases in Europe, and from what house, and from whom; who endorsed the bonds in England to procure funds for the institute, and also whether any pledge was given to bind the state to pay the money: if so, by whom and by what authority--and give all the information in relation to the whole transaction within his possession; and whether private individuals or corporations were parties, or interested in the purchase and shipment; how much specie and other funds of the state were used--together with all other liabilities of the state, incurred in this transaction.

        On motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire into the expediency of remonstrating against the annoyances to which furloughed soldiers and others are subjected by the administration of the passport office in this city.

        On motion of Mr. SMITH,

        Resolved, that the committee on schools and colleges be instructed to enquire what legislation (if any) is necessary to promote the education of the indigent children of the commonwealth.

        No. 6. A senate bill entitled an act amendatory of the act passed October 27th, 1863, entitled an act to authorize the arrest of deserters by the civil authorities, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WINSTON, read a third time and passed--Ayes 94.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Irving, James, J. B Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor,


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T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tredway, J. Walker, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--94.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 13. 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.

        Mr. MCCUE submitted an amendment to the bill, by way of substitute; and on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the bill was laid on the table, and the substitute ordered to be printed.

        No. 20. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, read a third time and passed--Ayes 79, noes 30.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Dickey, Duval, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lewis, Lynch, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tredway, J. Walker, N. W. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk and Wright--79.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Cummings, Deyerle, Fletcher, A. Fry, Graham, Hendrick, Horton, Hutcheson, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, McCutchen, McElroy, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Murdaugh, Pendleton, Rowan, Scott, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, Walton, Ward, R. J. White and Worsham--30.

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

        No. 66. A bill to amend and re-enact an act passed October 31, 1863, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act passed March 11, 1863, in relation to the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufacturers of spirituous and malt liquors, was taken up, on motion of Mr. REID, amended, read a second time, and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time?

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1864.

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

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

        No. 106. A bill to sanction, authenticate and give authority to the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 107. A bill to authorize the county court of Clarke to change its place of meeting.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to a resolution respecting the distillation of refuse grain by the confederate government.

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


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        No. 108. A bill to prevent desertion and to punish the offence.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the board of public works, in answer to a resolution of the house of delegates in relation to the state salt works; which was read, and on motion, referred to the joint committee on salt.

        Mr. BURWELL presented the memorial of Robert C. Jones and others, praying an exploration, on state account, of certain indications of a saline deposit in the county of Bedford; which was ordered to be referred to the joint committee on salt.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of so amending the act of the 22d of March 1861, incorporating the Southern express company, as to provide that the charges of said company, for the conveyance and delivery of any article intrusted to them, shall not exceed fifty per centum on the charges made by the rail road companies of the commonwealth, for the transportation of tonnage of similar value and bulk; and for providing further that any violation of such rates or charges shall be deemed and held to be a forfeiture of all their chartered rights and privileges.

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

        Resolved, that our senators and representatives in congress be requested to use their efforts to obtain the passage of laws for the following purposes, viz:

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire whether something cannot be done by the government of this state, through the agency of the confederate government, to procure the release of eighty-five political prisoners, citizens of this commonwealth, incarcerated in the federal prisons at Washington city.

        On motion of Mr. MONROE,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of ascertaining by what authority militiamen, who were transferred into the regular service for three years, or during the war, prior to the passage of the conscription bill, who never enlisted nor received bounty, are still held, and are not now nor never have been permitted to select the company they preferred.


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

        Resolved, that the joint committee on salt be increased by the appointment of two members on the part of the house and one on the part of the senate.

        On motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill relieving from the payment of taxes such of the citizens of the state as have had their property taken or destroyed by the enemy, or at least so much thereof as arise from the property taken or destroyed.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be requested to enquire into the expediency of exempting from taxation the property of citizens who are refugees from counties within the lines of the public enemy.

        On motion of Mr. LIVELY,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of appropriating, out of the treasury of the commonwealth, five millions of dollars, for the support of the families of indigent soldiers and sailors in the confederate service, and for the support of the widows and orphans of deceased soldiers and sailors, who have died or been killed in the confederate service--to be distributed among the several counties, cities and towns of this commonwealth, according to the number of soldiers and sailors furnished by each.

        On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond,

        Resolved, that the committee on salt be requested to enquire into and report to this house what are the causes of the delay in the agent at the salt works in furnishing the counties and cities of the commonwealth with their due proportion of salt, under the act of the 30th of March 1863; and also to enquire and report what regulations have been adopted by the board of public works for the distribution of said salt to said counties and cities.

        No. 84. A bill vacating the commissions of militia officers, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. CHRISTIAN, the senator from Augusta, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act incorporating the Virginia porcelain and earthenware company in the county of Augusta: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 29. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the payment of a sum of money to Lee A. Dunn of King William county, for extra copies of his land and property books, was taken up, on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, read a third time and passed--Ayes 110.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lively,


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Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--110.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 81. An engrossed bill authorizing the governor to cause sufficient covering to be erected for the protection of the artillery belonging to the state, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, read a third time and passed--Ayes 104.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--104.

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

        No. 19. A senate bill entitled an act providing an additional appropriation to the Virginia military institute, with the amendment thereto proposed by the committee on finance, was taken up.

        The amendment was agreed to, and the bill as amended read a third time and passed--Ayes 108.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--108.

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

        No. 9. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for employing in the public service, or for the public benefit, free negroes convicted of misdemeanors, was taken up, amended, read a third time and passed--Ayes 111.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, R. W. Hunter, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson,


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Riddick, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--111.

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

        No. 17. A senate bill entitled an act allowing additional compensation to certain officers of government, with the amendment thereto by way of substitute, proposed by the committee on finance, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the substitute, the same was amended, on motions severally made by Mr. WINSTON and Mr. WALTON.

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to amend the substitute, by adding thereto the following:

        "Provided, however, that the increased compensation herein before provided shall not be paid to any person, other than the heads of the various departments of the government of the state, who holds any of the offices aforesaid, and who is subject to military duty under the act of congress; but such person shall only receive the compensation prescribed by law for his office prior to the 13th day of October 1863."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 6, noes 107.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Bowen, Ferguson, Fleming, Mullens, Patterson and Tomlin--6.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Keiley, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--107.

        The substitute was then agreed to.

        The bill as amended was read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 98, noes 16.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Wright--98.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Cummings, Fletcher, Graham, Horton, W. Johnson, Lundy, McElroy, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, R. J. White and Worsham--16.

        The title was then amended.


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

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1864.

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

        No. 33. A senate bill entitled an act incorporating the Virginia porcelain and earthenware company in the county of Augusta, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. MCCUE, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

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

        No. 2. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of William E. Prince of Sussex county, reported the same with an amendment.

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

        No. 109. A bill requiring certain incorporated manufacturing companies to sell to consumers, by the piece or package, at the same price demanded of merchants, and prohibiting any preference to merchants over consumers; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented an adverse report to the memorial of citizens of Nelson county, asking to be attached to the county of Albemarle.

        Mr. WORSHAM presented the memorial of Stephen T. Mason, asking permission to distill alcohol from damaged grain; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        Mr. BURWELL, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented certain amendments to house bill No. 30, to provide for the completion of the Covington and Ohio rail road; which were ordered to be printed.

        No. 84. A bill vacating the commissions of militia officers, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        On motion of Mr. TOMLIN,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending the act entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act further to provide for the public defence, passed October 3d, 1862, as to make said act inoperative until the congress of the Confederate States shall in good faith make ample provision for compensation to owners for slaves lost in the confederate service.

        On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond city,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be


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requested to enquire into the propriety of incorporating the Richmond city insurance company.

        Mr. MCCUTCHEN submitted the following preamble and resolution:

        Whereas it is well known that many of the brave soldiers in our armies cannot be clothed or shod because of the smallness of articles of clothing furnished: Therefore,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire into the expediency of having clothing intended for soldiers made large enough for men to wear; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of repealing an act entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, passed March 28, 1863, or to so modify the same as greatly to reduce the taxes.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ARMSTRONG, 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 allowing additional compensation to certain officers of the government, No. 17.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, in relation to the payment of interest on the bonds of the state held by certain Indian tribes; which was read, and on motion, referred to the committee on finance.

        The preamble and resolutions heretofore reported from the committee on confederate relations, were taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, and agreed to.

        The preamble and resolutions are as follow:

        Whereas the execution of the impressment law passed by the confederate congress, as carried out in the various counties of this commonwealth, has given just cause of dissatisfaction to our citizens, and has in many instances worked great hardship, resulting, in the opinion of the general assembly, in the main, from the appointment of young, inexperienced agents, mostly ignorant of the law, and unable or unwilling to understand the instructions of their respective departments under the war office, and whose qualifications and youth essentially fit them for the field: And whereas the duties of impressing and purchasing agents could be much more satisfactorily performed by citizens of the counties respectively above the conscript age, who, from their age and acquaintance, could much more efficiently serve the government, at the same time that they would know the necessities and protect the rights of the citizens: Now, therefore, with a view of protecting our own citizens from such improper impressments, as well as to increase the numbers and promote the efficiency of the army,

        Resolved by the general assembly, that our senators be instructed and our representatives be requested to use their best exertions to procure such action, by amendment to the impressment law or otherwise, as will take the class of government agents above mentioned from their present positions, and send them to the field, and supply


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their places by the appointment of men of age, experience and business character, residents of the respective counties or districts for which they are appointed, and above the conscript age, or disabled in the military service.

        Resolved, that at the present crisis it is the duty of all good citizens promptly to accept such positions when offered them, knowing that by so doing they will effectively conduce to the good of the cause, and at the same time preserve their own citizens from annoyance, and oftentimes from injustice and oppression.

        Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be furnished to our senators and representatives in the confederate congress.

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

        Mr. SCOTT presented certain papers of Miers W. Fisher, complaining of the conduct of the superintendent of salt, in respect to certain slaves; which were ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        No. 78. A bill authorizing the collection of dividends due by the Raleigh and Gaston rail road company to the city of Norfolk, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BAKER, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        No. 75. A bill to authorize the appointment of a reporter of the proceedings of the house of delegates, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BROOKE, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        The following senate bills were read a second time, and on motion, laid on the table:

        No. 16. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the third section of chapter seven of the Code of Virginia, so as to provide for the election of an attorney for the commonwealth in cities where circuit courts are held.

        No. 14. A senate bill entitled an act extending the jurisdiction of the circuit court of the town of Danville.

        No. 15. A senate bill entitled an act amending the 9th section of chapter 104 of the Code of Virginia, in relation to harboring or employing slaves, was taken up, amended, read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 27. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of William C. R. Douglas, late steward of the Eastern lunatic asylum, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 101.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--101.


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        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 2. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of William E. Prince of Sussex county, was taken up, amended, read a third time and passed--Ayes 100.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--100.

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

        No. 17. An engrossed bill to regulate transportation of freights and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth, was taken up, and read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? pending the consideration of which,

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1864.

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

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

IN SENATE, Jan. 22, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act authorizing the governor to cause sufficient covering to be erected for the protection of the artillery belonging to the state, No. 81.

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

        An act providing an additional appropriation to the Virginia military institute, No. 19.

        And they have passed a bill for the relief of W. G. Singleton, No. 34.

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


        No. 34. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of W. G. Singleton, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

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

        No. 110. A bill to amend the charter of the city of Petersburg.


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

        An adverse report to a resolution respecting the repeal of sections 4 to 24, inclusive, of chapter 162 of the Code of 1860, in relation to the organization of juries.

        An adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of providing relief to the executors of W. C. Dobson.

        An adverse report to a resolution respecting county levies for the support of soldiers' families, &c.

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

        No. 111. A bill to incorporate the Richmond city insurance company.

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

        No. 7. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, reported the same with amendments.

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

        No. 112. A bill to amend and re-enact section 48 of chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia.

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

        No. 113. A bill making an appropriation for the Central lunatic asylum.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, presented the following bill:

        No. 114. A bill to amend and re-enact the 3d section of an act to amend the charter of the Central Bank of Virginia, passed 17th February 1860.

        On motion of Mr. MILLER,

        Resolved, that the 22d rule of the house be suspended, for the purpose of enabling the committee of propositions and grievances to act upon the merits of the petition of citizens of Scott county, asking that Clinch river be made a lawful fence.

        No. 13. A bill for the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool, with the amendment by way of substitute, heretofore submitted by Mr. MCCUE, was taken up, on his motion; and the question being on agreeing to the substitute, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being--Shall the bill, as amended, be engrossed and read a third time? was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        No. 25. A bill to enroll free negroes to be employed in the service of the Confederate States, with the substitute therefor, reported from the committee on military affairs, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, and on his motion, the bill and substitute were laid on the table, and the substitute ordered to be printed.

        No. 93. A bill to authorize the transfer of the Bank of Pittsylvania from Chatham to Danville, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.


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        No. 7. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, with the amendments proposed by the committee on finance, was taken up.

        The amendments were agreed to.

        Mr. BROOKE moved further to amend the bill by striking out "five hundred thousand dollars"--[the amount appropriated]--and inserting "one million of dollars;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WORSHAM moved to amend the bill, by adding to the first section the following: "and provided that the indigent, true and loyal citizens of Hampton, other than the families of soldiers, be entitled to a distributable proportion of this fund;" and the question being on agreeing thereto--pending the consideration thereof,

        On motion of Mr. WARD, the house adjourned until Monday, 12 o'clock.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Ray of the Methodist church.

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

IN SENATE, Jan. 23, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act authorizing rail road companies and other corporations to pay their indebtedness to the commonwealth in a certain manner, No. 16, with an amendment.

        They have agreed to the first, and disagreed to the second amendment of the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act to provide for employing in the public service, or for the public benefit, free negroes convicted of misdemeanors, No. 9.

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

        An act for the relief of William E. Prince of Sussex county, No. 2.

        An act amending the 9th section of chapter 104 of the Code of Virginia, in relation to harboring or employing slaves, No. 15.

        They have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to amend the 15th section of chapter 45 of the Code of Virginia, so as to limit the time for the payment of certain claims against the commonwealth, No. 36.

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


        The amendment proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act authorizing rail road companies and other corporations to pay their indebtedness to the commonwealth in a certain manner, was concurred in.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.


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        The amendment proposed by the house of delegates (and disagreed to by the senate) to senate bill No. 9, entitled an act to provide for employing in the public service, or for the public benefit, free negroes convicted of misdemeanors, was taken up.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved that the house recede from its amendment--pending the consideration of which,

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

        No. 36. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 15th section of chapter 45 of the Code of Virginia, so as to limit the time for the payment of certain claims against the commonwealth, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

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

        No 115. A bill to make Clinch river a lawful fence through the county of Scott.

        No. 116. A bill to incorporate the Piny river milling company of Nelson county.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to the memorial of Miers W. Fisher, asking relief at the hands of the legislature in relation to the impressment of certain of his slaves by the superintendent of the salt works.

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

        No. 117. A bill authorizing a connection between the Richmond and Petersburg and Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac rail road companies.

        No. 118. A bill to regulate the charges of the Southern express company.

        Mr. GILMER presented the memorial of the stockholders of the Bank of Pittsylvania, remonstrating against the removal of the said bank to the town of Danville; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on banks.

        Mr. BUFORD presented the memorial of the directors of the Bank of Pittsylvania; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on banks.

        No. 93. A bill to authorize the transfer of the Bank of Pittsylvania from Chatham to Danville, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, read a second time, and on his motion, referred to the committee on banks.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DOUGLAS, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had unanimously agreed to a preamble and resolutions concerning the liability of officers of the state militia to conscription: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of transferring to the county of Patrick the state's interest in so much of the Wytheville and Danville turnpike as passes through said county.


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        On motion of Mr. WORSHAM,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the act passed 30th March 1863, relating to the impressment of slaves to work on fortifications, or for other purposes.

        On motion of Mr. RICHARDSON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to Margaret Colloway, administratrix of James Colloway, deceased, a sum of money erroneously paid into the public treasury.

        On motion of Mr. JAMES,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill making a sufficient appropriation to pay to each Virginia soldier in the confederate army, at the expiration of three years' service, the sum of one hundred and forty-four dollars.

        Mr. MONROE presented the following resolution; which being objected to, lies over under the rule:

        Resolved, that in the opinion of the general assembly of Virginia, it is a matter of the very highest importance that all white male citizens of this commonwealth, capable of bearing arms, who are not now liable to military service, should be organized, at as early a day as practicable, as a state force for local or home defence; but that under existing circumstances, it is inexpedient for congress to extend the conscript age beyond its present limits.

        On motion of Mr. WALTON,

        Resolved, that the committee of schools and colleges enquire into the expediency of affording pecuniary aid in some form to the preparation and publication of suitable elementary and other school books for the use of the schools of the state.

        On motion of Mr. DICKEY,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill prohibiting disloyal citizens from demanding and collecting in specie, debts which may be due to them from true and loyal citizens of the Confederate States, and that in such cases the parties be required to receive their debts in confederate treasury notes.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending the charter of the town of Charlottesville.

        Mr. MAGRUDER presented the memorial of freeholders of Charlottesville, asking an amendment of the charter of said town; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of altogether prohibiting the manumission of slaves in this commonwealth, by will or otherwise.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that it be referred to a special committee to report what


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further legislation is necessary to protect the persons and property of loyal citizens in this state from the action of the pretended government at Wheeling.

        The Speaker announced the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. Pendleton, Haymond of Marion, Holden, Baker, Brooke, White of Brooke, and Duval.

        No. 94. A bill to repeal ordinance No. 66 of the convention of Virginia, respecting the revenue of the literary fund, was read a second time, and on motion, laid on the table.

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

        The following bills were read a second time, and on motions severally made, laid on the table.

        No. 28. A bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to authorize the appointment of an inspector of salt, passed March 30th, 1863.

        No. 29. A bill to amend and re-enact the 25th and 7th sections of an act entitled an act to provide for the production and distribution of salt, passed March 30, 1863.

        No. 30. A bill to provide for the completion of the Covington and Ohio rail road [with the amendments thereto reported from the committee of roads and internal navigation].

        No. 31. A bill concerning omitted taxes.


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        No. 32. A bill to provide for the construction and equipment of the Covington and Ohio rail road.

        No. 12. A bill to provide for the sale of certain slaves now in the penitentiary, with the amendment thereto by way of substitute, was taken up, read a second time, and the substitute agreed to; and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        No. 33. A bill to amend an act entitled an act to regulate the tolls for passing Mayo's bridge, passed March 12, 1855, was read a second time, and amended.

        Mr. AMBERS moved to amend the bill, by adding to the enacting clause the following: "and shall continue in force until the ratification of peace between the Confederate States and the United States, and shall be subject to amendment, modification or repeal, at the pleasure of the general assembly."

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the words "and shall continue in force until the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States and the United States;" 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. AMBERS, was put, and it appearing that no quorum voted,

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

TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Ray of the Methodist church.

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

IN SENATE, Jan. 25, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), No. 20, with amendments.

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


        A preamble and resolutions concerning the liability of officers of the state to conscription, heretofore communicated from the senate, were referred to the committee on military affairs.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia, No. 20, were taken up, and on motion, the bill and amendments were laid on the table.

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

        No. 119. A bill to authorize a temporary increase of the fees of clerks of courts.


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        No. 120. A bill to amend and re-enact the 31st and 32d sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia.

        No. 121. A bill to increase the fees of surveyors.

        No. 122. A bill to increase the fees of commissioners in chancery.

        No. 123. A bill to authorize the settlement of fiduciaries' accounts in certain cases.

        Mr. GILMER, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to a resolution in relation to amending the Code, so as to define more clearly the punishment of slaves.

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

        No. 124. A bill amending and re-enacting an act entitled an act to amend the charter and extend the corporate limits of the town of Charlottesville, passed March 14, 1860.

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

        No. 125. A bill to enroll and organize the state forces.

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

        No. 36. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 15th section of chapter 45 of the Code of Virginia, so as to limit the time for the payment of certain claims against the commonwealth, reported the same without amendment.

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

        No. 126. A bill for the assessment of persons, property, income and salaries.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on confederate relations, to whom had been referred a resolution enquiring what regulation was necessary for the relief of such citizens of the state whose property has been destroyed by the public enemy, presented a report, asking that the committee be discharged from the further consideration thereof, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance; which was concurred in.

        An adverse report of the committee on finance, to a resolution as to the expediency of amending the 5th section of chapter 53 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. AMBERS, and on his further motion, laid on the table.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing, for the consideration of the general assembly, and recommending for its adoption, a bill to be entitled an act to provide a state guard; which was read.

        Mr. PENDLETON moved that the communication be laid on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 96, noes 8.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crockett, Cummings,


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Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Lewis, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Smith, Staples, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--96.

        NOES--Messrs. Colston, Hendrick, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, W. Johnson, Stewart and Woolfolk--8.

        No. 84. An engrossed bill vacating the commissions of militia officers, was taken up and read a third time.

        Mr. DEANE 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.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the title was amended, so as to add thereto "of the line."

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

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ARMSTRONG, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed resolutions against extending the provisions of the conscript act; in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 7. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, was taken up and read a second time.

        The question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. WORSHAM, Mr. WORSHAM, by leave of the house, withdrew the amendment.

        Mr. WOOLFOLK submitted the following amendment:

        "Provided further, that the provisions of this act shall also be extended to the classes of persons named therein, who may not reside within the enemy's lines, but whose property has been destroyed by the enemy, and in all cases where the county courts of the counties in which they reside cannot from any cause afford them relief under the existing laws."

        And the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. NELSON of Fluvanna demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. WALTON moved to amend the bill, by adding at the end of the first section as amended the following: "provided further, that the provisions of this act shall be extended to the classes of persons named therein who may not reside within the lines of the enemy, but upon neutral ground, or in such relation thereto that the county courts of the counties in which they reside cannot afford them relief under existing laws"--pending the consideration of which,

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


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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Ray of the Methodist church.

        Joint resolutions against extending the provisions of the conscription act, heretofore communicated from the senate, were taken up, and on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, were laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 21.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented an adverse report on the memorial of Stephen T. Mason, asking leave to distill alcohol from damaged grain.

        Mr. JONES, from the committee of privileges and elections, presented a report in response to the proceedings of the county court of Northumberland county, touching the election of Thomas E. Betts as a member of the house of delegates, referred to said committee by order of the house; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 22.

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

        No. 127. 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 defence.

        No. 128. A bill for the relief of the sick, disabled and wounded soldiers of the state of Virginia in Confederate States hospitals.

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

        No. 129. A bill amending and re-enacting the 4th section of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the fees of notaries public.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing the semi-annual report of the examination of the corps of cadets of the Virginia military institute; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on printing.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion presented the report of the auditing board on the claim of C. J. Boyd and other citizens of the state of Kentucky; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on printing.

        No. 94. A bill to repeal ordinance No. 66 of the convention of Virginia, respecting the revenue of the literary fund, was taken up, on motion of Mr. TREDWAY, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        On motion of Mr. AMBERS,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the stay law that it shall not prevent the collection of debts where creditors are willing to receive confederate treasury notes in satisfaction thereof.

        On motion of Mr. FRY of Madison,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending chapter 158, Code of Virginia (edition of


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1860), as to authorize judges to hold special terms of their courts to try certain cases.

        No. 7. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of the families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, with the pending amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. WALTON, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing thereto, on motion of Mr. AMBERS, the bill was laid on the table, and made the order of the day for to-morrow at 1 o'clock.

        No. 36. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 15th section of chapter 45 of the Code of Virginia, so as to limit the time for the payment of certain claims against the commonwealth, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. IRVING, laid on the table.

        No. 17. An engrossed bill to regulate transportation of freights and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth, was read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass?--pending the consideration thereof,

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Ray of the Methodist church.

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

        No. 130. A bill to amend the 16th and 17th sections of chapter 103 of the Code of Virginia, in relation to the emancipation of slaves.

        No. 131. A bill to prevent and punish the transportation of slaves in canal boats, without the consent of their owners.

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

        A report asking to be discharged from the further consideration of a preamble and resolutions concerning the liability of officers of the state militia to conscription.

        An adverse report to a resolution in relation to the purchase or impressment of blankets for Virginia soldiers.

        Mr. PENDLETON, from the committee on public printing, presented the following report:

        The committee on public printing, to whom was referred the question of printing the report of the semi-annual examination of the cadets of the Virginia military institute, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully report, that in the opinion of the committee the letter of Gen. F. H. Smith, superintendent, should alone be printed, as the details of examination are not considered of sufficient public importance to justify their printing, which would be very expensive.

        The report was concurred in.


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        Mr. PENDLETON, from the same committee, presented the following report:

        Also, the report of the auditing board on the claim of C. J. Boyd, and others, and have come to the conclusion that it is inexpedient to print the same at present, as the subject referred to has already been referred to a standing committee of this house.

        The report was concurred in.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, in answer to a resolution from the house of delegates, in relation to certain purchases made for the state in Europe, with letters from the secretary of the commonwealth and the quartermaster general of the state, which was read, and referred with the accompanying papers to the committee on public printing.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the board of public works, being a report of their proceedings for the last two years; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 15.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of prohibiting the cultivation of tobacco.

        Mr. MCCUE presented the petition of the sheriff of Augusta county, approved by the county court of said county and by the judge of the circuit, asking the detail or exemption of at least four deputies to enable said sheriff to fulfill his public duties; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

        Mr. ROBERTSON presented the petition of Sampson Jones, jr., asking relief from the alleged improper interference of the governor with his contract to furnish supplies for the public guard, and the employment by him of another contractor; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

        The report of the committee on finance as to the expediency of amending the 5th section of chapter 53 of the Code of Virginia of 1860, concluding with a resolution that it is inexpedient to legislate on the subject, was taken up, on motion of Mr. AMBERS; and the question being on agreeing to the resolution, Mr. AMBERS moved to amend the resolution by striking out "inexpedient," and inserting "expedient;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The resolution of the committee was then concurred in.

        No. 87. A bill prescribing the mode of serving notices in certain cases, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 7. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, being the special order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. WALTON, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WOODLEY moved further to amend the bill, by adding thereto, at the end of the second section, the following: "provided, that the widowed mother and her family shall be considered as the family of


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a son who has been killed or disabled, or who has died in the service;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. COLSTON moved to amend the bill further, by adding at the end of the second section as amended, the following: "and provided further, that the agents appointed for the several counties shall be residents of the counties for which they are appointed, and not subject to the conscription act;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. MELVIN moved further to amend the bill, by adding to the second section as amended the following: "and provided further, that when the money cannot be distributed on account of the enemy, it shall be retained in the hands of the proper agents until such time as it can be so distributed; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. TOMLIN, the rule was suspended with a view to reconsider an amendment proposed by the committee on finance and agreed to by the house, and the amendment rejected.

        The amendment rejected is as follows:

        "Provided, however, that in cases where the money hereby appropriated cannot be safely conveyed to the families of soldiers, it shall be the duty of said commissioners to invest the money in suitable clothing, and have the same transmitted to such soldier or soldiers."

        Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton moved further to amend the bill by adding to the second section the following: "provided, that no portion of the funds appropriated by this act shall be in any case invested by such commissioners or agents in any federal paper currency, or in specie at more than par value;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question being--Shall the bill be read a third time? Mr. JONES 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? was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 79, noes 21.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bowen, Brooke, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cox, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, Duval, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Horton, Hughes, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kindrick, Lewis, Lurty, Lynch, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Winston and Woodley--79.

        NOES--Messrs. Baskervill, Bouldin, Buffington, Cummings, Douthat, Evans, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Holden, J. B. Johnson, Lively, Maguire, McMillan, Patterson, Pitman, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor and Worsham--21.

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

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, recommending the purchase of Gamble's hill for the use of the public guard, and for other state purposes; which was read, and referred to the committee on military affairs.

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


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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Ray of the Methodist church.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on confederate relations, presented the following resolution; which was agreed to:

        Resolved, that the clerk shall keep a calendar of business for the consideration of the house in secret session, and that such business, reported from any of the committees of the house, be entered thereon, without debate, in open session.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the same committee, presented a report; which was entered on the secret calendar.

        Mr. RIDDICK, from the committee on agriculture and manufactures, presented a bill to incorporate the Hardy creek mining company.

        The following resolution, heretofore laid upon the table, was, on motion of Mr. DEANE, taken up and agreed to:

        Resolved, that the board of public works be requested, at as early a day as practicable, to report to this house:

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending the charter of the Bank of Howardsville.

        On motion of Mr. DEYERLE,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of the Southwestern turnpike road, so as to authorize a reduction of the width of said road from 22 to 18 feet.

        On motion of Mr. WHITE of Brooke, &c.

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be instructed to enquire into the expediency of devising some special method, by which alcohol can be manufactured for medical uses in this state.

        On motion of Mr. TAYLOR of Prince George and Surry,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending chapter 198, section 37 of the Code of Virginia, as to provide that no free negro shall sell or barter, or offer to sell or barter any agricultural products, without having a certificate from some justice of the peace in the magisterial district in which the same may reside.


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        The SPEAKER presented a communication from the governor, enclosing a letter from R. F. & D. G. Bibb, in relation to the hire of certain slave convicts employed by them in the construction of the Covington and Ohio rail road, and the annulling of their contract; which were ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 78. A bill authorizing the collection of dividends due by the Raleigh and Gaston rail road company to the city of Norfolk, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BAKER, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 14. A senate bill entitled an act extending the jurisdiction of the circuit court of the town of Danville, was taken up, amended, and as amended, read a third time and passed.

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

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

        No. 125. A bill to enroll and organize the state forces.

        No. 9. A house bill entitled an act providing for the payment of tobacco destroyed by fire at the public warehouse, with the amendments thereto proposed by the senate, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BURR; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment of the senate, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

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

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

        No. 33. A bill to amend an act entitled an act to regulate the tolls for passing Mayo's bridge, passed March 12th, 1853.

        No. 35. A bill amending and re-enacting the 10th section of chapter 170 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 36. A bill amending and re-enacting the 5th section of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 38. A bill authorizing an increase of the capital stock of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company, was read a second time, and stricken from the calendar, the same having passed as a senate bill.

        No. 39. A bill requiring rail road and canal companies to transport troops and munitions of war, without the right to demand prepayment of fare.

        The following bills were read a second time, and on motions severally made, were laid on the table:

        No. 39. A bill to organize certain manufactures within this commonwealth.

        No. 40. A bill authorizing, in certain cases, the settlement of fiduciaries' accounts before commissioners in chancery of courts other than those in which such fiduciaries have been appointed, or in which the instruments creating their authority have been recorded.

        No. 34. A bill to provide for the records of the county of Warwick, was taken up, on motion of Mr. CUSTIS, amended, and as amended read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 43. A bill 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 27, 1862--and to repeal the act amending the same, passed October 4, 1862, was read a second time, amended, and on motion of Mr. BURWELL, laid on the table.

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


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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1864.

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

IN SENATE, Jan. 29, 1864.

        The senate have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to reorganize the militia, No. 32.

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


        No. 32. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, laid on the table, and made the order of the day for Monday at 1 o'clock, and so on from day to day until disposed of.

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

        No. 133. A bill to amend and re-enact the 32d section of the 158th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 134. A bill to amend and re-enact the 37th section of chapter 38 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        Mr. MATHEWS, from the joint committee to examine the treasurer's office, presented a report.

        On motion of Mr. FLEMING,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of authorizing the county court of Bath to admit to probate the will of Daniel Gwin, who lately died in Camp Chase, Ohio.

        On motion of Mr. MULLENS,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of authorizing Peter Hairston to erect a dam across Smith's river in the county of Henry.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES (for Mr. PENDLETON),

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire into the expediency of authorizing sheriffs and commissioners of the revenue to accept the office of collectors and assessors of the war tax during the present war.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of the manufacture of tobacco.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of making a requisition upon the several cotton factories within this commonwealth, for the production of a certain amount of yarns, to be manufactured for and on account of the state: that the executive be empowered to appoint a commissioner to superintend the purchase, impost, manufacture and distribution of raw cotton: that the yarns so manufactured be distributed among the several counties of the state, as far as practicable, according to their respective populations, and that the yarns be sold to the people at the cost of material and manufacture, with a moderate profit thereon:


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that the legislature appropriatedollars for the purpose indicated.

        On motion of Mr. BAKER,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire and report what steps can be taken by the general assembly, by recommendation or otherwise, to bring about, at some early day, conventions of the planters and farmers of the Confederate States, in their several states, with the view of adopting such well concerted and harmonious action on their part as will stimulate and increase, to their utmost capacity, the production of all articles of food, and regulate, by rules to be fixed by them, the prices of the same.

        Mr. MCCUTCHEN submitted the following preamble and resolution:

        Whereas the running of the blockade, and thereby bringing the currency of the Confederate States in competition with that of our enemy, thereby causing its depreciation: and whereas the bringing into our markets the fabrics and tricks of the Yankees, is doing serious injury to our currency: Therefore,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill prohibiting all further traffic in foreign merchandise or wares within this state.

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

        The preamble was then rejected.

        On motion of Mr. TREDWAY,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of providing by law that every requisition for slaves to work on public defences, shall be filled by levy on slaves employed in the production or the manufacture of tobacco, in preference to slaves employed exclusively in the production of articles of prime necessity.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES,

        Resolved, that a special committee of nine be appointed, to whom shall be referred all pending enquiries concerning the production and manufacture of tobacco.

        On motion of Mr. PATTERSON (for Mr. MCCUE),

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of paying to George Harlan, jailor of Augusta county, adequate compensation, under the act of October 2, 1863, for the support of prisoners in the jail of said county.

        No. 34. An engrossed bill to provide for the preservation of the records of the county of Warwick, was taken up, on motion of Mr. CUSTIS, read a third time and passed--Ayes 87, noes 3.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cox, Cresap, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Dickey, Draper, Duval, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Parramore, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, F. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston and Woodley--87.

        NOES--Messrs. Hiett, McCutchen and Patterson--3.


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        On motion of Mr. CUSTIS, the title was amended, so as to read as follows: "records of the counties of Warwick, Elizabeth City and James City, and of the city of Williamsburg."

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

        No. 42. A bill requiring rail road and canal companies to transport troops and munitions of war, without the right to demand prepayment of fare, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WINSTON, amended, and as amended read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 85. An engrossed bill to enroll the state forces of the commonwealth, was read a third time, and on motion of Mr. BROOKE, laid on the table.

        No. 17. An engrossed bill to regulate transportation of freights and passengers upon certain rail roads in this commonwealth, was read a third time and passed.

        No. 12. An engrossed bill to authorize the sale of certain slaves now in the penitentiary, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 79, noes 14.

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Deane, Dickey, Draper, Duval, English, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Mullens, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, F. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, Winn and Worsham--79.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Bouldin, Bowen, Custis, Ferguson, Fleming, A. Fry, Harris, Hoge, Keiley, Kindrick, Miller, Monroe, Pretlow and Powell--14.

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

        On motion of Mr. RICHARDSON, the house adjourned until Monday, 12 o'clock.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. McCabe of the Episcopal church.

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

IN SENATE, Jan. 30, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to the amendment proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act extending the jurisdiction of the circuit court of the town of Danville, No. 14.

        And they have passed a bill entitled:

        An act more effectually to suppress unlawful trading on boats plying the rivers and canals of the commonwealth, No. 39.

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



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        No. 39. A senate bill entitled an act more effectually to suppress unlawful trading on boats plying the rivers and canals of the commonwealth, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

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

        An adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of allowing Peter Hairston to erect a dam across Smith's river in Henry county.

        An adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of devising some mode by which alcohol can be manufactured for medical uses.

        Mr. TOMLIN presented the petition of William L. Downer, John S. Sweet and others, citizens of King William, praying relief from the action of the county court of said county, on the subject of enclosures; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of repealing or amending the 2d section of chapter 7th of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), providing for the election of judges.

        No. 13. An engrossed bill for the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool, was taken up and read a third time.

        Mr. TOMLIN submitted the following ryder to the bill:

        "Provided, that the provisions of this act shall not apply to the counties in the power or possession of the enemy, or which border on the lines of the enemy;" which was read a first and second times; and the question being--Shall the ryder be engrossed and read a third time? was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. MAGRUDER submitted the following ryder to the bill:

        "Provided, that the liability of the owner of the dog for damage done under the 3d section, shall in no case exceed one hundred dollars;" which was read a first and second times; and the question being--Shall the ryder be engrossed and read a third time? was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. WORSHAM submitted the following ryder to the bill:

        "Provided, that this act shall not be in force in any county until the same shall be ratified by the county court of such county, after all the acting justices thereof shall have been duly summoned to consider the subject, and a majority of the justices being present;" which was read a first and second times; and the question being--Shall the ryder be engrossed and read a third time? was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. BASKERVILL submitted the following ryder to the bill; which was read a first and second times, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time:

        "Provided, that the execution authorized to be issued under the 3d section of this act, shall be directed to the sheriff of the county, and


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levied and returned by him according to law, should the amount of damages assessed exceed fifty dollars."

        The question being--Shall the bill pass? was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 50, noes 46.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bland, Buffington, Buford, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Crawford, Dickey, Draper, Edwards, Ferguson, A. Fry, Goodall, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Linkous, Lively, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Morgan, Pitman, Reid, Rowan, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Sherrard, Tredway, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson and Woodley--50.

        NOES--Messrs. Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Brooke, Bryan, Burnett, Butler, Cox, Cummings, Deane, Duval, Fleming, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, Harris, T. S. Haymond, Irving, Jones, Keiley, Lewis, Lynch, Magruder, McKinney, Miller, Mullens, Murdaugh, Parramore, Patterson, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Rixey, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, Ward, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--46.

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

        Mr. MONROE submitted the following ryder to the bill; which was read a first and second times; and the question being--Shall the ryder be engrossed and read a third time? was put, and decided in the negative:

        "Provided, that this act shall not apply to counties under the military jurisdiction of the enemy."

        No. 32. A senate bill entitled an act to organize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up on its second reading.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the bill, by inserting in the third line, after the word "thereof," the words "and not enrolled in the military service of the Confederate States;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. MORGAN moved that the bill be laid upon the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 40, noes 50.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Bouldin, Brooke, Bryan, Burnett, Cresap, Evans, Fleming, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, R. W. Hunter, J. B. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Lynch, Mathews, McCutchen, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Mullens, Patterson, Pretlow, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Sherrard, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, R. J. White, Winn and Worsham--40.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bland, Bowen, Buford, Butler, Colston, Cowan, Cox. Cummings, Deane, Dickey, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Ferguson, A. Fry, Goodall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Irving, James, Jones, Keiley, Lewis, Lively, Magruder, McCue, McKinney, McNeil, Monroe, Murdaugh, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, E. T. Saunders, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Ward, S. M. Wilson and Winston--50.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the bill, by striking out in the second line of the first section, the word "sixteen" and inserting "eighteen" (so that the bill would include all white males between the ages of 18 and 55); and the question being on agreeing thereto--pending the consideration of which,

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


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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1864.

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

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 1, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to a resolution authorizing the secretary of the commonwealth to certify the result of the elections in the 2d and 31st senatorial districts, without awaiting the lapse of time required by law.

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


        The preamble and resolutions authorizing the secretary of the commonwealth to certify the result of the elections in the 2d and 31st senatorial districts, without awaiting the lapse of time required by law, were agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. HAYMOND of Marion inform the senate thereof.

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

        No. 39. A senate bill entitled an act more effectually to suppress unlawful trading on boats plying the rivers and canals of the commonwealth, reported the same with an amendment.

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

        No. 135. A bill to amend the 3d section of chapter 96 of the Code of Virginia, in relation to ordinary licenses.

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

        No. 136. A bill to authorize the governor to appoint an agent to make out a list of all the men furnished by Virginia to the Confederate States army, showing those who have been killed in battle or have died from wounds received or disease contracted in said army; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, to whom had been referred the memorial of C. J. Boyd and others, presented a resolution asking that the committee have leave to send for persons and papers; which was concurred in.

        Mr. WOOLFOLK, from the joint committee to examine the executive expenditures, presented a report.

        The SPEAKER announced the following select committee under a resolution in relation to the cultivation of tobacco: Messrs. Staples, Bouldin, Haymond of Marion, Anderson, Tredway, Deane, Barksdale, Baker and Bowen.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES,

        Resolved, that the committee be enlarged by the addition of four members.

        The SPEAKER announced the following members as added to the committee: Messrs. Buford, Jordan, Worsham and Walton.


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        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the regular hour of meeting of this house shall hereafter be 11 o'clock A. M. until otherwise ordered.

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

        Resolved, that the special committee to whom was referred that portion of the governor's message relative to slaves lost while in the employment of the Confederate States, since the commencement of the war, be instructed to advertise, in one of the papers published in Richmond, Petersburg and Lynchburg, for all information appertaining thereto.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. CHRISTIAN, the senator from Augusta, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed bills entitled an act to amend sections 31 and 32 of chapter 184 of the Code, so as to increase the fees of clerks of courts for certain services, No. 43; and an act to amend section 100 of chapter 35 of the Code, so as to increase the allowance to clerks for services under said chapter, No. 44: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The report of the committee of privileges and elections, relative to the eligibility of Thomas E. Betts to a seat in the house of delegates from the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland, was taken up, on motion of Mr. JONES, and on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, laid on the table, and made the special order of the day for to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

        The resolutions from the senate against extending the provisions of the conscription act, were taken up, on motion of Mr. JAMES.

        The resolutions are as follows:

        Resolved, that the general assembly of Virginia, deeply impressed with the importance of the most energetic and vigorous preparations for the ensuing campaign, and determined now as ever that the whole resources of the state shall be employed in the prosecution of the war, until our independence is recognized and established, yet firmly convinced that the passage by congress of an act extending the provisions of the conscription act to persons under the age of eighteen or over the age of forty-five years, would be unwise and most injurious in its effects, and that all the military ends proposed to be attained by it can be far better attained by the organization of such persons under state laws, do most earnestly remonstrate against the passage by the confederate congress of any such law.

        Resolved, that a copy of the above resolution be communicated to our senators and representatives, to be by them laid before congress, and that our senators be instructed and our representatives requested to use their utmost efforts to prevent the passage of said law, and if any such law has passed by either body, to procure its repeal.

        Mr. MELVIN moved to amend the first resolution, by striking out the entire resolution; and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

        "Resolved, in the opinion of the general assembly, that congress should pass a law enrolling all men between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five years. From that number should be detailed the non-producing


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class (not to be taken beyond the limits of their respective states), to act as provost guards, gather conscripts, and fill such other positions as are now filled by able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years. The residue to be organized and held as a reserve, to meet and repel raids, and perform such other duties as can be rendered without calling them from their agricultural pursuits, so as to seriously interfere with said pursuits."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. DEANE moved the indefinite postponement of the entire subject; and the question being on agreeing thereto--pending the consideration of which,

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1864.

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

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 2, 1864.

        The senate have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to authorize the transfer of certain bonds of the state, held in trust by the government of the United States for the Cherokee tribe of Indians, and providing for the payment of interest thereon, No. 41.

        And they have agreed to a joint resolution requesting our senators and representatives in congress to procure the passage by congress of a law acknowledging the liability of the confederate government for losses to slaveholders, &c.

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


        No. 43. A senate bill entitled an act to amend sections 31 and 32 of chapter 184 of the Code, so as to increase the fees of clerks of courts for certain services, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 44. A senate bill entitled an act to amend section 100 of chapter 35 of the Code, so as to increase the allowance to clerks for services under said chapter, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 41. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the transfer of certain bonds of the state, held in trust by the government of the United States for the Cherokee tribe of Indians, and providing for the payment of interest thereon, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        A joint resolution requesting our senators and representatives in congress to procure the passage by congress of a law acknowledging the liability of the confederate government for losses to slaveholders, &c., was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.


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

        No. 137. A bill to amend and re-enact sections 2d and 7th of an act entitled an act providing for improving the navigation of Willis' river, passed January 28th, 1817.

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

        No. 138. A bill amending and re-enacting section 2 of chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, the house resolved itself into secret session, and after some time spent therein,

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the doors were opened.

        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 authorizing an increase of the salaries of the professors of the university of Virginia, and providing for the education of persons disabled by wounds received in the public service, No. 48: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. CHRISTIAN, the senator from Augusta, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to amend the 10th and 11th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by the act passed March 24th, 1863, entitled an act increasing the compensation of clerks of courts during the existing war, No. 42: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        On motion of Mr. MCCUE,

        Resolved, that the committee on lunatic asylums be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860) as to give the discretion to the directors of the Central asylum at Staunton to dispense with a treasurer, and of choosing either of the banks at that place in which to keep the accounts of that institution.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1864.

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

        No. 42. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 10th and 11th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by the act passed March 24, 1863, entitled an act increasing the compensation of clerks of courts during the existing war, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 48. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing an increase of the salaries of the professors of the university, and providing for the education of persons disabled by wounds received in the public service, was read a first and second times; and the question being--Shall


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the bill be read a third time? Mr. TREDWAY submitted an amendment to the bill by way of substitute--pending the consideration of which,

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD, the bill and amendment were laid on the table and ordered to be printed.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the committee for courts of justice, to whom had been referred the following senate bills, reported the same without amendment:

        No. 43. A senate bill entitled an act to amend sections 31 and 32 of chapter 184 of the Code, so as to increase the fees of clerks of courts for certain services.

        No. 44. A senate bill entitled an act to amend section 100 of chapter 35 of the Code, so as to increase the allowance to clerks for services under said chapter.

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

        No. 139. A bill to amend and re-enact the 2d section of chapter 7 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the election of judges.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a joint resolution agreed to by the senate, requesting our senators and representatives in congress to procure the passage by congress of a law acknowledging the liability of the confederate government for losses to slaveholders, reported the same with an amendment by way of substitute.

        The resolution and substitute were taken up for consideration.

        The amendment is as follows:

        "Resolved by the general assembly, that our senators and representatives in congress be requested to use their best endeavors to procure the passage by congress of a law making provision for the immediate payment of all claims against the confederate government, by citizens of Virginia, for slaves who have died, or been killed or otherwise lost to their owners, or who have been injured in the public service, under the acts of October 3, 1862, March 13, 1863, and the subsequent acts amendatory thereof."

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the amendment, by adding thereto the following: "And the said senators and representatives be further requested to procure the passage by congress of an act providing for the payment of claims by citizens of Virginia for like losses or injuries occurring prior to the passage of the above recited acts, under calls for labor made by confederate authorities;" and the question being on agreeing thereto,

        Mr. RICHARDSON moved that the whole subject be recommitted to the committee for courts of justice--pending the consideration of which, the hour of one o'clock having arrived, the time fixed for the consideration of the order of the day, which was a senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, No. 32, on its second reading, the SPEAKER announced that when the bill was last under consideration, the order of the day had been passed by, by order of the house, for the purpose of considering, until the same should be disposed of, a joint resolution from the senate in relation to conscription,


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with the amendment thereto, heretofore submitted by Mr. MELVIN, and that the question now was upon agreeing to a motion heretofore submitted by Mr. DEANE for the indefinite postponement of the resolution and amendment.

        The question being on the indefinite postponement of the resolution and amendment, Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 88, noes 28.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Holden, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Lively, Maguire, Marr, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, Meade, Morgan, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Rixey, Rowan, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woodley and Worsham--88.

        NOES--Messrs. Baker, Colston, Cummings, Dickey, Flood, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Horton, James, Jones, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Mathews, McKinney, Melvin, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Riddick, D. J. Saunders, Smith, Tomlin, Ward, Winston, Woolfolk and Wright--28.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the second resolution from the senate, Mr. STAPLES moved the indefinite postponement of the resolution; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The SPEAKER announced that the first business in order was the order of the day.

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to pass by the order of the day, with a view to consider the report of the committee for courts of justice upon the joint resolution from the senate requesting our senators and representatives in congress to procure the passage of a law in relation to the loss of slaveholders, &c.; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being on agreeing to the motion heretofore submitted by Mr. RICHARDSON, to recommit the whole subject to the committee for courts of justice, Mr. BROOKE demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 32, noes 63.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Bowen, Buffington, Cowan, Cresap, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, Hiett, Holden, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Keiley, Kindrick, Lynch, Maguire, McCutchen, McMillan, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Richardson, Rixey, Sherrard, Smith, Thompson and Williams--32.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Branch, Brooke, Burr, Burwell, Colston, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Douthat, Duval, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Graham, Hendrick, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Lundy, Magruder, Marr, Meade, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--63.

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


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        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the amendment as amended, by adding thereto the following: "and also to provide for the payment of other property which has been destroyed by or appropriated for the use of the confederate government, by military authority;" and 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 negative.

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the amendment, by adding thereto the following: "and also to provide for the payment for other property, which has been impressed or appropriated for the use of the confederate government, by military authority;" and 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 on agreeing to the amendment as amended, Mr. PENDLETON 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 resolution as amended, Mr. STAPLES demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

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

        The SPEAKER assigned Mr. Colston to the committees of propositions and grievances and claims.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE, the house resolved itself into secret session.

        The doors being opened, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1864.

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

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 4, 1864.

        The senate insist on their second amendment to house bill entitled:

        An act providing for the payment of tobacco destroyed by fire at the public warehouse, No. 9.


        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN,

        Resolved, that the house of delegates insist upon their disagreement to the amendment proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act providing for the payment of tobacco destroyed by fire at the public warehouse, No. 9, and that they respectfully ask a committee of conference.

        Ordered, that Mr. BOULDIN inform the senate thereof.


Page 116

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

        A report upon the memorial of Sampson Jones, asking relief from the alleged improper interference of the governor with his contract for furnishing supplies for the public guard, and the employment by him of another contractor, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

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

        No. 140. A bill authorizing and directing the payment of the Dixie boys.

        No. 141. A bill disbanding the 179th regiment of the militia of the line, and for the more efficient organization of the 19th regiment of the militia of the line and the 1st regiment of the second class militia; which last bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, presented an adverse report upon the communication of the governor recommending the purchase of Gamble's hill for the use of the public guard.

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

        No. 41. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the transfer of certain bonds of the state, held in trust by the government of the United States for the Cherokee tribe of Indians, and providing for the payment of interest thereon, reported the same without amendment.

        Mr. BAKER, from the joint committee on the library, presented the following reports:

        An adverse report on the resolution proposing to extend the privilege of using books, to the officers of the confederate congress.

        A report in answer to a resolution of the house of delegates calling for statements of the books purchased, and their cost, &c., asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

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

        No. 142. A bill to repeal section 8, and to amend and re-enact section 9 of chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860); which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, presented the following bill:

        No. 143. A bill to amend the first section of an act entitled an act incorporating the Bank of the City of Petersburg, passed March 29, 1860, so as to increase the capital stock of said bank.

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

        No. 144. A bill to amend the third section of an act to incorporate the president and directors of the Southwestern turnpike road, and for other purposes, passed January 28, 1846.

        Mr. PENDLETON, from the committee on public printing, presented a report, asking that the following addition be made to the rule


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creating a committee on public printing: "and said committee shall have power to control the manner and execution of all printing done by order of the house;" which amendment was agreed to.

        Mr. GILMER, from the joint committee upon the bonds of public officers, presented a report.

        No. 133. A bill to amend and re-enact the 32d section of the 158th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. FRY of Madison, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        No. 40. A bill authorizing, in certain cases, the settlement of fiduciaries' accounts before commissioners in chancery of courts other than those in which such fiduciaries have been appointed, or in which the instruments creating their authority have been recorded, was taken up, on motion of Mr. LYNCH, and read a second time.

        Mr. MAGRUDER submitted an amendment by way of substitute--pending the consideration of which,

        On motion of Mr. WALTON, the bill and amendment were laid on the table.

        No. 78. An engrossed bill authorizing the collection of dividends due by the Raleigh and Gaston rail road company to the city of Norfolk, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BAKER, read a third time and passed--Ayes 104.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--104.

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

        No. 30. A bill to provide for the completion of the Covington and Ohio rail road, with the pending amendments thereto, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BURWELL, and on his motion, was laid on the table, and made the special order of the day for Wednesday the 10th of February.

        Mr. DEYERLE presented the petition of F. Johnston, clerk of Roanoke county, praying an increase of fees for clerks of courts; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that the clerk of the house be directed to prepare a calendar of the business of the house at the close of each week of the session, until otherwise ordered.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks be requested to enquire into the propriety of authorizing the governor to appoint a majority of the directors in such banks as have removed their assets within


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our lines, directed to be appointed by the governor, from the loyal citizens who are also within our military lines.

        On motion of Mr. TAYLOR of Prince George and Surry,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending section 24 of chapter 8 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), as to allow clerks and attorneys for the commonwealth in the circuit courts to qualify and give bonds before their respective county or corporation courts.

        On motion of Mr. MCCUTCHEN,

        Resolved, that the committee of schools and colleges enquire into the propriety of disbanding the present organization of the Public Guard, and substitute in lieu thereof a military school, whose members shall perform all necessary duties of the Public Guard, and to be composed of young men between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years.

        On motion of Mr. MCCUE,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to make an appropriation, for the purchase and distribution among our people, at the earliest moment practicable, of a supply of cotton seed, seed of the indigo, madder and wood plants, with a view of rendering our people independent of blockade runners and foreign supplies.

        On motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to report to this house whether any further legislation is necessary to prevent the forfeiture of franchise by non-user; whether the same has been occasioned by the destruction of the subject by the military authorities of the Confederate States government or of the United States government; and in the event that any such legislation is found to be necessary, that they report a bill providing against the forfeiture of franchises in the cases indicated, until years after a treaty of peace is concluded between the Confederate States and the United States.

        No. 141. A bill disbanding the 179th regiment of the militia of the line, and for the more efficient organization of the 19th regiment of the militia of the line and the 1st regiment of the second class militia, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON (two-thirds concurring), and read a second time.

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

        On motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD, the order of the day was passed by for the purpose of considering bill No. 141.

        The bill was amended, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN [so as to associate with the adjutant general, as a board of examination, two commissioned military officers].

        Mr. ROBERTSON moved to amend the bill in the 2d section, by striking out the words "shall be imprisoned in the county or corporation jail for such period, not exceeding one month, as the court martial may determine, subject to the revisory action of the governor," and inserting "be punished as provided for in the case of enlisted


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men, by the rules and articles of war of the Confederate States"--pending the consideration of which, Mr. RANDOLPH moved that the bill and pending amendment be laid on the table and printed; 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. ROBERTSON, Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved to amend the bill in the 2d section, by inserting after the word "shall" the words "be fined not less than one hundred dollars or" [so as to add to the punishment prescribed by the rules and articles of war, a fine of not less than one hundred dollars]; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. SHACKLEFORD demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved farther to amend the bill, by adding at the end thereof the following: "and in lieu of confinement under guard, may be confined in the county or city jail;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. RIXEY demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. WINSTON moved farther to amend the bill, by adding to the 2d section the following: "The fines imposed under this section shall be collected by the sheriff or sergeant of the county or corporation as in other cases of militia fines, within 60 days from the time of their imposition."

        The question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON, the house resolved itself into secret session--and after some time spent therein,

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the doors were opened.

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

        No. 145. A bill to amend and re-enact the 1st section of an act passed March 5th, 1863, in relation to the investment of funds by fiduciaries.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, presented the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of extending the jurisdiction of the circuit courts in certain cases, so as to authorize the institution and prosecution of suits against parties residing within the lines of the public enemy, in like manner as if such parties were non-residents of the commonwealth.

        No. 61. An engrossed bill to amend and re-enact the charter of the Union female college, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, read a third time and passed.

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


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        On motion of Mr. MCCUE,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures consider the propriety of incorporating the Richmond joint stock knitting machine company of the state of Virginia.

        On motion of Mr. HUNTER,

        Resolved, that a select committee of five from the house of delegates be appointed by the SPEAKER to meet a committee of three from the senate, for the purpose of preparing an address to the soldiers of Virginia in the armies of the Confederate States, expressive of our thanks for the conspicuous valor and devotion with which they have supported the dignity, honor and rights of this state during three years of uninterrupted war, deploring the necessity for continued service and fresh sacrifices, and giving the assurance that this legislature has done and will do all in its power to provide for such of their families as may be in want.

        On motion of Mr. TAYLOR of Prince George and Surry,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the act of the general assembly, passed October 31, 1863, as to authorize the justices of any county, city or town to raise the amount found necessary to be appropriated for the support of the indigent soldiers and sailors of the state of Virginia, &c., by issuing the bonds of the county, &c., and of ratifying any such act of the justices of any county.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1864.

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

        Mr. BROOKE, from the committee for courts of justice, presented an adverse report to a resolution to enquire into the expediency of amending the 16th section of chapter 171 of the Code, in relation to the appointment of a guardian ad litem for a married woman.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution concerning lunatic convicts in the penitentiary, presented a report, asking that the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the same, and that the same be referred to the committee on the penitentiary; which was concurred in.

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

        No. 146. A bill to provide for the establishment of a soldiers' home for Virginia troops; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

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

        No. 147. A bill establishing a commercial agency for the state of


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Virginia; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. BROOKE presented the petition of William J. Morgan, asking to be paid the value of a slave condemned to be hung, and who committed suicide before execution of the sentence; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. ENGLISH presented the petition of William J. Morris and others, asking for the incorporation of the Henrico manufacturing company; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on agriculture and manufactures.

        No. 20. A house bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), with the amendments thereto proposed by the senate, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the first amendment proposed by the senate, which was to strike out in the 6th, 7th and 8th lines of the bill the words "one hundred and fifty dollars in the circuit courts of the county and city of Norfolk, and one hundred dollars in any other circuit court," and to insert in lieu thereof the words "three hundred dollars" [the effect being to give to each commonwealth's attorney, at the discretion of the court, three hundred dollars], was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 73, noes 20.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, English, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Harris, Hendrick, Hoge, Horton, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lively, Lundy, Mathews, McKinney, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woodley--73.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Crockett, Dickey, Edwards, Ferguson, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Holden, Huntt, W. Johnson, Kindrick, McMillan, Melvin, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin and Williams--20.

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

        The report of the committee of privileges and elections relative to the eligibility of Thomas E. Betts to a seat in the house of delegates from the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland, was taken up, on motion of Mr. JONES; and the question being on agreeing to the first resolution, the hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, which was a senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, No. 32, Mr. PENDLETON moved that the order of the day be passed by for the purpose of considering the question before the house; which was agreed to.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the 1st resolution, Mr. PENDLETON moved to amend the resolution, which is as follows:

        "Resolved, that the said Thomas E. Betts, elected a member to represent the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland in the present house of delegates, is, under the provisions of the constitution of Virginia, ineligible to that office, and that the said office is vacant," by adding thereto the following: "not having resigned his office as attorney for the commonwealth at the date of such election,


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or prior to or on the 1st day of July 1863, at which time his term of office as member of this house commenced;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the words "elected a member," and inserting "the delegate elect;" which was rejected.

        Mr. JONES moved to amend the resolution, by inserting after the words "Thomas E. Betts" the words "said to be;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the resolution by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting:

        "Resolved, that the said Thomas E. Betts, said to have been elected a member to represent the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland in the present house of delegates, being at the time of his election an attorney for the commonwealth, and not having resigned his said office, either on the 1st day of July 1863 or since, but still holding the same, is not entitled to a seat on this floor as delegate from said counties, and that the said office is vacant."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BROOKE moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the entire amendment, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

        "Resolved, that the said Thomas E. Betts having been at the date of his supposed election to the house of delegates, attorney for the commonwealth for Northumberland county, was, under the provisions of the constitution of Virginia, ineligible as a member of the house of delegates, and that the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland are unrepresented in the present house of delegates."

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

        The question being on agreeing to the resolution as amended, Mr. HARRIS demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The second resolution was then agreed to.

        The report and resolutions are as follows:

        "The committee of privileges and elections have, according to order, had under consideration the copy of the recorded proceedings of the county court of Northumberland county, touching the eligibility of Mr. Thomas E. Betts to a seat in the house of delegates of Virginia, to represent the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland, to which it is alleged in the said proceedings he was elected, and beg leave most respectfully to report:

        That they are informed and believe, that the said Thomas E. Betts is an officer from Virginia in the military service of the Confederate States, and that he was captured by the enemy early in the month of July last, and has been ever since and is now held as a prisoner of war. That in consequence of his being a prisoner of war, doubtless


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the said Betts has been prevented from offering to take a seat in the house of delegates as aforesaid, and from the same cause your committee have been unable to notify him to attend before them while considering this case. But as much as your committee desired to notify Mr. Betts, and to have him before them, they deemed it due to the unrepresented counties of Lancaster and Northumberland in this house, to proceed to consider the case, on the question presented, in his absence, and to come to a decision.

        It is proper here to report that no certificate of the election of Mr. Betts as a delegate was before the committee; and upon enquiry of the secretary of the commonwealth and of the clerk of the house of delegates for the certificate, the committee were informed by the former that none was ever given by him, and by the latter, that if any was ever forwarded to him it was never received. Consequently, your committee had to rely on the statement of the fact of Mr. Betts' election, contained in the said proceedings of the county court of Northumberland--that being the only evidence before them.

        By the proceedings of the said court, it appears that at the time of Mr. Betts' election as a delegate to the legislature he was the commonwealth's attorney for Northumberland county court, and at the date of those proceedings, to wit, the 12th October 1863, had not resigned his office of commonwealth's attorney, and as far as your committee are informed has never done so; and the question is raised and submitted by the court in the said proceedings, whether or not Mr. Betts, being a commonwealth's attorney as aforesaid, is eligible to a seat in the house of delegates?

        Admitting, then, the truth of the said allegations of the court on the subject, which they do not for a moment question, your committee is clearly of opinion, that under the inhibition contained in the 7th section of the 4th article of the constitution of Virginia, in these words, "and no attorney for the commonwealth shall be capable of being elected a member of either house of assembly," Mr. Betts is ineligible as a member of the house of delegates, and have come to the following resolutions on the subject:

1. Resolved, that the said Thomas E. Betts having been, at the date of his supposed election to the house of delegates, attorney for the commonwealth for Northumberland county, was, under the provisions of the constitution of Virginia, ineligible as a member of the house of delegates, and that the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland are unrepresented in the present house of delegates.

2. Resolved, that the speaker of this house issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy aforesaid, occasioned by the ineligibility of the said Thomas E. Betts."

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. NEWMAN, the senator from Marion, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to a resolution for the election of certain officers of government: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

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


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        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the doors were opened.

        No. 32. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, being the order of the day, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, and postponed to and made the order of the day for Monday at 12 o'clock, and so on from day to day until disposed of.

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

        Resolved, that on and after Monday next this house will take a recess from 3 o'clock P. M. until 7½ P.M., and that the SPEAKER vacate the chair each day at 3 P. M., and resume the same at 7½ P. M.

        Mr. GILMER submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of so amending the exemption law as to exempt one deputy sheriff and one deputy clerk in each county, for every seven thousand inhabitants therein.

        Mr. IRVING moved to amend the resolution, by adding thereto the following: "and one commissioner in chancery for every county." Pending the consideration of which,

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Solomon of the Baptist church.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 6, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act to provide for the preservation of the records of the counties of Warwick, Elizabeth City and James City, and of the city of Williamsburg, No. 34.

        They have agreed to the resolution from the house of delegates requesting a committee of conference to consider the subject of disagreement on the bill entitled:

        An act providing for the payment of tobacco destroyed by fire at the public warehouse, No. 9.


        The resolution from the senate fixing a day for the election of certain officers of the government, was taken up and concurred in.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

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

        No. 34. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of W. G. Singleton, reported the same, with a recommendation that it do not pass.

        Mr. PENDLETON, from the committee on public printing, to whom had been referred a communication of the governor in relation to purchases recently made in Europe on state account, presented the following resolution:


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        Resolved, that the clerk of the house of delegates be instructed to have the same printed for the use of the house.

        The resolution was agreed to.

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

        Whereas a free and untrammeled press is necessary for the preservation of republican liberty, and the great bulwark upon which rests all free governments: Therefore,

        Be it resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that our senators in congress be instructed and our representatives respectfully requested to use their efforts to procure the exemption from military service of all editors of newspapers, and a sufficient number of employees necessary for the regular publication of their respective papers.

        Mr. GILMER submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of so amending the exemption law as to exempt from military service one deputy sheriff for each county and city, and one additional deputy sheriff for every seven thousand inhabitants above the first seven thousand.

        Mr. IRVING moved to amend the resolution, by inserting after the word "sheriff," "and one commissioner in chancery;" which was agreed to.

        Mr. DEANE moved to amend the resolution, by adding thereto the following: "and also such bank officers as the board of directors of any bank shall certify are necessary to conduct the business thereof."

        Mr. HAYMOND moved to amend the amendment, by adding thereto the following: "and all other persons whom the committee may deem it proper to exempt;" 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 resolution as amended was then agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. MONROE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending section 4, chapter 31 of an act passed on the 31st of October 1863, entitled an act for the relief of indigent soldiers, sailors, &c., as to protect against the provisions of said act necessary supplies laid in by hotel keepers for the accommodation of the public.

        No. 141. An engrossed bill disbanding the 179th regiment of the militia of the line, and for the more efficient organization of the 19th regiment of the line, and the 1st regiment of the second class militia, was taken up on motion of Mr. ANDERSON; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. HARRIS moved a suspension of the rule with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was passed; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HAYMOND of Marion demanded the


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previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

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

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, a senate bill to reorganize the militia, the same was postponed, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, until the pending question was disposed of.

        No. 27. A bill declaring who shall be exempt from military service under an act to organize the state forces, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, read a second time, and on his motion, committed to the committee on military affairs.

        Mr. BOULDIN submitted the following resolution; which was unanimously agreed to:

        Resolved, that this house will adjourn at 15 minutes before 1 o'clock, to attend the funeral of the Hon. John A. Wilcox deceased, late a member of congress from the state of Texas.

        On motion of Mr. DEYERLE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill confiscating the property of persons abandoning the state to avoid military service; and also to punish their aiders and abettors.

        No. 68. A bill to authorize the common council of the town of Danville to acquire lands in the county of Pittsylvania for certain public uses, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, amended, and as amended read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to suspend the rule with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was ordered to its engrossment.

        Pending the consideration of which, the house, under the resolution adopted, adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Solomon of the Baptist church.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 8, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to a resolution from the house of delegates for a joint committee to prepare an address to the army, &c.


        Mr. RIDDICK, from the committee on agriculture and manufactures, presented the following bill:

        No. 148. A bill to incorporate the Henrico manufacturing company.

        No. 110. A bill to amend the charter of the city of Petersburg, was taken up, on motion of Mr. KELLEY, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.


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        On motion of Mr. BROOKE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of extending the jurisdiction of circuit courts in certain cases, so as to authorize the institution and prosecution of suits in such cases against parties residing in the lines of the public enemy, in like manner as if they were non-residents.

        On motion of Mr. JAMES,

        Resolved, that the committee of privileges and elections be instructed to enquire into the expediency of amending the 21st section of chapter 14 of the Code (edition of 1860), regulating the mileage of members of the general assembly.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the board of public works be requested to communicate copies of the monthly reports of the superintendent of the salt works to this house, showing the monthly operations thereof.

        On motion of Mr. BOWEN,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending chapters 192 and 200 of the Code of 1860, as to provide a more effectual remedy to prevent the abduction and carrying away of slaves by slaves.

        Mr. HARRIS submitted the following resolution; which, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, was ordered to be referred to the committee on confederate relations:

        Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that our senators and representatives in congress be requested to procure the passage of a law, protecting the agricultural interest of the country, so as not to endanger supplies for the army.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee of conference on the part of the house upon the matters of disagreement between the two houses upon house bill to provide for payment of damages to tobacco by fire in the public warehouse: Messrs. Bouldin, Burr, Haymond of Marion, Buford, Deane, Keiley and Staples.

        No. 39. A senate bill entitled an act more effectually to suppress trading on boats plying the rivers and canals of the commonwealth, was read a second time, amended, and as amended passed.

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

        No. 41. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the transfer of certain bonds of the state, held in trust by the government of the United States for the Cherokee tribe of Indians, and providing for the payment of interest thereon, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 90.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Holden, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tibbs, J Walker, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--90.


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        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 43. A senate bill entitled an act to amend sections 31 and 32 of chapter 184 of the Code, so as to increase the fees of clerks of courts for certain services, was taken up and read a second time.

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

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, which was a senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, No. 32, being the order of the day, was taken up on its second reading; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. BOULDIN, to strike out, in the second line of the first section, the word "sixteen," and to insert "eighteen," Mr. PENDLETON moved that the bill be laid on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. STAPLES moved the indefinite postponement of the bill; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. WOOLFOLK demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 37, noes 62.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Bryan, Buffington, Colston, Cox, Cummings, English, Ferguson, Fletcher, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Herndon, Horton, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lundy, Lynch, Mathews, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Pretlow, Randolph, Robinson, F. Saunders, Smith, Snowden, Staples, T. W. Taylor, J. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Woolfolk and Worsham--37.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Butler, Burwell, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, Evans, Fauntleroy, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Keiley, Linkous, Lively, Maguire, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, Melvin, Monroe, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Williams, Winn, Winston and Woodley--62.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the motion to lay the bill on the table, Mr. PATTERSON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 49, noes 51.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baskervill, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Colston, Cox, Cresap, English, Ferguson, Fletcher, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, R. W. Hunter, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lundy, Lynch, Mathews, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Riddick, Robinson, Rowan, F. Saunders, Smith, Snowden, Staples, T. W. Taylor, J. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, Winn, Woolfolk and Worsham--49.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Butler, Burwell, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Evans, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Holden, Horton, Hughes, Irving, Jones, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Maguire, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, Monroe, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Williams, Winston and Woodley--51.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. BOULDIN, to strike out "sixteen" and to insert "eighteen," was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 50, noes 52.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Bouldin, Bowen, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Butler, Colston, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Douthat, English, Fletcher, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Jones, Kaufman, Kenney,


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Kindrick, Lundy, Lynch, Mathews, McKinney, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Riddick, F. Saunders, Smith, Snowden, Staples, T. W. Taylor, J. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--50.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Branch, Buford, Burwell, Coke, Cresap, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Holden, Horton. Hughes, Irving, W. Johnson, Jordan, Keiley, Linkous, Lively, Maguire, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, Melvin, Monroe, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs and Williams--52.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL, the order of the day was postponed until to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the joint resolution for the appointment of a committee to prepare an address to the army: Messrs. Hunter, Deane, Shackleford, Cummings and Baker.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL, the house resolved itself into secret session; and after some time spent therein, the doors being opened,

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Solomon of the Baptist church.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 9, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to sundry amendments, and with an amendment to the fifth amendment, and have disagreed to the sixth amendment proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy.

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


        The amendment proposed by the senate to the fifth amendment proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, was agreed to.

        The house insisted upon its sixth amendment, disagreed to by the senate.

        Ordered, that Mr. PENDLETON inform the senate thereof.

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

        No. 149. A bill to authorize the confederate congress to construct a temporary addition to the capitol.

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

        No. 60. A bill repealing all laws authorizing insurance of tobacco by the state, and providing for the sale of the Public warehouse, reported the same with amendments.


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        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to a resolution as to the propriety of remunerating loyal citizens for losses sustained under the operation of a proclamation issued by the governor of this commonwealth on the 11th of May 1861.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented the following resolution; which was agreed to:

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill providing that all appropriations, salaries and fees accruing under the laws of this state, shall be deemed to be payable in the funds receivable by this state for public dues, at the time when such salaries and fees become due and payable, and amending the act passed October 14, 1863, defining what contracts are payable in currency.

        No. 58. A bill for the relief of the securities of R. P. Baker, late sheriff of Grayson county, was taken up, on motion of Mr. DICKEY, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 148. A bill to incorporate the Henrico manufacturing company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ENGLISH, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        No. 43. A senate bill entitled an act to amend sections 31 and 32 of chapter 184 of the Code, so as to increase the fees of clerks of courts for certain services, was taken up, amended, and as amended, read a third time and passed--Ayes 78, noes 12.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, Harris, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, R. W. Hunter, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lundy, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, McMillan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley and Woolfolk--78.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Crockett, Dickey, Ferguson, W. Johnson, Kindrick, McElroy, Miller, Monroe, Murdaugh, Rixey and R. J. White--12.

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

        Mr. AMBERS, from the joint committee to examine the auditor's office, presented a report.

        Mr. DEANE, at his own request, was excused from further attendance until Monday next.

        No. 40. A bill authorizing in certain cases the settlement of fiduciaries' accounts before commissioners in chancery of courts other than those in which such fiduciaries have been appointed, or in which the instruments creating their authority have been recorded, with the pending amendment thereto by way of substitute, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BASKERVILL.

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

        The hour having arrived for the execution of the joint order of the day, which had for its object the election of certain officers of the government, Mr. PENDLETON submitted the following resolution; which was agreed to:


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        Resolved, with the consent of the senate, that the execution of so much of the joint order for this day as refers to the election of a public printer, be postponed until Wednesday the 2d day of March next, at 12 o'clock M.

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

        Subsequently, a message was received from the senate by Mr. NEWMAN, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the resolution, with an amendment, striking out the 2d day of March next, and inserting 18th of February; which was agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. PENDLETON inform the senate thereof.

        On motion of Mr. COWAN,

        Resolved, that the 43d rule of this house, so far as the same is applicable to the pending joint order, be and the same is hereby suspended. The effect of which resolution was to have the vote recorded for all the nominations collectively.

        Mr. COWAN nominated J. M. Bennett for the office of auditor of public accounts; H. W. Thomas for second auditor; John S. Calvert for treasurer; Stafford H. Parker for register of the land office; George W. Munford for secretary of the commonwealth; and Colin Bass for superintendent of the penitentiary.

        Ordered, that Mr. PENDLETON inform the senate that the foregoing persons were in nomination.

        Subsequently, a message was received from the senate by Mr. NEWMAN, who informed the house of delegates that the senate was ready to proceed on their part to the execution of the joint order, and that no additional nominations had been made in that body.

        The roll was then called, with the following result:

        For Nominees (except Stafford H. Parker)--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kinkrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--114.

        For Stafford H. Parker (all except Mr. Stewart)--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--113.

        The SPEAKER announced Messrs. Cowan, Pendleton, Deyerle,


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Goodall, Thompson of Carroll, Robinson of Taylor, Wilson of Isle of Wight, Ambers, and Walker of Rockingham, a committee on the part of the house, to meet a committee on the part of the senate; who subsequently, by Mr. COWAN their chairman, reported as follows:

        
Whole number of votes cast, 151
Necessary to a choice, 76
J. M. Bennett received for auditor of public accounts, 151
H. W. Thomas for second auditor, 151
John S. Calvert for treasurer, 151
Stafford H. Parker for register of the land office, 150
Geo. W. Munford for secretary of the commonwealth, 151
Colin Bass for superintendent of the penitentiary, 151

        Thereupon, J. M. Bennett having received a majority of all the votes cast for auditor of public accounts, Henry W. Thomas having received a majority of all the votes cast for second auditor, John S. Calvert having received a majority of all the votes cast for treasurer, S. H. Parker having received a majority of all the votes cast for register of the land office, G. W. Munford having received a majority of all the votes cast for secretary of the commonwealth, and Colin Bass having received a majority of all the votes cast for superintendent of the penitentiary, the SPEAKER announced that the foregoing persons had been duly elected for the constitutional terms of their respective offices, commencing on the 2d of January 1865.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the orders of the day, on motion of Mr. WHITE of Brooke, the orders of the day were postponed.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE,

        Resolved, that a special committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of authorizing the governor to appoint an agent, looking to the manufacture of alcohol in this state for medical or mechanical purposes.

        No. 40. A bill authorizing in certain cases the settlement of fiduciaries' accounts, &c., with the pending amendment thereto, was again taken up, on motion of Mr. BASKERVILL.

        The substitute was then further amended; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment as amended, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

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

        The order of the day, being senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, No. 32, was taken up.

        Mr. AMBERS moved that the bill be laid on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 46, noes 61.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Bryan, Colston, Cox, Cresap, Edwards, English, Fletcher, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lundy, Lynch, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Pendleton, Powell, Randolph, Riddick, Rust, F. Saunders, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk and Worsham--46.


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        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Holden, Horton, James, Jones, Jordan, Lively, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, McCue, McKinney, Monroe, Morgan, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Parramore, Pitman, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tibbs, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winston and Woodley--61.

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the bill in the third section, by striking out "two" and inserting "one" [the effect being to limit the number of second lieutenants to one]; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. COKE moved to amend the bill, in the fourth section, by adding thereto the following: "and in companies where there is allowed only one second lieutenant, any vacancy in the office of second lieutenant shall be filled by election;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. JAMES moved to amend the bill, in the fourth section, by striking out in the second line the word "second;" which was agreed to.

        Mr. HUNTER moved to amend the bill, in the fourth line of the fourth section, by adding after the word "companies," the following: "of equal or superior rank;" which was agreed to.

        Mr. BARKSDALE moved to amend the bill, by striking out "junior lieutenant," and inserting "commissioned officers of the lowest grade;" which was agreed to.

        Mr. BARKSDALE moved to amend the bill, in the first section, by adding thereto the following: "and provided further, that this act shall not apply to any such foreigners who are in the employment of the state or of the Confederate States as mechanics, artificers, or experts in any useful trade or employment."

        Mr. BURWELL moved to amend the amendment, by striking out all after the word "foreigners," and inserting "who are actively engaged in working for the public in any useful science, trade or employment;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and it appearing that no quorum voted,

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Solomon of the Baptist church.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 10, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act releasing the commonwealth's claim to certain land to Matthew Sylvia, No. 19.


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


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        No. 42. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 10th and 11th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by the act passed March 24th, 1863, entitled an act increasing the compensation of clerks of courts during the existing war, reported the same with amendments.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, presented the following bill:

        No. 150. A bill to reduce the capital stock of the Bank of Howardsville.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under a resolution in relation to the distillation of alcohol, agreed to on yesterday: Messrs. White of Brooke, Robertson, Worsham, Shackleford and Barksdale.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be requested to enquire into the expediency of so amending the 6th and 7th sections of chapter 17 of the Code, as to make its provisions extend to disloyal citizens of Virginia.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending the 16th and 17th sections of chapter 130 of the Code of 1860, so as to authorize the personal representatives of decedents to sell for, and receive in payment, currency receivable in payment of public dues.

        On motion of Mr. DUVAL,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the propriety of reporting a bill fixing by law the amount on freight the Southern express company shall be entitled to charge.

        On motion of Mr. MILLER,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of authorizing the presiding justices of the county courts to change the place of holding courts when the same cannot be held at the courthouse by reason of the public enemy.

        No. 98. A bill for the relief of the personal representatives of A. B. Urquhart, Joseph E. Gillett and Madison S. Davis, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PRETLOW, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        Mr. DUVAL presented the petition of James E. Smith, asking compensation for himself and company as partizan rangers; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

        No. 30. A bill to provide for the completion of the Covington and Ohio rail road, with the pending amendments thereto, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BURWELL, and on his motion, laid on the table, and made the order of the day for Monday next at 12 o'clock, and so on from day to day until disposed of.

        No. 87. An engrossed bill prescribing the mode of serving notices in certain cases, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, read a third time and passed.

        No. 111. A bill to incorporate the Richmond city insurance company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond, read


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

        An adverse report of the committee for courts of justice to a resolution to enquire into the expediency of amending the act passed October 30, 1863, amending and re-enacting section 11 of chapter 208 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, and on his motion, recommitted to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 44. A senate bill entitled an act to amend section 100 of chapter 35 of the Code, so as to increase the allowance to clerks of courts for services under said chapter; and

        No. 34. An act for the relief of W. G. Singleton, were read a second time, and on motions severally made, laid on the table.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. JOHNSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bills entitled an act to authorize the sale of certain slaves now in the penitentiary, No. 12; an act for the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool, No. 13; an act authorizing the collection of dividends due by the Raleigh and Gaston rail road company to the city of Norfolk, No. 78; and that they had passed with amendments house bills entitled an act vacating the commissions of militia officers of the line, No. 84, and an act disbanding the 179th regiment of the militia of the line, and for the more efficient organization of the 19th regiment of the militia of the line, and the 1st regiment of the second class militia, No. 141: in which amendments they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the amendments to the bills respectively were taken up and agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. PENDLETON inform the senate thereof.

        No. 42. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 10th and 11th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by the act passed March 24th, 1863, entitled an act increasing the compensation of clerks of courts during the existing war, with the amendment thereto by way of substitute, proposed by the committee for courts of justice, was read a second time; and the question being on agreeing to the substitute, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The bill as amended was then read a third time and passed--Ayes 90, noes 9.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskerville, Bland, Bouldin, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crockett, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, English, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Holden, R. W. Hunter, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith Snowden, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley and Worsham--90.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Ferguson, Horton, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Miller, Murdaugh, Rixey and R. J. White--9.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, the title was amended so as to read as follows:


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        "An act to authorize clerks of courts, for certain services, to charge double the sums specified in the act passed March 24, 1863, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act increasing the compensation of clerks of courts during the existing war."

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

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ARMSTRONG, who informed the house of delegates that the senate insisted upon their disagreement to the sixth amendment proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, No. 7, and had agreed to a resolution asking a committee of conference: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, which was a senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, No. 32, on its second reading, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. BURWELL to the amendment submitted by Mr. BARKSDALE to the first section of the bill, was put, and decided in the negative.

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

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the bill, in the fourth section, second line, by inserting after the word "if" the following: "it shall be alleged in writing, by twelve or more of the members of the company, that;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the amendment, by adding thereto after the word "company" the following: "or upon other satisfactory information, the commandant may believe;" which was agreed to.

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

        Mr. BARKSDALE moved to amend the bill, by striking out the entire bill, and inserting in lieu thereof a substitute.

        Mr. ANDERSON demanded a division of the question; and the question being on agreeing thereto, the bill from the senate was still open to amendment.

        Mr. ROBERTSON moved to amend the bill, by adding to the seventh section the following: "except of officers of the second class militia and of the 19th regiment of the militia of the line;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the bill in the seventh section, by striking out the following words: "unless the governor disapprove of the election of any company officer, or the recommendation of any staff officer, he shall commission him. If he disapprove of the election or recommendation, he may refuse to commission, and order another election to be held or recommendation to be made; but he shall in all cases communicate to the general assembly his reasons for such disapproval;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and it appearing that no quorum voted,

        Mr. PENDLETON moved that the house do now adjourn; and the


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question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 20, noes 66.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Buffington, Cox, Cresap, Edwards, Gilmer, Harris, W. Johnson, Lively, Lynch, McKinney, Pretlow, Riddick, Robinson, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Snowden, T. W. Taylor, J. Walker, J. L. Wilson and S. M. Wilson--20.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bowen, Branch, Burr, Butler, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, James, J. B. Johnson, Kaufman, Kindrick, Linkous, Lundy, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, Stewart, Thomas, Tredway, R. J. White, Williams, Woodley and Worsham--66.

        Mr. ANDERSON moved that the bill be laid on the table until tomorrow at 12 o'clock, and that the substitute be printed.

        Mr. PRETLOW moved to amend the motion, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting "Thursday next, and that the substitute be printed;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 13, noes 76.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Baskervill, Buffington, Goodykoontz, Harris, Kenney, McElroy, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Pretlow, Smith, J. C. Walker and S. M. Wilson--13.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burr, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Draper, Duval, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kindrick, Linkous, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCutchen, McKinney, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, Thomas, Tredway, J. Walker, R. J. White, Williams, Winn and Woodley--76.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the motion to lay the bill on the table until to-morrow at 12 o'clock, and that the substitute be printed, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE, the resolution from the senate asking a committee of conference upon the disagreement of the two houses in relation to senate bill entitled an act for the relief of the families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, was taken up and concurred in.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        On motion of Mr. MONROE,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the relief of J. S. Pugh, quartermaster of the 114th regiment of Virginia militia.

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


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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Solomon of the Baptist church.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 11, 1864.

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

        An act to amend sections 31 and 32 of chapter 184 of the Code, so as to increase the fees of clerks of courts for certain services, No. 43.

        An act more effectually to suppress unlawful trading on boats plying the rivers and canals of the commonwealth, No. 39.

        They have passed bills entitled:

        An act to suppress trade combinations, No. 28.

        An act making debts due to branch banks within the enemy's lines payable to the mother banks within the confederate lines, No. 40.

        An act to incorporate the Richmond city insurance company, No. 47.

        An act to amend the 11th and 12th sections of chapter 170 of the Code of Virginia, so as to dispense with the order of publication during the existing war, No. 51.

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


        No. 28. A senate bill entitled an act to suppress trade combinations, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 40. A senate bill entitled an act making debts due to branch banks within the enemy's lines payable to the mother banks within the confederate lines, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on banks.

        No. 51. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 11th and 12th sections of chapter 170 of the Code of Virginia, so as to dispense with the order of publication during the existing war, 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 incorporate the Richmond city insurance company, was read a first and second times, amended, and on motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond, read a third time and passed.

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

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee of conference on the part of the house upon the disagreement of the two houses upon senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, No. 7: Messrs. Brooke, Haymond of Marion, Walton, Irving, Colston, Jones and Lynch.


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        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, presented the following bill; which, on his motion, was read a first and second times:

        No. 151. A bill amending and re-enacting an act entitled an act declaring what contracts shall be payable in currency, passed October 14, 1863.

        Mr. WHITE of Brooke, from a select committee, presented the following bill.

        No. 152. A bill authorizing the governor to appoint an agent to contract with some suitable person or persons for the manufacture of alcohol in this state for medical and mechanical uses; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bill; which was read a first, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 153. A bill to amend and re-enact the 11th section of the 208th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), as amended and re-enacted by an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 11 of chapter 208 of the Code of Virginia, passed October 30, 1863.

        No. 133. A bill to amend and re-enact the 32d section of the 158th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. FRY of Madison, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 74. A bill for the relief of George J. Arnold, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BRAXTON, amended, and as amended, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 20. A house bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), with the pending amendments thereto proposed by the senate, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WINSTON; and the question being on agreeing to the first amendment of the senate, as follows:

        Strike out in the 6th, 7th and 8th lines of the amended section the words "one hundred and fifty dollars in the circuit courts of the county and city of Norfolk, and one hundred dollars in any other circuit court," and insert in lieu thereof the words "three hundred dollars"--was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 81, noes 22.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Colston, Cresap, Crockett, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Furguson, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lewis, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Mullens, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Riddick, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woodley--81.

        NOES--Messrs. Cummings, Dickey, Fletcher, Graham, Horton, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Lundy, McCutchen, McElroy, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Murdaugh, Parramore, Patterson, Rixey, E. T. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, J. Walker and Worsham--22.

        The question being on agreeing to the second amendment of the senate, as follows:

        In the 11th line of the same section, strike out the words "one thousand dollars," and insert in lieu thereof the words "fifteen hundred dollars" [the effect being to give the attorney for Lynchburg


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$1,500]--was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 72, noes 27.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Colston, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, English, Evans, Ferguson, Flood, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, L D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Morgan, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Riddick, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woodley--72.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Buffington, Cummings, Dickey, Edwards, Fletcher, A. Fry, Graham, Hendrick, Horton, Huntt, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Lewis, Lundy, McCutchen, McElroy, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Murdaugh, Patterson, E. T. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, J. Walker and Worsham--27.

        The third amendment of the senate was agreed to as follows:

        Amend title, by substituting therefor the following:

        "An act amending and re-enacting the 7th section of chapter 165 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by the act passed March 28th, 1861, entitled an act to increase the pay of the commonwealth's attorney for the circuit court of Ohio county."

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES, the rule was suspended with a view to reconsider the vote by which the second amendment of the senate was rejected; and the question being on agreeing to the second amendment of the senate, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 80, noes 18.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Coke, Colston, Cox, Cresap, Crockett, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Nighbert, Pendleton Pitman, Randolph, Riddick, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Woolfolk--80.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Bowen, Buffington, Cummings, Ferguson, Fletcher, A. Fry, Horton, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Lundy, McCutchen, McElroy, Miller, Murdaugh, Staples, R. F. Taylor and Worsham--18.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

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

        Mr. SMITH moved that the order of the day be postponed with the view of taking up a bill on its second reading.

        Mr. ENGLISH moved to amend the motion, by inserting in lieu thereof the following: "until the substitute submitted by Mr. BARKSDALE be printed;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 36, noes 57.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Coke, Colston, Cox, Cresap, Dickey, Douthat, English, Ferguson, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Harris, Herndon, Holden, Kenney, Kindrick, Lynch, McElroy, Miller, Patterson, Pendleton, Riddick, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winston and Worsham--36

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Branch, Buford, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Draper, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lewis, Lundy, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCutchen, McKinney, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Mullens, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Pitman, Randolph, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E T. Saunders, Scott, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tibbs, Williams, Winn and Woodley--57.


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        The question recurring on agreeing to the motion of Mr. SMITH, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        No. 136. A bill to authorize the governor to appoint an agent to make out a list of all the men furnished by Virginia to the Confederate States army, showing those who have been killed in battle, or have died from wounds received or disease contracted in said army, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SMITH.

        Mr. SMITH submitted a substitute to the bill, and on his motion, the bill was laid on the table, and the substitute ordered to be printed.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. KEENE, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed, with an amendment, house bill No. 61, entitled an act to amend and re-enact the charter of the Union female college: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, which was a senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, No. 32, the same was taken up.

        Mr. STAPLES submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the pending bill and substitute be recommitted to the committee on military affairs, and that said committee be instructed to report a bill for the enrollment and organization of all able-bodied white men in this commonwealth between the ages of 16 and 55 years, who are not exempt by the laws thereof, and not subject to conscription under the law of congress. The said organization to constitute a local military force in each of the counties of this state, for the purpose of repelling raids, protecting property, suppressing insurrection, and acting generally as a part of the county police; and to be liable, when called on by the proper confederate authorities, to be detailed as provost guards, as agents, clerks and guards of the quartermaster and commissary service; to enforce the acts of conscription, and to discharge, in their respective counties, any other service of a military nature to which the laws of the Confederate States may authorize the president, with the consent of a state, to detail men not liable to general military service under the acts of conscription. All persons to be exempt from this service who shall be duly organized and received into service under the act of congress passed 13th October 1862, entitled an act to authorize the formation of volunteer companies for local defence--it being the intention of this house not now to organize a militia force subject to the call of the governor, and liable to service in any part of the state, but to form an efficient county police for the purposes above indicated, and to authorize an arrangement to be made by this state with the confederate government, by which the duties now performed by the details from the army in the different counties may be discharged by persons not liable to conscription.

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HARRIS demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 38, noes 54.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Bowles, Brooke, Buffington, Cox, Edwards, English, Ferguson, Fletcher,


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Goodykoontz, Harris, Hoge, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lundy, Lynch, Mathews, McElroy, Miller, Morgan, Mullens, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Randolph, Riddick, Rust, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk and Worsham--38.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cresap, Crockett, Deyerle, Draper, Fauntleroy, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Horton, Hughes, Hutcheson, Irving, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Lewis, Magruder, Maguire, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Pitman, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Smith, Snowden, Thomas, J. Walker, Williams, Winston and Woodley--54.

        The question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. MONROE, to strike out a portion of the seventh section, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the bill in the tenth section [relating to punishment for failure to enroll], by striking out the words "the commandant," and inserting "a battalion board;" which was disagreed to.

        Mr. ANDERSON moved to amend the thirteenth section, by striking out that portion thereof providing compensation for the clerks and provost marshals of battalion boards; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put--and it appearing that no quorum voted,

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Solomon of the Baptist church.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 12, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act prescribing the mode of serving notices in certain cases, No. 87.

        And they have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to prevent the unlawful carrying slaves on boats, No. 38.

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


        No. 38. A senate bill entitled an act to prevent the unlawful carrying of slaves on boats, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        The amendment proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the charter of the Union female college, No. 61, was agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

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

        No. 51. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 11th and 12th sections of chapter 170 of the Code of Virginia, so as to dispense with the order of publication during the existing war, reported the same, with a recommendation that it do not pass.


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        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, presented an adverse report upon a resolution to amend the 6th and 7th sections of chapter 17 of the Code of Virginia.

        A report asking that the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the proposition to regulate freights of the Southern express company, and that the same be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation, was agreed to.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, presented the following bill:

        No. 154. A bill to amend and re-enact the 1st section of chapter 58 of the Code of Virginia.

        Mr. PENDLETON, from the committee on printing presented the following resolution; which was concurred in:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the auditor of public accounts be directed to settle the accounts of the public printer, and that in settling the paper account he require the printer to return to the state the amount of paper used by him for purposes other than the state printing, in kind, class, quantity and quality; which was agreed to.

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

        Mr. BROOKE, from the committee of conference upon matters of disagreement between the two houses, presented the following report:

        The committee of conference on the subject of disagreement between the two houses on the bill for the relief of families of soldiers residing in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, have had the same under consideration, and recommend that the house recede from its amendment.

JAMES D. ARMSTRONG,


Ch. Senate Com.

JAMES O. BROOKE,


Ch. House Com.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE, the report was laid on the table, and made the order of the day for Tuesday next at 12½ o'clock.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the joint committee on salt, presented the following resolution:

        Resolved, that it is, in the opinion of the committee, highly important that the bills reported from the committee and now standing undisposed of upon the calendar of the house of delegates, shall be considered as soon as practicable.

        No. 45. A bill providing compensation for the pages and porters of the senate and house of delegates, and for the clerk of the joint committee on salt, and the engineer employed to examine the condition and capacities of the salt wells, was taken up, on motion of Mr. JAMES, amended, and as amended read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 94. A bill to repeal ordinance No. 66 of the convention of Virginia, respecting the revenue of the literary fund, was taken up, on motion of Mr. TREDWAY, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.


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        No. 148. A bill to incorporate the Henrico manufacturing company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ENGLISH, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 77. A bill to incorporate the Stonewall insurance company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BRANCH, amended, and as amended read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the board of public works, in answer to a resolution of the house in relation to the monthly reports of the superintendent of the salt works; which was ordered to be referred to the joint committee on salt.

        On motion of Mr. GRAHAM,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing an agency in the city of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the payment of claims due the estates of deceased soldiers from the state of Virginia.

        On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of the city of Richmond,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be requested to enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of the Farmers and Mechanics insurance company of the city of Richmond, passed March 28, 1861.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of so amending the 10th section of chapter 57 of the Code (edition of 1860), as to give to the state a vote in any meeting of stockholders in chartered companies corresponding with the number of shares, owned by the state in such companies, without limitation, and to provide that directors in the same proportion shall be appointed.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks be instructed to enquire into the expediency of authorizing and requiring general meetings of the stockholders of such of the banks of the commonwealth as the state is interested in as stockholder, at suitable points within our military lines, where such meetings cannot be held by reason of the location of such banks within the military lines of the public enemy.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that the clerk be directed to suspend the publication of the calendar for this week.

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

        No. 32. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, was taken up on its second reading.

        Mr. ANDERSON, by leave of the house, withdrew the amendment heretofore submitted by him.

        Mr. WALTON moved to amend the 17th section, relating to calling the militia into service, by striking out the entire section, and inserting the following:

        "The forces organized under this act shall be subject to the governor, county, city or town commandants and their subordinates, as


Page 145

herein after prescribed. The whole or any portion of said forces may be called into service by the governor to suppress insurrection. And whenever the president of the Confederate States shall ascertain that the persons between the ages of 18 and 45, who have been disabled from active service in the field, but who shall have been reported by a board of surgeons as fit to discharge the duties of provost and hospital guards and clerks, and clerks, guards, assistants, employees or laborers in the commissary or quartermaster departments, or the ordnance bureau, and in the execution of the enrollment acts, and such similar duties, are insufficient for that purpose in any city, town or county, and shall make requisition upon the governor for quotas to make up the number needed for the performance of the above mentioned duties, the governor may cause details to be made to meet such requisitions, under such regulations as he may prescribe: provided such persons shall not be removed beyond the limits of their respective counties, except while engaged in guarding prisoners from one point to another, or in pursuit of deserters: and provided further, that while so employed they shall receive the same rations, allowances and pay from the confederate service. The county commandant may also call out said forces to suppress insurrection, guard prisoners in his own county, or in transitu from one point to another, 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; but in case of insurrection, he shall immediately report his action to the governor. The term of service shall not exceed thirty days, and shall always end when the emergency which induced the call has ceased. Whenever, under the provisions aforesaid, parts of companies are called out or kept in the field at the instance of the president of the Confederate States, the governor shall make such arrangements for consolidating, officering and placing them under his control as may be necessary. Whenever they shall be so called out by the governor or the county commandant, the one or the other, as the case may be, shall make such arrangements for consolidating them, and shall appoint such officers to command them as they may think proper, without reference to the ages of such officers. The residue of the officers to be retained at home to command the residue of the forces."

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the entire amendment, and inserting 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 a duly authorized civil officer, to quell riots, to assist in the preservation of order, and in the execution of civil and 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 term of service of the state forces shall in no


Page 146

case exceed twenty days from the day of assembly at the place of rendezvous, nor shall their compulsory service, during any period of six months, exceed in the aggregate thirty days. But this shall not be construed to prohibit any portion of said forces, or any individuals thereof, from rendering voluntary service for a longer period; nor shall the time occupied in arresting deserters, or in patrol or police duties or in enforcing the laws, be counted as a part of said thirty days. The state forces 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 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. STAPLES 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, which was to strike out the 17th section, and to insert the amendment as amended, Mr. BUFORD demanded a division of the question; which was agreed to; and the question being on striking out the 17th section of the bill, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being on inserting the amendment submitted by Mr. WINSTON, Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the amendment, by striking out all thereof, and inserting the following:

        "The forces hereby organized, or any portion of them, may be called into the service of the state by the governor, to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, guard prisoners, to arrest deserters and persons absent without leave from the confederate service, 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. They shall not be taken out of the limits of the county except in cases of great emergency, and shall be discharged as soon as such emergency ceases. They shall not be retained in service at any one time for a longer period than fifteen days from the day of assembly at the place of rendezvous, except when in the judgment of the commandant or other officer the public safety shall indispensably require a longer service, and then for such further period, not exceeding ten days additional, as he shall deem necessary; nor shall any part of said force be called into service after a previous term, until after the lapse of at least twenty days from the expiration of the next preceding term; 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."


Page 147

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

        The question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. WINSTON, Mr. WALTON moved to amend the amendment, by striking out the words "to repel invasion," wherever they occur [the effect being to prevent the state forces being called out under the bill to repel invasion]; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 28, noes 61.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Bowles, Bryan, Buffington, Cox, Cummings, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, Harris, Hiett, Horton, Kaufman, Kenney, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Randolph, Rust, Shelton, Staples, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, Winn and Woolfolk--28.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burr, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Crockett, Deyerle, Draper, Evans. Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Holden, Irving, W. Johnson, Keiley, Kindrick, Lewis, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, J. Walker, Williams and Winston--61.

        The question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. WINSTON--pending the consideration thereof,

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1864.

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

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 13, 1864.

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

        An act to amend the 10th and 11th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by the act passed March 24th, 1863, entitled an act increasing the compensation of clerks of courts during the existing war, No. 42, with an amendment.

        They have agreed to the amendment proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled:

        An act to incorporate the Richmond city insurance company, No. 47.

        They have passed a bill entitled:

        An act releasing R. F. & D. G. Bibb from liability under a contract for the hire of negro convicts, No. 49.

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


        No. 49. A senate bill entitled an act releasing R. F. & D. G. Bibb from liability under the contract for the hire of negro convicts, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.


Page 148

        The amendment proposed by the senate to the amendment proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act to amend the 10th and 11th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, as amended by the act passed March 24th, 1863, entitled an act increasing the compensation of clerks of courts during the existing war, No. 42, was agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

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

        No. 155. A bill amending and re-enacting the 10th section of chapter 57 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        Mr. STAPLES, from a select committee, presented the following bill; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 156. A bill to amend and re-enact the 1st and 3d sections of the act passed March 13th, 1863, entitled an act further to provide for the public defence, passed October 3, 1862, as amended by the act passed October 10th, 1863, and the 24th, 7th and 8th sections of the act passed March 13th, 1863, entitled an act to amend and reenact an act further to provide for the public defence, passed October 3d, 1863.

        Mr. STAPLES, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution in relation to the amendment of the law upon the subject of the cultivation of tobacco, presented a report, that it was inexpedient to legislate upon the subject.

        No. 82. A bill to amend an act incorporating the Union manufacturing company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. NELSON, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 68. An engrossed bill to authorize the common council of Danville to acquire and hold lands in the county of Pittsylvania for certain public uses, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD; and the question being on agreeing to the motion heretofore submitted by Mr. TOMLIN, to suspend the rule with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was ordered to its engrossment, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

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

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire if any legislation be necessary to provide a more summary mode of imposing fines on the rail road, canal and navigation companies, for their failure to make their annual reports in due time; to which attention is called in the biennial report of the president of the board of public works.

        On motion of Mr. BUFFINGTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to provide for the election of a judge for the 18th circuit, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the late Hon. David McComas, by the army and refugee vote from that district.


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        On motion of Mr. W. O. FRY,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the 2d section of an act passed February 13th, 1863, repealing the fence law of Virginia as to certain counties, so as to include the county of Madison.

        No. 96. A bill to amend the charter of the town of Bridgewater, Rockingham county, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WALKER of Rockingham, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 115. A bill to make Clinch river a lawful fence through the county of Scott, was taken up, on motion of Mr. HORTON, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 132. A bill to incorporate the Hardy coal mining company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. JONES, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 77. An engrossed bill to incorporate the Stonewall insurance company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BRANCH, read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 45. An engrossed bill providing compensation for the pages and porters of the senate and house of delegates, and for the clerk of the joint committee on salt, and the engineer employed to examine the condition and capacities of the salt wells, was taken up, on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton, read a third time and passed--Ayes 96, noes 4.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Linkous, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tibbs, Tredway, Walton, Ward, Williams, Winn and Winston--96.

        NOES--Messrs. W. Johnson, Tomlin, J. Walker and R. J. White--4.

        Ordered, that Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

        No. 137. A bill to amend and re-enact sections 2 and 7 of an act entitled an act for improving the navigation of Willis' river, passed January 28, 1817, was taken up, on motion of Mr. IRVING, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

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

        No. 32. A senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. WINSTON (see Journal of 13th instant), [in lieu of the 17th section, which had been stricken out], was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WINSTON moved further to amend the bill, in the 18th section [headed "mustering into service"], by striking out the following


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words: "they shall be duly mustered into the service of the state by an officer detailed for the purpose by the commandant of the county;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BUFORD moved a suspension of the rule, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the amendment was agreed to; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The section was then further amended, on motion of Mr. WINSTON.

        Mr. HARRIS moved to amend the 18th section, by striking out all thereof, so that the section would read as follows:

        "18. When the state forces are called out to repel invasion or suppress insurrection, or upon any tour of service exceeding five days, any person failing to attend at the rendezvous shall make his excuse to the next regimental or battalion board."

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

        Mr. BUTLER moved to amend the section, by striking out the words "or upon any tour of service exceeding five days;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved to suspend the rule, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the house, on motion of Mr. HARRIS, ordered the following words to be stricken from the bill in the 18th section:

        "Any person claiming to be physically incompetent to perform such service, shall be examined by the surgeon of the regiment or battalion, or in his absence, by some physician selected by the commandant of the company, and may be excused, if the surgeon or physician and the commandant of the company concur in thinking him incompetent; but if they differ, another physician shall be called in by the commandant of the company and the two physicians, and in case of difference, their umpire, chosen by themselves, shall determine the question."

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

        The question recurring on agreeing to the motion to strike out, Mr. DEYERLE moved to amend that portion of the section, so as to read as follows:

        "Any person claiming to be physically incompetent to perform such service, shall be examined by the surgeon of the regiment or battalion, or in his absence, by some physician selected by the commandant of the company, and may be excused, if the surgeon or physician think him incompetent."

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

        The question recurring on striking out that portion of the section, as amended, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. FRY of Madison moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 41, noes 47.

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


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        AYES--Messrs. Bowles, Brooke, Buffington, Coke, Cox, Duval, Evans, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hiett, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Irving, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, R. J. White and Woolfolk--44.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, A. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Horton, Hutcheson, Kindrick, Lewis, Lundy, Maguire, Mathews, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Reid, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Staples, Tomlin, J. Walker, Winn, Winston and Woodley--47.

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the bill, in the 19th section, by striking out in the 2d line, "five days," and inserting "one day;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the bill, in the 19th section, by adding after the clause providing for pay, the following: "provided, that no payment shall be made to any one except for services actually rendered;" which was agreed to.

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the bill, in the 19th section [in the clause relating to payment], so that it would read as follows:

        "Payment shall be made from the treasury of the commonwealth, upon muster rolls certified by the commander of the company, and approved by the commandant of the county;" which was agreed to.

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1864.

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

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 15, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bill entitled:

        An act providing compensation for the pages and porters of the senate and house of delegates, and for the clerk of the joint committee on salt, and the engineer employed to examine the condition and capacities of the salt works, &c., No. 45, with amendments.

        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 providing compensation for the pages and porters of the senate and house of delegates, and for the clerk of the joint committee on salt, and the engineer employed to examine the condition and capacities of the salt works, &c., were agreed to.

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

        No. 58. A senate bill entitled an act to prevent the unlawful carrying slaves on boats, reported the same without amendment.

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


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        No. 157. A bill to amend and re-enact the 5th section of an act entitled an act to protect and indemnify citizens of Virginia, passed October 3, 1862.

        No. 158. A bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to extend the time of the exercise of certain civil rights and remedies, passed March 14, 1862.

        No. 159. A bill to amend and re-enact the 2d section of an act passed October 9, 1863, entitled an act to amend the act passed February 13, 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 3, 1862, and to legalize the action of county courts held under said law.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to the petition of William T. Downer and other citizens of King William, for relief from the action of the county court upon the subject of enclosures.

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

        No. 160. A bill to amend the charter of the Farmers and Mechanics insurance company of the city of Richmond.

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

        No. 49. A senate bill entitled an act releasing R. F. & W. G. Bibb from liability under a contract for the hire of negro convicts, reported the same without amendment.

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

        No. 161. A bill abolishing the quartermaster's department of Virginia forces.

        No. 162. A bill to establish an army agency in the city of Richmond, for the relief of soldiers, seamen and officers of Virginia in the confederate service, and to repeal the 1st, 2d and 3d sections of an act establishing such agency, passed March 9th, 1863.

        Said bills were read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, presented a report on the propriety of abolishing the quartermaster's department of the Virginia forces; which, on his motion, was ordered to be printed.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to the petition of E. D. Boyd of Kentucky.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, to whom had been referred the petition of James E. Smith, asking pay for himself and company, for services rendered as partizan rangers, presented a resolution asking that the resolution be withdrawn, and that the same be referred to the auditing board; which was agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. ENGLISH,

        Resolved, that the joint committee on salt be requested to enquire into the causes of the short weight of salt received by the agent of Henrico county at the last shipment from Col. Clarkson; and that they be authorized to send for persons and papers.


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        No. 49. A bill amending the 1st section of the 3d chapter of the Code of Virginia defining citizenship, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON and read a second time.

        Mr. PENDLETON submitted an amendment by way of substitute; and on his motion, the bill was laid on the table, and the substitute ordered to be printed.

        No. 110. An engrossed bill to amend the charter of the city of Petersburg, was taken up, on motion of Mr. KEILEY, read a third time and passed.

        No. 58. An engrossed bill for the relief of the securities of R. P. Baker, late sheriff of Grayson county, was taken up, on motion of Mr. DICKEY, read a third time and passed--Ayes 90.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crockett, Custis, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, English, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Lewis, Lundy, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Ward, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--90.

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

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the special order of the day, which was the report of the committee of conference upon the subject of the matters of disagreement between the two houses in relation to senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, No. 7, the special order was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the report of the committee of conference--the hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, which was a senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, No. 32, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the order of the day was postponed until the pending question was disposed of.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the report of the committee of conference, Mr. Cox demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, the roll was called, with the following result--Ayes 63, noes 44:

        AYES--Messrs Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Bland, Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Butler, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Custis, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Horton, Huntt, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Nighbert, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Stewart, Thomas, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn and Woodley--63.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Bowen, Branch, Buffington, Buford, Burwell, Crockett, Deyerle, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hoge, Holden, Keiley, Kindrick, Lewis, Lundy, Maguire, McKinney, McMillan, Morgan, Mullens, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, R. J. White, Winston and Woolfolk--44.

        Seventy-seven members not having voted in favor of the report, the SPEAKER announced that the report of the committee of conference was rejected. From this decision Mr. SHACKLEFORD appealed;


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and the question being--Shall the decision of the CHAIR stand as the judgment of the house? Mr. SHACKLEFORD, by leave of the house, withdrew the appeal.

        Mr. PENDLETON submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the senate be informed that the house of delegates have disagreed to the report of the committee of conference in relation to the matters of disagreement between the two houses upon the question of senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, and that they be respectfully requested to appoint another committee of conference; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        The order of the day, a senate bill to reorganize the militia, No. 32, was postponed, on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, until to-morrow at 11 o'clock.

        No. 68. An engrossed bill to authorize the common council of Danville to acquire lands in the county of Pittsylvania for certain public uses, was taken up, on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, read a third time and passed.

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

        Mr. MCCUE submitted the following preamble and resolution; which being objected to, were laid over under the rule:

        Whereas, from our isolated position, we must depend entirely upon our own resources for a supply of all things necessary to the support of our army and the comfort of our people: and whereas, by the late action of the general assembly in passing a bill to protect sheep and increase the growth of wool, an important step has been taken in this direction: and whereas it is desirable to secure co-operative legislation on the part of the other states of this Confederacy on this subject: Therefore,

        Resolved, that the governor of this commonwealth be requested to forward to each of the governors of the other states a copy of said bill, together with a copy of this resolution.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1864.

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

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

        No. 163. A bill amending and re-enacting an act entitled an act to increase jailors' fees for keeping and supporting prisoners, passed October 2, 1863.

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


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        No. 164. A bill for the relief of F. M. Ervine.

        On motion of Mr. CROCKETT, the committee on lunatic asylums was enlarged by the addition of one member. The chair appointed Mr. Butler.

        No. 158. A bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to extend the time for the exercise of certain civil rights and remedies, passed March 14, 1862, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WILSON of Ise of Wight, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        Mr. SNOWDEN submitted the following resolution; which, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, was referred to the committee on military affairs, with instructions to report proper resolutions of thanks to the Virginia troops who have re-enlisted for the war:

        Resolved, that the thanks of the general assembly of Virginia are due and are hereby tendered to Lieut. Col. Arthur Herbert of the 17th regiment of Virginia infantry, Corse's brigade, Pickett's division, and the gallant troops under his command, for the determination they have shown to uphold and defend the independence of Virginia and the Confederate States, as is evinced by their action on Monday the 15th instant, on which day they re-enlisted for the war.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the committee on salt enquire into and report, at an early date, to this house, what bills now reported are necessary to be acted on, in order to secure to the people of Virginia an adequate supply of salt for the ensuing year.

        No. 153. A bill to amend and re-enact the 11th section of the 208th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), as amended and re-enacted by an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 11 of chapter 208 of the Code of Virginia, passed October 30th, 1863, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BROOKE, and amended on his motion.

        Mr. BURR moved to amend the bill by adding at the end of the second section the following: "provided, that in the cities of Richmond, Petersburg and Lynchburg the court may allow not exceeding six dollars a day for each juror."

        Mr. MONROE moved to amend the amendment, by adding thereto the county of Augusta; and the question being on agreeing thereto--the hour having arrived for the consideration of a senate bill entitled an act to reorganize the militia, No. 32, was taken up, being the order of the day.

        Mr. WOOLFOLK submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the pending bill be recommitted to the committee on military affairs, with instructions to the said committee to enquire what if any legislation is necessary on the subject at this time.

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:

        "Resolved, that the pending bill be committed to a joint committee, to consist of seven of the senate and eleven of the house, with instructions to prepare and report, as early as practicable, a bill to organize all persons not liable to conscription, between the ages


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of 16 and 55 years, as a police force merely, for the purpose of maintaining order and enforcing the due execution of the civil laws."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. PENDLETON 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 resolution as amended, Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        Mr. STAPLES moved that the bill be laid on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 76, noes 36.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Bowen, Bowles, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Evans, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Irving, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lundy, Lynch, Marye, Mathews, McElroy, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Randolph, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--76.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Bland, Burwell, Coke, Crawford, Custis, Deyerle, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, Jordan, Lewis, Magruder, Maguire, McCue, McMillan, Meade, Monroe, Nighbert, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, E. T. Saunders, Shelton, Stewart, Tibbs, R. J. White, Williams and Woodley--36.

        Mr. STAPLES submitted the following resolution; which, on his motion, was laid on the table:

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into and report to this house what officers the governor of this commonwealth should certify, under the recent law of congress, for conscription, as necessary for the proper administration of the government of Virginia.

        No. 136. A bill to authorize the governor to appoint an agent to make out a list of all the men furnished by Virginia to the Confederate States army, showing those who have been killed in battle or have died from wounds received or disease contracted in said army, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SMITH; and the question being on agreeing to a substitute heretofore submitted by Mr. SMITH, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

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

        The unfinished business, being bill No. 153, to amend and re-enact the 11th section of the 208th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), as amended and re-enacted by an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 11 of chapter 208 of the Code of Virginia, passed October 30, 1863, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. MONROE, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The amendment to the bill, submitted by Mr. BURR, was then agreed to.

        The bill was then ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        On motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency


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of funding or exchanging so much of the surplus currency now in the treasury of the state as may, without detriment to the public interest, be so disposed of.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. HART, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed, with amendments, house bill entitled an act to incorporate the Stonewall insurance company, No. 77: in which amendments they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, a bill to provide for the completion of the Covington and Ohio rail road, No. 30, with the amendment thereto heretofore submitted by Mr. BURWELL, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being on the engrossment of the bill; Mr. PENDLETON 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. ARMSTRONG, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the resolution for the appointment of another committee of conference in relation to the matters of disagreement between the two houses upon senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, No. 7, and had appointed a committee on their part.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee on the part of the house: Messrs. Pendleton, Robertson, Haymond of Marion, Anderson, Winston, Wilson of Isle of Wight, and Shackleford.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1864.

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

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 17, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bills entitled:

        An act to amend the charter of the city of Petersburg, No. 110.

        An act to authorize the common council of Danville to acquire lands in the county of Pittsylvania for certain public uses, No. 68.

        And they have passed bills entitled:

        An act amending and re-enacting the 1st section of chapter 214 (Code of 1860), so as to provide for the punishment of free negro convicts in certain cases, No. 53.

        An act to amend and re-enact section 44 of chapter 49 of the Code, so as to increase the allowance to sheriffs and sergeants for services to the public, No. 54.


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        An act to amend the 3d section of an act for the relief of indigent soldiers and sailors, &c., passed October 31st, 1863, No. 56.

        An act to amend the 54th section of chapter 61 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), in relation to transfer of turnpikes to the counties in which they lie, No. 57.

        An act amending the 2d section of an act amending the charter of the Virginia fire and marine insurance company, passed January 4th, 1858, No. 71.

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


        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act to incorporate the Stonewall insurance company, No. 77, were agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 53. A senate bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 1st section of chapter 214 (Code of 1860), so as to provide for the punishment of free negro convicts in certain cases, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 54. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 44 of chapter 49 of the Code, so as to increase the allowance to sheriffs and sergeants for services to the public, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 56. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 3d section of an act for the relief of indigent soldiers and sailors, &c., passed October 31, 1863, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on military affairs.

        No. 57. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 54th section of chapter 61 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), in relation to transfer of turnpikes to the counties in which they lie, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

        No. 71. A senate bill entitled an act amending the d section of an act amending the charter of the Virginia fire and marine insurance company, passed January 4th, 1858, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

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

        No. 28. A senate bill entitled an act to suppress trade combinations, reported the same with amendments.

        Subsequently, the bill was read a second time, and on motion, was laid on the table.

        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 the clerk communicate the same to the senate for further examination.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the


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governor, in relation to the escape from prison of a negro slave named Pleasants, recently tried before the county court of Appomattox for the murder of his overseer, a white man, and condemned to be hung on the 6th day of January 1864; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 143. A bill to amend the first section of an act entitled an act incorporating the Bank of the City of Petersburg, passed March 29, 1860, so as to increase the capital stock of said bank, was taken up on motion of Mr. KEILEY, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        No. 51. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 11th and 12th sections of chapter 170 of the Code of Virginia, so as to dispense with the order of publication during the existing war, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. MCCUE, indefinitely postponed.

        No. 38. A senate bill entitled an act to prevent the unlawful carrying of slaves on boats, was read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 49. A senate bill entitled an act releasing R. F. & D. G. Bibb from liability under a contract for the hire of negro convicts, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 79.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Coke, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Lundy, Magruder, Maguire, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shackleford, Snowden, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, J. Walker, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn and Woodley--79.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        On motion of Mr. LUNDY,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of amending chapter 201 of the Code of Virginia in relation to county police, so as to provide for enlarging the duties of the same, and for more effectually organizing and arming such police.

        No. 75. An engrossed bill authorizing the appointment of a reporter of the proceedings of the house of delegates, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 81, noes 17.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Deane, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Thomas, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn and Woodley--81.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Fletcher, A. Fry, Graham, Horton, Keiley, Kindrick, Lundy, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Rust and T. W. Taylor--17.

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

        The hour having arrived for the execution of the joint order, which had for its object the election of a public printer, the joint order was taken up and read.


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        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion nominated Joseph H. Pendleton of Ohio county.

        Mr. BURWELL nominated William B. Allegre of the city of Richmond.

        Ordered, that Mr. HAYMOND of Marion inform the senate that the house of delegates was ready on its part to proceed to the execution of the joint order, and that Joseph H. Pendleton and William B. Allegre were in nomination before that body.

        Subsequently, a message was received from the senate by Mr. NASH, who informed the house of delegates that the senate were ready on their part to proceed to the execution of the joint order, and that no additional nominations had been made in that body.

        The roll was then called, with the following result:

        For Joseph H. Pendleton--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bland, Bowen, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Crawford, Cummings, Custis, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCue, McElroy, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Rowan, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woodley--90.

        For William B. Allegre--Messrs. Baskervill, Branch, Burwell, Cox, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Irving, Lewis, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, Meade, Parramore, Patterson, Riddick, Robertson, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, R. F. Taylor and Tredway--26.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee on the part of the house: Messrs. Haymond of Marion, Burwell, Baskervill, Saunders of Richmond city, Edwards, Marye, Parramore, Riddick and Smith, to meet a corresponding committee on the part of the senate, to count the joint vote; who subsequently reported, through Mr. HAYMOND, their chairman, the following result:

        
Whole number of votes cast, 158
Necessary to a choice, 80
Joseph H. Pendleton received 103
William B. Allegre received 55

        Thereupon, the SPEAKER announced that Joseph H. Pendleton having received a majority of all the votes cast, is duly elected public printer for two years from the 2d day of January 1865.

        No. . A bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to extend the time for the exercise of certain civil rights and remedies, passed March 14th, 1862, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 63. A bill releasing William B. Ball from the payment of a certain sum of money, was taken up, on motion of Mr. AMBERS, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

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

        No. 33. An engrossed bill to amend an act entitled an act to regulate the tolls for passing Mayo's bridge, passed March 12, 1835.


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        No. 35. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting the 10th section of chapter 170 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 36. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting the 5th section of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 42. An engrossed bill requiring rail road and canal companies to transport troops and munitions of war without the right to demand prepayment of fare.

        No. 40. An engrossed bill authorizing in certain cases the settlement of fiduciaries' accounts before commissioners in chancery of courts other than those in which such fiduciaries have been appointed, or in which the instruments creating their authority have been recorded.

        No. 74. An engrossed bill for the relief of George J. Arnold--Ayes 88, noes 15.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams and Winn--88.

        NOES--Messrs. Baker, Edwards, Gilmer, Graham, Hoge, Lundy, McCutchen, Mullens, Nighbert, Pretlow, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, S. M. Wilson and Woodley--15.

        No. 98. An engrossed bill for the relief of the personal representatives of A. B. Urquhart, Joseph E. Gillett and Madison J. Davis.

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

        No. 111. An engrossed bill to incorporate the Richmond city insurance company, was read a third time, and on motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond city, laid on the table.

        No. 94. An engrossed bill to repeal ordinance No. 66 of the convention of Virginia, respecting the revenue of the literary fund, was taken up and read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass?

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1864.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 18, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to a joint resolution in regard to the requisition for slaves to work on fortifications.

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



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        The joint resolution in regard to the requisition for slaves to work on fortifications, was taken up.

        Mr. TOMLIN moved to amend the resolution, so as to apply to slaves "engaged in agricultural productions;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. TOMLIN, by leave of the house, withdrew the amendment.

        The question being on agreeing to the resolution, Mr. DEANE demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 94, noes 5.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Coke, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Irving, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn and Winston--94.

        NOES--Messrs. Lynch, Monroe, Smith, Snowden and S. M. Wilson--5.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

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

        A report on the governor's message in regard to the female institute at Staunton.

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

        No. 165. A bill authorizing the payment of a sum of money to William J. Morgan, for a slave condemned to be hung.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to a resolution as to the expediency of refunding to Margaret, administratrix of James Calloway, deceased, a sum of money erroneously paid in the public treasury.

        Mr. JONES, from the committee of privileges and elections, to whom had been referred a resolution as to the expediency of allowing soldiers and refugees to vote for judges, when the district is in whole or in part in possession of the public enemy, presented a report that it is inexpedient to legislate upon the subject.

        Mr. PENDLETON, from the committee of conference, to whom had been referred the disagreement between the two houses in relation to senate bill entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, presented a report; which, on his motion, was laid on the table.

        The SPEAKER presented a communication from the auditing board, in relation to the claim of Captain Smith and a company of rangers; which was referred to the committee on military affairs.

        Mr. PENDLETON, at his own request, was excused from further attendance upon the committee on printing.

        On motion of Mr. MATHEWS,

        Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be instructed to enquire into the expediency of adopting such legislation


Page 163

as may be necessary to require the Central rail road company to complete and equip the Central rail road from Jackson's river to Covington; and that they report by bill or otherwise.

        Mr. WINSTON submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that it be referred to a select committee of not less than seven, to enquire and report what action, if any, should be taken by the general assembly in reference to an act of congress entitled an act to organize forces to serve during the war, so far as the same applies to state officers.

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. WINSTON, by leave of the house, withdrew the resolution.

        Mr. ROBERTSON submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that a joint committee of the two houses, to consist of five on the part of the senate and nine on the part of the house, be appointed, to consider what measures, if any, may have become proper to be adopted by the general assembly, in view of the recent act of congress known as the "military act," so far as it may affect the officers of government of this state.

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. DEANE moved to amend the resolution, by striking out that portion of it creating a joint committee, and referring the subject to the committee on confederate relations; 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 resolution, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 97, noes 9.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Lynch, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn and Winston--97.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Colston, Hendrick, W. Johnson, Maguire, Pitman, Williams and Woodley--9.

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

        On motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill declaring what state officers are necessary for the proper administration of the state government, and directing the governor to certify the same to the president of the Confederate States.

        On motion of Mr. LUNDY,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of amending chapter 201 of the Code of Virginia, in relation to county police, so as to provide for enlarging the duties of the same, and for more effectually organizing and arming such police.


Page 164

        No. 158. An engrossed bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to extend the time for the exercise of certain civil rights and remedies, passed March 14th, 1862, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight, read a third time and passed.

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

        The report of the committee of conference upon the matters of disagreement between the two houses, in relation to senate bill entitled an act to provide for families of soldiers, &c., was taken up, on motion of Mr. MONROE, and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 96, noes 13.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Douthat, Duval, Evans, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woodley--96.

        NOES--Messrs. Deyerle, Gilmer, Graham, L. D. Haymond, Horton, Keiley, Kindrick, Maguire, Mullens, Patterson, Smith, Staples and R. F. Taylor--13.

        The report is as follows:

        The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two houses, on senate bill No. 7, entitled an act for the relief of families of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, have had under consideration the matters of difference to them referred, and have come to the following conclusion; which they recommend for the adoption of the general assembly:

        That the house recede from its sixth amendment to the senate bill, with an amendment.

        Strike out the words in the sixth line of the third section, "mentioned in the first section," and insert "of five hundred thousand dollars."

JAS. D. ARMSTRONG,

C. S. C.

J. H. PENDLETON,

C. H. C.

        Ordered, that Mr. BROOKE inform the senate thereof.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1864.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 19, 1864.

        The senate have passed house 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, No. 42.


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        And they have passed a bill entitled:

        An act imposing fines on agents for failing to deliver salt to persons entitled thereto, No. 60.

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

        They have agreed to the resolution from the house of delegates for the appointment of a joint committee to consider how far the military act of congress affects the officers of the government of this state.


        No. 60. A senate bill entitled an act imposing fines on agents for failing to deliver salt to persons entitled thereto, was read a first and second times, and referred to the joint committee on salt.

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

        No. 53. A senate bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the second section of an act amending the charter of the Virginia fire and marine insurance company, passed January 4, 1858, reported the same without amendment.

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

        No. 166. A bill to amend the 37th section of chapter 61 of the Code (edition of 1860).

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, to whom had been referred the petition of M. G. Whitman, for the remission of a tax, presented an adverse report thereto.

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

        No. 53. A senate bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the first section of chapter 214, Code of 1860, so as to provide for the punishment of free negro convicts in certain cases, reported the same without amendment; also,

        No. 54. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 44 of chapter 49 of the Code, so as to increase the allowance to sheriffs and sergeants for services to the public, reported the same with amendments.

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

        No. 167. A bill to authorize personal representatives in certain cases to receive payments in any currency receivable for public dues.

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

        No. 56. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the third section of an act for the relief of indigent soldiers, sailors, &c., passed October 31, 1863, reported the same without amendment.

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

        No. 168. A bill authorizing the settlement of the claim of James E. Smith and his company, for services rendered as partizan rangers; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.


Page 166

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the same committee, presented a report upon sundry resolutions on the subject of exemption from military duty.

        Mr. DEANE, from the minority of a select committee, presented the following bill:

        No. 169. A bill to prohibit the production of tobacco.

        The SPEAKER announced the following joint committee on the resolution in relation to the recent act of congress known as the military act: Messrs. Robertson, Winston, Bouldin, Buford, Shackleford, Deane, Pendleton, Cummings and Jones.

        No. 44. A bill for the enrollment of free negroes to be employed in the public service, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. BASKERVILL, laid on the table.

        The following bills were read a second time, and on motion, laid on the table:

        No. 46. A bill authorizing the payment of a sum of money to Lee A. Dunn of King William county, for extra copies of his land and property books.

        No. 55. A bill to reorganize the militia.

        No. 66. A bill to amend and re-enact an act passed October 31st, 1863, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act passed March 11, 1863, in relation to the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufacturers of spirituous and malt liquors.

        No. 65. A bill to amend the 21st section of chapter 66 of the Code, in regard to appointment of directors and proxies by the board of public works.

        No. 71. A bill for the relief of families of soldiers within the lines or power of the enemy.

        No. 72. A bill to increase the number and enlarge the powers of the police of the city of Richmond.

        No. 105. A bill to provide for the purchase of shoes, blankets and other articles of clothing for the troops of this state in the service of the state or of the Confederate States, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. BUFORD, was laid on the table and made the special order of the day for Wednesday at 12 o'clock M.

        The following bill was read a second time, and on motion made, laid on the table:

        No. 76. A bill to increase the salaries of the professors of the university of Virginia, and to provide for the instruction of disabled citizens.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton,

        Resolved, that the committee on printing enquire into the propriety of causing 2,500 copies of the military, tax and funding acts, recently passed by the confederate congress, to be printed for the use of the members of this house.

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

        On motion of Mr. IRVING,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the payment of the creditors of the state whose claims may be presented for settlement before the 15th December 1864, at the option of said creditors, either in 6 per cent. registered confederate bonds, or in the new issue of confederate treasury notes, to be issued after the 1st April next, by the late act of congress.

        The preamble and resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. MCCUE in relation to the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool, was taken up, on his motion, and agreed to.

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

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

        Resolved, that the superintendent of salt works report to this house:

        On motion of Mr. IRVING,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of so amending the law authorizing the receipt of all treasury notes of the Confederate States in payment of taxes and public dues as will protect the interest of the state under the tax to which said treasury notes will be subject, under the late financial act passed by congress.

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

        Resolved, that the clerk be instructed to publish in the newspapers of Richmond the act of assembly to prevent the slaughter of sheep and promote the growth of wool.

        On motion of Mr. WALTON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to B. F. Murray, the sheriff of Shenandoah county, a certain sum of money alleged to have been erroneously paid into the treasury by him.

        On motion of Mr. LEWIS,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire in the expediency of adopting such legislation as may be necessary to secure approximate equality in the valuation of slaves (for purposes of taxation) throughout the commonwealth.

        On motion of Mr. FERGUSON,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of removing within our lines, to a place of safety, the machinery of all the cotton and woolen factories which is now within the enemy's lines, or exposed to destruction from raid, so that it may be put into operation for the benefit of the people of the state.

        On motion of Mr. KINDRICK,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of exempting from taxation three thousand dollars worth of property belonging to soldiers who are heads of families, and in the


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service of the Confederate States, or who have been disabled by wounds, or discharged on account of sickness or disability, and the like amount belonging to the widow or minor children of such as have been killed in battle, or died of wounds received, or of disease while in such service.

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1864.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 20, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to the report of the committee of conference on the bill entitled:

        An act for the relief of soldiers living in counties within the lines or under the control of the enemy, No. 7.

        They have passed house bills entitled:

        An act for the relief of the personal representatives of A. B. Urquhart, Joseph E. Gillett and Madison J. Davis, No. 98.

        An act to amend an act entitled an act to regulate the tolls for passing Mayo's bridge, passed March 12th, 1835, No. 33.

        And have passed with an amendment house bill entitled:

        An act for the relief of the securities of R. P. Baker, sheriff of Grayson county, No. 58.

        They have also passed bills entitled:

        An act requiring the board of public works to suspend the payment of any subscription on the part of the state to certain internal improvement companies, No. 61.

        An act to provide for the importation of certain machinery, No. 62.

        An act to furnish the counties of the state a model of the flying shuttle attachment for looms, No. 63.

        An act to amend the 30th section of chapter 182 of the Code, in regard to docketing causes in the court of appeals at Lewisburg during the existing war, No. 66.

        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 for the relief of the securities of R. P. Baker, late sheriff of Grayson county, No. 58, was agreed to--Ayes 90.

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Bland. Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Smith, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Woodley and Worsham--90.

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


Page 170

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Doggett of the Methodist church.

        No. 61. A senate bill entitled an act requiring the board of public works to suspend the payment of any subscription on the part of the state to certain internal improvement companies, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 62. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the importation of certain machinery, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 63. A senate bill entitled an act to furnish the counties of the state with a model of the flying shuttle attachment for looms, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on agriculture and manufactures.

        No. 66. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 30th section of chapter 182 of the Code, in regard to docketing causes in the court of appeals at Lewisburg during the existing war, was read a first and second times, and on motion, laid on the table.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bills; which were read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 170. A bill to recall absent citizens of this commonwealth, and prescribing who shall be deemed aliens in certain cases.

        No. 171. A bill to prevent the destruction of enclosures and private property on public highways.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the same committee, presented an adverse report in relation to the communication of the governor in relation to the escape of a slave condemned to be hung, and who escaped from prison previous to the day of execution.

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

        An adverse report to a resolution as to the expediency of appropriating $2,000,000 for the purpose of providing clothing, &c.

        An adverse report to a resolution as to the expediency of providing for the support of indigent families, &c.

        An adverse report to a resolution as to the expediency of a sale of the stocks owned by the state in the banks, &c.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the committee on banks, to whom had been referred

        No. 40. Senate bill entitled an act making debts due to branch banks within the enemy's lines payable to the mother banks within the confederate lines, reported the same with an amendment.

        Mr. BUFORD, from the same committee, presented an adverse report in relation to restricting the traffic in federal and confederate currency.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing a letter from the secretary of war, declining to


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withdraw the call for slaves to work on the fortifications; which was read, and on motion, laid on the table.

        On motion of Mr. WINSTON,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the escheat, forfeiture or confiscation of the real estate of alien enemies.

        On motion of Mr. ANDERSON,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the claim of F. Woltz, Jacob A. Haney and Eliza Price, to be refunded the money they paid for ordinary license in the year 1862, which was afterwards revoked by the court of Botetourt county, and that they report by bill or otherwise, and that F. Woltz and J. A. Haney have leave to withdraw their petition and accompanying documents on this subject, and that they be referred to the committee on finance.

        Mr. DEANE moved to take up the resolution heretofore submitted by him, in relation to evening sessions; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 59, noes 38.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, English, Ferguson, Fletcher, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hendrick, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Lewis, Mathews, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Randolph, Reid, Robertson, Rust, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson and Winn--59.

        NOES--Messrs. Brooke, Burnett, Colston, Cowan, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fleming, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, W. Johnson, Jones, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Monroe, Pitman, Powell, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Smith, Thomas, Tibbs, Ward, N. W. White, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--38.

        The resolution was then amended, so as to apply to this day.

        Mr. FLEMING moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:

        "Resolved, that on and after this day, the house will meet at 10 o'clock A. M., take a recess at 2 o'clock P. M., and reassemble at 4 P. M."

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

        Mr. COX moved to amend the resolution, by striking out "7½ o'clock," and inserting "8 o'clock P. M.;" 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 question recurring on agreeing to the resolution, Mr. BUFORD demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 60, noes 49.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, English, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hendrick, Herndon, Horton, Huntt, James, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Keiley, Kindrick, Lewis, Lively, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Nighbert, Pendleton, Randolph, Reid, Rixey, Robertson,


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Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, J. Walker, J. L. Wilson and Winn--60.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Bland, Bowles, Brooke, Buffington, Burnett, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fleming, W. O. Fry, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hutcheson, W. Johnson, Jones, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Monroe, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Thomas, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, Ward, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--49.

        The resolution is as follows:

        "Resolved, that on and after this day, this house will take a recess from 3 o'clock P. M., and that the SPEAKER vacate the chair each day at 3 P. M., and resume the same at 8 P. M."

        Mr. BROOKE, from the joint committee on salt, presented a report; which, on his motion, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed (Doc. No. 26), and on his further motion, made the order of the day for Saturday next at 12 o'clock, and so on, from day to day, until disposed of.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the board of public works, in answer to a resolution of the house, enclosing a communication from the superintendent of salt works; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 27.

        On motion of Mr. LIVELY,

        Resolved, that the committee on confederate relations enquire why it was that the conscripts of Monroe county, after being examined by the medical board, were forthwith handed over to a guard and thrust into a guard house, and there confined for a period of two days, until said examination was completed, and then hurried off, under guard, to the camp of instruction near Dublin, without preparation, and confined in tents, without blankets and necessary clothing to shield them from the late inclement weather; and ascertain by whose authority said cruel and inhuman treatment was perpetrated, and report to this house.

        Mr. DEANE moved to take up a resolution heretofore submitted by him, making certain enquiries of the superintendent of the salt works; 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 affirmative.

        The question being on agreeing to the resolution, Mr. BUFORD demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative. [For resolution, see Journal of Saturday.]

        No. 124. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting an act entitled an act to amend the charter and extend the corporate limits of the town of Charlottesville, passed March 14, 1860, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 136. An engrossed bill to authorize the governor to appoint an agent to record the names of all Virginia soldiers who have been killed in battle, or died of wounds or of disease while in the service of the state or of the Confederate States, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SMITH, and read a third time.


Page 173

        Mr. HUTCHESON 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. HUTCHESON moved a suspension of the rule, with a view to reconsider the vote by which a substitute was agreed to; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being on agreeing to the substitute, on motion of Mr. HUTCHESON, the bill and substitute were laid upon the table.

        On motion of Mr. HUTCHESON,

        Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be authorized to consider and report as to what (if any) legislation is necessary for the organization of a police force for the better preservation of order and the public security.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. LEWIS, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to a resolution for the appointment of a joint committee to confer with the secretary of war in relation to the treatment of conscripts at Camp Lee: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending existing laws in regard to the issue of county and corporation bonds for the benefit of the families of indigent soldiers, as to authorize them to be made payable at such period as the courts thereof may determine, not longer than thirty-four years from the date of such bonds.

        On motion of Mr. EDWARDS,

        Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into and reports to this house what amount of Virginia treasury notes, deposited therein by the state, are yet on hand, and in the possession of the different banks in the city of Richmond; whether the same are not still the property of the state; and if so, whether any legislation is necessary to compel said banks to pay the same on the checks of the treasurer; and whether the said treasury notes should not be withdrawn therefrom and canceled; and further to ascertain what amount of Virginia bank notes, paid in 1861 and 1862, are still in the possession of said banks; and if said treasury and bank notes are not on hand, what has become of them; and whether any of them have been used by said banks at a higher rate than par, as compared with confederate treasury notes; and if so, at what rate, and to what amount: and the committee shall have power to send for persons and papers.

        No. 53. A senate bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 1st section of chapter 214 (Code of 1860), so as to provide for the punishment of free negro convicts in certain cases, was read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 54. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 44 of chapter 49 of the Code, so as to increase the allowance to


Page 174

sheriffs and sergeants for services to the public, was read a second time, 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. 25. A bill to enroll free negroes to be employed in the service of the Confederate States, with the pending amendment thereto, reported by way of substitute from the committee on military affairs, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BASKERVILL.

        Mr. SMITH moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 13, noes 75.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Cox, Hall, Magruder, Mathews, McElroy, McKinney, Monroe, Pretlow, Scott, Smith, Thomas, Williams and Woolfolk--13.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burr, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Horton, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Rixey, E. T. Saunders, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Worsham--75.

        Mr. BASKERVILL moved to amend the substitute, in the 3d section, by striking out the following words:

        "All free negroes whom the courts may certify are so useful in their neighborhoods that they cannot be spared therefrom without great injury to the public good, shall be exempted for such time as the courts shall see fit; also all who have families dependent on their labor for support, and from whose labor their families actually receive their support, and whose families the courts may certify cannot maintain themselves upon three-fourths of the pay of the members taken from them, may be exempted, at the discretion of the courts, for such time as they shall see fit."

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

        Mr. BROOKE moved to insert in the blank the following:

        "Any free negro who may be regularly employed in agricultural or mechanical pursuits at the passage of this act, or who may have a family so dependent upon him for support as that his absence would probably make them a charge upon the public, may be exempted, at the discretion of the courts, for such time as they shall see fit."

        Mr. HUTCHESON moved to amend the amendment, by striking out all thereof, and inserting the following:

        "All free negroes whom the court may certify are so useful in their neighborhoods as mechanics that they cannot be spared therefrom without great injury to the public good, shall be exempted for such time as the court may think proper."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BOWLES moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 43, noes 48.

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


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        AYES--Messrs. Bland, Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Burnett, Colston, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fleming, Flood, Graham, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, W. Johnson, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Pretlow, Richardson, Rixey, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, Tomlin, J. C. Walker, N. W. White, Woolfolk and Worsham--43.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Burr, Burwell, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Ferguson, Fletcher, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Horton, Hutcheson, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Kindrick, Lewis, Lively, Marr, Mathews, McElroy, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Rowan, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tredway, Walton, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson and Winn--48.

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

EVENING SESSION.

        The substitute proposed by the committee on military affairs to house bill entitled an act to enroll free negroes to be employed in the service of the Confederate States, being the unfinished business of the morning session, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. HUTCHESON, Mr. EDWARDS moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put; and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. ANDERSON moved a call of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The roll was then called, and the following members noted as absent:

        Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Bowles, Buffington, Butler, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Custis, Dickey, Douthat, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fleming, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hoge, Hughes, Huntt, F. C. S. Hunter, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Irving, Jones, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lundy, Lurty, Maguire, Marr, Marye, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, C. A. Nelson, R. E. Nelson, Noland, Parramore, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Richardson, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, Welsh, R. J. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winston, Woodley and Wright--73.

        Mr. HALL moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 11, noes 69.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Edwards, Hall, Herndon, Horton, Kaufman, Kenney, Magruder, McKinney, Smith, Thomas and Woolfolk--11.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burr, Burwell, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Holden, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Lewis, Lively, Lynch, Marr, Mathews, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Sherrard, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tredway, J. Walker, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn and Worsham--69.

        On motion of Mr. BUFORD, further proceedings under the call were dispensed with.

        The question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. HUTCHESON, objection being made that it was an amendment in the third degree, the SPEAKER ruled the amendment out of order; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by


Page 176

Mr. BROOKE--pending the consideration of which, Mr. DEANE moved that the bill be laid on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. CUMMINGS, from the minority of the joint committee on salt, presented a report; which, on his motion, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 28.

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

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

        No. 86. A bill for the relief of William M. Kelley of Caroline county.

        No. 90. A bill refunding to Peter Engleman part of a license tax paid by him.

        No. 91. A bill amending and re-enacting section 10, chapter 57, Code of Virginia.

        No. 92. A bill amending and re-enacting section 3, chapter 56, Code of Virginia.

        No. 95. A bill to authorize the governor to lease a portion of land adjoining the armory.

        No. 89. A bill amending and re-enacting an act passed March 30, 1861, entitled an act to amend the 15th section of chapter 109 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was read a second time; and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? Mr. HALL moved an indefinite postponement of the bill; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to suspend the rule, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was indefinitely postponed; which was agreed to; and on motion, the bill was laid on the table.

        The following bill was read a second time, and on motion, laid on the table:

        No. 88. A bill requiring the board of public works to suspend the payment of any subscription on the part of the state to certain internal improvement companies.

        No. 97. A bill authorizing the board of public works to fix from time to time the rate of tolls and other charges upon certain rail roads within this commonwealth, was read a second time, and amended, on motion of Mr. BURWELL.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion submitted an amendment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HALL moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 31, noes 46.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Branch, Buford, Burwell, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, Duval, Gilmer, Graham, Hendrick, Herndon, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Lewis, Lively, Marr. Mathews, Meade, Nighbert, Pendleton, Robertson, Rust, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Tredway and Winn--31.

        NOES--Messrs. Bouldin, Bowen, Brooke, Bryan, Burnett, Burr, Colston, Cox, Crockett, Edwards, Ferguson, Fletcher, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Jones, Jordan, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCutchen, McElroy, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Patterson, Randolph, Reid, Rowan, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. Walker, Williams, Woolfolk and Worsham--46.

        A motion having been made for a call of the house,

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


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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1864.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 23, 1864.

        The senate have passed house bills entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to extend the time for the exercise of certain rights and remedies, passed March 14, 1862, No. 158.

        An act amending and re-enacting an act entitled an act to amend the charter and extend the corporate limits of the town of Charlottesville, passed March 14th, 1860, No. 124.

        And they have passed with amendments house bills entitled:

        An act amending and re-enacting the 5th section of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), No. 36.

        An act amending and re-enacting the 10th section of chapter 170 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), No. 35.

        They have passed bills entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact the 13th, 33d, 34th and 36th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, so as to increase the fees and compensation of sheriffs and sergeants, No. 55.

        An act to provide for the holding of the sessions of the county court of Lee county, No. 77.

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


        A resolution from the senate for the appointment of a joint committee to confer with the secretary of war as to the treatment of conscripts at Camp Lee, was taken up.

        The resolution is as follows:

        "Resolved by the general assembly, that a joint committee of three on the part of the senate and five on the part of the house of delegates, be appointed, to confer with the secretary of war, to ascertain if any, and what abuses or inhumanity may have been practiced or tolerated at Camp Lee, in the treatment of conscripts; and that they report to the assembly the result of their investigation."

        Mr. BROOKE moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the words "to confer with the secretary of war, to ascertain" and to insert "enquire and report;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:

        "Resolved, that the governor be requested to communicate with the confederate authorities, and make any investigation which in his opinion may be necessary, with a view of ascertaining the truth of statements made as to harsh or cruel treatment of conscripts at Camp Lee, and to report the result to this house."

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

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:


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        "Resolved, that the secretary of war be respectfully requested to communicate to the general assembly the result of the investigation in reference to the treatment of conscripts at Camp Lee, if not, in his opinion, incompatible with the public service."

        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.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the joint resolution, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 78, noes 29.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cummings, Deane, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Fauntleroy, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hendrick, Herndon, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Magruder, Marr, Marye, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--78.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Bowen, Bryan, Buffington, Colston, Crockett, Deyerle, Evans, Ferguson, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Holden, W. Johnson, Linkous, Maguire, Mathews, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Parramore, Riddick, Smith, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, N. W. White, Winn and Wright--29.

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN, the following preamble to the resolution was agreed to:

        "Whereas it has been stated, in the public press of this city and elsewhere, that the conscripts at Camp Lee have been subjected to harsh and inhuman treatment, and it is due alike to the officers in charge and to the conscripts, that such a charge should be investigated: Therefore,"

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

        The amendment proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 10th section of chapter 170 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was agreed to.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 5th section of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), were agreed to.

        No. 55. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 13th, 33d, 34th and 36th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, so as to increase the fees and compensation of sheriffs and sergeants, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        No. 77. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the holding of the sessions of the county court of Lee county, was read a first and second times.

        Mr. RANDOLPH submitted an amendment by way of substitute.

        On motion of Mr. WALTON, the bill was laid on the table, and the substitute ordered to be printed.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house the following letter from George W. Lurty:


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RICHMOND, Feb. 20, 1864.

SIR:

        I hereby resign my seat in the house of delegates.

I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

GEO. W. LURTY.
Hon. Speaker House of Delegates.


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

        No. 61. A senate bill entitled an act requiring the board of public works to suspend the payment of any subscription on the part of the state to certain internal improvement companies, reported the same without amendment.

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

        No. 62. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the importation of certain machinery, reported the same with amendments, and with a recommendation that it do not pass.

        Mr. BROOKE, from the joint committee on salt, to whom had been referred

        No. 60. A senate bill entitled an act imposing fines on agents for failing to deliver salt to persons entitled thereto, reported the same without amendment.

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

        Resolved, that the president of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company be requested to inform the general assembly, with as little delay as possible, what quantity of salt the Virginia and Tennessee rail road can transport monthly, and continue to transport the wood now required by the supervisors of salt; and also to report the number of cords of wood transported, by order of the supervisors of salt, since they became the manufacturers of salt for the state.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the SPEAKER was instructed to issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of George W. Lurty, a member of the house of delegates from the county of Harrison.

        On motion of Mr. MCCUE,

        Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to amend the charter of the Richmond importing and exporting company.

        On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of repealing the act passed March 28, 1863, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, except so much as relates to taxes on licenses, and report forthwith to this house.

        On motion of Mr. COWAN,

        Resolved, that the committee of claims be instructed to enquire


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into the expediency of reporting a bill providing for the payment of a claim against the state of Virginia in favor of Messrs. Bridgeford & Co.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. SPITLER, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act concerning jailors' fees, No. 72: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The hour having arrived for the order of the day, being bill No. 105, to provide for the purchase of shoes, blankets and other articles of clothing for the troops of this state in the service of the state or of the Confederate States, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, was postponed, and made the order of the day for tomorrow at 12 o'clock.

        No. 126. A bill for the assessment of persons, property, income and salaries, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN and read a second time, and on motion, laid on the table, and made the order of the day for Friday at 12 o'clock, and so on from day to day until disposed of.

        The following senate bill was read a third time and passed:

        No. 56. An act to amend the 3d section of an act for the relief of indigent soldiers and sailors, &c., passed October 31, 1863--Ayes 94.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hughes, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, Ward, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--94.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 71. A senate bill entitled an act amending the 2d section of an act amending the charter of the Virginia fire and marine insurance company, passed January 4, 1858, was read a second time, 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 senate bill entitled an act making debts due to branch banks within the enemy's lines, payable to the mother banks within the confederate lines, was read a second time, amended, and as amended read a third time and passed--Ayes 86, noes 7.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--86.

        NOES--Messrs. Buffington, Fleming, Fletcher, T. S. Haymond, Keiley, McMillan and Robertson--7.


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

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

EVENING SESSION.

        Mr. HALL moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 4, noes 74.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Hall, L. D. Haymond, Patterson and Ward--4.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burr, Butler, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Evans, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Holden, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Magruder, Mathews, McElroy, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Reid, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--74.

        Mr. TOMLIN presented the petition of William P. Aylett, and other officers and soldiers from Virginia in Burton's brigade, asking that persons in the military service may be allowed by law to vote for county officers; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of privileges and elections.

        Mr. BARKSDALE presented the petition of P. Howerton, asking that a slave convicted of burglary by the county court of the county of Halifax be revalued; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of allowing Philip Howerton the value of a slave condemned to be executed by the county court of Halifax.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of incorporating the subscribers to the Virginia mining and manufacturing company.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire and report what legislation is necessary in behalf of infants and others whose income is derived from the interest on investments.

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

        Resolved, that the use of the hall of the house of delegates be tendered to the house of representatives of the Confederate States, at its session in May next, and at any time thereafter when this body may not be in session.

        No. 60. A senate bill entitled an act imposing fines on agents for failing to deliver salt to persons entitled thereto, was read a second time, amended, and as amended read a third time and passed.


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

        No. 61. A senate bill entitled an act requiring the board of public works to suspend the payment of any subscription on the part of the state to certain internal improvement companies, was read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 62. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the importation of certain machinery, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, laid on the table.

        No. 94. An engrossed bill to repeal ordinance No. 66 of the convention of Virginia, respecting the revenue of the literary fund, was read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. HALL moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 24, noes 66.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Crawford, Custis, Deane, Duval, Evans, Flood, Gilmer, Irving, Kaufman, Lively, Mathews, McNeil, Melvin, Randolph, Riddick, Rust, F. Saunders, Stewart, Thomas and Walton--24.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Colston, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, Ferguson, Fletcher, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Marr. McElroy, McMillan, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Reid, D. J. Saunders, Smith, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--66.

        The question recurring on the passage of the bill, Mr. TREDWAY demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 79, noes 12.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Evans, Ferguson, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Irving, J B. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Miller, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Rust, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Smith, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--79.

        NOES--Messrs. Burnett, Holden, W. Johnson, Jones, Lynch, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Pendleton, Riddick, N. W. White and Williams--12.

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

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Taylor, chaplain of the 10th regiment of Virginia cavalry.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 24, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to the amendment proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill to amend and re-enact section 11 of chapter


Page 184

49 of the Code, so as to increase the allowance to sheriffs and sergeants for services to the public, No. 54.

        They have passed senate bills entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact the 12th section of the 77th chapter of the Code of Virginia, No. 68.

        An act to authorize the board of public works to increase the rates of toll to be charged by rail road and other companies, and declaring certain duties and liabilities of rail road, express and other companies, No. 50.

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


        No. 71. A senate bill entitled an act concerning jailors' fees, was read a first and second times, and on motion, laid on the table.

        No. 50. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the board of public works to increase the rates of tolls to be charged by rail road and other companies, and declaring certain duties and liabilities of rail road, express and other companies, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

        No. 68. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 12th section of the 77th chapter of the Code of Virginia, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. GILMER, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bill; which was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 174. A bill to authorize the sheriffs to summon the posse comitatus to aid in enforcing impressments in certain cases.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, presented the following bill; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 175. A bill to amend and re-enact an act amending and re-enacting an ordinance of the convention concerning the aids to the governor, passed March 25, 1863.

        Mr. RIDDICK, from the committee on agriculture and manufactures, presented the following bill:

        No. 176. A bill to incorporate the Virginia mining and manufacturing company.

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

        An adverse report to a resolution requiring magistrates to report men liable to conscription, to the enrolling officers of their respective counties.

        An adverse report to a resolution in relation to the transfer of the militia to the confederate service in 1862.

        Mr. WALTON, from the committee on printing, presented the following resolution; which was concurred in:

        Resolved, that the clerk of the house of delegates be instructed to have two thousand copies of the military, tax and funding acts, recently passed by the confederate congress, printed for the use of the members of this house.


Page 185

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

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the board of public works be instructed to use the power vested in it by law to secure an adequate supply of fuel to and transportation of salt from the salt works, according to the order of priority established by the general assembly at its late extra session, in connection with the report of the joint committee on salt, in respect to salt for Georgia.

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

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. LEWIS, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the amendments proposed by the house of delegates to the joint resolution for the appointment of a committee to enquire into the treatment of conscripts at Camp Lee.

        Mr. BASKERVILL submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the committee on finance be and they are hereby instructed to report a bill repealing the act passed March 28, 1863, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, except so much as relates to the tax on license, income and profits.

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BOULDIN moved the indefinite postponement of the resolution; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 64, noes 39.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Branch, Bryan, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Draper, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Magruder, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Robertson, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Sherrard, Stewart, Thomas, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Worsham--64.

        NOES--Messrs. Barksdale, Baskervill, Bowen, Brooke, Buford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Douthat, English, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Horton, J. B. Johnson, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Lynch Marr, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Pretlow, Riddick, Rixey, F. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Staples, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker and Woolfolk--39.

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

        No. 105. A bill to provide for the purchase of shoes, blankets and other articles of clothing for the troops of this state in the service of the state or of the Confederate States, on its second reading, was taken up, and read a second time, amended, and as amended, ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ALDERSON, who informed the house of delegates that the committee on enrolled bills of the senate had examined sundry such bills, and finding them correctly enrolled, they had been signed by the president of the senate, and were now reported for further signature.

        No. 162. A bill to establish an army agency in the city of Richmond, for the relief of soldiers, seamen and officers of Virginia in the confederate service, and to repeal the 1st, 2d and 3d sections of


Page 186

an act establishing such agency, passed March 9, 1863, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, read a second time, amended, and as amended, ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee on the part of the house, respecting the condition of conscripts at Camp Lee: Messrs. Magruder, Tomlin, McKinney, Brooke and Hutcheson.

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

        Resolved, that the treasurer of the commonwealth be instructed to report to this house a statement of all moneys paid into or retained in the treasury prior to 1st October 1863, under ordinance No. 66, respecting the revenue of the literary fund.

        Mr. HALL moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 40, noes 45.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Brooke, Colston, Custis, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fleming, Fletcher, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kenney, Lynch, Maguire, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Smith, Staples, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, Ward, Winston and Woolfolk--40.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Graham, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Kindrick, Lively, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Robertson, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Stewart, Tredway, Walton and Winn--45.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from John N. Clarkson, superintendent of salt works, in answer to a resolution of the house of delegates; which was laid upon the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 29.

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

EVENING SESSION.

        The resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. TREDWAY, for the publication of the act for the protection of sheep and to increase the growth of wool, was taken up and agreed to. [See Journal of 20th instant.]

        No. 143. A bill to amend the first section of an act entitled an act incorporating the Bank of Petersburg, passed March 29, 1860, so as to increase the capital stock of said bank, was taken up, on motion of Mr. KEILEY, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        The resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. DEANE, in relation to the transportation of salt and wood by the Virginia and Tennessee rail road, was taken up, amended, and as amended agreed to.

        The resolution is as follows:

        "Resolved, that the president of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company be requested to inform the general assembly, with as


Page 187

little delay as possible, what quantity of salt the Virginia and Tennessee rail road can transport monthly, and continue to transport the wood now required by the supervisors of salt, with the monthly average of other freight; and also to report the number of cords of wood transported, by order of the supervisors of salt, since they became the manufacturers of salt for the state; and that he also report the quantity of wood and salt transported by the trains of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road company, or by other trains, for parties other than the supervisors of salt, during the past three months; and that he also report how much salt has been transported on said road, within the last six months, for the state of Georgia, and for citizens and corporations beyond the limits of this commonwealth, and the compensation received by said company for such transportation."

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

        No. 133. A bill to amend and re-enact the 32d section of the 158th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 148. A bill to incorporate the Henrico manufacturing company.

        No. 115. A bill to make Clinch river a lawful fence through the county of Scott.

        No. 82. A bill to amend and re-enact the 2d section of an act to incorporate the Union manufacturing company.

        No. 132. A bill to incorporate the Hardy coal mining company.

        No. 96. A bill to amend the charter of the town of Bridgewater, in the county of Rockingham.

        No. 153. A bill to amend and re-enact the 11th section of the 208th chapter of the Code of Virginia, as amended and re-enacted by an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 11 of chapter 208 of the Code of Virginia, passed October 20, 1863, concerning jurors in criminal cases--Ayes 85, noes 2.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Branch, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Robertson, Rust, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Smith, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--85.

        NOES--Messrs. Bowen and W. Johnson--2.

        No. 63. A bill releasing William B. Ball from the payment of a certain sum of money--Ayes 81.

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers. Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Crockett, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Robertson, Rust, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Smith, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--81.

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


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        No. 30. An engrossed bill to provide for the completion of the Covington and Ohio rail road, was taken up and read a third time.

        Mr. PENDLETON 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. BURWELL, the bill was laid on the table, and made the order of the day for Wednesday next at 12 o'clock.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Taylor of the Baptist church.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 25, 1864.

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

        An act imposing fines on agents for failing to deliver salt to persons entitled thereto, No. 60.

        An act amending the second section of an act amending the charter of the Virginia fire and marine insurance company, passed January 4th, 1858, No. 71.

        They have passed house bill entitled:

        An act authorizing in certain cases the settlement of fiduciaries' accounts before commissioners in chancery of courts other than those in which such fiduciaries have been appointed, or in which the instruments creating their authority have been recorded, No. 40, with an amendment.

        And they have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to amend the first and second sections of an act to suppress gaming, passed October 16, 1863, No. 74.

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


        The amendment proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act authorizing in certain cases the settlement of fiduciaries' accounts, &c., No. 40, was agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 74. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the first and second sections of an act to suppress gaming, passed October 16, 1863, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on confederate relations, presented a report upon the subject of exemptions; which, on his motion, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed (Doc. No. 30), and on his further motion, made the order of the day for Monday next at 12 o'clock.


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        The report of the committee on confederate relations on the governor's message in regard to the female institute at Staunton, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 31.

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

        No. 50. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the board of public works to increase the rates of toll to be charged by rail road and other companies, and declaring certain duties and liabilities of rail road, express and other companies, reported the same with amendments.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, to whom had been referred a resolution as to the expediency of repealing the act passed March 28, 1863, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, except so much as relates to the tax on licenses, presented a report, that such legislation was inexpedient.

        No. 126. A bill for the assessment of persons, property, income and salaries, being the order of the day, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, laid on the table.

        No. 66. A bill to amend and re-enact an act passed October 31, 1863, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act passed March 11, 1863, in relation to the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufactures of spirituous and malt liquors, was taken up and read a second time.

        Mr. DEYERLE moved to amend the bill, in the 3d line of the 2d section, by striking out the word "dried" [the effect being to prevent distillation from fruit]; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 17, noes 82.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Crawford, Crockett, Deyerle, Douthat, Evans, Fleming, A. Fry, Huntt, Hutcheson, Kaufman, McElroy, Melvin, Reid, Rixey, Rust, Stewart and Ward--17.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Cummings, Custis, Draper, Edwards, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Pitman, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--82.

        Mr. BROOKE moved to amend the bill, by adding as independent sections, to come in after the first, the following:

        "2. On complaint to any justice of the peace of any county or corporation, wherein, by reason of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, its courts are not regularly held, of any violation of the preceding section in such county or corporation, he shall examine on oath the complainant and any other witnesses; and if he see good reason to believe that such offence has been committed, shall issue his warrant, reciting the accusation, and requiring the person accused to be brought before a justice of said county or corporation; or (at his discretion) before a justice of any county convenient thereto, and whose courts are regularly held; and in the same warrant may require


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the officer to whom it is directed, to summon such witnesses as shall be therein named to appear and give evidence on the examination.

        3. An officer arresting a person under any warrant issued under the provisions of the preceding section, shall bring such person before, and return such warrant to a justice of the county designated in such warrant, unless such person be let to bail in the manner provided by law; and the proceedings of such justice shall conform to those prescribed by law in cases of misdemeanor, except as herein otherwise provided. Every recognizance of bail or for the appearance of the accused, taken by a justice, shall be by him returned and certified to the county having cognizance of the offence; and whenever the accused shall be committed to jail in default of recognizance, he shall be committed to the jail of the county whose court has cognizance of the offence.

        4. The justice before whom any warrant issued under the second section is made returnable shall, if the accused be not discharged or let to bail, commit him for trial before the court of the county to which such justice belongs, or (where the warrant is returned to a justice of the county wherein the offence is alleged to have been committed) to the court of such county convenient thereto, as may be determined upon by the justice before whom it may be returned. In either case, the said court shall have jurisdiction and take cognizance of the case in like manner and to the same extent as if the offence had been committed and the commitment made in said county."

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

        Mr. WALTON moved further to amend the bill by adding thereto the following; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative:

        "Be it further enacted, that the 3d and 4th sections of the act passed March 12th, 1862, entitled an act to prevent the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufacturers of spirituous and malt liquors, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows:

        "§ 3. That in addition to the penalty prescribed by the first section of this act for a violation of its provisions, the distillery or other machines and implements used therewith, for the purpose of making liquor, low wines or vinegar, in violation of existing laws, all corn, wheat, rye, or other grain, dried fruit, potatoes, sugar, molasses, sugar cane, molasses cane or sorghum, sorghum seed, or sap of sugar maple, shall be forfeited to the commonwealth: and it shall be the duty of the court, in pronouncing judgment upon any conviction under this act, to add the judgment of forfeiture, and to order the sheriff to make sale of such distillery or other machine and implements, corn, wheat, rye or other grain, dried fruit, potatoes, sugar, molasses, sugar cane, molasses cane or sorghum, sorghum seed, or sap of sugar maple, by such execution as issues for the commonwealth in other cases. And it shall be the duty of the sheriff to pay the proceeds of such sale into the treasury of the commonwealth, after deducting to himselfper cent. commission.


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        "§ 4. That as soon as any person may be presented or indicted for any violation of the provisions of acts against unlawful distillation, the court of any county or corporation in which said proceedings are had, shall immediately issue an order to the sergeant or sheriff of such county or corporation, directing him, unless within ten days thereafter the defendant shall enter into bond with sufficient security in the penalty of ten thousand dollars, conditioned to answer the judgment of the court, and also to have forthcoming, when required by law, any property alleged to be forfeited under this act, then at once to seize and take possession of the spirituous and malt liquors, distilling machine and other implements used or employed in making liquor in violation of this act, and the grain, dried fruit, potatoes, sugar, molasses, sugar cane, molasses cane or sorghum, sorghum seed or sap of sugar maple, and hold the same subject to the judgment of said court, as herein provided."

        Mr. MONROE submitted an amendment to the bill--pending the consideration of which, Mr. HALL moved that the bill be indefinitely postponed; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. WALKER of Rockingham demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 19, noes 77.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Buford, Colston, Ferguson, Flood, Graham, Hall, Herndon, Irving, Jones, Meade, Mullens, Nighbert, Patterson, Pretlow, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, Thomas and Wright--19.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Fauntleroy, Fleming, Fletcher, A. Fry, Goodall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hughes, Hutcheson, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Rixey, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Smith, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk and Worsham--77.

        Mr. MAGRUDER moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 49, noes 54.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Bland, Brooke, Burnett, Colston, Cox, Crawford, Cummings, Dickey, Duval, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Jones, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Rixey, Rutherfoord, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Stewart, Thomas, Thompson, J. C. Walker, Ward, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--49.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Goodall, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Mullens, Nighbert, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, Walton, N. W. White, S. M. Wilson, Winn and Winston--54.

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


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EVENING SESSION.

        No. 66. A bill to amend and re-enact an act passed October 31, 1863, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act passed March 11, 1863, in relation to the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufacturers of spirituous and malt liquors, being the unfinished business of the morning session, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment heretofore submitted by Mr. MONROE, was put; and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. MILLER moved a call of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 19, noes 60.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Burnett, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Lynch, Magruder, McCutchen, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Robinson, F. Saunders, Sherrard, Thomas, J. C. Walker and Wright--19.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buford, Burwell, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, Horton, Hutcheson, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Lively, Lundy, Mathews, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, N. W. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn and Woolfolk--60.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. MONROE,

        Mr. AMBERS demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The amendment is as follows:

        "Provided, that the provisions of this act, except so far as it prohibits the distillation of grain, shall not apply to persons in counties entirely under the military control of the enemy, for any acts done during the period of such exclusive possession of such counties by the enemy."

        Mr. KEILEY submitted an amendment to the bill--pending the consideration of which, Mr. LYNCH moved that the bill be laid on the table, and made the order of the day for Monday at 12 o'clock; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The amendment was rejected.

        The question recurring on the engrossment of the bill, Mr. KEILEY demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        On motion of Mr. PATTERSON, amended on motion of Mr. KEILEY,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of so amending existing laws as to authorize fiduciaries, commissioners and general receivers of courts to invest any remaining balances in confederate treasury notes, which may have accrued in their hands since the commencement of the present war, in the four per cents. or other stocks of the confederate


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government, now authorized to be issued by the government of said Confederate States; and further to enquire what legislation (if any) is necessary to protect fiduciaries from loss or damage by reason of the depreciation of trust funds in their possession, resulting from recent legislation of congress.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing the action of the grand jury of the court of hustings for Richmond, in relation to tippling houses; which was read, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Taylor of the Baptist church.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 26, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to the joint resolution giving certain instructions to the board of public works.

        They have passed a bill entitled:

        An act confirming and amending the charter of the Richmond glass manufacturing company, No. 46.

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


        No. 46. A senate bill entitled an act confirming and amending the charter of the Richmond glass manufacturing company, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on agriculture and manufactures.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee for courts of justice, to whom had been referred the following senate bills:

        No. 55. A bill to amend and re-enact the 13th, 33d, 34th and 36th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, so as to increase the fees and compensation of sheriffs and sergeants.

        No. 68. A bill to amend and re-enact the 12th section of the 77th chapter of the Code of Virginia.

        No. 74. A bill to amend the first and second sections of an act to suppress gaming, passed October 16, 1863, reported the same without amendments.

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

        No. 177. A bill to amend and re-enact sections 3, 15 and 31 of chapter 113 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, reported a bill establishing an agency to prosecute and settle claims against the Confederate States, due the estates of deceased soldiers and discharged and disabled soldiers; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.


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        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee on finance, presented the following bills; which were read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 179. A bill appropriating the public revenue for the fiscal years 1863-4 and 1864-5.

        No. 180. A bill to repeal the act passed March 28, 1863, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, and to continue the rights and remedies of the commonwealth, and prescribing further regulations for licenses.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the same committee, presented a joint resolution for convening the general assembly; which was taken up for consideration.

        The resolution is as follows:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the governor be and he is hereby respectfully requested to convene the general assembly on the second Monday in January 1865; but this application is not intended to interfere in any manner with the exercise of the discretion vested in the governor by the constitution, should he think proper, for any cause, to convene the general assembly at an earlier day.

        Mr. ANDERSON moved that the resolution be laid on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 29, noes 77.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Baker, Burnett, Crawford, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Fleming, Fletcher, Graham, Horton, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Lundy, McCutchen, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Pitman, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Staples, Stewart and Thompson--29.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Flood. Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, McMillan, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--77.

        Mr. FLEMING moved to amend the resolution, by striking out "second Monday in January," and inserting "first Wednesday in December 1864."

        Mr. ROBERTSON moved to amend, by striking out the words "first Wednesday in December," and inserting the "first Monday in November;" 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--Ayes 57, noes 50.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Bland, Brooke, Buford, Burnett, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lynch, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, T. W. Taylor, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winston and Woolfolk--57.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Butler, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Dickey, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A.


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Fry, Goodall, Graham, Horton, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Maguire, Marr, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Mullens, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Staples, Stewart, Thomas, Thompson, Tredway, Ward, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Worsham and Wright--50.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the resolution as amended, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 74, noes 34.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Flood, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, Jordan, Keiley, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, Melvin, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pretlow, Randolph, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winston and Woolfolk--74.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Bowen, Cummings, Dickey, Fleming, Fletcher, A. Fry, Goodall, Graham, Horton, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Maguire, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Patterson, Pitman, Reid, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, J. C. Walker, Walton, Winn, Worsham and Wright--34.

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

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

        Whereas, it is represented that B. F. Murray, sheriff of Shenandoah county, transmitted to the seat of government the sum of $12,500, to be placed to his credit on the taxes collected by him for the year 1862, which, by a misapprehension, was credited against his collections for the year 1863:

        Be it therefore resolved by the general assembly, that if the auditor of public accounts shall be satisfied that the payment was improperly credited to the taxes of 1863, he may correct the credit, by applying the same to the taxes of 1862.

        Which was concurred in.

        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. 181. A bill to provide for general meetings of stockholders of banks of circulation in certain cases.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on confederate relations, presented a report in regard to officers resigning out of the army and navy of the United States into that of Virginia; which was ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 32.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from a special committee, presented the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the joint committee appointed to enquire and report upon the abuses alleged to have occurred at Camp Lee, be authorized to send for persons and papers; which was concurred in.

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

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. NASH, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill


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entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to incorporate the Richmond importing and exporting company, passed February 21, 1863, No. 78: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. CHRISTIAN, the senator from Augusta, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act increasing the capital stock of the Bank of the City of Petersburg, No. 81: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the bill was read a first, second and third times and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 113. A bill making an appropriation for the Central lunatic asylum, was taken up, on motion of Mr. CROCKETT, read a second time, amended, and as amended laid on the table.

        The report of the joint committee on salt, relative to the contract with Stuart, Buchanan & Co., being the order of the day, was taken up and postponed until Monday at 12 o'clock.

        Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight submitted a resolution; which being objected to, Mr. WILSON moved a suspension of the rule with a view to consider the resolution this day; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put--and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. BROOKE 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, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowles, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Coke, Colston, Custis, Deane, English, Evans, Ferguson, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hughes, F. C. S. Hunter, R. W. Hunter, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, Morgan, Murdaugh, C. A. Nelson, Noland, Pendleton, Powell, Rutherfoord, Shackleford, Sherrard, Snowden, Stewart, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. Walker, Walton, Welsh, R. J. White and Woodley.

        A quorum appearing, on motion of Mr. KEILEY, further proceedings under the call were dispensed with.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the suspension of the rule, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WILSON then submitted the following preamble and resolution; which were agreed to:

        Whereas the congress of the Confederate States of America, by an act passed on the 13th of February 1864, and approved by the president, entitled an act to increase the efficiency of the army, by the employment of free negroes and slaves in certain capacities, have declared, "that all male free negroes and other free persons of color, &c. held liable to perform such duties with the army, &c. as the secretary of war, &c. may prescribe:" and whereas it is "provided, that the secretary of war, &c., with the approval of the president, may exempt from the operations of this act such free negroes as the interest of the country may require should be exempted, or such as he may think proper to exempt on grounds of justice, equity or necessity:" and whereas large districts of this commonwealth have been deprived of a large amount of their labor by the escape of slaves, and are solely dependent upon free negro labor: and whereas it is


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important and necessary that this class of labor should be permitted to remain in the districts aforesaid for purposes of production: Therefore,

        Be it resolved by the general assembly, that the governor be directed to request the secretary of war to exempt from the operations of this act those counties of this commonwealth in the power or possession of the public enemy, or so threatened that any attempt to remove the free negroes would endanger their escape to the public enemy.

        No. 72. A senate bill entitled an act concerning jailors' fees, was taken up, read a third time and passed--Ayes 94.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Fauntleroy, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Monroe, Mullens, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, J. C. Walker, Ward, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--94.

        Mr. DEYERLE submitted the following preamble and resolution:

        Whereas, in view of the recent legislation by congress, calling into service a large portion of the productive labor of the country: and whereas the productions both of manufacture and agriculture hereto fore were not equal to the wants and demands of the country Therefore,

        Be it resolved, that a special committee be appointed to enquire into the propriety of repealing so much of the law as authorizes the governor to call into the service of the Confederate States such slave labor as is engaged in the manufacture or production of articles of prime necessity, and to enquire if the free negro labor of the state not so employed cannot be substituted in its place.

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

        Mr. BROOKE submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the joint committee on salt be instructed to report forthwith such bills or resolutions as may be necessary to carry into effect the recommendations contained in its report of February 1864; which, on his motion, was laid on the table, and made the special order, with the report, on Monday next.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DICKINSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the resolution in relation to an extra session of the general assembly, with an amendment: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The amendment changing the time from first Monday in November to first Wednesday in December, was agreed to--Ayes 99.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Fauntleroy,


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Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Ward, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--99.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 97. A bill authorizing the board of public works to fix from time to time the rate of tolls and other charges upon certain rail roads within this commonwealth, was read a second time, and on motion, laid on the table.

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1864.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 27, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to a joint resolution from the house of delegates, authorizing the committee appointed to investigate abuses at Camp Lee, to send for persons and papers.

        They have passed house bill entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact the 2d section of an act to incorporate the Union manufacturing company, No. 82.

        And they have passed bills entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact section 15 of chapter 14 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salary of the printer of the senate, No. 79.

        An act to amend the charter of the Farmers and mechanics insurance company of the city of Richmond, No. 80.

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


        No. 78. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to incorporate the Richmond importing and exporting company, passed February 21, 1863, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. BURR, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 79. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 15 of chapter 14 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salary of the printer of the senate, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 80. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the charter of the Farmers and mechanics insurance company of the city of Richmond, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.


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        Mr. TREDWAY, from the committee of schools and colleges, presented an adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of affording pecuniary aid to the preparation and publication of elementary books for the use of the schools of the state.

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

        No. 182. A bill to organize a more efficient police for the several counties of the commonwealth; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

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

        An adverse report to a resolution as to the expediency of allowing Philip Howerton the value of a slave condemned to be executed by the county court of Halifax.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ARMSTRONG, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act for the relief of John C. Heiskell, sheriff of Hampshire county, No. 83: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS of Richmond,

        Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing the salary of the banking clerk of the treasury department to be paid out of the public treasury as other salaries are paid.

        No. 67. An engrossed bill increasing the compensation of the judge of the 13th judicial circuit, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WARD, read a third time and passed--Ayes 81, noes 20.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, Duval, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McNeil, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Sherrard, Smith, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--81.

        NOES--Messrs. Buford, Colston, Dickey, Evans, A. Fry, Horton, Huntt, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kindrick, McElroy, McMillan, Meade, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin and Worsham--20.

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

        Mr. MONROE submitted the following preamble and resolutions; which were ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs:

        Whereas it is due alike to Virginia and the world that she should record in her statutes the illustrious names of her fallen sons, sending down to history and remote posterity her noble and devoted dead.

        She gratefully inscribes the names of Jackson, Garnett, Garland, Ashby, Preston, Paxton, Baylor, Neff, Warwick, Gibbon, Fulkerson, Strange, Magruder, Allen, Lackland, Thompson, Bronaugh, Botts, Colston, Sheetz, Marr, Wise, Newton, Fletcher, Baxter, Drake, Patrick, the Harrisons: she mournfully remembers her unnamed dead:


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1. Resolved by the general assembly, that the commonwealth of Virginia holds in sacred trust their memories, and desires to hand down to after ages her gallant, patriotic dead.

2. That she gratefully acknowledges the patriotism, valor and devotion of her living soldiers, while she recognizes, in their late act of cheerful and voluntary re-enlistment, only what she expected from her noble hearted and dutiful children.

3. That in entire correspondence with her resolutions of 1798-9, she declares her perpetual separation from the present government of the United States, and is unwilling to entertain any proposition that contemplates reunion or reconstruction with northern states in the former confederacy.

4. Resolved, that Virginia entertains the highest confidence in her illustrious generals, and tenders to them her grateful acknowledgments for brilliant services rendered to our common cause and their honored mother state.

        No. 70. An engrossed bill for the relief of A. G. Ingraham, was taken up, on motion of Mr. DUVAL, read a third time and passed--Ayes 105.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Smith, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, S M. Wilson, Winn, Winston and Wright--105.

        No. 162. An engrossed bill to establish an army agency in the city of Richmond, for the relief of soldiers, seamen and officers of Virginia in the confederate service, and to repeal the 1st, 2d and 3d sections of an act establishing such agency, passed March 9, 1863, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BUFORD, read a third time and passed--Ayes 108.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Marye, Mathews, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Mullens, R E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. C. Walker, Ward, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--108.

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

        No. 152. A bill authorizing the governor to appoint an agent to contract with some suitable person or persons for the manufacture of alcohol in this state, for medical and mechanical uses, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WHITE of Brooke, &c., read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.


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        Mr. MCCUE submitted the following preamble and resolution; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance:

        Whereas it is of the utmost importance to the best interest of the state and confederate governments, that they should have an accurate knowledge of the agricultural and mechanical resources of the country: Therefore,

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the commissioners of the revenue be required to ascertain the amount on hand of the several kinds of grain, forage, sorghum, &c. of the crop of 1863, and also to ascertain the number of acres of the several kinds of grain, of grass, potatoes, turnips, beans, peas, sorghum, tobacco, cotton, together with the amount of mechanical products of the year 1864, of each county in the state, under regulations that may be prescribed by the first auditor.

        On motion of Mr. BARKSDALE,

        Resolved, that the committee on schools and colleges enquire into the expediency of amending chapter 81 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860):

        On motion of Mr. PRETLOW,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill so amending the existing law in reference to wills as to authorize the probate of the same, by the proof of the handwriting of witnesses absent in the army.

        No. 165. A bill authorizing the payment of a sum of money to William J. Morgan, for a slave condemned to be hung, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BROOKE, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 147. A bill establishing a commercial agency for the state of Virginia, was taken up.

        Mr. BURWELL submitted amendments to the bill, and on his motion, the bill was laid on the table, and the amendments ordered to be printed.

        The report of the committee on confederate relations, relative to the exemption of state officers, being the order of the day, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, postponed to, and made the order of the day for to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

        The report of the joint committee on salt, relative to the contract with Stuart, Buchanan & Co., being the order of the day [see Doc. No. 30], was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the following resolution:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the joint committee on salt be instructed to report forthwith such bills or resolutions as may be necessary to carry into effect the recommendations of its report returned on the day of February 1864,


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        Mr. BROOKE moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 39, noes 57.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Bland, Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Colston, Cox, Duval, Edwards, Fauntleroy, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Hall, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Hutcheson, Jones, Jordan, Kenney, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCutchen, McKinney, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Richardson, Rixey, Robinson, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--39.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Butler, Burwell, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, Horton, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Mullens, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Robertson, Rust, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tibbs, Tredway, Walton, Winn and Winston--57.

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

EVENING SESSION.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution respecting the exemption of certain slaves from impressment for public defence: Messrs. Deyerle, Anderson, Baskervill, Winston, Tredway, Staples, Graham, McCue, and Wilson of Isle of Wight.

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

        No. 65. A bill to amend the 21st section of chapter 60 of the Code, in regard to appointment of directors and proxies by the board of public works.

        No. 159. A bill to amend and re-enact the 2d section of an act passed October 9, 1863, entitled an act to amend the act passed February 13, 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 3, 1862, and to legalize the action of county courts held under said law.

        No. 142. A bill to repeal section 8th, and to amend and re-enact section 9th of chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860).

        No. 174. A bill to authorize sheriffs to summon the posse comitatus to aid in enforcing impressments in certain cases.

        No. 137. A bill to amend and re-enact sections 2d and 7th of an act entitled an act for improving the navigation of Willis' river, passed January 28, 1817.

        No. 77. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the holding of the sessions of the county court of Lee county, with the pending amendment by way of substitute, submitted by Mr. RANDOLPH, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the substitute, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The bill was then read a third time and passed.


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        On motion of Mr. RANDOLPH, the title was amended, so as to read as follows:

        "An act to authorize county courts to change the places of holding their sessions, and to enlarge their powers in certain cases."

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

        On motion of Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight,

        Resolved, that a select committee of three be appointed to bring in a bill to repeal an act passed February 12, 1862, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an ordinance to provide for the enrollment and employment of the free negroes in the public service, passed by the convention July 1st, 1861.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the foregoing resolution: Messrs. Wilson of Isle of Wight, Bouldin and Tredway.

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

        Resolved, that on and after to-morrow this house shall meet at 10 o'clock and adjourn at 3 o'clock P. M.

        On motion of Mr. WALTON,

        Resolved, that the committee on lunatic asylums enquire into the expediency of so amending the 48th section of the 85th chapter of the Code of Virginia, as to authorize jailors to expend a larger amount than is now allowed for clothing for lunatics under their charge.

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that Col. George P. Kane of Maryland be invited by the SPEAKER to a privileged seat on the floor of this house, as a testimonial of our respect and sympathy towards one who has borne with such firmness the infamous indignities heaped by our enemies upon those who refuse obedience to their lawless rule.

        The report of the joint committee on salt, with the resolution directing bills to be reported in accordance therewith, being the order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. GRAHAM presented the memorial of Charles Scott & Co., and of Stuart, Buchanan & Co., in relation to the salt subject, and moved that the same be read for the information of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. HALL submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the report of the committee on salt, with the accompanying documents, be recommitted, and that they report a bill impressing all the salt works in Washington county, undertaking that the state shall fulfill all obligations to the confederate and state governments; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. WALKER of Rockingham demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 9, noes 73.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Colston, Hall, Herndon, Hiett, Huntt, Monroe, Nighbert, Pitman and E. T. Saunders--9.


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        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Marr, Mathews, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Pretlow, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Williams and J. L. Wilson--73.

        Mr. STEWART moved a suspension of the rule, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the house refused to order the reading of the memorials of Charles Scott & Co. and Stuart, Buchanan & Co.; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 41, noes 45.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Butler, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Draper, Ferguson, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Graham, Hall, Horton, Irving, Jones, Kindrick, Lewis, Magruder, Marr, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Robertson, Robinson, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, R. J. White and Williams--41.

        NOES--Messrs. Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Burnett, Burwell, Colston, Cox, Douthat, Duval, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Mathews, McNeil, Meade, Mullens, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Richardson, Rowan, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Smith, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton and Wilson--45.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the resolution, Mr. SMITH moved to amend the same, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:

        "Resolved, that the joint committee on salt be instructed to ascertain, from the proprietors of the Washington and Smyth salt works, the terms on which they will furnish to the state, for the use of the people, eight hundred thousand bushels of salt, more or less, as the necessities of the people may require."

        Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the amendment, by striking out all thereof, and inserting the following:

        "Resolved, that for the provision of a future supply of salt for the people of Virginia, it is unnecessary and inexpedient to resort at present to the impressment of other salt property not now in the possession of the state or its tenants, or to depart materially from the plan of operations now in execution for that purpose; and that a select committee of five be appointed, with instructions to contract with Stuart, Buchanan & Co. for an extension of the existing lease with them for the further term of one year, upon the basis of their proposal of the 20th February 1864, with such modifications as said committee shall deem necessary and proper, subject to the approval and ratification of the general assembly."

        The question being on agreeing thereto--pending the consideration of which, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.


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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Sprigg of the Episcopal church.

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

IN SENATE, Feb. 29, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to the joint resolution from the house of delegates in relation to the employment of free negroes, &c., and the joint resolution in relation to B. F. Murray, sheriff of Shenandoah county.

        They have passed bills entitled:

        An act authorizing the receipt of the treasury notes of the Confederate States in payment of taxes and other public dues, and regulating when and how the same shall be received, No. 76.

        An act for the relief of Thomas M. Hundley, commissioner of the revenue for the county of Matthews, No. 84.

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


        No. 83. A senate bill for the relief of John C. Heiskell, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 76. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the receipt of the treasury notes of the Confederate States in payment of taxes and other public dues, and regulating when and how the same shall be received, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

        No. 84. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of Thomas M. Hundley, commissioner of the revenue for the county of Matthews, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

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

        No. 184. A bill to amend and re-enact section 4 of an act passed October 31st, 1863, for the relief of indigent soldiers and sailors, &c.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a communication from the governor, in relation to the evil of tippling houses in the city of Richmond, reported that bills had already been presented on that subject.

        Mr. TREDWAY, from the committee of schools and colleges, presented the following bills:

        No. 185. A bill to provide for the education of disabled soldiers in primary schools.

        No. 186. A bill to increase the rates of pay for the tuition of indigent children at primary schools.

        Mr. TREDWAY, from the committee of schools and colleges, reported the following resolution:

        Resolved, that the auditor of public accounts be requested to report to this house, at the commencement of the next session of the general assembly, a full tabular statement of all money paid into, or retained in the treasury of the commonwealth prior to the 1st day of


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October 1863, under ordinance No. 66, respecting the revenue of the literary fund.

        Mr. TREDWAY, from the same committee, to whom had been referred a resolution on the subject of disbanding the public guard, presented a report, that it was inexpedient at this time to legislate upon the subject.

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

        No. 79. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 15 of chapter 14 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salary of the printer of the senate, reported the same without amendment.

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

        Mr. CROCKETT, from the committee on lunatic asylums, presented the following bill, which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

        No. 187. A bill to amend the 48th section of chapter 85 of Code of Virginia, concerning allowances to officers having lunatics under their care.

        No. 63. A senate bill entitled an act to furnish counties of the state with a model of the flying shuttle attachment for looms, was taken up, on motion of Mr. GILMER; and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the bill was laid on the table.

        No. 140. A bill authorizing and directing the payment of the Dixie Boys, was taken up, on motion of Mr. RICHARDSON, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 136. A bill to authorize the governor to appoint an agent to make out a list of all the men furnished by Virginia to the Confederate States army, showing those who have been killed in battle, or have died from wounds received or disease contracted in said army, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SMITH; and the question being on agreeing to the substitute heretofore submitted by Mr. SMITH, Mr. TREDWAY demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on the engrossment of the bill, Mr. DEANE moved that the bill be laid on the table; and the question being on


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agreeing thereto, Mr. ENGLISH demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

        The bill was then amended; and the question being on the engrossment of the bill, on motion of Mr. TREDWAY, the bill was laid on the table.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. BRANNON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed an act to suspend the act passed March 28th, 1863, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, and to continue the rights and remedies of the commonwealth, and prescribing further regulations for licenses, No. 86; in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the bill was read a first and second times.

        Mr. ROBERTSON moved that the bill be laid on the table, and made the order of the day for to-morrow at 11½ o'clock; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. DUVAL demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 60, noes 48.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Flood, Gilmer, Goodall, Hall, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Lynch, Marr, Marye, McCue, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Pendleton, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, Walton, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Winston and Woodley--60.

        NOES--Messrs. Baskervill, Bland, Buford, Butler, Cummings, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Huntt, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Magruder, Maguire, McCutchen, Meade, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Rowan, Rust, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shackleford, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, J. L. Wilson, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--48.

        The report of the joint committee on salt, with the pending resolution instructing the committee to prepare bills or resolutions in accordance with the principles therein announced, with the amendment thereto, submitted by Mr. SMITH, and the amendment to the amendment, submitted by Mr. BUFORD, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment to the amendment--pending the consideration of which, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

        No. 142. An engrossed bill to repeal section 8th, and to amend and re-enact section 9th of chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. CROCKETT, read a third time and passed.

        On motion of Mr. CROCKETT, the title was amended so as to read as follows:


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        A bill to dispense with the office of treasurer of the Central lunatic asylum, and to direct the funds of said asylum to be kept in either bank in Staunton.

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

        No. 152. An engrossed bill authorizing the governor to appoint an agent to contract with some suitable person or persons for the manufacture of alcohol in this state, for medical and mechanical purposes, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WHITE, and on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, laid on the table.

        The resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. GOODALL, in relation to the meetings of the house of delegates, was taken up, on motion of Mr. JAMES.

        The resolution is as follows:

        Resolved, that on and after to-morrow this house shall meet at 10 o'clock and adjourn at 3 P. M.

        Mr.moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the words "and adjourn at 3 P. M.;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, which was the report of the committee on the subject of salt, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the order of the day was postponed until to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

        Mr. COWAN moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. COWAN moved a call of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. COWAN moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        Mr. WOOLFOLK moved a call of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The roll was then called the first and second times, and the following members noted as absent:

        Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Bowen, Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Coke, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Custis, Dickey, Duval, English, Fauntleroy, Fleming, Flood, A. Fry, Hall, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hughes, F. C. S. Hunter, R. W. Hunter, Hutcheson, Jordan, Keiley, Kindrick, Lundy, Maguire, Marye, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Morgan, Murdaugh, C. A. Nelson, Nighbert, Noland, Parramore, Patterson, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, J. Walker, Ward, Welsh, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Woodley and Wright.

        The doors were then closed, by order of the SPEAKER.

        The roll was again called, and the following gentlemen were excused for non-attendance:

        Messrs. Ambers and Anderson. Pending the call of the roll,

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


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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Sprigg of the Episcopal church.

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

IN SENATE, March 1, 1864.

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

        An act to provide for the holding of sessions of the county court of Lee county, No. 77.

        They have passed house bills entitled:

        An act for the relief of A. G. Ingraham, No. 70.

        An act releasing William B. Ball from the payment of a certain sum of money, No. 63.

        And they have agreed to a joint resolution authorizing the sale of the bonds of the Hillsboro' and Cincinnati rail road company.

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


        The joint resolution authorizing the sale of the bonds of the Hillsboro' and Cincinnati rail road company, was referred to the committee on finance.

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

        No. 83. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of John C. Heiskell, sheriff of Hampshire county, reported the same without amendment.

        No. 76. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the receipt of the treasury notes of the Confederate States in payment of taxes and other public dues, and regulating when and how the same shall be received, reported the same with amendments.

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

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

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

        No. 188. A bill prescribing the mode of payment of the salary of the banking clerk in the treasurer's office.

        Mr. RIDDICK, from the committee on agriculture and manufacturers, to whom had been referred

        No. 46. A senate bill entitled an act confirming and amending the charter of the Richmond glass manufacturing company, reported the same without amendment.

        No. 171. A bill to prevent the destruction of enclosures and private property on public highways, was taken up, on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, read a second time, and amended; and the question being on ordering the bill to its engrossment--pending the consideration of which, the hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,


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        No. 86. An act to suspend the act passed March 28, 1863, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, and to continue the rights and remedies of the commonwealth, and prescribing further regulations for licenses, being the order of the day, was taken up, and read a second time.

        Mr. BURWELL submitted the following preamble to the bill:

        "Whereas it appears, from the report and estimates of the auditor of public accounts, that the available balance which will be in the treasury on the 15th of March 1864, with additional receipts accruing during the current fiscal year, will amount to the sum of $ 9,325,445, which sum will, in the opinion of this general assembly, be ample for the support of the state government, as well as for compliance with any demands which may probably be made upon the treasury during the current year: Therefore,"

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. COX 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 passed--Ayes 104, noes 5.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, English, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Ward, N. W. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--105.

        NOES--Messrs. Cresap, Hutcheson, Stewart, Tomlin and Williams--5.

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

        No. 30. An engrossed bill to provide for the completion of the Covington and Ohio rail road, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. WALKER of Rockingham demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 84, noes 35.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hoge, Horton, Hughes, Hutcheson, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robinson, Rowan, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Welsh, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Worsham--84.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Crockett, Cummings, Draper, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Huntt, J. B. Johnson; Keiley, Kindrick, Lewis, Lundy, McKinney, Mullens, Patterson, Pretlow, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tomlin, Ward, Woolfolk and Wright--35.

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

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ARMSTRONG, who


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informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed the following joint resolution: Resolved, that the joint committee appointed to consider what measures (if any) may have become proper to be adopted by the general assembly in view of the recent act of congress known as the military act, so far as it may affect the officers of government of this state, be enlarged by the addition of two members on the part of the senate: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the resolution was agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. ROBERTSON inform the senate thereof.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. BRANNON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to authorize the funding of certain currency belonging to the state, in confederate bonds, and to authorize the sale of such bonds if necessary, and to authorize the conversion of other notes into other issues, No. 82: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The report of the joint committee on salt, being the order of the day, with the pending resolutions in relation thereto, was taken up: and the question being on agreeing to the resolution heretofore submitted by Mr. BUFORD, as an amendment to the amendment submitted by Mr. SMITH--pending the consideration of which, on motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD, it was postponed until 8 o'clock P. M.

        The report of the committee on confederate relations, in relation to exemptions, being the order of the day, was taken up, and postponed until 8 o'clock P. M.

        Mr. DUVAL, moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 6, noes 83.

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

        AYES--Messrs. McCutchen, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Rowan, Thomas and Worsham--6.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, Melvin, Mullens, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, F. Saunders, Shackleford, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, Welsh, N. W. White, Winn, Winston, Woodley and Woolfolk--83.

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

EVENING SESSION.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the order of the day was postponed for five minutes.

        No. 171. A bill to prevent the destruction of enclosures and private property on public highways, was read a second time as previously amended; and the question being--Shall the bill be engrossed


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and read a third time? Mr. WOOLFOLK demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight, from a select committee, presented the following bill:

        No. 188. A bill to repeal an act passed February 12, 1862, entitled an act to amend and re-enact an ordinance to provide for the enrollment and employment of the free negroes in the public service, passed by the convention July 1, 1861.

        Mr. GILMER presented the petition of the stockholders of the Bank of Pittsylvania, deprecating the removal of said bank to the town of Danville; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on banks.

        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 the clerk communicate the same to the senate for further examination.

        No. 159. An engrossed bill to amend and re-enact the 2d section of an act passed October 9th, 1863, 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. FRY of Madison, read a third time and passed.

        No. 112. A bill to amend and re-enact section 48 of chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ROWAN, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 179. A bill appropriating the public revenue for the fiscal year 1863-4 and 1864-5, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, laid on the table, and made the special order of the day for to-morrow at 11½ o'clock.

        The report of the joint committee on salt, with the pending resolutions, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. BUFORD, Mr. BUFORD, by leave of the house, modified the amendment so as to read as follows:

        "Resolved, that for the provision of a future supply of salt for the people of Virginia, it is unnecessary and inexpedient to resort at present to the peremptory impressment of other salt property not now in the possession of the state or its tenants, or to depart materially from the plan of operations now in execution for that purpose; and that a select committee of five be appointed, with instructions to contract with Stuart, Buchanan & Co. for an extension of the existing lease with them until the 1st day of January 1865, upon the basis of their proposal of the 20th February 1864, with such modifications


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as said committee shall deem necessary and proper, subject to the approval and ratification of the general assembly; and if such committee shall be unable promptly to effect such contract, then they are instructed to report a bill to authorize the impressment by the board of supervisors of salt, of such portion of the salt property now held by the state or its tenants, and by Charles Scott & Co., as they shall deem necessary to secure an adequate supply of salt for the people of the state."

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment to the amendment--pending the consideration thereof,

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Sprigg of the Episcopal church.

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

IN SENATE, March 2, 1864.

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

        An act authorizing the receipt of the treasury notes of the Confederate States in payment of taxes and other public dues, and regulating when and how the same shall be received, No. 76.

        They have passed house bill entitled:

        An act to repeal section 8, and to amend and re-enact section 9 of chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to dispense with the office of treasurer of the Central lunatic asylum, and to direct the funds of said asylum to be kept in either of the banks in Staunton, No. 142.

        And they have passed a bill entitled:

        An act to incorporate the Confederate States porcelain company, No. 89.

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


        No. 82. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the funding of certain currency belonging to the state in confederate bonds, and to authorize the sale of such bonds if necessary, and to authorize the conversion of other notes into other issues, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, read a third time and passed--Ayes 112.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker). Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens,


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Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Welsh, N. W. White, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--112.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 89. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the Confederate States porcelain company, 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.

        No. 179. A bill appropriating the public revenue for the fiscal years 1863-4 and 1864-5, being the special order of the day, was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        The report of the joint committee on salt, with the pending resolutions, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. BUFORD to the amendment submitted by Mr. SMITH to the original resolution--pending the consideration of which, on motion of Mr. IRVING, the further consideration of the order of the day was postponed until 8 o'clock P. M.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from Henry W. Thomas, president of the board for the relief of families of soldiers, &c.; which was read, and on motion, laid on the table.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house, the following letter of Colonel G. P. Kane:

RICHMOND, March 2, 1864.

SIR:

        I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of 29th ultimo, enclosing a resolution of the house of delegates of Virginia, inviting me to a privileged seat on its floor.

        The kind and cordial language of the resolution, and your personal expressions of respect contained in the communication referred to, are not only flattering, but most grateful to my feelings.

        It is full compensation for all that I have endured, to be here, although at so late a moment, and share with the gallant people of Virginia, and her sister states of the Confederacy, in their patriotic struggle in defence of their firesides.

        The patient fortitude and magnificent sacrifices which have been made by the men and women of your state, and throughout the south, wherever the vandal soldiery of the Washington government have penetrated, have won the sympathy and challenged the admiration of the civilized world; which, together with the gallantry of their soldiers in the field, have afforded abundant evidence, and long since convinced even the intelligent and conservative people of the north--of whom I am glad to say I have met large numbers, who view, with feelings of horror and detestation, the conduct of those who now control their government, and wield such despotic sway--that the Confederate States of America have successfully established, and are fully able to maintain their right to be considered a free and independent people.


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        With the assurance of my high appreciation of the honor which has been conferred upon me,

I am, very respectfully, sir,
Your obedient servant,

GEO. P. KANE.
Hon. H. W. Sheffey, Speaker House Delegates of Va.


        No. 137. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting sections 2d and 7th of an act for improving the navigation of Willis' river, passed January 28, 1817, was taken up, on motion of Mr. IRVING, read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 139. A bill to amend and re-enact the 2d section of chapter 7 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the election of judges, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 152. An engrossed bill authorizing the governor to appoint an agent to contract with some suitable person or persons for the manufacture of alcohol in this state for medical and mechanical uses, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WHITE of Brooke, &c., laid on the table, and the further consideration of the same postponed until 9 o'clock P. M.

        No. 100. A bill to provide nurses for sick soldiers, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SNOWDEN, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        No. 138. A bill amending and re-enacting section 2d of chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

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

        No. 84. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of Thomas M. Hundley, commissioner of the revenue for the county of Matthews, reported the same with amendments.

        Mr. BOULDIN, from the committee of conference in relation to the matters of disagreement between the two houses in relation to house bill to authorize an appropriation to pay for tobacco destroyed at the Public warehouse, presented the following report:

        The committee of conference on the subject of disagreement between the two houses on a bill to authorize an appropriation to pay for tobacco injured or destroyed by fire at the Public warehouse, respectfully report, that they have held a conference on said subjects of disagreement, and are unable to agree thereon, but have agreed that the chairman of each committee report to their respective houses a new bill on the same subject.

J. F. JOHNSON, C. S. C.

WOOD BOULDIN, C. H. C.


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

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


Page 216

EVENING SESSION.

        On motion of Mr. WHITE of Brooke, &c., the order of the day was postponed for fifteen minutes.

        No. 152. An engrossed bill authorizing the governor to appoint an agent to contract with some suitable person or persons for the manufacture of alcohol in this state for medical and mechanical purposes, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WHITE of Brooke, &c., and read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass?--pending the consideration of which, the hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, the report of the joint committee on salt, with the pending resolutions, was taken up.

        Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that all debate upon the various propositions upon the subject of salt, which have been or may be submitted to the house, shall terminate to-morrow at 12 o'clock, when the house will proceed to vote upon the resolutions relating to that subject.

        Mr. JAMES moved to amend the resolution by adding the following: "and that no member shall speak longer than ten minutes on any question connected with the subject;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        Mr. ROBERTSON moved to amend the resolution, by striking out all after the word "Resolved," and inserting the following: "the senate concurring, that the present session of the general assembly be extended to Friday the 11th March 1864."

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved to amend the amendment, by striking out "Friday the 11th," and inserting "Tuesday the 15th;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. STAPLES 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. ROBERTSON, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 65, noes 50.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Branch, Brooke, Burnett, Burr, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Deane, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fleming, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Jordan, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, McKinney, Melvin, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Robinson, Rutherfoord, Scott, Shackleford, Snowden, Stewart, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams and Woodley--65.

        NOES--Messrs. Baskervill, Bowen, Bryan, Buford, Butler, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, Graham, Horton, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Lively, Lundy, Mathews, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Mullens, Patterson, Pretlow, Riddick, Rixey, Rowan, E. T. Saunders, Shelton, Smith, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--50.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the resolution as amended, Mr. PENDLETON moved that the resolution as amended be laid on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. PATTERSON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.


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        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. BUFORD to the amendment submitted by Mr. SMITH to the original resolution, Mr. WALKER of Rockingham demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 78, noes 37.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Horton, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Patterson, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rutherfoord, Scott, Shackleford, Smith, Snowden, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. C. Walker, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--78.

        NOES--Messrs. Brooke, Bryan, Cowan, Cresap, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Hall, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Huntt, Hutcheson, Linkous, Lively, McMillan, Miller, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Richardson, Rixey, Rowan, E. T. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Tredway, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White and Williams--37.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment as amended, Mr. STAPLES demanded the previous question; and the question being--Shall the main question be put? was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 46, noes 66.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Baker, Bowen, Buford, Butler, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Fletcher, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Huntt, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Lively, Lundy, Mathews, McElroy, McNeil, Meade, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pretlow, Riddick, Rixey, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, J. L. Wilson, Woodley and Wright--46.

        NOES--Messrs Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Burr, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Draper, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fleming, Flood, W. O. Fry, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, Jones, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Pendleton, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Scott, Shackleford, Snowden, Stewart, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Welsh, Williams, Winn and Worsham--66.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the consideration of the order of the day was postponed until to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

        The report of the committee on confederate relations, in relation to exemptions from military service, being an order of the day, was postponed until to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

        No. 48. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing an increase of the salaries of the professors of the university, and providing for the education of persons disabled by wounds received in the public service, with the pending amendment heretofore submitted by way of substitute, was taken up, on motion of Mr. TREDWAY.

        The amendment was then amended; and the question being on agreeing thereto, on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, the bill was laid on the table, and made the order of the day for to-morrow at 11½ o'clock.

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


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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Sprigg of the Episcopal church.

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

IN SENATE, March 3, 1864.

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

        An act making debts due to branch banks within the enemy's lines payable to the mother banks within the confederate lines, No. 40.

        An act to suspend the act passed March 28th, 1863, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, and to continue the rights and remedies of the commonwealth, and prescribing further regulations for licenses, No. 86.

        The senate have passed house bills entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact the second section of an act passed October 9th, 1863, 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, No. 159.

        An act to amend the charter of the town of Bridgewater in the county of Rockingham, No. 96.

        And they have passed bills entitled:

        An act to amend and re-enact the first section of an act entitled an act to authorize fiduciaries to invest funds in their hands in certain cases, and for other purposes, passed March 5, 1863, No. 27.

        An act to increase the compensation of the clerk of the circuit court of the city of Richmond, No. 88.

        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 on motion, laid on the table:

        No. 27. A senate bill to amend and re-enact the first section of an act entitled an act to authorize fiduciaries to invest funds in their hands in certain cases, and for other purposes, passed March 5, 1863.

        No. 88. A senate bill entitled an act to increase the compensation of the clerk of the circuit court of the city of Richmond.

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

        No. 189. A bill to authorize the qualified voters of the state in the military service, and persons absent from their respective counties and corporations on account of the presence of the public enemy, to vote for county officers.

        Mr. ROBERTSON, from the joint committee upon the subject of the recent act of congress known as the military act, presented a report;


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which, on his motion, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed Doc. No. 33.

        No. 179. An engrossed bill appropriating the public revenue for the fiscal years 1863-4 and 1864-5, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 113.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk and Wright--113.

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

        No. 48. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing an increase of the salaries of the professors of the university, and providing for the education of persons disabled by wounds received in the public service, with the pending substitute thereto, was taken up.

        The substitute was agreed to, and the bill read a third time and passed--Ayes 111, noes 3.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jordan, Keiley, Kindrick, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Noland, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--111.

        NOES--Messrs. W. Johnson, Patterson and Tomlin--3.

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

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. TAYLOR, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act authorizing the court of appeals to hold its sessions at other places than Lewisburg, passed March 12th, 1863, No. 28: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. WILEY, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bills entitled an act amending and re-enacting sections 2 and 7 of an act for improving Willis' river, passed January 28th, 1817, No. 139; an act to establish an army agency in the city of Richmond for the relief of soldiers, seamen and officers of Virginia in the confederate service, and to repeal the 1st, 2d and 3d sections of an act establishing


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such agency, passed March 9th, 1863, No. 162; and that they had passed a bill entitled an act to authorize an appropriation to pay for tobacco injured or destroyed by fire at the Public warehouse, No. 94: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The report of the joint committee on salt, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. SMITH, as amended by the amendment submitted by Mr. BUFORD; and the question being on agreeing thereto, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, the order of the day was laid on the table until 10 minutes past 8 o'clock P. M.

        The report of the committee on confederate relations in relation to exemptions, was postponed until 10 minutes past 8 o'clock this evening.

        No. 79. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 15 of chapter 14 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), so as to increase the salary of the printer of the senate, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ENGLISH, read a third time and passed--Ayes 83, no 1.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burr, Crawford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Winston and Worsham--83.

        NO--Mr. McElroy--1.

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

EVENING SESSION.

        No. 83. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of John C. Heiskell, sheriff of Hampshire county, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MONROE, read a third time and passed--Ayes 98.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Edwards, Evans, Fleming, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Mathews, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Snowden, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--98.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. BRANNON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 5th section of chapter 53 of the Code (edition of 1860), in relation to county levies, No. 96: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.


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        The report of the joint committee on salt, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment to the original resolution, as amended--pending the consideration of which,

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. BRANNON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bills entitled an act to make Clinch river a lawful fence through the county of Scott; an act to incorporate the Hardy coal mining company, No. 132, and an act to incorporate the Henrico manufacturing company, No. 148; and that they had passed house bill entitled an act appropriating the public revenue for the fiscal years 1863-4 and 1864-5, with amendments: in which amendments they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. JOHNSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a joint resolution extending the session until the 10th instant: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment as amended,

        On motion of Mr. WINSTON, the order of the day was postponed until to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

        The report of the committee on confederate relations in relation to exemptions, being the order of the day, was postponed until to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

        The joint resolution for the extension of the present session of the general assembly, was taken up.

        The resolution is as follows:

        Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that the present session be extended to Thursday the 10th instant; and the question being on agreeing thereto, the roll was called, with the following result--Ayes 84, noes 25:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Branch, Brooke, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Cummings, Deane, Draper, Edwards, Evans, Fleming, Flood. W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Huntt, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Marye, McCue, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Monroe, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Worsham and Wright--84.

        NOES--Messrs. Baskervill, Bowen, Bryan, Buford, Deyerle, Douthat, Graham, Horton, Kindrick, Lewis, Lundy, Mathews, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Mullens, Pendleton, Riddick, D. J. Saunders, Smith, Staples, T. W. Taylor, Tibbs, Tredway and R. J. White--25.

        Three-fifths of the whole house not having voted in favor of the resolution,

        Resolved, that the resolution be rejected.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the rule was suspended, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the resolution was rejected, and the resolution laid on the table, and made the special order of the day for to-morrow at 11½ o'clock.

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


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SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1864.

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

IN SENATE, March 4, 1864.

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

        An act authorizing an increase of the salaries of the professors of the university, and providing for the education of persons disabled by wounds received in the public service, No. 48.


        No. 94. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize an appropriation to pay for tobacco injured and destroyed by fire at the Public warehouse, was read a first and second times, and on motion, laid on the table.

        No. 28. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact an act authorizing the court of appeals to hold its sessions at other places than at Lewisburg, passed March 12, 1863, was read a first, second and third times and passed--Ayes 112.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--112.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 96. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 5th section of chapter 53 of the Code (edition of 1860), in relation to county levies, 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.

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act appropriating the public revenue for the fiscal years 1863-4 and 1864-5, were taken up.

        The question being on agreeing to the first amendment of the senate, to wit, to strike out in the 14th line the words "for actual services," was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 107.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Douthat, Draper, Duval, English, Ferguson, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Horton, Hutcheson, James, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kindrick, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, R. J. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--107.


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        The question being on agreeing to the 2d amendment of the senate, on motion of Mr. BURWELL, the bill was laid on the table.

        The joint resolution in relation to the extension of the session, being the special order of the day, was agreed to--Ayes 111, noes 11.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Dickey, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--111.

        NOES--Messrs. Deyerle, Douthat, Ferguson, Horton, Kindrick, McElroy, Mullens, Thompson, Tredway, R. J. White and Woolfolk--11.

        Ordered, that Mr. DEANE inform the senate thereof.

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

        No. 57. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 54th section of chapter 61 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), in relation to the transfer of turnpikes to the counties in which they lie, reported the same without amendment.

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD, from the joint committee upon the subject of an address to the soldiers of Virginia in the army, presented a report.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DICKINSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had adopted an address to the Virginia soldiers: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Mr. WINSTON presented the petition of officers and soldiers of the army of northern Virginia, asking to be allowed to vote in elections for county officers; which was laid on the table.

        The report of the joint committee on salt, being the order of the day, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendments--pending the consideration of which,

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. TAYLOR, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bill entitled an act to amend the 1st section of an act passed April 12, 1862, entitled an act to authorize the construction of the Wytheville and Grayson turnpike, and to make branches thereof to the lead mines of Wythe county, and Hillsville in Grayson county, No. 60, with an amendment: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment as amended, Mr. HAYMOND of Marion demanded the previous question; and the question being--Shall the main question be put? was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 59, noes 48.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Burr, Butler, Cox, Cresap, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, Goodykoontz, T. S. Haymond,


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Hendrick, Herndon, Holden, Huntt, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Lively, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, R. E. Nelson, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Rixey, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Scott, T. W. Taylor, Tibbs, Tredway, Walton, N. W. White, Winn, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--59.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Brooke, Buffington, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Crockett, Deane, Draper, Fleming, Gilmer, Graham, L. D. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, Jones, Kindrick, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, Marr, McCutchen, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Pendleton, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Williams and Winston--48.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment as amended, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 41, noes 77.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Ferguson, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Graham, Horton, Irving, Jones, Kenney, Kindrick, Lewis, Magruder, Marr, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, Meade, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Randolph, Robertson, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Smith and Snowden--41.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Duval, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Rixey, Rowan, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--77.

        The amendment as amended and rejected is as follows:

        "Resolved, that for the provision of a future supply of salt for the people of Virginia, it is unnecessary and inexpedient to resort at present to the peremptory impressment of other salt property not now in the possession of the state or its tenants, or to depart materially from the plan of operations now in execution for that purpose; and that a select committee of five be appointed, with instructions to contract with Stuart, Buchanan & Co. for an extension of the existing lease with them until the 1st day of January 1865, upon the basis of their proposal of the 20th February 1864, with such modifications as said committee shall deem necessary and proper, subject to the approval and ratification of the general assembly: and if such committee shall be unable promptly to effect such contract, then they are instructed to report a bill to authorize the impressment by the board of supervisors of salt, of such portion of the salt property now held by the state or its tenants, and by Charles Scott & Co., as they shall deem necessary to secure an adequate supply of salt for the people of the state."

        Mr. WINSTON submitted an amendment to the resolution as follows:

        "Resolved, that the joint committee on salt be instructed to bring in bills in conformity with the following propositions:

1. That prior to the 8th day of June 1864, there shall be impressed for the use of the state the ten furnaces of Stuart, Buchanan & Co., now leased by the state, together with such dwelling houses, stables and appurtenances as may be necessary for the proper working of said furnaces, and a fair proportion of the meadow and other land adjacent thereto, to be held by the state until the 1st day of January 1865.


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2. That power be conferred upon the board of supervisors to impress the Preston well and salt water from the King & Findley wells, sufficient to supply the state furnaces. But this power shall not be exercised so long as Stuart, Buchanan & Co. furnish the said furnaces with an ample supply of brine, nor in case of mere temporary failure to furnish said supply, when the same is occasioned by unavoidable accident or stoppage for necessary repair, so long as Stuart, Buchanan & Co. shall in good faith give preference in the supply of salt water to the said furnaces.

3. That the control heretofore exercised by the board of public works, acting as supervisors of the salt works, over the Virginia and Tennessee rail road, for the transportation of salt from and of supplies to the salt works, be continued.

4. That the said board be authorized to settle all questions between the state of Virginia and Stuart, Buchanan & Co., arising out of past contracts, by arbitration, and to settle all such questions in future in the same mode."

        The question being on agreeing thereto--pending the consideration of which, the hour of 3 P. M. having arrived, the chair was vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

        Mr. DEANE moved that the order of the day be postponed for five minutes.

        Mr. MCCUE moved to amend so as to postpone the order of the day for half an hour; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the original motion, was put; and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. PRETLOW moved a call of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        A quorum appearing, the motion to postpone the order of the day for five minutes was agreed to.

        On motion of Mr. DEANE,

        Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire what (if any) legislation is required to protect the banks of this commonwealth as to the sums due by them to their depositors, in view of the recent currency act passed by the confederate congress.

        Mr. MCCUE submitted the following resolutions:

1. Resolved by the general assembly, that the thanks of Virginia are eminently due and are hereby given to the officers and men of the several commands that have by their prompt and brave interposition defended this capital from the late incursion of the enemy.

2. Resolved, that in the death of Captain Albert Ellery of Henley's, and Lieutenant J. Sweeney and Corporal J. Blunt and privates John Jones of Waller's battalion, andWilliams of Colonel Stephens' command, in defending the capital of Virginia from the


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approach of the enemy, we are called to mourn the loss of gallant and patriotic officers and men, whose gallantry, under the most trying circumstances, entitles them to our highest consideration and gratitude.

3. Resolved, that we tender to their families and friends our sincere sympathies and condolence in an affliction which the entire community mourns.

4. Resolved, that the SPEAKER communicate to their families a copy of these resolutions.

        Which, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, were referred to the committee on military affairs.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, being the report of the joint committee on salt, it was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. WINSTON--pending the consideration of which,

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. FRAZIER, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to certain joint resolutions in relation to the impressment of certain property at Saltville: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. WINSTON, Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 38, noes 68.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Ferguson, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Graham, Horton, Irving, Jones, Jordan, Lewis, Magruder, McCue, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Reid, Robertson, Robinson, Rutherfoord, Scott, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Thompson, J. Walker, Winn and Winston--38.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McNeil, Monroe, Mullens, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Richardson, Rixey, Rowan, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--68.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the original resolution,

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE, the resolution was laid on the table.

        On motion of Mr. BROOKE, the resolutions heretofore communicated from the senate were taken up.

        The question being on agreeing to the first resolution, Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        The question being on agreeing to the second resolution of the senate--pending the consideration of which,

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


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MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Mr. Hardwicke of Petersburg.

        The amendment proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act to amend the 1st section of an act passed April 12, 1852, entitled an act to authorize the construction of the Wytheville and Grayson turnpike, and to make branches thereof to the lead mines of Wythe county, and Hillsville in Grayson county, No. 66, was taken up and agreed to--Ayes 88, noes 7.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Colston, Cowan, Crawford, Crockett, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Ferguson, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Lively, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, J. Walker, Welsh, N. W. White, Winn, Winston and Woodley--88.

        NOES--Messrs. Huntt, Jones, Lundy, T. W. Taylor, J. L. Wilson, Worsham and Wright--7.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        The report of the joint committee to prepare an address to the soldiers of Virginia in the confederate armies, was taken up and read; and the question being on the adoption of the address,

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

        Resolved, that the report of the committee to prepare an address to the soldiers of Virginia in the confederate armies, be recommitted to the joint committee, with instructions to embody therein a proper reference to the recent raid upon this city; and that said committee be authorized to have said address printed for the use of members.

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

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

        No. 190. A bill authorizing the sale or other disposition of the bonds of the Hillsboro' and Cincinnati rail road company.

        No. 106. A bill to sanction, authenticate and give authority to the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. BROOKE, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        On motion of Mr. GILMER,

        Resolved, that a special committee, to consist of five members, be appointed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to provide for the greater protection of persons traveling on rail roads.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee: Messrs. Gilmer, Deane, Burwell, Magruder and Kaufman, under the resolution.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. TAYLOE, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a joint resolution instructing the auditor of public accounts to obtain certain information from the commissioners of the revenue, and to communicate


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the same to the general assembly at its next session: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. GUY, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to provide for the purchase and distribution, among the people of the state, of cotton, cotton yarns, cotton cloths and hand cards, No. 64: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 174. An engrossed bill to authorize sheriffs to summon the posse comitatus to aid in enforcing impressments in certain cases, was read a third time and passed.

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

        The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill appropriating the public revenue for the fiscal years 1863-4 and 1864-5, were taken up, and the second amendment agreed to with an amendment.

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

        Mr. SHACKLEFORD submitted the following resolution; which was agreed to:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the attorney general of Virginia be and he is hereby instructed to cause the facts and circumstances of the recent raid upon the city of Richmond by Col. Dahlgren, to be verified and perpetuated, by making a record of the evidence in relation thereto, and filing the same in the office of the secretary of the commonwealth.

        The report of the committee on confederate relations, in relation to exemption of certain officers of government, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, postponed until the unfinished business of Saturday evening was disposed of.

        The joint resolution from the senate, in relation to the impressment of certain property at Saltville, being the unfinished business of Saturday evening, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the second resolution of the senate, Mr. BUFORD moved to amend the resolution, by striking out "six furnaces at Saltville, known as the Charles Scott & Co.'s works," and inserting "two furnaces at Saltville, known as the H. D. Smith & Co.'s works;" and the question being on agreeing thereto--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.

        Elias Edmunds, a delegate elected from the election district composed of the counties of Lancaster and Northumberland, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the ineligibility of Thomas E. Betts, appeared, was qualified and took his seat.

        The joint resolutions from the senate, in relation to the impressment


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of certain property at Saltville, being the unfinished business of the morning session, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. BUFORD to the 2d resolution, Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 47, noes 76.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Burnett, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Graham, Horton, Irving, Jones, Jordan, Lewis, Magruder, Marr, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Reid, Robertson, Rutherfoord, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--47.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McMillan, McNeil, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--76.

        The question recurring on agreeing to the 2d resolution of the senate, Mr. LUNDY demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 79, noes 41.

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Duval, Edmonds, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McMillan, McNeil, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--79.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Burnett, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Graham, Horton, Irving, Jones, Jordan, Lewis, Magruder, McElroy, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Reid, Robertson, Rutherfoord, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, J. Walker, Winn and Winston--41.

        The 3d resolution was then agreed to.

        The resolutions from the senate are as follows:

1. Resolved, as the sense of the general assembly, that it is expedient for the commonwealth to continue her present policy of manufacturing salt for the people.

2. That to this end the board of supervisors of salt do immediately impress the six furnaces at Saltville, known as the Charles Scott & Co.'s works, and the appurtenances, and labor necessary to operate the same, and shall, prior to the 8th day of June next, impress nine of the ten furnaces of Stuart, Buchanan & Co. now leased by the state, excluding the Thomas R. Friend furnace, together with such dwelling houses, stables and appurtenances as may be necessary for the proper working of said furnaces, and a fair proportion of the meadow and other lands adjacent thereto; also the Preston well, and so much salt water from the King & Findley wells as shall be ample to supply the said fifteen furnaces. Likewise, that the superintendent


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have authority, under the supervision and control of the board of supervisors, to impress standing wood for operating said furnaces; and the general assembly will at the present session provide just compensation for any private property to be taken under this resolution.

3. That the joint committee on salt be instructed to report bills to carry into effect the foregoing resolutions.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        The order of the day, which was the report of the committee on confederate relations, in relation to exemptions, was postponed until to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

        No. 95. An engrossed bill to authorize the governor to lease a portion of land adjoining the armory, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 96.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, Duval, Evans, Fleming, Fletcher, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Lewis, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--96.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

        No. 64. A senate bill entitled an act to provide for the purchase and distribution, among the people of the state, of cotton, cotton yarns, cotton cloths and hand cards, was read a first and second times.

        Mr. BURWELL moved to amend the bill, by inserting as an independent section, to come in after the 2d section, the following:

        "The governor is hereby authorized and required to make requisitions upon the president and directors of the several incorporated cotton factories within this commonwealth, and the owners or lessees of such as are not incorporated, to manufacture raw cotton, to be furnished by the state agent, into cotton yarns, from numbers 4 to 12, both numbers inclusive, or cotton cloths, plain and unbleached. The gross amount of such requisitions shall be apportioned among the several factories referred to, according to their respective capacities to produce such yarns and cloths. The compensation of each of such factories, for the yarns and cloths so manufactured on state account, shall not exceed the price paid for the manufacture of similar goods by the confederate government, deducting therefrom the cost of the raw material furnished by the state."


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        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. MORGAN demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 73, noes 31.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Edmunds, Edwards, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodall, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Miller, Murdaugh, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Riddick, Rowan, Rust, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--73.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Bouldin, Bowen, Burr, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Duval, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, T. S. Haymond, Horton, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Keiley, Magruder, Morgan, Parramore, Reid, Robertson, Smith, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Winston and Wright--31.

        Mr. WINSTON moved to amend the bill in relation to the penalty of the bond of the agent, by striking out "one" and inserting "three," so as to make the bill provide that the agent should give bond in the penalty of three hundred thousand dollars; which was agreed to.

        Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight moved to amend the bill in the section, by adding in the line, after the word , "and corn for citizens in destitute portions of the state;" which was agreed to.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Marion moved to amend the bill, by inserting after the word "act," in the 3d line of the 4th section, the following: "such company shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall forfeit to the state for each offence the sum of five thousand dollars, to be recovered by motion in the circuit court of the city of Richmond, and paid into the public treasury; and it shall be the duty of the governor to inform the auditor of public accounts of every violation of this act, who shall forthwith proceed to enforce the collection of the penalty hereby imposed;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The question being on ordering the bill to a third reading, Mr. ANDERSON 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. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 103, noes 2.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deyerle, Dickey, Duval, Edmonds, Edwards, Evans, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Lewis, Linkous, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Murdaugh, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Shelton, Smith, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. C. Walker, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--103.

        NOES--Messrs. Deane and Robertson--2.

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

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. COGHILL, who informed


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the house of delegates that the senate had passed an act to authorize the impressment of certain salt wells, furnaces and other property, No. 93: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day, which was the report of the committee on confederate relations in relation to the exemption of certain officers, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the same was postponed until the bill in relation to salt was disposed of.

        No. 93. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the impressment of certain salt wells, furnaces and other property, was read a first and second times.

        Mr. STAPLES submitted the following proviso to the first section of the bill:

        "Provided, that nothing herein shall be construed to authorize the impressment of such house or houses as are necessary for the storage of salt now in possession of Stuart, Buchanan & Co. or Charles Scott & Co."

        The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. AMBERS demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 51, noes 68.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Crockett, Deane, Dickey, Draper, Duval, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Graham, Horton, Irving, Jones, Jordan, Keiley, Lewis, Magruder, McCue, McElroy, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Murdaugh, Parramore, Patterson, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shelton, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--51.

        NOES--Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Edmonds, Edwards, English, Evans, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Mullens, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--68.

        The question being on ordering the bill to a third reading, Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; and the question being--Shall the main question be put? was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 73, noes 43.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Bryan, Buffington, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Deyerle, Duval, Edmonds, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Mullens, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, Walton, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--73.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Burnett, Butler, Crockett, Deane, Dickey, Draper, Fleming, Gilmer, Graham, Irving, Keiley, Lewis, Magruder, McCue, McElroy, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Patterson, Reid, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, D. J. Saunders, Smith, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--43.

        The question being on ordering the bill to a third reading, was put, and decided in the affirmative.


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        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 87, noes 39.

        AYES--Messrs. Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Duval, Edmonds, Edwards, English, Evans, Fauntleroy, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rust, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--87.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Buford, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Graham, Horton, Irving, Jones, Keiley, Lewis, Magruder, McCue, McElroy, Miller, Parramore, Patterson, Reid, Robertson, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Smith, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tomlin, J. Walker and Winston--39.

        Ordered, that Mr. BROOKE inform the senate thereof.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DICKINSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the amendment proposed by the house of delegates to an amendment of the senate to bill No. 179, entitled an act appropriating the public revenue for the fiscal years 1863-4 and 1864-5; that they have passed house bills entitled an act to authorize the governor to lease a portion of land adjoining the armory, No. 95; an act to authorize sheriffs to summon the posse comitatus to aid in enforcing impressments in certain cases, No. 174; and that they had agreed to a joint resolution in relation to perpetuating testimony under a joint resolution recommitting report of joint committee to prepare an address to Virginia soldiers, to said committee, with instructions.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. GRICE, who informed the house of delegates that they had agreed to a preamble and resolution relative to the arrest and sentence of certain citizens of Portsmouth by the federal authorities: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 189. A bill to authorize the qualified voters of the state in the military service, and persons absent from their respective counties and corporations on account of the presence of the public enemy, to vote for county officers, was taken up, on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        On motion of Mr. BOULDIN,

        Resolved, that from and after this day the house will meet daily at 10 o'clock A. M.

        No. 152. An engrossed bill authorizing the governor to appoint an agent to contract with some suitable person or persons for the manufacture of alcohol in this state for medical purposes, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WHITE of Brooke, &c., read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass? Mr. EDWARDS demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, the roll was called, with the following result--Ayes 68, noes 35:

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Brooke, Bryan, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cox, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Draper, Duval, Edwards, English, Evans, Goodall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett,


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Hoge, Holden, Horton, Hutcheson, Irving, James, Jones, Keiley, Kenney, Linkous, Lively, Maguire, McCutchen, McMillan, McNeil, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Shackleford, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. C. Walker, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Woodley, Woolfolk and Worsham--68.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Bowen, Branch, Deane, Dickey, Fleming, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Lynch, Magruder, McCue, McElroy, Melvin, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Pitman, Powell, Reid, Robinson, E. T. Saunders, Sherrard, Smith, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Welsh and Winston--35.

        Resolved, that the bill be rejected.

        On motion of Mr. LYNCH, 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. 171. An engrossed bill to prevent the destruction of enclosures and private property on public highways, was taken up, on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 106. An engrossed bill entitled an act to sanction, authenticate and give authority to the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), was taken up, on motion of Mr. BROOKE, read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 18. 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, was taken up, on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

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

EVENING SESSION.

        The preamble and resolution heretofore communicated from the senate, relative to the arrest and sentence of certain citizens of Portsmouth by the federal authorities, was taken up, and unanimously agreed to.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 139. An engrossed bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 2d section of chapter 7 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the election of judges, was read a third time and passed.

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

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON,

        Resolved, that the SPEAKER of this house be instructed to request of the secretary of war passports for the members and officers of this house, so as to enable them to pass at will, except to the army.

        On motion of Mr. SHACKLEFORD,

        Resolved, that this house, with the consent of the senate, will, on Wednesday, March 9, 1864, at 1 P. M., proceed to elect a superintendent of salt works.


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

        The report of the committee on confederate relations upon the subject of the exemption of certain officers of the state, being the order of the day, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, laid on the table.

        On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, the report and resolutions of the joint committee on the subject of exemptions, under the recent act of congress known as the military act, was taken up--pending the consideration of which, the report and resolutions were laid on the table.

        Mr. WOOLFOLK submitted the following resolution:

        Resolved, that during the remainder of this session no member shall be allowed to speak on any motion or question more than five minutes at one time, nor shall he speak more than twice on the same motion or question: and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. HUTCHESON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

        No. 165. An engrossed bill authorizing the payment of a sum of money to William J. Morgan for a slave condemned to be hung, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BROOKE, read a third time and passed--Ayes 81.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Douthat, Duval, Edmonds, Evans, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Lively, Lundy, Magruder, Mathews, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Powell, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--81.

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

        No. 90. An engrossed bill refunding to Peter Engleman part of a license tax paid by him, was taken up, on motion of Mr. PENDLETON, read a third time and passed--Ayes 81.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Barksdale, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Crockett, Deane, Deyerle, Draper, Duval, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Mathews, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pretlow, Powell, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Shelton, Smith, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, Winn, Woolfolk and Worsham--81.

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

        No. 139. An engrossed bill amending and re-enacting section 2 of chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, read a third time and passed.

        Mr. BOULDIN moved to amend the title, by adding at the end thereof the following: "so as to authorize the employment by the


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confederate government of collectors of taxes and commissioners of the revenue;" and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

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

        No. 65. An engrossed bill to amend the 21st section of chapter 66 of the Code in regard to appointments of directors and proxies by the board of public works, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 105. An engrossed bill to provide for the purchase of shoes, blankets and other articles of clothing for the troops of this state in the service of the state or of the Confederate States, was taken up, on motion of Mr. HUTCHESON, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, laid on the table, and made the special order for to-morrow at 11½ o'clock.

        No. 112. An engrossed bill to amend and re-enact section 48 of chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WALTON, laid on the table, and made the order of the day for to-morrow at 11 o'clock.

        No. 55. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 13th, 33d, 34th and 36th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, so as to increase the fees and compensation of sheriffs and sergeants, was read a third time, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, laid on the table.

        No. 186. A bill to increase the rate of pay for the tuition of indigent children at primary schools, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

        No. 50. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the board of public works to increase the rates of toll to be charged by rail road and other companies, and declaring certain duties and liabilities of rail road, express and other companies, was read a second time; and the question being--Shall the bill be read a third time? Mr. SNOWDEN moved an adjournment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. TREDWAY moved a call of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        On motion of Mr. FLEMING, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1864.

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

IN SENATE, March 8, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to the amendments proposed by the joint


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committee to the address of the general assembly to the soldiers of Virginia.

        And they have agreed to a joint resolution authorizing the publication and distribution of the address of the general assembly to the soldiers of Virginia.

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


        The amendments proposed by the senate to the address of the joint committee to the soldiers of Virginia in the army of the Confederate States, were agreed to.

        The address was then agreed to.

        The following resolution from the senate was agreed to:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the address of the general assembly to the soldiers of Virginia be published in the Richmond newspapers for one week, on alternate days, and that ten thousand extra copies be printed for distribution by the governor among the soldiers of Virginia, in such mode as in his judgment will best attain that object.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        The joint resolution from the senate instructing the auditor of public accounts to obtain certain information from the commissioners of the revenue, and to communicate the same to the general assembly at its next session, was taken up.

        Mr. HAYMOND moved to amend the resolution, so as to include a list of the names of the owners of property; which was agreed to.

        The question being on agreeing to the resolution--pending the consideration of which, the hour having arrived for the consideration of the order of the day,

        No. 105. An engrossed bill to provide for the purchase of shoes, blankets and other articles of clothing for the troops of this state in the service of the state or of the Confederate States, being the order of the day, was taken up, and on motion of Mr. STAPLES, postponed for five minutes.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES,

        Resolved, that a special committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing soldiers in the army to vote in the approaching election for county officers.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. Staples, Magruder and Barksdale.

        Mr. STAPLES presented a petition from soldiers from Patrick county, praying permission to vote in the election of county officers; which was laid on the table.

        Mr. BAKER submitted the following preamble and resolutions; which were agreed to:

        Whereas the arrival within confederate lines of the distressed family of the deceased, establishes beyond question the newspaper announcement of the execution by the federal authorities--in obedience to the sentence of a military commission--of Dr. David M. Wright, in the city of Norfolk, on the twenty-third day of October eighteen hundred and sixty-three: and whereas it is fit and proper


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that Virginia should place upon permanent record her high appreciation of a son whose courage, zeal and devotion marked with blood the first effort to establish upon her soil an equality of races, and introduce into our midst the leveling dogmas of a false and pretended civilization:

1. Be it resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that in the death of Dr. Wright this commonwealth recognizes another addition to the long and illustrious catalogue of martyrs, whose stern, inflexible devotion to liberty have rendered heroic the history of her people in the present struggle.

2. That as the proudest tribute which Virginia can offer to his memory, she would earnestly invoke her children--whether within or beyond the enemy's lines--to imitate his example and emulate his high resolves.

3. That the governor of the state be requested to transmit a copy of this preamble and these resolutions to the family of Dr. Wright, together with assurances of the sincere sympathy of the general assembly.

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

        On motion of Mr. BURWELL,

        Resolved, that a special committee be appointed to confer with the secretary of war upon the propriety of granting furloughs, during the sessions of the general assembly, to such officers and soldiers in the military service of the confederate government as may be members of the general assembly, and that the committee have leave to sit during the recess of the legislature.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. Burwell, Robertson, Haymond of Marion, Rutherfoord and Cowan.

        On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

        Resolved, that General Braxton Bragg be invited to occupy a privileged seat in this hall at such time as his convenience may permit, and that the SPEAKER communicate to him a copy of this resolution.

        Mr. WALTON, from the committee on public printing, presented the following joint resolution; which was agreed to:

        Resolved by the general assembly, that the auditor of public accounts be instructed to settle the accounts of William F. Ritchie, public printer, upon the principle of the act of October 23d, 1863, entitled an act for the relief of William F. Ritchie, public printer, allowing the contract price for work done from the 7th day of January 1863, to the 7th September 1863, and from the latter date, the actual cost of printing, and twenty per centum profit thereon: provided, that the public printer shall not be entitled to be paid any such allowance until he has returned the paper of the state used by him in quantity, kind and quality: and provided further, that no payments shall be made under this resolution, except such as is authorized by said act, until the settlement by the auditor shall have been reported for approval by the general assembly.


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

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ALDERSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bills entitled an act to prevent the destruction of enclosures and private property on public highways, No. 171; an act authorizing the payment of a sum of money to William J. Morgan, for a slave condemned to be hung, No. 165; an act refunding to Peter Engleman part of a license tax paid by him, No. 90, and an act to amend and re-enact the 2d section of chapter 7 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the election of judges, No. 139.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. COGHILL, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to certain amendments proposed by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act to provide for the purchase and distribution, among the people of the state, of cotton, cotton yarns, cotton cloths and hand cards, with an amendment; and that they had disagreed to certain other amendments: in which action of the senate they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates: and that they had agreed to a joint resolution fixing a day for the election of a superintendent of salt works.

        No. 189. A bill to authorize the qualified voters of the state in the military service, and persons absent from their respective counties and corporations on account of the presence of the public enemy, to vote for county officers, was taken up, and read a second time; Mr. STAPLES submitted an amendment by way of substitute; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. STAPLES demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative--Ayes 35, noes 59.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Burnett, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Deyerle, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fletcher, W. O. Fry, Hendrick, Hiett, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, W. Johnson, Kenney, Magruder, Maguire, Mullens, Pendleton, Pitman, Robinson, E. T. Saunders, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, Thomas, Tomlin, Welsh, N. W. White and Woolfolk--35.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bouldin, Bowen, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cummings, Deane, Edmonds, English, Fleming, Flood, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, Horton, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Lewis, Lively, Lundy, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Pretlow, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, Smith, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, Tredway, J. Walker, J. L. Wilson, Winn and Woodley--59.

        The substitute is as follows:

        Be it enacted by the general assembly, that the first section of the act passed March 26, 1863, entitled an act to provide for voting by persons in the military service, and persons absent from their respective counties and corporations on account of the presence of the public enemy, in elections for members of congress, for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, and for members of the general assembly, and to amend and re-enact the 3d section of chapter 8 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows:


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        "§ 1. That during the present war the qualified voters of this commonwealth, who may be in the military service of the state or the Confederate States on the day of any general or special election for members of the house of representatives of the Confederate States, or of any election for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general of this state, or the election of any county or state officer, may vote in such election, at such place or places within their regiments as the commandant of such regiment shall designate, whether such regiment be within the limits of this state or not; and any qualified voters of this commonwealth, who, by reason of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, have become refugees from their homes, may vote in any such elections, at the courthouse of the county or corporation in which they may be at the time of such election, for such officers as they would be entitled to vote for if such election had been held in their respective counties or corporations. The result of the election for county officers shall, within thirty days after said elections, be returned to the clerks of the county and corporation courts of their respective counties and corporations, and be by said clerk delivered to their respective courts on the first court after they shall have been received, to be examined and certified by said courts. And where counties are in the possession of the public enemy, the result of the elections for county officers shall, within thirty days after such election, be returned to the secretary of the commonwealth, who shall certify who are elected to the several offices to fill which elections have been held.

        This act shall be in force from its passage."

        The question recurring on the engrossment of the bill, Mr. WILSON of Isle of Wight moved that the bill be laid on the table; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative--Ayes 40, noes 59.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowen, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Deane, Flood, Gilmer, Goodall, Jones, Kaufman, Marr, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, Monroe, Morgan, Parramore, Reid, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, Scott, Shackleford, T. W. Taylor, Tredway, J. Walker and J. L. Wilson--40.

        NOES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Bland, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Deyerle, Dickey, Draper, Edwards, English, Evans, Edmonds, Fleming, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hoge, Horton, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lundy, Magruder, Maguire, McElroy, Miller, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Richardson, Rixey, Robinson, E. T. Saunders, Sherrard, Smith, Snowden, Staples, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. C. Walker, Welsh, N. W. White, Winn, Winston and Woolfolk--59.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. RANDOLPH, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to incorporate the Catawba rail road company, No. 102; in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. NEESON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting section 2 of chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia, so as to authorize the employment, by the confederate


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government, of collectors of taxes and commissioners of the revenue, with an amendment: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The hour having arrived for the execution of the joint order, which had for its object the election of a superintendent of salt works, the order was taken up and read.

        Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton nominated John N. Clarkson.

        Mr. MCCUE nominated C. R. Mason.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DICKINSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate was ready on its part to proceed to the execution of the joint order, which had for its object the election of a superintendent of salt works, and that John N. Clarkson was alone in nomination.

        Ordered, that Mr. HAYMOND of Braxton inform the senate that the house of delegates was now ready on its part to proceed to the execution of the joint order, and that John N. Clarkson and C. R. Mason were in nomination.

        The roll was then called, with the following result:

        For John N. Clarkson--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Duval, Edmonds, Edwards, Evans, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McMillan, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Welsh, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--89.

        For William King--Messrs. Bowen, Buford, Crockett, Cummings, Deane, Draper, English, Graham, McElroy, Robertson, Smith and Thompson--12.

        For C. R. Mason--Messrs. Baskervill, Gilmer, Horton, Jordan, Magruder, McCue, D. J. Saunders and Scott--8.

        For A. R. Holladay--Mr. Bouldin--1.

        The SPEAKER announced the following committee on the part of the house to meet a similar committee on the part of the senate, and ascertain the joint vote: Messrs. Haymond of Braxton, Pendleton, McCue, Cowan, Crockett, Duval, Hutcheson, Hendrick and English.

        Subsequently, Mr. HAYMOND, from the joint committee, presented the following report:

        
Whole number of votes cast, 146
Necessary to a choice, 74
John N. Clarkson received 121
William King received 12
C. R. Mason received 12
A. R. Holladay received 1

        John N. Clarkson having received a majority of all the votes cast, was declared duly elected superintendent of salt works for one year from the expiration of his present term of office.

        The chair was then vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.


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EVENING SESSION.

        Mr. MAGRUDER, from the joint committee to investigate the alleged abuses at Camp Lee, presented a report.

        No. 102. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the Catawba rail road company, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

        No. 140. An engrossed bill authorizing and directing the payment of the Dixie Boys, was taken up, on motion of Mr. CRAWFORD, read a third time and passed--Ayes 86.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Crawford, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Edmonds, English, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lewis, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McKinney, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Snowden, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tomlin, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, Williams, Winn, Winston and Wright--86.

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

        No. 105. An engrossed bill to provide for the purchase of shoes, blankets and other articles of clothing for the troops of this state in the service of the state or of the Confederate States, being the special order, was taken up; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. PENDLETON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative--Ayes 94, noes 6.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Custis, Deane, Edmonds, Edwards, English, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Stewart, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--94.

        NOES--Messrs. Baskervill, Deyerle, Goodykoontz, J. B. Johnson, Jones and R. F. Taylor--6.

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

        No. 112. An engrossed bill to amend and re-enact section 48 of chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia, being the special order of the day, was read a third time and passed--Ayes 96.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Edmonds, Edwards, English, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Huntt, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lundy, Magruder, Mathews, McCue, McElroy, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders,


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E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--96.

        The title was then amended, so as to increase the allowance for clothes for lunatics in jail.

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

        No. 64. A senate bill entitled an act for the purchase and distribution, among the people of the state, of cotton, cotton yarns, cotton cloths and hand cards, with the amendment proposed by the senate to the amendment of the house of delegates, was taken up, and the amendment agreed to. The house receded from its amendments disagreed to by the senate.

        Ordered, that Mr. BURWELL inform the senate thereof.

        No. 50. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the board of public works to increase the rates of toll to be charged by rail road and other companies, and declaring certain duties and liabilities of rail road, express and other companies, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BURWELL, amended, read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 167. A bill to authorize personal representatives in certain cases to receive payments in any currency receivable in public dues, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WINSTON, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        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 the 5th section of the act to provide for the production and distribution of salt, passed March 30th, 1863, No. 101: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        Subsequently, the bill was read a first and second times.

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

        "Be it further enacted, that it shall not be lawful for any county or corporation court, or its agent, in any way to dispose of any salt received for distribution, otherwise than by distributing the same among the citizens of such county or corporation, according to the provisions of said act."

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

        The question recurring on the passage of the bill, the roll was called, with the following result--Ayes 76, noes 21:

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Bland, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Crawford, Cresap, Custis, Edmonds, Edwards, English, Fletcher, Flood, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Hall, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Linkous, Lundy, Lynch, Maguire, Mathews, McCutchen, McMillan, Monroe, Morgan, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rutherfoord, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. Walker, J. C. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Williams, J. L. Wilson, Winn and Wright--76.

        NOES--Messrs. Barksdale, Baskervill, Bouldin, Burnett, Deane, Deyerle, Fleming, Gilmer,


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Graham, Lewis, Marr, McCue, McElroy, Mullens, Parramore, Patterson, Robertson, D. J. Saunders, Staples, Tomlin and Woolfolk--21.

        Resolved, that the bill be rejected.

        No. 18. An engrossed 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, was read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 55. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 13th, 33d, 34th and 36th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, so as to increase the fees and compensation of sheriffs and sergeants, was taken up, on motion of Mr. KEILEY, and on his motion, laid on the table, and made the special order for to-morrow at 11 o'clock.

        Mr. BROOKE submitted the following preamble and resolutions; which were agreed to:

        Whereas, by reason of the invasion of this commonwealth, and the partial occupation thereof by the public enemy, a portion of its population has been thrown beyond the lines of the confederate army, and thus virtually deprived for a time of the fostering care of the state--notwithstanding which adverse circumstances, the great mass of the people thus separated from their more fortunate brethren, have exhibited a constancy of devotion to the cause of southern freedom, worthy of some expression at the hands of the general assembly: Therefore,

1. Be it resolved, that the stern integrity and unwavering fortitude, exhibited by those citizens of this commonwealth who have withstood the corrupting influences brought to bear upon them by a wily and unscrupulous foe, and yet maintain their loyalty untarnished, are fully appreciated by the general assembly, and deserve the admiration of all who are capable of estimating the worth of firmness in the discharge of duty and heroism in the endurance of hardship.

2. That while the circumstances of the military situation are such as to interrupt for the present the intimate social and political relations which so long existed between all portions of this commonwealth, the general assembly hopefully anticipates the period when the cloud of war shall be dissipated--when her flag shall once more float over a free, happy and united people--and when, beneath its protecting folds, her sons shall cultivate again the arts of peace, and thus invest with additional lustre her imperishable renown.

3. That when this happy time shall come (as soon it must) it will be the duty, and doubtless the pleasure of this commonwealth, equally with the heroes who, in this great struggle for human rights, have borne her standard in triumph over a hundred fields, to honor the noble men and women who, despite the presence and power of an insolent foe, have kept unsullied the allegiance they owe to their state, and borne with patience the heaviest sacrifices which duty has required at their hands.


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4. That the foregoing preamble and resolutions be published once in each of the papers published in the city of Richmond.

        No. 60. A bill repealing all laws authorizing insurance of tobacco by the state, and providing for the sale of the Public warehouse, was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

        Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following resolutions in relation to the recent raid upon Richmond; which were agreed to:

1. Resolved by the general assembly, that the thanks of Virginia are eminently due and are hereby given to the officers and men of the several commands that have by their prompt and brave interposition defended this capital from the late incursion of the enemy.

2. Resolved, that in the death of Capt. Albert Ellery, and the officers and men who fell in defending the capital of Virginia from the approach of the enemy, we are called to mourn the loss of brave and patriotic officers and men, whose gallantry, under very trying circumstances, entitles them to our highest consideration and lasting gratitude.

3. Resolved, that we tender to their families and friends our sincere sympathies and condolence in an affliction which the entire community mourns.

4. Resolved, that the SPEAKER communicate to the family of Capt. Ellery a copy of these resolutions.

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

        On motion of Mr. JONES, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1864.

        Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duncan of the Methodist church.

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

IN SENATE, March 9, 1864.

        The senate have agreed to joint resolutions affirming the right of the state of Virginia to appoint all officers needful to perform the various functions of her state government, and declaring certain officers indispensable to the proper maintenance of the dignity, integrity and efficiency of the government of the state, &c.

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


        The amendment proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting section 2 of chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia, so as to authorize the employment, by the confederate government, of the collectors of taxes and commissioners of the revenue, No. 139, was taken up and agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. BOULDIN inform the senate thereof.


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        The joint resolutions affirming the right of the state of Virginia to appoint all officers needful to perform the various functions of her state government, and declaring certain officers indispensable to the proper maintenance of the dignity, integrity and efficiency of the government of the state, &c., were taken up and agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. ROBERTSON inform the senate thereof.

        A joint resolution instructing the auditor of public accounts to obtain certain information from the commissioners of the revenue, and communicate the same to the general assembly at its next session, as amended by the house, was agreed to.

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

        No. 46. A senate bill entitled an act confirming and amending the charter of the Richmond glass manufacturing company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. DEANE, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that Mr. RICHARDSON inform the senate thereof.

        The SPEAKER laid before the house the following letter from General Braxton Bragg:

HD. QRS. ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES,
Richmond, March 9, 1864.

DEAR SIR:

        Please convey to the honorable body over which you so worthily preside, the high estimate I place on the unmerited and unexpected honor conferred by the resolution of this day, inviting me to occupy a privileged seat in their hall. I very much regret that my official engagements will preclude an acceptance during the short remaining period of your session.

        For the very agreeable terms employed by you in communicating this grateful compliment, accept the assurances with which

I am your obliged
and obedient servant,

BRAXTON BRAGG.

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


        No. 60. An engrossed bill repealing all laws authorizing insurance of tobacco by the state, and providing for the sale of the Public warehouse, was taken up, on motion of Mr. BOULDIN, read a third time and passed.

        The title was amended, so as to read as follows:

        "An act repealing all laws authorizing insurance of tobacco by the state, and amending the 59th section of the 87th chapter of the Code of 1860, so as to render the inspector liable to the owners of tobacco in certain cases."

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

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

        No. 55. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the


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13th, 33d, 34th and 36th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, so as to increase the compensation of sheriffs and sergeants, Mr. STAPLES moved to postpone the order of the day for the purpose of taking up and considering house bill No. 139, to authorize the qualified voters of the state in the military service, and persons absent from their respective counties and corporations on account of the presence of the public enemy, to vote for county officers; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

        On motion of Mr. STAPLES, the order of the day was postponed, with a view to reconsider the vote by which senate bill No. 101, entitled an act to amend the 5th section of the act to provide for the production and distribution of salt, passed March 30th, 1863, was rejected.

        On motion of Mr. PENDLETON, the bill was laid on the table, and made the order of the day of this day at 1 o'clock.

        The order of the day, senate bill No. 55, entitled an act to amend the 13th, 33d, 34th and 36th sections of chapter 184 of the Code of Virginia, so as to increase the compensation of sheriffs and sergeants, was taken up, read a third time and passed--Ayes 89, no 1.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Barksdale, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Coke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Cummings, Custis, Deyerle, Duval, Edwards, Edmonds, English, Evans, Fleming, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Irving, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lewis, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Marr, McCue, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, Melvin, Miller, Morgan, Parramore, Patterson, Pendleton, Pitman, Powell, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Snowden, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, N. W. White, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--89.

        No--Mr. W. Johnson--1.

        Ordered, that Mr. ENGLISH inform the senate thereof.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. ARMSTRONG, 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 authorize the board of public works to increase the rates of toll to be charged by rail road and other companies, and declaring certain duties and liabilities of rail road, express and other companies, No. 50.

        No. 57. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 54th section of chapter 61 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), in relation to transfer of turnpikes to the counties in which they lie, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, laid on the table.

        No. 62. An engrossed bill to amend the 6th section of chapter 98 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), concerning patrols, was taken up, on motion of Mr. SHELTON, read a third time and passed.

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

        No. 68. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 12th section of the 77th chapter of the Code of Virginia, was taken up and read a third time; and the question being--Shall the bill pass?


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was put; and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. HAYMOND moved a call of the house; which was agreed to.

        The roll was then called, and the following members noted as absent:

        Messrs. Anderson, Barksdale, Baskervill, Bowen, Branch, Bryan, Burnett, Coke, Colston, Cox, Crockett, Custis, Deane, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, Goodall, Hall, Harris, Hendrick, Herndon, Horton, Hughes, F. C. S. Hunter, R. W. Hunter, James, Kindrick, Lundy, Marr, Marye, Mathews, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Morgan, Mullens, C. A. Nelson, Noland, Patterson, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Rowan, Rust, F. Saunders, Scott, Smith, Snowden, R. F. Taylor, Thompson, Tibbs, J. C. Walker, Ward, Welsh, N. W. White, R. J. White, J. L Wilson and S. M. Wilson.

        A quorum appearing, further proceedings were dispensed with.

        The question recurring on the passage of the bill, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 44, noes 41.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crawford, Deyerle, Fleming, Gilmer, Herndon, Huntt, Hutcheson, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Lewis, Linkous, Lynch, Magruder, McCue, Melvin, Monroe, R. E. Nelson, Pitman, Riddick, Robinson, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shelton, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, Walton, Williams, Winn, Winston and Worsham--44.

        NOES--Messrs. Ambers, Buffington, Buford, Cresap, Cummings, Duval, Edwards, Edmonds, Evans, W. O. Fry, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, W. Johnson, Kaufman, Kenney, Lively, Lundy, Maguire, McCutchen, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Rixey, Robertson, Shackleford, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Tomlin, J. Walker, Woodley, Woolfolk and Wright--41.

        Ordered, that Mr. MAGRUDER inform the senate thereof.

        No. 74. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the first and second sections of an act to suppress gaming, passed October 16, 1863, was taken up, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that Mr. COWAN inform the senate thereof.

        No. 84. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of Thomas M. Hundley, commissioner of the revenue for the county of Matthews, was taken up, read a second time, amended, and as amended read a third time and passed--Ayes 84.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Baker, Baskervill, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Crawford, Cresap, Cummings, Deane, Duval, Edwards, Evans, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, Graham, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Holden, Hutcheson, Irving, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Keiley, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, McCutchen, McElroy, McMillan, Melvin, Monroe, Morgan, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Staples, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tomlin, Tredway, Walton, Welsh, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woolfolk and Worsham--84.

        No. 88. A senate bill entitled an act to increase the compensation of the clerk of the circuit court of the city of Richmond, was taken up, read a third time and passed--Ayes 84, noes 4.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Buford, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Custis, Deane, Deyerle, Duval, Edwards, Evans, Fleming, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McCutchen, McMillan, Melvin, Monroe, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford,


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Shelton, Sherrard, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Welsh, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--84.

        NOES--Messrs. W. Johnson, McElroy, Rixey and Tomlin--4.

        Ordered, that Mr. ROBERTSON inform the senate thereof.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. RANDOLPH, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 48 of chapter 85 of the Code of Virginia, to increase the allowance for clothing of lunatics in jail, No. 112; and that they had passed with an amendment house bill entitled an act 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. 18: in which amendment they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        No. 101. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the 5th section of the act to provide for the production and distribution of salt, passed March 30, 1863, being the special order of the day, was taken up.

        Mr. BASKERVILL submitted the following amendment to the bill:

        "Be it further enacted, that the 11th section of the act passed March 30, 1863, entitled an act to provide for the production and distribution of salt, as amended by the act passed September 18, 1863, entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 6th and 11th sections, &c., and as further amended by the act passed October 30, 1863, entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 11th section, &c., be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows:

        '§ 11. The salt so manufactured shall be sold at cost for cash, and be distributed to the different counties, cities and towns, through duly accredited agents, to be appointed by the county and corporation courts respectively, or when said courts cannot meet because of the presence or proximity of the public enemy, by the board of supervisors, on the recommendation of any three or more justices of said county, or of the senator and delegate or delegates representing such county in the general assembly; and in order to do so, it shall be the duty of the board of supervisors from time to time to ascertain as near as may be the actual cost of production and distribution, and fix the price accordingly, so as to cover the entire cost. But no agent of any county or corporation hereafter appointed shall be entitled to act as such until he shall have given bond with sufficient sureties, in the penalty of not less than ten thousand nor more than thirty thousand dollars, conditioned for the faithful distribution of the salt received by him among the people of his county or corporation. Said bonds shall be taken by the said courts when the appointments are made by them, and in all other cases by the board of supervisors; and such agents shall distribute to refugees and to persons temporarily sojourning in their counties, cities and towns, as well as to permanent citizens thereof: provided, however, that the said courts and the said board shall respectively have power to revoke any appointments of agents heretofore or hereafter made by them, whenever they deem it proper to do so, and shall in like manner appoint another agent in place of the one so removed: provided, that it shall not be


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lawful for any county or corporation court or its agent in any way to dispose of any salt received for distribution, otherwise than by distributing the same among the citizens of such county or corporation, according to the provisions of this act, except in cases when, in the opinion of the said court or agent, it shall be necessary to dispose otherwise of the salt to prevent its falling into the hands of the public enemy, or when it may be impossible to distribute the salt among the people of the county.' "

        The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 60, noes 34.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Bouldin, Branch, Buford, Burr, Butler, Cummings, Custis, Deane, Edmonds, English, Fleming, Flood, W. O. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Graham, Hendrick, Herndon, Hutcheson, Irving, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Lynch, Maguire, McCue, McElroy, Mullens, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Richardson, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Shelton, Staples, R. F. Taylor, T. W. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, J. Walker, Walton, Winston, Woodley, Worsham and Wright--60.

        NOES--Messrs. Bland, Bowles, Brooke, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Edwards, Evans, Goodykoontz, L D. Haymond, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, James, J. B. Johnson, Linkous, Lively, Lundy, Mathews, McCutchen, Melvin, Miller, Monroe, Morgan, Rixey, Rowan, Shackleford, Sherrard, Stewart, Tredway, Welsh, Williams, Winn and Woolfolk--34.

        The question being on the passage of the bill, was put, and decided in the affirmative--Ayes 84, noes 8.

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, Anderson, Baker, Bland, Bouldin, Bowles, Branch, Brooke, Buffington, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Cowan, Crawford, Cresap, Custis, Duval, Edwards, Edmonds, English, Evans, Fleming, W. O. Fry, Goodall, Goodykoontz, L. D. Haymond, T. S. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hiett, Hoge, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kenney, Lewis, Linkous, Lively, Lynch, Mathews, McCutchen, McMillan, Melvin, Morgan, Mullens, Nighbert, Parramore, Pendleton, Pitman, Pretlow, Powell, Richardson, Rixey, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, E. T. Saunders, Snowden, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tredway, J. Walker, Walton, Welsh, Williams, Winn, Winston, Woodley, Woolfolk, Worsham and Wright--84.

        NOES--Messrs. Baskervill, Buford, Cummings, Deane, Gilmer, Graham, McCue and McElroy--8.

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

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

EVENING SESSION.

        The following resolution was taken up, on motion of Mr. TREDWAY, and agreed to:

        Resolved, that the auditor of public accounts be requested to report to this house, at the commencement of the next session of the general assembly, a full tabular statement of all money paid into, or retained in the treasury of the commonwealth prior to the 1st day of October 1863, under ordinance No. 66, respecting the revenue of the literary fund.

        The report of the joint committee on the treatment of conscripts at Camp Lee, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 34.


Page 251

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. BALL, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to prohibit the granting of ordinary licenses at certain specified places in the commonwealth, No. 92: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The bill was read the first and second times; and the question being--Shall the bill be committed? was put; and it appearing that no quorum voted, Mr. PENDLETON moved a call of the house; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

        The roll was then called the first and second times, and the following members noted as absent:

        Messrs. Ambers, Anderson, Bowen, Bryan, Buffington, Burnett, Coke, Colston, Cowan, Cox, Crockett, Cummings, Deyerle, Dickey, Douthat, Draper, English, Fauntleroy, Ferguson, Fletcher, Flood, A. Fry, Gilmer, Goodall, Goodykoontz, Graham, Harris, L. D. Haymond, Hendrick, Herndon, Hoge, Horton, Hughes, F. C. S. Hunter, R. W. Hunter, Irving, James, J. B. Johnson, Kindrick, Lively, Marye, McCutchen, McElroy, McKinney, McMillan, McNeil, Meade, Miller, Morgan, Murdaugh, C. A. Nelson, Noland, Patterson, Pretlow, Powell, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Rixey, Rust, Rutherfoord, D. J. Saunders, F. Saunders, Scott, Smith, T. W. Taylor, Thompson, J. C. Walker, R. J. White, J. L. Wilson, S. M. Wilson, Woolfolk and Worsham.

        A quorum appearing, on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, further proceedings under the call were dispensed with.

        The question recurring on the commitment of the bill, was put, and decided in the negative.

        The bill was then read a third time and passed--Ayes 58, noes 19.

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

        AYES--Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Baker, Baskervill, Bland, Branch, Brooke, Buford, Burnett, Burr, Butler, Burwell, Crawford, Cresap, Edmonds, Fleming, Hall, T. S. Haymond, Hiett, Holden, Hughes, Huntt, Hutcheson, W. Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Linkous, Lundy, Lynch, Magruder, Maguire, Mathews, McCue, McMillan, Melvin, Morgan, R. E. Nelson, Nighbert, Pendleton, Pitman, Rixey, Robinson, E. T. Saunders, Shackleford, Shelton, Sherrard, Stewart, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tibbs, Tomlin, Tredway, J. Walker, Ward, Welsh, Williams, Winn, Winston and Woodley--58.

        NOES--Messrs. Barksdale, Bouldin, Custis, Deane, Edwards, W. O Fry, Jones, Keiley, Kenney, Lewis, Marr, Mullens, Parramore, Powell, Robertson, Rowan, Staples, Walton and Wright--19.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. KEEN, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act authorizing county and corporation courts to ratify and confirm the issue and sale of bonds and other securities in certain cases, No. 97: 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. WINSTON, read a third time and passed.

        Ordered, that Mr. WINSTON inform the senate thereof.

        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 house bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 11th section of the 208th chapter of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), as amended and re-enacted by an act entitled an act to amend and re-enact section 11 of chapter 208 of the Code of Virginia, passed October 30, 1863, concerning jurors in criminal cases, No. 153; and that they had agreed to the amendments proposed


Page 252

by the house of delegates to senate bill entitled an act for the relief of Thomas M. Hundley, commissioner of the revenue for the county of Matthews, No. 94.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. TAYLOR, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had concurred in the amendment proposed by the house of delegates to the joint resolution instructing the auditor of public accounts to obtain certain information from the commissioners of the revenue, and to communicate the same to the general assembly at its next session.

        The amendment proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act 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. 18, was agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. DEANE inform the senate thereof.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. KEEN, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bills entitled an act authorizing and directing the payment of the Dixie Boys, No. 140, and an act repealing all laws authorizing insurance of tobacco by the state, and amending the 59th section of chapter 87 of the Code (edition of 1860), so as to render the inspector liable to the owners of tobacco in certain cases, No. 60.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. HART, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bill entitled an act to amend the 21st section of chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia, in regard to appointments of directors and proxies by the board of public works, No. 65.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. COGHILL, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bill entitled an act to amend the 6th section of chapter 98 of the Code of Virginia (edition of 1860), concerning patrols, No. 62.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. KEEN, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to a joint resolution directing the keeper of the rolls to correct a clerical error in an act entitled an act extending the jurisdiction of the circuit court of Danville: in which they requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

        The resolution was agreed to.

        Ordered, that Mr. BUFORD inform the senate thereof.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. DICKINSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to a joint resolution in relation to an increase of wool.

        On motion of Mr. STEWART,

        Resolved, that the use of the hall of the house of delegates be tendered to the house of representatives of the confederate congress during the recess of the general assembly.

        The SPEAKER proceeded to sign the following enrolled bills:

        Mr. TREDWAY submitted the following resolution; which was unanimously agreed to:

        Resolved, that the thanks of the house are due, and are hereby tendered to HUGH W. SHEFFEY, for the dignity, ability and impartiality with which he has discharged the duties of speaker during this session of the general assembly.

        Mr. STAPLES submitted the following resolution; which was unanimously agreed to:

        Resolved, that the thanks of this house are due, and are hereby tendered to WILLIAM F. GORDON, jr., clerk of the house, for the ability and courtesy with which he has discharged his duties.

        Mr. HUTCHESON submitted the following resolution; which was unanimously agreed to:

        Resolved, that the thanks of the members of the house are hereby tendered to Robert W. Burke, sergeant at arms, William H. Freeman, first doorkeeper, George W. Wilson, jr., second doorkeeper, the assistant clerks of the house and the pages, for the fidelity and courteous manner with which they have discharged their respective duties.

        Mr. RIXEY submitted the following resolution; which was unanimously agreed to:

        Resolved, that the thanks of this house be tendered to the reverend clergy of the city of Richmond, for their ministrations during the present session.

        On motion of Mr. JONES,

        Resolved, that the senate be informed that the house of delegates is now ready to adjourn sine die.

        Ordered, that Mr. JONES inform the senate thereof.

        A message was received from the senate by Mr. KEEN, who informed the house of delegates that the senate was ready on its part to adjourn.

        On motion of Mr. HAYMOND of Marion, the house adjourned sine die.


Page 259

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, 1863-4.

        
Accomack, Thos. C. Parramore.
Albemarle, B. H. Magruder.
  William Branch.
Alexandria, Harold Snowden.
Alleghany and Bath, Cyrus P. Bryan.
Amelia and Nottoway, Richard F. Taylor.
Amherst, Paulus Powell.
Appomattox, Thomas H. Flood.
Augusta, H. W. Sheffey.
  J. Marshall McCue.
  James Walker.
Barbour, William Johnson.
Bedford, Wm. M. Burwell.
  Alex. Jordan.
Berkeley, Robert W. Hunter.
  Wm. B. Colston.1

        1 Robinson died--Colston elected.


Boone, Logan and Wyoming, James A. Nighbert.
Botetourt and Craig, John T. Anderson.
  Green James.
Braxton, Nicholas, Luther D. Haymond.
Clay and Webster, Luther D. Haymond.
Brooke and Hancock, N. W. White.
Brunswick, R. E. Meade.
Buckingham, P. W. McKinney.
Cabell, P. C. Buffington.
Campbell, Francis B. Deane, jr.
  Daniel Marr.
Caroline, John D. Butler.
Carroll, James B. Johnson.
Charles City, James City and New Kent, Ira L. Bowles.
Charlotte, Wood Bouldin.
Chesterfield, William Ambers.
Clarke, Wm. W. Randolph.
Culpeper, John H. Rixey.
Cumberland and Powhatan, F. K. Irving.
Dinwiddie, Henry C. Worsham.
Doddridge and Tyler, Samuel J. McMillan.
Elizabeth City, Warwick, York & Williamsburg, James W. Custis.
Essex and King & Queen, George T. Wright.
Fairfax, O. W. Huntt.
Fauquier, B. H. Shackleford.
  James V. Brooke.
Fayette and Raleigh, Benj. R. Linkous.
Floyd, Isaac Goodykoontz.
Fluvanna, Ro. E. Nelson.
Franklin, Fleming Saunders.
  James Patterson.
Frederick, M. R. Kaufman.
  George W. Ward.
Giles, Absalom Fry.
Gilmer, Wirt and Calhoun, J. S. K. McCutchen.
Gloucester, Warner T. Jones.
Goochland, John C. Rutherfoord.
Grayson, Stephen M. Dickey.
Greenbrier, Mason Mathews.
Greene and Orange, John L. Woolfolk.
Greenesville and Sussex, William T. Lundy.
Halifax, Elisha Barksdale, jr.
  Jno. W. Lewis.2

        2 Seat vacated--Lewis elected.


Hampshire, Alexander Monroe.
  J. S. Hiett.
Hanover, Charles P. Goodall.
Hardy, Charles Williams.
Harrison, George W. Lurty.3

        3 Lurty resigned--Vacancy.


  L. W. Holden.
Henrico, Joseph J. English.
Henry, Samuel J. Mullens.
Highland, William W. Fleming.
Isle of Wight, James L. Wilson.
Jackson and Roane, George W. Duval.
Jefferson, Jacob S. Melvin.
  W. Burnett.
Kanawha, Isaiah Welsh.
  V. Hendrick.
King George and Stafford, F. C. S. Hunter.
King William, Harrison B. Tomlin.
Lancaster and Northumberland, Elias Edmonds.4

        4 Betts declared ineligible--Edmonds elected.


Lee and Wise, J. M. McElroy.
Lee, Scott and Wise, David Miller.
Lewis, William J. Bland.
Loudoun, B. P. Noland.
  W. B. Lynch.
Louisa, F. V. Winston.
Lunenburg, Thomas W. Winn.
Madison, William O. Fry.
Marion, Thomas S. Haymond.
  Stephen Morgan.
Marshall, James M. Hoge.
Mason, James Hutcheson.
Matthews and Middlesex, Ro. B. Fauntleroy.
Mecklenburg, Wm. Baskervill.5

        5 Goode resigned--Baskervill elected.


Mercer, Robert A. Richardson.
Monongalia, Dudley Evans.
  D. B. Stewart.
Monroe, John M. Rowan.
  Wilson Lively.


Page 260

        
Montgomery, David G. Douthat.
Morgan, George W. Sherrard.
Nansemond, Nathaniel Riddick.
Nelson, John M. Shelton.
Norfolk City, Richard H. Baker, jr.
Norfolk County, C. W. Murdaugh.
  Samuel M. Wilson.
Northampton, Thomas M. Scott.
Ohio, Joseph H. Pendleton.
  Thomas A. Edwards.
  Alfred Hughes.
Page, George W. Rust.
Patrick, John Staples.
Pendleton,  
Petersburg, A. M. Keiley.
Pittsylvania, A. S. Buford.
  John Gilmer.
Pleasants and Ritchie, Eugenius Tibbs.
Pocahontas, William McNeil.
Prince George and Surry, Travis W. Taylor.
Preston, Ro. E. Cowan,
  C. J. P. Cresap.
Prince Edward, T. T. Tredway.
Prince William, C. A. Nelson,
Princess Anne, Alexander Coke.
Pulaski, John S. Draper.
Putnam, William E. Herndon.
Randolph and Tucker, B. W. Crawford.
Rappahannock, John T. Fletcher.
Richmond City. Wyndham Robertson.
  David I. Burr.
  David J. Saunders.
Richmond and Westmoreland, F. W. Cox.
Roanoke, Andrew J. Deyerle.
Rockbridge, S. McD. Reid.
  Robert J. White.
Rockingham, John T. Harris.
  John C. Walker.
  James Kenney.
Russell, Wise and Buchanan, William J. Kindrick.
  Thomas J. Smith.
Scott and Wise, James H. Horton.
Shenandoah, Moses Walton.
  Philip Pitman.
Smyth, John H. Thompson.
Southampton, William H. Pretlow.
Spotsylvania, John L. Marye, jr.
Taylor, John A. Robinson.
Tazewell, McDowell and Buchanan, Rees T. Bowen.
Upshur, Willis H. Woodley.
Warren, S. W. Thomas.
Washington, A. C. Cummings.
  George Graham.
Wayne, J. M. Ferguson.
Wetzel, L. S. Hall.
Wood, E. D. Maguire.
Wythe, Robert Crockett.


Page 261

INDEX.

        

Illustration


DOC. No. I.
MESSAGE
OF
THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA,
AND
ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS.

RICHMOND:
WILLIAM F. RITCHIE, PUBLIC PRINTER.
1863.


Page iii

Doc. No. 1.
MESSAGE.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
RICHMOND, VA., DEC. 7, 1863.

Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Delegates:

        This is the last regular communication which I will have the honor to present to the general assembly before the close of my official term. I trust, therefore, that it will not be deemed inappropriate to the occasion to review briefly the occurrences of the past four years, with which, by reason of my official position, I have been intimately and directly connected.

        This has been a most striking and eventful period in our history; and I can refer with pride and satisfaction to the part which Virginians have played in this struggle for liberty and independence. No more important struggle has ever occurred, whether we look to the principles involved, the objects to be attained, or the gigantic proportions it has assumed. This war has been waged by our enemies not to preserve the principles and obligations of a written constitution, nor the rights of persons, nor the rights of property, nor the institutions of the country, but to gratify a feeling of undying hate for a people who had neither inflicted wrong nor injustice upon them. We were content to live separate and distinct; to pursue our interests and our business relations, without interference on their part. We had ascertained that we could not live with them, and we desired to separate in peace, and live an independent and distinct people.

        We foresaw, years ago, what would be the result of the agitation of the slavery question, and the continued encroachments which were being made upon our rights. We admonished them that their policy would sooner or later bring about a dissolution of the Union; and they were appealed to, upon the floor of our legislative assemblies, through the press, and in every conceivable mode, to spare the country the horrors of civil strife, and the sad scenes through which we are now passing. Our admonitions and appeals were addressed to unpatriotic and listless hearers--they fell unheeded--they persevered in the prosecution of their policy--and the results are now before us.

        What a spectacle is now presented in what was once the United States! For almost a century a government ordained and established by our fathers, which had for its object the formation of a more perfect union, the establishment of justice, the insurance of domestic tranquillity, provision for the common defence, promotion of the general welfare, and the security of the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity, has been destroyed. The constitution which they formed was wisely adapted to accomplish these desirable ends; and if administered in its spirit and according to its letter, how widely different would have been the condition of our country to-day. Instead of civil strife and dissension, bloodshed, and all the horrors attendant upon a state of war, we should have had peace, quiet, order, prosperity and contentment. Our rights, our institutions, public and private property properly respected, would have insured the permanency and continued success of our great


Page iv

experiment in government, and we should have continued to increase in power and influence, until our fame and greatness would have overshadowed the earth, and furnished an example that all would have been proud to emulate and imitate. We were on the highway to national distinction, and were advancing with a progress unexampled in history, when fanaticism and malignity, a love of power and a desire for plunder interposed to check the tide of our prosperity, to paralyze the efforts and energies of our people, and to drive them from the quiet pursuits of peace into the troubled ways of war. They succeeded, and are answerable this day for all the blood that has been shed, and all the sadness, gloom and distress that have overwhelmed the land.

        This struggle is not in its origin unlike the contest of 1776. The causes which inaugurated that great struggle, and which resulted so gloriously, are almost identical with those which lie at the foundation of the present. Samuel Adams of Massachusetts, a state in that day devoted to liberty and the cause of free government, described the contest with the mother country. Dates changed, and names altered, how admirably and strikingly it applies to our day and our struggle. The cause of contest is the same. The great principle, that men should have that form of government which is best adapted to their circumstances and condition--that they should have protection for private and personal rights and for property--that they should separate in peace, if their interests demanded it--and should establish such government as would best secure the ends of justice, and insure the welfare of the people, lie at the foundation of this struggle. The extract is so full, so apposite, and bears so directly upon the present condition of affairs, that I cannot refrain from quoting it, as a justification of the present position of the south, and an ample vindication of their motives, their conduct and their action.

        "This day, my countrymen, this day, I trust, the reign of political protestantism will commence. We have explored the temple of royalty, and found that the idol we bowed down to has eyes which see not, ears which hear not our prayers, and a heart like the nether millstone. We have this day restored the sovereign to whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven, and with propitious eyes beholds his subjects assuming that freedom of thought and dignity of self-direction which he bestowed upon them. From the rising to the setting sun, may his kingdom come.

        "Political right and public happiness, my countrymen, are different words for the same idea. Those who wander into metaphysical labyrinths, or have recourse to original contracts, to determine the rights of men, either impose on themselves, or mean to delude others. Public utility is the only certain criterion.

        "Ye darkeners of counsel, who would make the property, lives and religion of millions depend on the evasive interpretations of musty parchments--who would send us to antiquated charters of uncertain and contradictory meaning, to prove that the present generation are not bound to be victims to cruel and unforgiving despotism--tell us whether our pious and generous ancestors bequeathed to us the miserable privilege of having the rewards of our honest industry, the fruits of those fields which they purchased and bled for, wrested from us at the will of men over whom we have no check? Did they contract for us, that, with folded arms, we should expect from brutal and inflamed invaders that justice and mercy which had been denied to our supplications at the foot of the throne? Were we to hear with indifference our character as a people ridiculed? Did they promise for us that our meekness and patience should be insulted, that our coasts should be harassed, our towns demolished and plundered, our wives and offspring exposed to destitution, hunger and death, without our feeling the resentment of men--without our exerting those powers of self-preservation which God has given us?

        "No man had once a greater veneration for Englishmen than I entertained. They were dear to me as branches of the same parental trunk, as partakers of the same religion and


Page v

laws. I still view with respect the remains of the British constitution, even as I would a lifeless body which had once been animated by a great and heroic soul. But when I am roused by the din of arms; when I behold legions of foreign assassins paid by Englishmen to imbue their hands in our blood; when I tread over the uncoffined bones of my countrymen, neighbors and friends--when I see the locks of a venerable father torn by savage hands, and a feeble mother clasping her infants to her bosom, and on her knees imploring their lives from her own slaves, whom Englishmen have lured to treachery and murder--when I behold my country, once the seat of industry, peace and plenty, changed by Englishmen to a theatre of blood and misery. Heaven forgive me, if I cannot root out those passions which it has implanted in my bosom! Heaven forgive me if, with too resentful and impetuous a scorn, I detest submission to a people who have either ceased to be human, or have not virtue enough to feel their own servitude and abasement!"

        If the reasons assigned by Mr. Adams were sufficient to justify the American revolution, and the judgment of the world has so decided--if they were sufficient to justify him in scouting the idea of reunion between the colonies and the mother country, is not the case equally strong in our justification? What wrong, what outrage perpetrated by Great Britain upon our ancestors, has not been greatly exceeded by the Lincoln government in our own case? If the conduct of England aroused the passions and inflamed the prejudices and excited the impetuous scorn of Mr. Adams, surely, when the vandals of the north have sought to destroy the peace and prosperity, to ruin the industry and waste the abundance of the south, we may be forgiven for entertaining feelings of bitter resentment and uncompromising hostility against the authors of these inhuman acts.

        This war has now been in progress nearly three years. Whatever of respect, or confidence or affection existed at the commencement of our troubles, has been effectually crushed and forever destroyed. There is not even the shadow of a possibility that respect can be revived, or confidence restored, or affection renewed. The chain that bound us together has been broken, and can never be reunited--the magnificent structure reared by our wise and patriotic forefathers, has fallen into ruins, and it can never be reconstructed. The union they formed, the government they established, have had their allotted time, and are now numbered with the things that are gone. A people imbued with sound principles and animated by a proper spirit, who hate us with the intensity which the northern people have exhibited, and who know that we detest them, would not desire a longer alliance. Honor, justice, propriety--every consideration that should influence good and patriotic men, show the necessity of our eternal separation.

        It is said we have some men amongst us who are the advocates of what they call an honorable peace, which, when properly interpreted, means nothing more nor less than submission. It is pleasant to know that the number of such men is small--but whether large or small, spurn them all as you would the viper. Men who preach peace under present circumstances are false to us and to the Confederacy. It is time enough to speak of an honorable peace when Lincoln shall have withdrawn his armies from our soil.

        The apology for inaugurating this bloody war was the preservation of the Union. The reason now avowed for its continuance is the abolition of slavery and the subjugation of the south. The real object of the struggle was not stated in the beginning; but as time wore on, and fanaticism, foiled in all its efforts, became more violent and intolerant, all disguise was thrown aside, and the policy and purpose boldly avowed. Our enemy to-day, with all the aid of the seventeen hundred thousand men he has placed in the field, and with all the appliances and vast preparations he could bring to bear against us, now finds himself in very much the same situation he occupied a year ago. Before he shall attain the end of his effort at subjugation, untold millions must be expended and numberless lives must be sacrificed. We must be patient and enduring, energetic, determined and courageous,


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and the result is certain. The war may last long; but if we maintain the spirit with which we started out, the result cannot be doubtful. Our liberties will be achieved and our independence firmly established. They greatly exceed us in numbers; but we take comfort from the assurance, furnished by divine authority, that "the battle is not always to the strong." That Providence which has heretofore watched over us, and given to us victory upon so many hardly contested fields, will still be with us, if we are faithful to him and true to ourselves. So far, we have accomplished all--nay more than we could have reasonably anticipated. We have an army in the field well appointed and well equipped, unsurpassed in spirit, unequaled in devotion to the cause, enured to service, disciplined, true and courageous. Our people, old and young, male and female, are of one mind in their hatred of the Yankees, and in their determination to separate from them. Can such a people be brought under a tyrant's power, and be forced to submit to a tyrant's exactions? Can such a people be conquered and subjugated? Never!

        This is a cause in which all are equally interested. Its principles operate alike upon the poor and the rich, the humble and the exalted. The blessings of liberty are dear alike to all, and it is the duty of all to unite their efforts and energies in the struggle to secure them for themselves and their posterity. We are so linked together, so mutually dependent, that any disaster which overtakes one class, operates more or less prejudicially upon the interests of all others in the same community. The frame-work of society is made up of many parts, and each is necessary to give strength and beauty to the structure. The man, therefore, who undertakes to demonstrate that the interests of all classes of society amongst us are not identical, is an enemy to our cause and its success. Such men are unworthy of confidence, and merit the frowns and the scorn of the people they would betray. The men who talk thus are indifferent to our success, and they should be marked and watched. In the main, they are men who were active in bringing about the present war, but who have taken peculiar pains to keep out of the fight. I happen to know of a number of such in our own state, who have domiciled themselves and their families in soft places, and have thus escaped the dangers of the field. They were for commotion and agitation, not for a fight, and they should now be constrained into active service, and take their chances for martyrdom in a glorious cause.

        Men who had no right to ask or expect exemption from active service in the field, are found comfortably ensconced in the commissary or quartermaster's departments, or in the lying in hospitals, prepared by the nitre and mining bureau, which has scattered its operations over the whole face of the state. All these places could be filled with infinitely more advantage and profit to the Confederacy, by men of age, experience, and matured judgment, who are beyond the military age, and unfit for service. Young men in too many instances hold such positions, and justice demands that they should be in their appropriate places in the field. The fact that these men are kept in such positions, for which they possess no superior qualifications over hundreds of others exempt from military duty by reason of age or physical disability, operates prejudicially to the public interest, and sows the seeds of dissension and strife, which will sooner or later produce a harvest of mischief. These may be regarded by some as unimportant matters, but still they are worthy of consideration, and it is to be hoped will be speedily changed and corrected. The public interest demands this, and what the public interest demands no representative of the people should be afraid to execute.

        The manner in which the impressment system has been conducted has produced incalculable mischief. The agents selected have too frequently been men who possessed neither manners nor business qualifications, and the result has been that they have caused in the minds of multitudes of well meaning men great dissatisfaction with the confederate government. If men of age, experience and practical judgment were selected to fill these positions, the ends which the government has in view would be accomplished, and no prejudice


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in the public mind would be created. Young and inexperienced hands have too often been charged with the execution of this branch of business, and from all I have learned, I am satisfied that they have not unfrequently been sent out without the necessary written instruction; and the manner in which their duties have been performed has created the utmost dissatisfaction. Legislation is required for the protection of our people against the impositions practiced by impressment officers and persons claiming to be such, and I trust it will be had at this session.

        The practice of overrunning the counties of the state, and leaving notices, either verbal or written, that the whole of each farmer's crop of wheat, corn and provender is impressed for the government, without taking it away, or giving certificates of the quantity impressed, and without ascertaining the liability of the government for its value, is not only unlawful in itself, but calculated to starve out the non-producing classes in every state. It is proper that our armies should be fed, and that the government should be furnished with adequate supplies for the purpose; but judicious officers ought to estimate the quantity that may be necessary; and having done that, should apportion the impressment according to the quantities on hand in each neighborhood, leaving a portion to each farmer, to be disposed of for the benefit of the inhabitants of the cities and the poor of the country. If any other system be adopted, distress, dissatisfaction and starvation will be inevitable.

        The harboring of deserters, and the aid extended to them in facilitating their passage from point to point on their way home, is a most serious evil, and legislation is imperatively demanded for its correction. A number of disloyal persons arrested under the orders of confederate officers for giving aid to deserters, have been brought from time to time to Richmond, and after remaining here in confinement for a short time, have been discharged, and in numerous instances have returned to their homes and exhibited a far worse spirit than before their arrest. Such offences should be severely punished, as their effects upon the discipline and organization of the army are exceedingly prejudicial. I commend this subject to your early attention, and earnestly recommend the passage of such a law as will cure the evil. The law introduced at the last session was in my judgment unnecessarily harsh in its provisions, but I feel persuaded that your wisdom can suggest such a law as will fully meet the case.

        In this, as well as in many other matters, state legislation can render essential aid to the confederate authorities in the performance of their arduous and responsible duties. Such aid should at all times be cheerfully and promptly furnished. We have much at stake, and united action and concurrent legislation will do much to insure our success in this important crisis. In unity there is strength; and it is the first duty of every good citizen to cultivate a spirit of harmony between state and confederate authorities, so that they may prove mutual supports each to the other. Strengthen the bond of confidence, by encouraging kindly feeling, and by dealing liberally and justly with our sister states of the Southern Confederacy--make us feel that we have a common interest, which can only be upheld and maintained by common efforts; and above all, impress us with the important truth, that if we would succeed, we must be thoroughly united in feeling, in sentiment, in effort and in action. It is in our power to achieve success in this noble struggle; and if we fail, we will have none to blame but ourselves. Our cause is the cause of liberty, and whoso attempts to crush it, will find his efforts vain--that the spark cannot be extinguished, and will eventually burst into a flame that will illumine and cheer the hearts of the down-trodden and oppressed throughout the world. If we have any amongst us who are despondent (and I am well satisfied there are but few), let them take courage.

        Reunion and reconstruction are but synonyms for submission. The man who can assent to reunion or reconstruction, is unworthy to enjoy the blessings of liberty and free principles, and deserves to suffer the horrors of subjugation at the hands of our vandal enemies.


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They have already proclaimed their purpose to strip us of our slave property; and as far as this purpose could be accomplished by them, they have removed it, in common with every other species of property. They have destroyed our dwellings, devastated our lands, and avowed their purpose to starve us into submission. They have omitted no opportunity to wreak their vengeance upon unoffending women and innocent children. Even the implements of husbandry have been destroyed, as one of the means of accomplishing the starvation of our people and their devilish work of extinction. When a chaplain in the federal army can avow the atrocious sentiment that if the extinction of slavery requires the extinction of the slaveholder, he was for his extinction, what can we expect from a people represented by such a clergy? Any fate would be preferable to union with them. They are deaf to all appeals for justice, insensible to all the claims of humanity, indifferent alike to all social, moral and christian principles, and recklessly bent upon the extinction of a people whose blood in many instances flows in their own veins. Can we again reunite with them? Can we aid in the reconstruction of a government which is to be common to us and them? Every consideration of duty to our God, to ourselves and to our posterity forbids it. Our peace, our happiness, the prosperity of our country forbid it. As friends and advocates of liberty, independence and the principles of free government, our judgment, our feelings--all the nobler impulses of our nature rebel against the idea of reunion and reconstruction. Every blow struck by our enemy since this cruel war began has only intensified the more deeply our hatred towards them and their hatred towards us, and has widened and deepened the gulf between us and them. We are now separated, and the public sentiment of Virginia and the states of the Confederacy is that we shall remain as we are. If we are to form a union with any people, let it be with some nation of high toned honor and elevated principles.

        The indications admonish us that this war may continue for some time to come, and that we shall be called upon to endure much. It behooves us, therefore, to be patient, firm and energetic, self-sacrificing and determined, and to omit nothing calculated to aid in securing success. The occasion, the cause, and the hopes and expectations which success inspires, appeal to all to redouble their exertions, their energies and their efforts. If we determine with fixed and resolute purpose to succeed, and if we move as one man in every thing that is required to sustain the cause, we cannot fail. A people resolved to be free can never die slaves. All the glorious recollections that adorn the history of our ancestry, and gave to them, in the eyes and estimation of mankind, dignity and character--all the sufferings which have been inflicted upon our people; all the bright anticipations which crowd the future, and which promise peace, prosperity and happiness to us and our posterity, appeal to us to be true and faithful to ourselves and our country. The people will be true, and the day of deliverance will come. It is useless to attempt to conceal the fact that the northern people are as thoroughly united and determined as we are, and it is proper to look the matter sternly in the face, and make our preparations to meet it with equal firmness and decision. No people ever lost any thing by properly estimating the power and strength of an adversary. We are thus better prepared to maintain our rights, and we can do it with greater success and effect. Many a battle has been lost, because the power and number and preparations of the enemy were underestimated. It is always wise to look danger fully in the face, and meet it calmly, with spirit and decision, energy and courage. Prudence, industry, judgment and patriotism will save us and the cause, and establish independence upon a firm basis.

        Encourage a proper spirit, inculcate harmony, unity and conciliation, and all will be well. Victory will crown our efforts, and the end will be liberty, independence and the establishment of free government, that will insure happiness to our people and prosperity to our country.


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The Pay of Soldiers.

        I have heretofore recommended that the pay of the soldiers should be increased. I renew this recommendation, and earnestly urge such action as will tend to accomplish this wise and just result. Eleven dollars per month is not a compensation for services rendered in the field. It is our duty to have a care for the soldier who is fighting our battles and suffering all the inconveniences and deprivations of the camp. Besides, many of them have families dependent upon them in great measure for support; and they should receive such pay as will furnish them the necessaries and comforts of life. No man can remain contentedly in service, if he has reason to suppose that his wife and children are suffering in want. We have as noble and patriotic and self-sacrificing an army as has ever adorned the history of any nation, and we must sustain them and those dependent upon them. Justice demands this; every consideration of patriotism requires it, and I trust it will be your pleasure to require your senators and request your representatives to take such action in congress at this session as will bring about a result so just and equitable, and so much to be desired.

Extortion.

        The most severe curse with which we have been afflicted during this war is the crime of extortion. It has done us infinite mischief, and unless checked and exterminated, will do us much more. It becomes every patriot to give his attention to the subject, and exert whatever influence he may possess to extirpate the evil, which is daily growing in magnitude and importance. Its ramifications extend throughout the whole land. It embraces to a greater or less extent all interests--agricultural, mechanical, mercantile and professional. It is bold, heartless, remorseless, and defiantly insolent in its exactions. It has no kindly sympathies, no genial affections, no generous impulses. Sickness, sorrow, suffering, want and starvation appeal to it in vain to release its gripe. The more it gets, the more it craves. Its insatiate maw is never satisfied, and unless some check is imposed upon its exactions, it must involve the whole land in strife, riots and public discontent, to the prejudice of the public peace, and great embarrassment of the government and demoralization of the army. These are serious results, and we must be prepared for them. Divine authority has said, "a wise man feareth and departeth from evil; but the fool rageth and is confident." The mischiefs resulting from an indulgence in extortion are palpable to all, and we must resort to all proper and legal means to remove the cause.

        The Divine Word denounces the most severe judgments against the extortioner, but these denunciations have failed to produce any effect upon him. It is declared, amongst other things, that "he that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him; but blessings shall be upon the head of him that selleth it."

        "Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy even to make the poor of the land to fail--saying, when will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephar small and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit."

        "That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat."

        "Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein?"

        These are some of the judgments pronounced against the men who are oppressing the poor, beggaring the needy and defenceless, plundering the community in every shape and form, that they may fill their coffers and wax fat. In the midst of a revolution, when we


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are straining every nerve to achieve success, when the country expects and has a right to expect that every man will come forward to defend it by his personal efforts and with his private means, and when all the necessaries of life are in demand for the support of the army and the people at home--it is at such a time that the soulless extortioner is upon his walk seeking victims for plunder. The soldier in the field, who is defending the home and property and family of the extortioner, suffering all the privations of a camp, and the wife and children, half clad and suffering for the actual necessaries of life, present their sad and tearful appeal to him for relief. What cares he for them? Their appeals and necessities do not move him. His sympathies are not touched, his feelings of compassion are not aroused. Liberality and generosity have long since deserted him, and the extent of his vision is bounded by the circumference of a gold or silver coin. Money is his god, and he worships it with a hearty devotion. He


                         "Would pour the sweet milk of concord into hell--
                         Uproar the universal peace,"
for one additional dollar to aid in filling his coffers.

        It is manifest, from our own observation, that the law of God has no influence in restraining the excesses of this class; and I therefore suggest whether it would not be well to ascertain whether human ingenuity cannot devise some plan that will restrain him. Would it not be well to ascertain their gains since the commencement of the war; create therefrom a fund, and use that fund for the relief of the families of our gallant soldiers? Many of them are in need of aid; and it would be a righteous retribution to make those who have amassed wealth by burdening the people, support them. I throw out the suggestion for your consideration.

        Let me not be misunderstood. I am not opposed to the cultivation of the earth, and the sale of its productions. I am not opposed to the mechanism of the land, its fabrics, and the sale thereof, nor am I opposed to commercial intercourse, and the profits it yields. Give to all these interests and pursuits fair remunerative profits, and I am content. But these profits should not be some an hundred, some a thousand, and some ten thousand fold; and it should be remembered that a moderate profit upon higher prices will yield a much larger ratio than the same profit upon lower prices. Where is the man who is satisfied now with the fair profits which obtained in time of peace? This is the matter that requires regulation--this is the point that requires scrutiny. I would deal liberally with them, but further than this, I would not go. "Live and let live," is a sound principle, and if fairly carried out, wrong can be done to no one. When it goes beyond this, the mischief begins, and at that point the law should interpose to crush it.

        Extortion is a great and crying evil, and if you can, it is a duty, and should be a pleasure to apply the remedy. I earnestly hope your attention will be directed to the subject, and that you will apply such a remedy as I am sure you can readily suggest.

The Militia and Home Guards.

        I again renew my recommendation of the last session for an organization of all able-bodied persons in our state, for the purpose of home defence, and to aid, if necessary, in the execution of the laws. My reasons for this recommendation were assigned in my last message; and nothing but the importance (in my judgment) of the measure would excuse a renewal of the recommendation. We must be in a condition to repel raids; and without organization it will be impossible to act effectively. Such organization can be of infinite value in many respects in giving protection to our people against the sudden incursions of the enemy.

        It cannot but be manifest to every observant and reflecting man, that one great object, and the greatest object which the enemy propose to accomplish, is, as far as possible, to embarrass


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agriculture, by preventing the cultivation of the earth, and thus depriving us of the means of support. Hence it is that persons having no connection with the war--private citizens engaged in their daily avocations, have been stripped of their horses, mules, cattle, the implements of husbandry destroyed, and their dwellings given to the devouring flames. Hence it is that families have been brutally driven from their peaceful homes, subjected to all the privations incident to refugee life, and now that winter is approaching, must suffer its rigors. Hence it is that the implements of the mechanic are destroyed, and the means of acquiring the daily bread whereby his family are fed and clothed are thus taken from him. Hence it is that the temples dedicated to the worship of the living God are desecrated and destroyed. Hence it is that the obligations imposed upon its members by old and established institutions, that have existed for ages, and which have heretofore been respected in all wars, are now disregarded. Wherever the enemy have passed, public property and private property have been given to destruction. And for all this there is a reason, and it is shamelessly avowed by many of our leading enemies, and that is, to reduce us to starvation, and in order to remove slavery from amongst us, to reduce our territory to the condition of a "howling wilderness." Their whole mode of warfare has been fiendish, and each day adds to it some new feature of atrocity and brutality. With such a foe, nothing that can foil him in his plans and purposes should be left undone.

        Organizations such as I have recommended can render essential service in checking raids, and in inflicting summary punishment upon the raiders. When the raiding parties find they must run the gauntlet of home guards in every neighborhood through which they are compelled to pass, they will be somewhat particular before the experiment is attempted. The hazard is too great, and they will hesitate long before they incur it.

        I am gratified to inform you that a considerable number of "home guards" have been organized in various counties, and that they have on all occasions manifested a gallant and chivalrous spirit. When danger threatened, they promptly went forth to repel it, and in almost every instance, without an enquiry as to what constituted "local defence." It was sufficient for them to know that Virginia was threatened, to satisfy them of the propriety of going forth in her defence.

        In concluding this portion of my communication, I return my cordial thanks to the home guards, who have on so many occasions responded to the calls upon them for aid from southwestern and other parts of Virginia. They deserve well of the country; and in my retirement from office, it will be a pleasant reflection that these organizations were formed during my administration. I will always think of them, and look to them with interest; and I have an abiding faith that they will do honor to themselves, their mother commonwealth, and the Confederacy.

Substitutes.

        When this war commenced I was opposed to the substitute system, and my opinion was well known. But in opposition to my wishes and views, it was adopted by the state and confederate authorities. Substitutes have been tendered and accepted for three years, under the laws both of the state and Confederacy; and the policy having been established, whether right or wrong, it is now too late to controvert it. Under the action of both governments it became a binding and subsisting contract, and as such should be respected and observed. Contracts between governments and individuals should at all times be held sacred and inviolable. No government which violates them can long maintain its character for honor or integrity. When these are forfeited by a government, the public confidence in it is at an end.

        Many of these substitutions, as I understand, are now disregarded and set aside, notwithstanding the fact that the parties have paid large sums to obtain the men who are to fill their


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places. This is done upon the idea that the states had no right or authority to receive substitutes even before the troops were turned over to the confederate authorities. If such be the doctrine, I enter my protest against it, and leave it to the parties to controvert the question before the courts. There the applications will receive a hearing, and will, I have no doubt, be fairly and justly decided. I recommend the subject to your consideration.

        I am in favor of every man doing his duty in this war, but at the same time I am equally in favor of the inviolability of contracts. When the government makes an agreement with a party, good faith requires that it should respect it and carry it out. No government which shows a disregard of its voluntarily incurred obligations, can hope to prosper. Honesty, fair dealing, and a strict compliance with obligations assure confidence, and unite the people firmly to the government. I trust, therefore, that the conscript bureau will give to this question the most serious consideration before further steps are taken.

Rail Roads.

        Our rail roads are admirably adapted to our wants. If they had been projected with special reference to the existing condition of things, they could not have been better located for the accommodation of the people in peace, and aid to them in war. It really seems, when we review the various acts which originated them, and under which the works were prosecuted, as if some divine though unseen hand guided and directed our legislation on this subject. Without them, we would have been seriously embarrassed in the prosecution of the war. They are now becoming much worn, and extensive repairs are greatly needed, and must be speedily made. The great difficulty which the several companies now have to encounter is in procuring the requisite labor. I see no reason why the free negro labor of the state should not be exclusively dedicated to this object; and I think I can see many good reasons why it should. In the first place, as they will receive good wages, there will be no inducement to abscond to the Yankees. On the other hand, slaves, where near the border, are more or less tampered with, and not unfrequently forcibly carried away by raiders, to the loss of the owner and the prejudice of the productive interests of the country. In the second place, many of the free negroes are mechanics, and mechanical labor is indispensable to keep up the rail roads. By employing free negro mechanics, the slave mechanics would be left upon the farms, where they could be employed to great advantage, and where their services are at this time greatly needed. This course will accomplish all that the rail roads require, and will at the same time furnish the farmers and other citizens of the country mechanical labor, which is indispensable to them in the prosecution of their business.

        We have various interests in our country, all of which demand consideration. We must look to them all, provide for them all, in order to sustain ourselves in this crisis. We cannot prosecute the war without an army, and it is therefore of the first importance that the army should be filled. We cannot keep up an army unless we provide flour, corn, beef, bacon, and the other articles necessary to sustain life. The army must be clothed and shod, and furnished with transportation, supplied with arms and ammunition, all of which requires mechanical and other labor. A statesman charged with the supervision of all of these things, should see that all are in a sound and healthy condition, that they are working harmoniously together towards the accomplishment of a common object. It can be done without prejudice to the army. It is a subject which addresses itself to the reflection and judgment of all our officers, confederate and state. Every patriot desires to see the machinery of the state and confederate governments work smoothly and harmoniously; and if the engineer in charge of each exhibits prudence and wisdom and a proper spirit, all jarring and collision will be avoided. Our system of government is beautiful and imposing; and if we keep steadily in mind that the states are sovereign, and that the confederate government is their creation, with no powers except those that have been delegated, each can be administered in harmony with the other.


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        A recent decision on this subject made by a confederate judge--a pure, an upright and an honest man--has attracted my notice and elicited my decided condemnation. If his opinion be law, states rights is a myth, not worth struggling for. I have rarely read an opinion which created within me more astonishment, or which in my judgment contained more bad law or bad logic. Under this opinion the states have no rights--the confederate government is invested with absolute power. This war was commenced to maintain state rights; it has been prosecuted to perpetuate them; but this decision overthrows the noble doctrine, and leaves us where we were at the commencement of this great controversy. I enter my protest against it, and trust the general assembly will not hesitate to denounce its heresies in the most decided terms.

        If this opinion be right, and be acted upon hereafter, then our whole rail road system may at any moment be set aside; the lines established by the state be torn up; the rails taken to build other roads in or out of the state; the faith of the state plighted to corporations violated without redress; the state's own interest in the roads disregarded; and any system may be adopted by the confederate government to destroy the lines of intercommunication between parts of the same state and between coterminous states; any system be established to make one state tributary to another--and all this may be done without compensation to individuals, to companies or to the commonwealth, and without remedy.

Lunatic Asylums.

        I have no additional information to communicate in regard to the Eastern or Trans-Alleghany lunatic asylums. Nothing has been heard from either, of an official character, since my last communication to the general assembly. The enemy still holds possession of both institutions.

        At your late called session I presented a report from the superintendent and directors of the Central lunatic asylum, upon which no action was taken. This report showed the condition and wants of the institution, and embraced the same subjects which would be presented in the regular report.

        The regular report has not been received, owing to the fact that Doctor Stribling, the eminent superintendent, has been quite ill for some time past, and has had to submit to several painful surgical operations. He is, I am pleased to say, rapidly improving, and will be able in a short time to resume his duties. The report required by law will then be prepared, and so soon as received will be communicated to the two houses.

Literary and Scientific Institutions.

        No report has been received from the rector and visitors of the university of Virginia for the past year. I have therefore no information in regard to its operations or present condition to communicate. Reports from the superintendent of the Virginia military institute, accompanied by a complimentary order to the officers and cadets, and the home guards of Rockbridge, issued by General Imboden, are herewith transmitted for your information. I am gratified in being able to state that the institute is in a highly flourishing condition, and that the cadets are progressing well in their studies. This institution is more prosperous than any other in the state, a result attributable to the fact that in the present condition of the country the value of military education is more highly appreciated by the people of the Confederacy. Every one feels the necessity of having educated officers to command our troops, and educated soldiers to impart instruction to the rank and file in our army.

        The prosperity and progress of all our literary institutions have been seriously retarded, and their usefulness greatly impaired by the existing war. The young men who formerly


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filled our halls of learning, with a patriotism which cannot be too highly commended, when the war broke out rushed to arms in defence of their native land, and zealously devoted themselves to the service of their country. Many of these generous and noble spirits have fallen on the field of battle, and now sleep in quiet but honored graves--


                         "And the nightly dew that falls, tho' in silence it weep,
                         Shall brighten with verdure the spots where they sleep."

        Others have been wasted by disease, and sunk, under the slow torture of wounds, into sad graves--while many others yet survive, noble examples of patriotic spirit and devotion to the cause of liberty and independence. They prize the cause far more than life itself, and they are ready to make any sacrifice demanded by honor and duty.

        There is a time for all things--a seed time and a harvest time--a spring time, a summer, a fall and a winter. There is a time for peace, and a time for war. Providence guides and regulates, controls and directs all for wise ends. Providence prepares man for the condition he is to occupy in this life, and invests him with the spirit, energy and determination to give effect to his great purposes.

        When this war shall end, our colleges, universities and schools will be again filled with ingenuous youth, ardently pursuing their studies, and struggling for literary and scientific distinction. There is a future before us, and if we wisely improve the present moment and avail ourselves of present opportunities, we can look forward to it with hope and confidence.

        When the halcyon days of peace shall return, then we can devote our attention to education and literary and scientific pursuits. The great question that now engages the public mind and absorbs the attention of all ages and conditions, is the war in which our country is involved. Our first duty to ourselves and those who are to come after us, is to secure the liberty and independence of our country. When this great and invaluable object is attained, we can then devote all our efforts to educational and material development.

The Currency.

        A sound financial system is indispensable to the successful administration of a government at all times, but particularly so at a time like the present, when we are involved in a struggle of such immense magnitude. At such times the minds of the people are engrossed with the struggle itself, the best mode of its prosecution, and the results it is expected to accomplish. Other matters, in themselves important, are not unfrequently overlooked or neglected. The spirit of revolution is disorganizing, and to a certain extent demoralizing. It is very apt to be attended with lawlessness and crime. Men become reckless, careless and indifferent to obligations, the fulfillment of which in a time of peace would be scrupulously respected. We are now passing through these trials; but I am gratified to say that public attention is beginning to be drawn to the currency and other questions which have been heretofore too much neglected by our statesmen and lawmakers.

        The present condition of the currency presents a question which should receive the calm, serious and careful consideration of the wisest heads in the Confederacy. We have amongst us numbers of intelligent gentlemen, who have devoted their attention for years to banking, brokerage and financial operations and pursuits, who might be consulted with advantage by the public authorities. We have statesmen who have devoted their energies and intellects to the study of the financial systems of the governments of the world, who are conversant with all that relates to their organization, their operations, and the results that have attended them in peace as well as in revolutionary times. If these gentlemen will consult with the bankers, brokers and other financiers, the results could not fail to be advantageous to the Confederacy and the country. It is only by bringing intellects and information together,


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that results can be effected and a system devised that will cure existing evils and remove embarrassments that operate most prejudicially on the prosperity of the country and its business and financial relations.

        The suggestions and recommendations which have been presented by some of our most practical, experienced and well informed statesmen, pointing out such remedies as in their judgment were calculated to relieve us, show that the public mind is fully aroused, and is looking to some effective mode which will insure a sound and stable circulation that will meet all our wants.

        When the mind of the people is so fully alive to the necessity of action, some plan can surely be adopted which will meet the end desired, and place our currency upon a safe and reliable basis. Our issues of paper seem to have been regulated by no principle, and the consequence has been an overissue, far beyond the actual wants and necessities of the country even in a time of war. Excessive issues have caused distrust with the people as to their ultimate redemption, and hence the great depreciation of our currency, and the enormous prices now demanded for articles of prime necessity. Confidence must be restored, and it can be restored if a moderate degree of wisdom and good sense shall control the action of congress at the present session.

        What then is necessary to be done? We must in the first place ascertain what amount of currency is necessary to conduct the operations of the people and the government in a revolutionary period like this. When this amount is ascertained, we must retire the excess, stop further issues, and then adopt a wise and just system of taxation, combined with such loans as will throw a part of the burden upon posterity, for whose benefit this contest is waged as well as for our own; and let this system be adequate to supply all the wants of the government prudently and economically administered. The redundancy of the currency, therefore, is the evil of the times; but we have the wisdom, ability and legislative experience, which can relieve us from the embarrassments that now unhappily surround us.

        The disposition of this subject peculiarly belongs to the confederate authorities and to congress, and its solution rests exclusively with them. These, in common with the people, are now fully impressed with the importance of the subject, and we may expect that early attention will be given to it. I feel persuaded that their efforts to relieve the country will be crowned with success. The evil is not incurable; and if the proper authorities will give to it their individual attention, essential if not complete relief can be secured for the country.

        It is your province to urge this subject upon the attention of your senators and representatives in congress; and by instructing the former and requesting the latter to take early action, much good may be accomplished. A fair comparison of views, enlightened consultation and discussion, and a fixed purpose and determination to effect reformation in the currency, cannot fail of success. Harmonious action between the state and confederate authorities can give to us the relief which we all so much desire, and which is so indispensably necessary to our success in this struggle, so essential to our future peace, prosperity and happiness.

The Ordnance Department.

        I have the honor herewith to present the annual report of the operations of this department. Energy, industry and system have marked its operations for the past year, and I am satisfied the results will command your approval. After the death of the lamented Dimmock, the operations of the department were devolved upon Captain L. V. Buchholtz, the senior officer, who has discharged his duties efficiently and to my entire satisfaction. The report shows what have been the issues during the year; the arms on hand; and other information that cannot fail to interest you.


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        After the most careful enquiry into his qualifications, I have selected Col. Jacob S. Shriver, and I am satisfied that his intelligence, education and attainments will make him a worthy successor of General Dimmock. He was mainly educated at West Point, and since he left that institution his business experience has been large and successful.

        This department has been of immense value from the beginning of this war to the present time. It can render valuable aid hereafter, and we shall have need for all the aid of this kind we can command. I trust, therefore, it will be the pleasure of the general assembly to continue it in existence. Indeed, I do not see how it can be dispensed with without prejudice to the public interest.

        In this connection, I take occasion to call your attention to the necessity for an appropriation of twenty thousand dollars to provide sheds for the protection of our artillery, the carriages and caissons, all of which are now exposed to the weather. We have quite a number of each on hand, and others are being sent in, as their places are being supplied by captures from the enemy. It is needless for me to urge this subject upon your attention, as your own observation and experience will satisfy you that property of this description soon goes to destruction unless it is sheltered from exposure. The appropriation asked for is small when compared with the value of the property which it is designed to protect. If the sum asked for should be greater than the sum required, only so much will be expended as will be necessary to secure the object.

Quartermaster and Commissary Departments.

        These departments have long been in the charge of Col. L. R. Smoot, one of the most intelligent, efficient, faithful and accomplished officers that any government has ever had in its service. He entered the service of Virginia at the commencement of the war, and has always shown the utmost devotion to her interests. He has discharged all his duties with scrupulous fidelity, indefatigable industry, and unsurpassed ability. If a military organization is to be kept up, for the purposes of local defence and the execution of the laws, these departments must also be kept up, and I know of no man who will discharge the duties more to the public satisfaction and with greater regard to economy. In my judgment both departments are necessary, and I do not think a better organization for the dispatch of the business could be made.

        I call your attention to the accompanying report from this department.

Paymaster General.

        At the last session this office was abolished, and its duties transferred to the first auditor. With all proper respect for the action of the general assembly, I must be pardoned for saying that I regard this as unfortunate legislation, that cannot, either on the score of economy or otherwise, result in advantage to the commonwealth. If the legislature will make the examination, I am satisfied it will be found that the head of this department has saved the state, by his vigilance and knowledge of the law and military usages, thousands of dollars. I believe that his services to the state would be of immense value, and I trust they will be retained until our military claims are all adjusted.

        This action, as I understand, was prompted by economical considerations. Such considerations should always be respected by our legislative bodies and our public officers charged with the administration of governmental affairs. But is it so in this case? I apprehend not, inasmuch as the convention instructed me to invite officers to leave the service of the federal government, and I was directed to assure them that if they came into our service they should receive equal rank, and the pay which attached to it. Under this


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invitation, Col. Hill, who is at the head of this department, came to us, and no man certainly ever was more faithful to us and our cause. I trust the day is far distant when such an obligation, voluntarily assumed by Virginia, will be repudiated by her legislature. The people and the government which will not respect their own promises, but will violate them if interest or convenience requires it, must expect to be visited with the penalty which attaches to the sin of unfaithfulness. Faith must be kept by individuals as well as governments, if they would hope to prosper or command respect. As I was the instrument used to communicate this proffer on the part of the convention, it is natural that I should feel desirous that promises made by me, in the name of a commonwealth that has ever been true to her integrity, should not be violated, and the pledges thus made should not be falsified.

        When we made the transfer of our officers and our army, our munitions and supplies to the Confederacy, I supposed that all would at once go into that service. It has resulted otherwise, and Colonel Hill and some other four officers have not been received. This fact does not relieve us from the obligation which has been incurred by the state to those officers, and we must expect to fulfill it, whether we furnish them employment or not.

        The doctrine asserted in this legislation uproots the theory and practice of our system of government. Ours is a system of checks and balances, where one officer or one department shall be a check upon the action of another, and accountability and responsibility thus secured. A receiving officer, if a disbursing officer, should not be the officer to settle his own accounts. The duty of settlement should be committed to some other department. I have no reason to suppose that in this particular case the state will suffer detriment, but I believe the principle wrong, and I war against it, and earnestly hope it may not become general.

        I have no personal end to subserve in this case; but such being my opinion, I have deemed it proper thus respectfully to express it.

        To the accompanying report from this department I respectfully call the attention of the general assembly.

Adjutant General's Report.

        The report of this experienced and valuable public officer, who has served the commonwealth so long and so faithfully, is herewith presented. Like every thing that comes from his pen, it is concise, forcible and to the purpose. The report, though brief, is filled with valuable suggestions, that I commend to your favorable consideration.

        General Richardson has been intimately connected with the administration of the affairs of the state, in important positions of high honor, for a long series of years. In every position he has been faithful, industrious and efficient, and in all has rendered valuable services. As the adjutant general of Virginia, at a time of great interest and importance in her history, he has exhibited ability, industry and independence, and has performed his arduous duties with a fidelity never surpassed. Now that my administration is drawing to a close, and desiring to manifest my appreciation of him as a man and as an officer, I have conferred upon him the brevet rank of major general, the only testimonial it is in my power to give.

The Penitentiary.

        I herewith communicate the annual reports of the directors and superintendent of the penitentiary for the year ending September 30th, 1863. The report of the superintendent presents a clear and intelligent exposition of the condition of the institution, as regards the number of prisoners and their health, the manufacturing operations for the year, and the


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state of the finances. He suggests several important reforms, which, if made by the general assembly, could not fail to be productive of beneficial results.

        Shortly after I entered upon the discharge of my executive duties, I endeavored to inform myself fully as to the management of the institution, and became satisfied that great reforms were necessary to render it self-supporting. In previous communications I have from time to time presented such recommendations as I thought, if adopted, would improve the system and management and relieve the state from the expensive burden it has hitherto borne. To those communications I refer, as their repetition here would extend this message to an unreasonable length.

        Several of the convict negroes hired to J. R. Anderson & Co. have absconded within the last year, and are supposed to have made their escape into the enemy's lines, as they have not since been heard of. In a time of war these convicts, hired at furnaces near the lines of the contending parties, are hard to restrain and keep in proper subjection, and are therefore much more likely to effect their escape. In this case I have no doubt that the hirers have been diligent and watchful, and have used proper precautions to prevent escapes, and are not justly censurable. Thus a necessity is shown for a change of our policy in regard to them. The loss of a very small number is a serious matter to the state.

        I renew my recommendation, therefore, made at the last session, to make sale of them. This, in my judgment, would be the wisest disposition that could be made of them. The number is increasing so rapidly that it will soon become a difficult question to manage, and hence the propriety and wisdom of meeting and disposing of it at once. Delay will not make it more susceptible of solution, but will tend to aggravate the difficulty.

        In this connection, I again call your attention to the condition of the four negro children who are in the penitentiary, and recommend that they be sold. They are there through no fault or misconduct of their own--they have committed no crime, and humanity requires that some disposition be made of them that will remove them from the institution. The eldest is five years of age, and the others are younger.

        There are also several lunatics in the penitentiary, some of whom have been long in confinement. It is neither probable nor possible that their mental condition can be improved so long as they remain in this place of confinement. No matter what may have been their crimes, the simple fact that their reason has been dethroned, and they are no longer responsible moral agents, should appeal in the strongest terms to all the better feelings of our nature to provide relief for them. They ought to be placed where they can receive proper attention and medical treatment, so as to give them a chance at least for restoration from mental darkness to the light of reason.

        In concluding this branch of my message, I recommend the adoption of the superintendent's recommendation as to an increase of compensation to the subordinate officers of the institution. The pay is inadequate to their support, and it is impossible therefore to retain our best officers without an increase of pay. Great difficulty has already been experienced, and I earnestly but respectfully appeal to your sense of justice for the relief of those parties. "The laborer is worthy of his hire," and unless a fair hire is paid, inefficient agents may be expected.

Impressment of Slaves to work on the Fortifications.

        I regret to state that the authorities of some of the counties manifest a disposition to disregard the requisitions made upon them for labor for this important object. The city of Richmond having failed to comply, the fact was reported to you at the last session, but no action was taken by you in regard to it. Col. William H. Stevens of the confederate engineer


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department, reports the failure of the authorities of the county of Pittsylvania. His communication and the accompanying papers are herewith transmitted for your information. Some other counties have not yet complied, and whether they intend to do so, I am not advised.

        On the 26th day of last month another call for five thousand more slaves was addressed to me by the president. This call and the papers accompanying it are submitted for your examination.

        The people generally complain that the provision of the law, which requires the confederate government to pay the value of such slaves as may die, or not be returned to their owners, has not been complied with, and they therefore have no guarantee that slaves now sent, if lost, will be paid for. The reason assigned to me for non-payment has been that congress had made no appropriation for this object, and that payment could not be made until a bill appropriating the amount necessary had become a law. Within the last few days I have been informed that it is the opinion of the war department that all such claims must be heard before the court of claims, when that court shall be organized, and that no payments can be made without a favorable judgment pronounced by such tribunal. Such a construction seems to me to be at war not only with the spirit but also with the letter of the law requiring the executive to comply with the president's requisition.

        If this be the construction which is to be placed on this law, it is not wonderful that dissatisfaction and indisposition to comply with the requisitions should be the consequence. A slave lost in this service a year ago could not now be replaced at less than double the value fixed at that day; and if the demand of his owner is postponed until a court of claims shall be organized, it is equivalent to nearly a total loss. It is in my judgment the duty of our senators and representatives in congress to see that an appropriation for this purpose is made without delay. The people expect it, and their reasonable expectation should not be disappointed in this respect.

        It is of the first importance that these fortifications should be constructed at the earliest practicable moment. We know not when they may be required for our protection and the preservation of our troops in the event of disaster. We must have harmonious and united action, and something must be done to secure it. Much depends on it, and the sooner the subject is satisfactorily arranged the better for the country. If a proper spirit animates both sides--and I am satisfied it exists--harmony will be the result. The government needs the labor on these works, and the people generally have manifested a readiness to furnish it, even at great inconvenience to themselves. If this difficulty were arranged, as I believe it can be, the wants of the government would be supplied.

Compensation of Officers, Legislative, Executive and Judicial.

        With the depreciation now existing in our currency, it is apparent even to the casual observer that the compensation now paid to those engaged in the performance of public duties is grossly inadequate. It was nothing more than a support in peace times--it is greatly less now. This is owing to our peculiar condition, growing out of the war--a condition for which they cannot be held responsible. While the currency has depreciated, the demand for all the necessaries of life occasioned by the war, and their consequent scarcity, has greatly increased the prices of all we are compelled to consume. Clothing, furniture, bread, meat--indeed every article necessary for a family would, from the causes stated, have increased somewhat in price, even if the currency had not depreciated.

        When the constitution of Virginia was formed, and when it was adopted by the people, what was the fixed standard of value? Admittedly, gold and silver. When that constitution


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fixed certain salaries, in what measure of value did it intend to pay them? Clearly, in gold and silver, or paper easily convertible into gold and silver, dollar for dollar. Such was the obligation. What now is the condition of affairs? The government now says, we cannot now pay you according to the terms of the contract, but we will pay you in such money as we have--not as valuable as we promised, but the best we can do. Is there any thing unconstitutional or wrong in commuting the value of that which it promised to pay, into the value of that which it has to pay with? It seems to me not.

        But it is said this is an increase of pay, and this is prohibited by the constitution. If increase and commutation were convertible terms, meaning the same thing, then there would be force in this view of the question. They are words of different import and signification. I have no hesitation therefore in saying that it is just now to do what our ancestors did in the revolution, and in my judgment it is not in controvention of the constitution.

Finances.

        I submit herewith, the report of the auditor of public accounts; which presents a full statement in detail of the financial condition of the treasury for the last fiscal year.

        By this statement the general assembly will perceive that the satisfactory account of our fiscal affairs presented in my last general message was not overdrawn, and that we have now every reason to be gratified. With a large portion of the state so overrun by the enemy that the usurped government therein established cannot be at present restored to its proper control, and notwithstanding the fact that no portion of the public revenue has been or can be derived during the war from that source, we have yet been enabled, by the taxes levied on the loyal portion, to meet all the wants of the government promptly, and to have a surplus in the treasury. Our people have responded to the calls of the state for men and for money without a murmur, and have exhibited a spirit not to be shaken by reverses or to be made incautious by success, and will be found ready at all times to bear the necessary burdens to secure their independence.

        The entire funded debt of the state on the 1st of October 1863, was $35,145,798 38. For the payment of the interest and the final redemption of the principal of this debt, the constitution of the state has provided a sinking fund, which must extinguish the whole in thirty-four years from its creation; and this fund has been realizing the anticipations of its founders, and will accomplish the end in less time. The temporary debt created for the purposes of the war, and for which treasury notes have been issued, amounts to the sum of $4,938,112. For the payment of this amount ample provision has been made, so that whenever the notes shall be called in they will be promptly redeemed.

        
The amount received into the treasury from all sources during the fiscal year has been 16,374,995 51
Which, with the sum on hand at the end of the previous fiscal year, 434,778 96
Makes 16,809,774 47
And the expenditures for the same period have been 15,434,770 25
Leaving a balance in the treasury on the 1st of October 1863, of $1,375,004 22

        Which, with a few warrants issued in the year and not collected, as is explained in the auditor's report, will make the actual balance $1,377,868 95.

        The auditor's estimate of the probable receipts into the treasury for the fiscal year ending 30th September 1864, with the balance on hand at the commencement of the year, is $10,666,532 67; and his estimate for the probable charges upon the treasury for the same


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year is $12,910,783 79; which for the present fiscal year will leave a balance against the treasury, of $2,244,251 12.

        This result, however, is produced by throwing into the present year all the outstanding charges, many of which it is believed cannot be demanded in that time, and are not liable to payment under existing laws. Of this class of debts is the suspended interest upon the bonds of the state held by the government of the United States, by northern state governments, and by people in the northern states; which has been properly suspended by ordinance of the convention, and ought not to be paid during the war; but being a liability upon the treasury, is charged upon the finances of the present year, and aids in swelling the apparent deficiency.

        On the other hand, the estimates of the same officer for the year 1865 exhibit these results:

        The probable receipts of the treasury for the year ending 30th of September 1865, from all sources, will be $9,274,600 64; which, after deducting the sum of $2,244,251 12, and thus making good the deficiency of the year 1864, will leave an aggregate of $7,030,349 52.

        His estimate of disbursements for the same period amounts to $3,781,709 42; which will leave a balance in the treasury on the 30th of September 1865, of $3,248,640 10.

        From these statements the general assembly will see that we will be provided with ample resources for all the purposes of government for the next two years, and leave the state treasury in a flourishing condition. If the state and confederate governments can therefore devise some system for improving the general currency of the country, reducing its volume, and providing at the same time for prosecuting the war with vigor, a happy issue must be the result.

Our unpaid Interest abroad.

        In my last regular communication to you, I embraced the occasion to refer to this condition of the finances of the state, and accompanied the reference with some suggestions as to the best mode of extinguishing our indebtedness. This portion of the message has been made the subject of comment in England, and imputations have been cast upon Virginia impugning her character for honor and integrity. The only specification is that her interest for July 1862 and for January and July 1863 remains unpaid. This is seized upon as a pretext for a violent and ill-natured assault upon her and the institution of slavery, by a leading British statesman. This speech is made the pretext for an editorial assault by the London Times, which is in much the same vein.

        These gentlemen ought to know (if indeed they do not know) that under the most serious embarrassments the state paid two installments of interest since this war has been in progress; and assurances have doubtless been given to our creditors through Mr. Mason, our late minister, that if at any time we failed to pay promptly, it would be not for the want of means or the will to pay, but from the impossibility to make remittances. Virginia is in no wise responsible for the existing condition of affairs. She did not inaugurate this war. It was forced upon her by Lincoln and his adherents on both sides the water, and they put it out of her power to fulfill her obligations.

        The commissioners of our sinking fund, as their annual report will show (and to it I invite your attention), applied to the British consul at this city to get him to attend to the matter as the agent of the state; which Mr. Cridland was willing to do, provided it met the approbation of the British minister at Washington. Lord Lyons, however, as the commissioners were informed, disapproved of this course, upon the ground that it was a violation


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of the neutrality assumed by the English government; and therefore the agent of that government declined to enter into any arrangement by which money due to the people of Great Britain might be paid. Application was then made to the Austrian consul located here, and he was willing to undertake it, but it was understood that the Austrian minister at Washington, following the example set by Lord Lyons, also disapproved it, and this plan was defeated. These facts were doubtless communicated by Lord Lyons to his government.

        There is another significant fact in this connection, that must not be omitted, which shows the settled purpose of the English government to prevent the Confederate States from paying their interest to British bondholders. When Mr. Magee, the consul at Mobile, agreed to accept just such an agency as we had proposed, for the payment of the interest due by the state of Alabama, he was most effectually rebuked by his own government and was dismissed from his position. Thus Alabama fared as we had done, for our movement was many months in advance of the movement made by her authorities.

        I have thus presented the facts of the case; and wherever they are known and understood, they cannot fail to convince all fair and candid minds, and satisfy them that Virginia has been unremitting and persevering in her efforts to meet her engagements promptly and fully with her English creditors, and was defeated in doing so by the action of the British minister at Washington. In this matter Virginia has nothing with which to reproach herself. She has done every thing within the range of possibility. Circumstances which she could not control, and for which she was not answerable, defeated her in the performance of an honest act, which she had much at heart. Her honor is untarnished. "The tooth of slander hurtless breaks upon the adamant of her reputation."

Death of John Seddon, Esq.

        Death comes alike to all. The divine decree is that man shall die. "Passing away" is written upon the world and all the world contains. The angel of death intrudes himself into the palace and the hovel, and his scythe cuts down alike the exalted and the humble. In this day of trial and suffering, how many of our best men are being taken from us!

        How sad it is to see those in whom the people reposed confidence, and who had been selected by them for high official positions, taken from us at a time when their experience, counsel and talents were so greatly needed. It is in obedience to the decree of that great ruler, who orders all things wisely, and to his will man must bow in humble submission.

        Mr. Seddon was a gentleman of fine talents and irreproachable character. He had served the people faithfully and ably in both branches of the general assembly. He watched over their interests, and guarded their rights with ability and untiring zeal. He was a true man in all the relations of life--a devoted husband and father, a kind and indulgent master, a generous and accommodating neighbor, and a sincere and ardent friend. When the war broke out he entered the service, and thus manifested the sincerity of his professions by his acts. Ill health compelled him to resign his commission and retire from service. The country has lost a valued citizen--the senate has lost a talented, industrious and independent member, and the commonwealth one of her truest and most reliable sons. This imperfect tribute to his memory is demanded no less by the obligations of personal friendship than official duty.

Conclusion.

        My administration is rapidly approaching a conclusion, and my management of the affairs of state is now before the people for their judgment. With the consciousness that I have


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endeavored to perform my duty faithfully and uprightly--that I have acted with that independence which became the executive of our honored commonwealth--that I have struggled to preserve and maintain her rights, and have faithfully watched over her interests and institutions, and endeavored to protect them, I do not fear the popular verdict. The public servant who follows the lead of his judgment, and regulates his conduct by his convictions of what is right, is in no danger of condemnation from the people. The great mass of the people are honest, and they have no wish to be deceived, and no reason to deceive themselves, either in regard to their social, their political or their material interests. Falsehood and misrepresentation, slander and abuse may for a time mislead them, but sooner or later they will correct the error and do justice to the officer.

        In separating from those with whom I have been identified for the last four years in the administration of the government, I desire to bear my testimony to their zeal, industry, fidelity and ability in the discharge of their arduous duties. I have received from them uniform courtesy and kindness and cordial co-operation. The several departments are managed with the greatest order and system, and business is dispatched in each with promptness and politeness. No state ever had more reason to be satisfied with her chief and subordinate departmental officers. In after time I will look on my association with them with infinite satisfaction and pleasure.

        Disasters fall to the lot of individuals as well as to nations. Uniform success never attends either. There are days of adversity as well as of prosperity. There are hours of gloom and despondency as well as of joy and hope When we survey the field since this war began, we find much to stimulate and encourage us, and much to inspire bright hopes for the future. We have recently had disasters, but they should rather arouse and excite than depress us. They only show that we should exhibit more energy, vigilance, courage and determination than we have heretofore manifested in our glorious cause. We have the will, the spirit, the endurance and the purpose to achieve success, and we can triumph if we are united, and bold, energetic and determined. Have we not a Lee, a Beauregard and a Johnston--a Longstreet, a Hardee and a Ewell--an Earley, a Breckenridge and a Rodes--a Stuart, a Wheeler and a Fitz Lee--with a host of others not less meritorious and deserving. With such a galaxy of officers of experience and ability, and with an army composed of materials equal to any that ever went into the field, why should we not be successful? We have indeed lost a Jackson and other noble and gallant spirits, whose deaths have caused profound sorrow and grief throughout the land. While we mourn over the dead, let us not forget that they fell in a righteous cause, and their deaths should only stimulate us to greater exertions, and nerve us to increased efforts.

        Look at the picture on all sides, and it presents hopeful and encouraging features. If we are only true to ourselves, to the cause and to the country, we cannot be overthrown. Is there a man who doubts the result of the struggle? If there be such an one, he is a traitor at heart, who deserves to be anathematized and cast out from among us.

        No state has been more loyal, more faithful, more devoted. None has contributed more liberally in means and men--none has bared her breast more boldly or defiantly to the storm--and none has sent her "reapers to the harvest of death" with more self-sacrificing devotion than the commonwealth of Virginia. She enlisted for the war after full consideration, and with a just appreciation of all the consequences that were to follow the separation, and she will be true to the end. She will never sue for peace, because she did not bring on this war. She will never propose compromise, because she struggles only for her rights, her liberty and her independence. She will, as becomes the mother of states, stand up boldly, and hurl scorn and defiance in the face of her foes, until they come to her terms. She will never consent to a treaty of peace which dismembers her own territory, nor will she consent to a treaty which does not recognize fully the Confederacy. She knows what


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is due to her own dignity and character, and she knows what is due to the Confederacy, and her duty will be performed with scrupulous fidelity. Kneeling around the altar of the country, her sons will swear allegiance to her, and fidelity to the confederate government, and their prayers will ascend to heaven for blessings on Virginia and the Southern Confederacy.

        Thanks to the Ruler of the Universe for his blessings conferred upon us with such liberality--for the successes which have attended our arms--for the unity and harmony of our people--and for the spirit and courage with which he has nerved them for this contest.

Respectfully,


JOHN LETCHER.