Thursday, February 27.
Importation of Slaves.
An engrossed bill for imposing a tax of ten dollars on all slaves hereafter imported into the United States was read the third time.
A motion was made, and the question being put, that the farther consideration of the said bill be postponed indefinitely, it passed in the negative—yeas 42, nays 69.
On motion,
Ordered, That the said bill be recommitted to Mr. Sloan, Mr. Fisk, Mr. Eppes, Mr. Quincy, Mr. J. C. Smith, Mr. J. Clay, and Mr. Marion.
Prize Money.
CAPTAIN LANDAIS.
A bill for the relief of Peter Landais was read a first, second, and third time, and passed. The petitioner claimed prize money due him in 1799; his claim was upward of $12,000.
Mr. Smith, who reported the bill, stated that he believed the petitioner at present wished but a part of the sum due him; and he would thank any gentleman to name a sum with which to fill the blank.
Mr. Nicholson gave a very affecting statement of the petitioner’s situation, and moved to fill the blank with $6,000. It was so filled without a dissentient voice.