Friday, June 5.
Declaration of War against Great Britain.
A confidential Message was received from the House of Representatives, by Messrs. Macon and Findlay, two of their members—Mr. Macon, chairman:
Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled "An act declaring War between Great Britain and her Dependencies, and the United States and their Territories;" in which they ask the concurrence of the Senate; and request that the bill be considered confidentially.
An act declaring War between Great Britain and her Dependencies, and the United States and their Territories.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That war be and the same is hereby declared to exist between Great Britain and her Dependencies, and the United States and their Territories; and that the President of the United States is hereby authorized to use the whole land and naval force of the United States to carry the same into effect; and to issue to private armed vessels of the United States commissions or letters of marque and general reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the United States, against the vessels, goods, and effects of the Government of Great Britain, of its subjects, and of all persons inhabiting within any of its territories or possessions.
On motion, the bill was twice read by unanimous consent; and, on motion by Mr. Leib, it was referred to the committee appointed the 1st instant, on the confidential Message of the President of the United States of the same date, to consider and report thereon.