On this important acquisition, so favorable to the immediate interests of our western citizens, so auspicious to the peace and security of the nation in general, which adds to our country territories so extensive and fertile, and to our citizens new brethren to partake of the blessings of freedom and self-government, I offer to Congress and our country my sincere congratulations.
TH. JEFFERSON.
January 16, 1804.
The Message and papers therein referred to were read.
Erection of Louisiana into two Territories.
The Senate resumed the second reading of the bill erecting Louisiana into two Territories, and providing for the temporary government thereof.
On motion to amend the fourth section of the bill, by inserting the following words at the end thereof:
“The Legislative Council, a majority of the whole number concurring therein, shall have power to elect, by ballot, a delegate to Congress, who shall have a seat in the House of Representatives, and shall have the right of debating, but not of voting:”
It passed in the negative—yeas 12, nays 18, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Anderson, Breckenridge, Cocke, Ellery, Logan, Nicholas, Potter, Israel Smith, John Smith, Samuel Smith, Venable, and Worthington.