Temporary Embargo.
The following confidential Message was received from the President of the United States:
To the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States:
Considering it as expedient, under existing circumstances and prospects, that a general embargo be laid on all vessels now in port, or hereafter arriving, for the period of sixty days, I recommend the immediate passage of a law to that effect.
JAMES MADISON.
April 1, 1812.
The Message was read; and on motion, by Mr. Bayard, that the injunction of secrecy be taken off respecting the Message last read, it was determined in the negative—yeas 11, nays 21, as follows:
Yeas.—Messrs. Bayard, Dana, German, Gilman, Goodrich, Gregg, Horsey, Hunter, Lambert, Lloyd, and Reed.
Nays.—Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Bradley, Campbell of Tennessee, Condit, Crawford, Cutts, Franklin, Gaillard, Giles, Howell, Leib, Pope, Robinson, Smith of Maryland, Smith of New York, Tait, Taylor, Turner, Varnum, and Worthington.
Resolved, That the Message be referred to a select committee, to consist of five members, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise.