"That it is expedient to authorize the President, under proper regulations, to accept the service of any number of volunteers, not exceeding fifty thousand; to be organized, trained, and held in readiness to act on such service as the exigencies of the Government may require."
And carried: yeas 113—nays 16.
The question was next taken on the fourth resolution, in the following words:
"That the President be authorized to order out from time to time such detachments of the militia, as in his opinion the public service may require."
And carried: yeas 120—nays 8.
The question was then taken on the fifth resolution, in the words following:
"That all the vessels not now in service belonging to the Navy, and worthy of repair, be immediately fitted up and put in commission."
And carried: yeas 111—nays 15.
The question was put from the Chair on the sixth resolution, in these words:
"6. That it is expedient to permit our merchant vessels, owned exclusively by resident citizens, and commanded and navigated solely by citizens, to arm under proper regulations, to be prescribed by law, in self-defence, against all unlawful proceedings towards them on the high seas."