WILLIAM AMBERS, a delegate elected from the county of Chesterfield, to supply a vacancy created by the resignation of CHARLES T. FRIEND; HENRY L. HOPKINS, a delegate elected from the city of Petersburg, to supply a vacancy created by the resignation of CHAS. F. COLLIER; R. F. TAYLOR, a delegate elected from the election district composed of the counties of Amelia and Nottoway, to supply a vacancy created by the resignation of RICHARD IRBY—severally appeared, were qualified, and took their seats.

The roll was then called, and the following members answered to their names:

Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, J. T. Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Blue, Bouldin, Carter, Clarke, R. J. Davis, Eggleston, Fleming, Fletcher, Flood, Garrison, Gatewood, George, H. L. Hopkins, Hunter, James, Jones, Jordan, Kyle, Laidley, Lively, Lynn, Magruder, Mallory, Mathews, McCamant, R. E. Nelson, Newton, Orgain, Pitman, Prince, Richardson, Riddick, Rives, Robertson, Rowan, Rutherfoord, Shannon, Sherrard, Spady, F. G. Taylor, R. F. Taylor, Thrash, Tomlin, Tredway, Walker, Williams, S. Wilson, Woolfolk, Wootten, Worsham and Wynne.

No quorum appearing, on motion of Mr. JONES, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 12 o'clock.

On motion of Mr. TOMLIN, leave of absence was granted to H. T. BURRUSS, the sergeant at arms, during the illness of his family.

Mr. WOOLFOLK submitted the following resolution:

Resolved, that a special committee be appointed to enquire into the manner in which Messrs. Stuart, Buchanan & Co. of the Smyth and Washington counties salt works, have complied with their county and corporation contracts for furnishing salt; also, how far they have complied with their professions about allowing their salt to go into the hands of speculators, instead of being used to comply with their contracts: that the said committee be authorized to send for persons and papers, to be examined by them in making the said examination.

Mr. BASKERVILL moved to amend the resolution, by striking out the entire resolution, and inserting the following:

“Resolved, that so much of the governor's message as relates to the procuring an adequate supply of salt for the people of this commonwealth, be referred to a joint committee of the two houses, to consist of members on the part of the senate, and members on the part of the house.”

The question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

The question recurring on agreeing to the resolution, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

Mr. MALLORY submitted the following preamble and resolution; which, on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance:

Whereas a doubt exists among the commissioners of the revenue in the different counties of this commonwealth, as to the true construction of section 33, chapter 1 of the Acts of 1861-2, in regard to a license to distill ardent spirits from fruit, &c.: Therefore,

Resolved by the general assembly, that the true intent and meaning of said section was and is, to exempt all persons who do not distill more than thirty-three gallons, from paying a license tax, or other tax, when made by the owner for his own use.

A message was received from the senate by Mr. THOMPSON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to a joint resolution to refer so much of the governor's message as relates to an adequate supply of salt, to a joint committee: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

Subsequently, the resolution was taken up, on motion of Mr. BASKERVILL, and agreed to.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee on the part of the house: Messrs. Barbour, McCamant, Magruder, Baskervill, Prince, Anderson of Rockbridge, and Hopkins of Rockingham.

On motion of Mr. PRINCE,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending chapter 105, section 6 of the Code (1860), so as to increase the reward for the apprehension of runaway slaves.

On motion of Mr. RIVES,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of so amending the 81st section of the act imposing taxes for the support of government, passed March 27, 1862, as to allow commissioners of the revenue and sheriffs an increased compensation for assessing and collecting the public revenue.

Mr. LOCKRIDGE submitted the following resolution:

Resolved, that in the judgment of this general assembly, its debates and acts should be confined to the subject of salt; and the various other subjects embraced in the governor's message be postponed to an adjourned session; which being objected to, was laid over until to-morrow.

Mr. HOPKINS of Petersburg submitted the following preamble and resolution:

Whereas, by the governor's proclamation, the legislature has been convened, in this called session, for the avowed purpose of passing some act to supply the people with salt: and whereas our country and state are involved in an expensive and bloody war with the people of the north, our treasury thereby subjected to greatly increased burdens, and our people to high taxation, and the most extortionate prices for all the necessaries of life; and, in view of the fact, that the adjourned session will commence in less than three months, when all needful laws may be more considerately passed:

Resolved, therefore, by the general assembly, that on and after the 26th instant, it will be inexpedient, at this called session, to legislate on any other subject than the supply and distribution of salt, thus performing all the duties for which it met, and saving to the people a heavy item of unnecessary expenditure and taxation.

Objection being made, Mr. WORSHAM moved a suspension of the rule, with a view of considering the preamble and resolution this day; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative—Ayes 53, noes 27.

On motion of Mr. WORSHAM, the vote was recorded as follows:

AYES—Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), F. T. Anderson, Barbour, Brooks, Buford, Cazenove, Clarke, Coffman, Coleman, J. D. Davis, R. J. Davis, Edmunds, Eggleston, Ewing, Fleming, Franklin, George, Gilmer, Grattan, J. H. Hopkins, H. L. Hopkins, Hunter, Jordan, Kyle, Laidley, Lively, Lockridge, Lynn, Mallory, Minor, R. E. Nelson, W. G. T. Nelson, Newton, Orgain, Prince, Riddick, Rives, Robertson, Shannon, Sherrard, Staples, Tate, F. G. Taylor, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Tredway, Tyler, Vermillion, Walker, West, Williams, Wootten and Worsham—53.

NOES—Messrs. Ambers, J. T. Anderson, Baker, Blue, Bouldin, Bradford, Carter, Dabney, Flood, Garrison, Gatewood, James, Jones, Magruder, Mathews, McCamant, Murdaugh, Pitman, Reid, Richardson, Rutherfoord, R. C. Saunders, Spady, Thrash, Tomlin, J. L. Wilson and Woolfolk—27.

Mr. RICHARDSON moved the indefinite postponement of the preamble and resolution; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative—Ayes 49, noes 35.

On motion of Mr. WORSHAM, the vote was recorded as follows:

AYES—Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, J. T. Anderson, Baker, Baskervill, Blue, Bouldin, Bradford Buford, Carter, Cazenove, Clarke, Custis, R. J. Davis, Garrison, Gatewood, George, Gilmer, Grattan, James, Jones, Kyle, Laidley, Lively, Magruder, Mathews, McCamant, Murdaugh, Newton, Pitman, Prince, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Rutherfoord, R. C. Saunders, Shannon, Spady, Thrash, Tomlin, Vaiden, Vermillion, West, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. Wilson, Woolfolk and Wootten—49.

On motion of Mr. BARBOUR,

Resolved, that the joint committee in relation to salt be enlarged, by the addition of three members on the part of the house and two on the part of the senate.

Ordered, that Mr. BARBOUR carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

The following members were added on the part of the house: Messrs. Edmunds, Richardson and Wynne.

Mr. AMBERS was appointed by the SPEAKER a member of the committee of privileges and elections and of the committee on the library; Mr. COFFMAN, a member of the committee on military affairs and schools and colleges; Mr. HOPKINS of Petersburg, a member of the committee on finance and of the committee for courts of justice; Mr. TAYLOR of Amelia, a member of the committee on banks and of claims.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee under a resolution of the house in relation to the subject of extortion in articles of prime necessity: Messrs. Hopkins of Petersburg, Richardson, Saunders of Campbell, Coffman, Baker, Cazenove, Walker, Franklin and Lynn.

No. 2. An engrossed bill extending the time for the qualification of the sheriffs of Orange and Culpeper counties, was taken up, on motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK, read a third time and passed.

Ordered, that Mr. WOOLFOLK carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

Mr. ROBERTSON presented the petition of the assistant keepers, clerk and interior guard of the penitentiary, praying for an increase of salary; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on the penitentiary.

On motion of Mr. GARRISON,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending sections 5 and 6 of chapter 178 of the Code of Virginia, as to provide for the appointment of new trustees to act in the place of trustees who may be in the military service of the Confederate States or of the state of Virginia, and of so amending section 2 of chapter 128 of the said Code, as to provide for the appointment of new guardians, committees or trustees for the purpose of instituting suits for the sale or partition of lands belonging to persons under disability, where the existing guardian, committee or trustee is in the said service.

On motion of Mr. LYNN,

Whereas the citizens of Prince William county have been driven from their homes, by reason of the invasion of their soil by Yankee forces; their negroes and other property stolen and destroyed, so that her citizens have been prevented from raising almost any thing to subsist upon, so that many families whose husbands and sons that have fallen on the field of battle are left destitute of even bread to subsist on for the next year: Therefore,

Resolved, that the committee on finance be requested to enquire into the expediency of granting some relief, by a release of tax for this year (1862).

No. 1. An engrossed bill to incorporate the Union manufacturing company in the county of Fluvanna, was read a third time and passed.

Ordered, that the clerk communicate the same to the senate, and request their concurrence.

No. 3. An engrossed bill to increase jailors' fees for keeping and supporting prisoners, was taken up and read a third time.

Mr. BLUE moved to suspend the rule, with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was ordered to its engrossment; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

The question being—Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? Mr. BASS moved an amendment as follows:

“Provided, that the county and corporation courts of the commonwealth may establish, in their discretion, a different rate, not less than 35 nor more than 60 cents per diem.”

Mr. PRINCE moved to amend the amendment, by striking out “60,” and inserting “80;” and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

The question recurring on agreeing to the amendment as amended, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

The bill as amended was then read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

No. 4. An engrossed bill concerning bonds of sheriffs, was read a third time and passed.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

On motion of Mr. DAVIS of Campbell,

Resolved, that a special committee be appointed, with authority to report a bill legalizing the manufacture of alcohol.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. Davis, Cazenove, Rives, Buford, and Wilson of Norfolk county.

Subsequently, Mr. DAVIS, from the committee, presented the following bill:

No. 7. A bill legalizing the manufacture of alcohol; which was subsequently read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing a letter from Dr. E. W. Johns, medical purveyor of the Confederate States, in relation to the distillation of alcohol and whisky for hospital and medical purposes; which were read, and on motion of Mr. BLUE, referred to a special committee.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee under a resolution heretofore adopted in relation to the expediency of making an appropriation to relieve the necessities of the poor and destitute of our citizens in those sections of the state which have been overrun by the public enemy: Messrs. Wilson of Isle of Wight, Tate, Blue, Orgain, Fleming, Garrison and Mathews.

On motion of Mr. DAVIS of Campbell,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of authorizing the city of Lynchburg to issue an amount of its notes as a currency, in addition to that authorized by the act of March 27th, 1862.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing, in answer to a resolution of the house of delegates, a correspondence between the executive of the state and the secretary of war of the Confederate States, relative to the delivery to the authorities of this state of any prisoners of war who may have been charged with offences against the laws of this commonwealth; which were read, and on motion of Mr. BASKERVILL, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 2.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, in answer to a resolution of the house of delegates requesting information as to the number of troops which have been raised and are in service under the act passed at the late extra session, entitled an act to authorize a force of ten thousand men to be raised for the defence of the commonwealth, and in what manner they have been organized; also the amount of money which has been expended or liabilities incurred therefor; and of the number of troops which have been raised under his recent proclamation calling out the militia in certain counties; the expense attending the same, and the disposition of said militia; which were read, and on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, referred to the committee on military affairs.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, in answer to a resolution of the house of delegates calling for the names of all commissioned officers, with the dates of their commissions, of the ten thousand men authorized to be raised under the act of May 15th, 1862; which were read, and on motion of Mr. ANDERSON of Botetourt, referred to the committee on military affairs.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing a petition from certain citizens of Southwestern Virginia, addressed to the president of the Confederate States, in relation to extortion on articles of prime necessity; which were read, and on motion of Mr. MALLORY, referred to the special committee on extortionate prices.

Mr. MATHEWS, at his own request, was excused from further attendance during the present session of the house.

The SPEAKER appointed Mr. MCDONALD of Wyoming a member of the committee on extortionate prices in place of Mr. MATHEWS.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee to consider the message of the governor and accompanying documents, in relation to the distillation of alcohol and whisky for use of the army: Messrs. Ward, Blue, Bass, Tate, Mayo, Bradford and Dabney.

On motion of Mr. CROCKETT,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of authorizing Wm. H. Neighbours to act as commissioner of the revenue for the county of Wythe, he having been duly elected, but failed to qualify in the time prescribed by law, in consequence of being detained in the army.

On motion of Mr. LYNN,

Resolved, that the committee on finance be requested to enquire into the expediency of making some provision for destitute families in Prince William county, whose husbands and sons are now in the confederate army.

A communication from the senate, by their clerk, was read as follows:

No. 1. A senate bill entitled an act amending the 17th section of chapter 36 of the Code of Virginia, concerning the manner of making returns of delinquents, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

A resolution from the senate for the appointment of a joint committee to consider the character of the present session of the general assembly, was taken up and agreed to.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

THOMAS B. BIGGER, a delegate elected from the city of Richmond to supply a vacancy created by the resignation of JOHN O. STEGER, appeared, was qualified and took his seat.

On motion of Mr. BASS,

Resolved, That leave be given to bring in a bill to grant power to the trustees of the Evangelical Lutheran church of Salem, Virginia, to sell lot 99, in the town of Salem, belonging to said church.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee, under the resolution: Messrs. Bass, Montague, Dice, Tredway and Reid.

On motion of Mr. HOPKINS,

Resolved, that the committee on extortionate prices be enlarged by the addition of five members.

The SPEAKER announced the following gentlemen as added to the committee: Messrs. Anderson of Botetourt, Mallory, Blue, Pitman, and McDonald of Hampshire.

On motion of Mr. RUTHERFOORD,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be enlarged by the addition of two members.

The SPEAKER announced the following gentlemen as added to the committee: Messrs. Buford and Spady.

Mr. BARBOUR, from the joint committee in relation to an adequate supply of salt, presented the following bill:

No. 9. A bill to provide for the production, distribution and sale of salt in this commonwealth; which subsequently was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time, and on motion of Mr. ANDERSON, two-thirds concurring, read a second time; and the question being—Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time? on motion of Mr. MCCAMANT, the bill was laid on the table and ordered to be printed.

No. 8. A bill to authorize the governor to settle the accounts of Sampson Jones, agent of Mrs. Jane A. Griffin, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

Mr. BARBOUR presented the petition of sundry persons, citizens of the state, asking the repeal of the ordinance of the late state convention suspending the payment of the salary of the Hon. George W. Thompson, judge of the 20th circuit of the commonwealth; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

No. 3. An engrossed bill to increase jailors' fees for keeping and supporting prisoners, was taken up, read a third time and passed—Ayes 81, noes 2.

AYES—Messrs. Sheffey (speaker), Ambers, J. T. Anderson, F. T. Anderson, Baker, Bass, Bigger, Blue, Bradford, Buford, Carter, Cazenove, Cecil, Clarke, Coffman, Coleman, Crockett, Dabney, R. J. Davis, Dice, Edmunds, Eggleston, Evans, Ewing, Garrison, Gatewood, George, Gillespie, Gilmer, Grattan, Green, H. L. Hopkins, Huntt, James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kyle, Lively, Lockridge, Lundy, Linn, Mallory, Mayo, McCamant, A. W. McDonald, McLaughlin, Minor, Montague, Murdaugh, Newton, Orgain, Pitman, Prince, Reid, Riddick, Rives, Robinson, Rutherfoord, R. C. Saunders, Shannon, Sherrard, Spady, Staples, Tate, F. G. Taylor, R. F. Taylor, Thomas, Thrash, Tredway, Vaden, Vermillion, Ward, West, Williams, J. L. Wilson, S. Wilson, Woodhouse, Woolfolk, Wootten and Worsham—81.

NOES—Messrs. Barbour and Johnson—2.

Ordered, that Mr. JAMES carry the same to the senate, and request their concurrence therein.

On motion of Mr. ANDERSON of Botetourt,

Resolved, that the governor be requested to inform this house of the number of troops which have been organized and mustered into service under Major General John B. Floyd, by authority of the act of the general assembly passed the 15th day of May 1862, entitled an act to authorize a force of ten thousand men to be raised for the defence of the commonwealth; the number of companies and regiments into which such troops have been organized; the number of men, officers and non-commissioned officers in each company and regiment; and the various arms of the service to which they belong: also what number of militia have been raised under his late proclamation calling out the militia in certain counties, and what disposition has been made of them; and if said information be not at this time in the possession of the governor, that he be requested to procure and furnish the same to this house at as early a day as practicable.

The house resolved itself into secret session; and after some time spent therein,

On motion of Mr. GRATTAN, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 12 o'clock.

Mr. MCCAMANT, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following bill:

No. 10. A bill to amend the 43d and 44th sections of chapter 87 of the Code, so as to increase the fees of tobacco inspectors.

Mr. ROBERTSON, from the committee on banks, presented the following bills:

No. 11. A bill authorizing the city of Lynchburg to issue a further amount of its notes as a currency.

No. 12. A bill to incorporate the Rockingham savings bank in the town of Harrisonburg.

No. 13. A bill to suppress the circulation of counterfeit notes within the commonwealth.

Mr. MCCAMANT, from a special committee, presented the following bill:

No. 14. A bill incorporating the Pleasant grove lead and zinc mining and manufacturing company.

Mr. WARD, from a special committee, presented the following bill:

No. 15. A bill to amend and re-enact an act entitled an act to prevent the unnecessary consumption of grain by distillers and other manufacturers of spirituous and malt liquors.

Which said bills were subsequently read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee under a joint resolution to consider the character of the present session: Messrs. Rutherfoord, Newton, Edmunds, Green and Minor.

A message was received from the senate by Mr. WILEY, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bill entitled an act to increase jailors' fees for keeping and supporting prisoners, with an amendment: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

On motion of Mr. GRATTAN, the house resolved itself into secret session; and after some time spent therein, on motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, the doors were opened.

No. 9. A bill to provide for the production, distribution and sale of salt to the commonwealth, was taken up and read a first time.

Mr. ANDERSON of Rockbridge moved to amend the bill, by adding at the end of the first section the following: “And the governor is specially instructed to dispatch an agent to the Kanawha salines, to purchase for the use of the people of this commonwealth, on the best terms it can be obtained, all the salt now made at said salines, and to contract for so much as can be made and removed in the next ninety days, to be paid for when removed, except so much as the officer in command of the confederate forces in that section may deem necessary to retain for the use of the army. The governor is authorized and instructed to provide for the immediate removal of the salt to safe and convenient depositories for distribution and sale, as herein after provided. For the prompt and speedy removal of the salt, the governor is authorized to contract for or to impress as many wagons and teams as are necessary for that purpose, and also for the repair of the Covington and Kanawha road.

“2. For the protection of parties who may be engaged in the manufacture of salt for the government at the Kanawha salines, and to insure the safe removal of it, the governor is authorized to employ the military power of the state to the extent he may deem necessary.”

And the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. PRINCE demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was determined in the negative.

On motion of Mr. SPADY, the bill was laid on the table.

No. 6. A bill to protect and indemnify citizens of Virginia, was taken up on motion of Mr. SPADY, amended, and as amended, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

Mr. BARBOUR moved that the chair be vacated until 5 o'clock P. M. Mr. JONES moved to amend, by striking out “5,” and inserting “8;” and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

The motion was then agreed to, and the chair vacated until 8 o'clock P. M.

Mr. MALLORY moved to amend the same section, by striking out “corporations;” and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

Mr. MALLORY moved to amend the 8th section of the bill, by striking out the clause thereof constituting the committee of advice provided for in the bill, of members of the general assembly; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

The bill was then further amended on motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, and as amended, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

On motion of Mr. EGGLESTON, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 12 o'clock.

No. 17. A bill concerning licenses to distill ardent spirits from fruit.

Mr. BARBOUR, from the committee on finance, to whom had been referred the following senate bills, reported the same without amendment:

No. 1. A senate bill entitled an act amending the 17th section of chapter 36 of the Code of Virginia, concerning the manner of making returns of delinquents.

No. 2. A senate bill entitled an act repealing an act for the relief of Ephraim Bee.

Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following resolutions:

1. Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that this general assembly commemorates, with grateful admiration, the victorious operations of the confederate armies in Virginia during the present campaign, resulting in the deliverance of the capital from siege and the state from invasion.

2. That the achievements of the army near Richmond, first under the command of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, and afterwards under the command of Gen. Robert E. Lee, in driving from the environs of this capital a disciplined army superior in number and equipments, occupying formidable and fortified positions, and confident of victory, rank with the most memorable triumphs of skill and valor in the annals of war.

3. That the army of the valley, under the command of Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, by a rapid succession of brilliant victories in the valley of Virginia, and afterwards by efficient action as part of the combined army under Gen. Lee, has the conspicuous merit of having won the first triumphs and honorably participated in all the successes of the present illustrious campaign in this state.

4. That the recent operations of the combined army under Gen. Lee, illustrated by a second decisive victory at Manassas, by the expulsion of the invaders from Virginia, by the passage of the Potomac, by the capture of Harpers Ferry, by the victories at Sharpsburg and at Shepherdstown, and by other triumphant proofs of genius, gallantry, fortitude and patriotism, entitle the officers and men of that army to the profound and perpetual gratitude of their country.

5. That while rejoicing in our victories and in the valor of our armies, and in the sure guarantee which they furnish of the successful vindication of our liberties and maintenance of our independence, we yet mourn over our heroic sons who have fallen in the sacred cause, and offering to their families our warmest sympathies, commend them to the kindness and generosity of their countrymen.

6. That these resolutions be communicated by the governor to Gen. Lee, Gen. Johnston and Maj. Gen. Jackson, the distinguished commanders of confederate armies in Virginia, as a memorial of the admiration and thanks of this commonwealth for their eminent ability, and for the skill and gallantry of the officers and men of their respective commands.

On motion of Mr. FLOOD,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to the securities of William Paris, late sheriff of Appomattox county, all damages recovered against them by the commonwealth in the circuit court of the city of Richmond.

Subsequently, Mr. FLOOD, from the committee on finance, presented the following bill:

No. 20. A bill for the relief of the securities of William Paris, late sheriff of Appomattox county.

The following bills were read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

No. 16. A bill to legalize the records and proceedings of the county court of Essex county, at the June, July and August terms of said court held at Miller's tavern in said county.

No. 17. A bill to amend and re-enact section 33d of chapter 1st of the Acts of 1861-2, concerning licenses to distill ardent spirits from fruit, &c.

No. 18. A bill with regard to general and special elections of members of congress during the present war.

No. 19. A bill authorizing the issue of certificates of debt.

No. 20. A bill for the relief of the securities of William Paris, late sheriff of Appomattox.

The following reports from the committee for courts of justice were read and concurred in:

Referring so much of the governor's message as refers to extortion, as was referred to the committee for courts of justice, to the committee on extortion.

Adverse report as to the expediency of so amending chapter 105, section 6 of the Code of 1860, as to increase the reward for the apprehension of runaway slaves.

Adverse report as to the expediency of authorizing the trustees of the New School Presbyterian church in Wytheville to sell and convey the lot and church erected thereon, to another religious denomination.

The following bills were read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time:

No. 5. A bill amending the 15th section of an act entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, passed March 27, 1862, concerning express companies.

No. 7. A bill legalizing the manufacture of alcohol.

No. 8. A bill to authorize the governor to settle the account of Sampson Jones, agent of Mrs. Jane A. Griffin.

No. 14. A bill incorporating the Pleasant grove lead and zinc mining and manufacturing company.

Mr. PRINCE submitted the following resolution:

Resolved, that the house of delegates will, with the concurrence of the senate, adjourn sine die on Tuesday the 30th instant.

On motion of Mr. ANDERSON of Botetourt, the resolution was laid on the table.

Mr. JONES was excused, on his own request, from further service on the committee to investigate the conduct of the owners of the Washington and Smyth salt works, and Mr. CROCKETT appointed in his stead.

Mr. BIGGER was added to the committee of privileges and elections.

On motion of Mr. DAVIS, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 12 o'clock.

On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of making some provision by law for winding up the affairs of the Bank of Weston and the Bank of Manassas.

On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending the 1st section of the act passed March 27, 1862, to provide for the trial of persons charged with felony, in counties in possession of the enemy.

On motion of Mr. JAMES,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of changing the times of holding the terms of the courts of the 14th judicial circuit of the state.

On motion of Mr. MCDONALD of Hampshire,

Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of amending the present tax bill, by increasing the tax on incomes, where such incomes exceed dollars, and of so increasing it as that the per centum of taxation shall increase as said excess shall increase, with the view of securing more revenue from those who are extorting through the necessities of the soldiers, and of discouraging excessive and illegitimate speculation.

On motion of Mr. AMBERS,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the 29th section of chapter 192 of the Code of Virginia, so as to admit the testimony of slaves and persons of color against any person, not a citizen of the Confederate States, charged with kidnapping or enticing slaves from their masters.

On motion of Mr. MALLORY, the house adjourned until Monday, 12 o'clock.

A message was received from the senate by Mr. LYNCH, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to a joint resolution in relation to the adjournment of the general assembly: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

On motion of Mr. FLEMING, the resolution was taken up and read as follows:

Resolved, that the senate, when it adjourns on Monday next, will, with the concurrence of the house of delegates, adjourn to meet on the first Wednesday in January 1863, unless sooner convened by the governor, and then on such day as he may designate.

Mr. FLEMING moved to amend the resolution, by striking out “Monday next” and inserting “Thursday next;” and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD moved further to amend the resolution, by striking out the words “on such day as he may designate,” and inserting “in pursuance of the power vested in him by the constitution.”

Pending the consideration of which, the resolution and amendment were, on motion of Mr. HOPKINS of Petersburg, laid on the table—Ayes 43, noes 42.

On motion of Mr. HOPKINS of Petersburg, the vote was recorded as follows:

AYES—Messrs. Ambers, J. T. Anderson, F. T. Anderson, Baker, Bass, Bigger, Blue, Booton, Bouldin, Buford, Carter, Cazenove, R. J. Davis, Flood, Forbes, Gatewood, Green, H. L. Hopkins, Huntt, Jones, Laidley, Mayo, McCamant, A. W. McDonald, Newton, Orgain, Pitman, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rowan, R. C. Saunders, Spady, Staples, Thomas, Tomlin, Williams, S. Wilson, Woodhouse, Woolfolk, Wootten and Worsham—43.

NOES—Messrs. Barbour, Bradford, Carpenter, Cecil, Clarke, Coffman, J. D. Davis, Dice, Eggleston, Evans, Ewing, Fleming, Franklin, George, Gillespie, Gilmer, J. H. Hopkins, Johnson, Jordan, Kaufman, Kyle, Lively, Lockridge, Magruder, Mallory, McLaughlin, Minor, Montague, R. E. Nelson, Reid, Rutherfoord, Shannon, F. G. Taylor, R. F. Taylor, Thrash, Tredway, Tyler, Vermillion, Walker, Ward, West and Wright—42.

On motion of Mr. HOPKINS of Rockingham,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the propriety of amending the charter of the Bank of Rockingham.

Mr. WALKER submitted the following preamble and resolution; which being objected to, were laid over under the rule:

It being understood that the president of the Confederate States, in a communication this day addressed to the house of representatives, claims the right, and is practically exercising the power, to arrest and imprison citizens of Virginia unconnected with the army or navy, for offences not known to the laws of Virginia or the Confederate States, but constituted wholly by military orders:

Resolved by the senate and house of delegates, that the governor of Virginia be requested to cause the attorney general and the attorneys for the commonwealth to institute judicial proceedings for the purpose of testing the right so asserted by the president, and of protecting the citizens of Virginia.

On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 12 o'clock.

Prayer by Rev. Dr. Minnegerode of the Episcopal church.

Mr. CARPENTER, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented the following bill:

No. 26. A bill to provide for the assessment of damages on the line of the Piedmont rail road.

Mr. HOPKINS of Petersburg, from the special committee on extortion, presented the following bill:

No. 27. A bill to suppress extortion; which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

Mr. STAPLES, from the select committee to consider the condition of Virginia sick and wounded soldiers, presented a report; which was read, and on motion of Mr. STAPLES, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 5.

A message was received from the senate by Mr. BRANNON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had agreed to the first amendment proposed by the house of delegates to the amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled an act providing for the production, sale and distribution of salt in this commonwealth, and that they had disagreed to the 2d and 3d amendments, and asked a committee of conference upon the subjects of difference between the two houses.

On motion of Mr. BARBOUR, the resolution for a committee of conference was agreed to.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee on the part of the house: Messrs. Barbour, Robertson, Shannon, Hopkins of Rockingham, and Buford.

Ordered, that Mr. BARBOUR inform the senate thereof.

No. 17. A bill to amend and re-enact section 3 of chapter 1 of Acts of 1861-2, concerning licenses to distill ardent spirits from fruit, with the pending amendment thereto, was taken up.

The amendment being to strike out of the following section of the bill the words “who is the bona fide owner of the distillery:”

“Provided no license or tax shall be required of any person who is the bona fide owner of the distillery, for manufacturing thirty-three gallons, in one year, out of the fruit, vegetables, syrups, molasses, sugar cane or sugars of his own production, for his own use”—the question on agreeing thereto was put, and decided in the affirmative—Ayes 57, noes 27.

On motion of Mr. BUFORD, the vote was recorded as follows:

AYES—Messrs. Ambers, F. T. Anderson, Baker, Barbour, Baskervill, Bigger, Buford, Carter, Cazenove, Cecil, Coffman, J. D. Davis, Dice, Edmunds, Eggleston, Evans, Flood, Franklin. Garrison, George, Gillespie, Gilmer, H. L. Hopkins, Huntt. James, Jones, Jordan, Kaufman, Kyle, Lively, Lockridge, Magruder, Mallory, Mayo, McCamant, I. E. McDonald, Minor, R. E. Nelson, Orgain, Prince, Riddick, Rives, Rutherfoord, Sherrard, Staples, F. G. Taylor, R. F. Taylor, Thrash, Tyler, Vermillion, Ward, J. L. Wilson, S. Wilson, Woolfolk, Wootten, Wright and Wynne—57.

NOES—Messrs. J. T. Anderson, Bass, Blue, Bouldin, Bradford, Clarke, Ewing, Fleming, Forbes, Gatewood, Green, J. H. Hopkins, Johnson, A. W. McDonald, McLaughlin, Montague, Newton, Pitman, Reid, Robinson, Rowan, Shannon, Spady, Walker, Williams, Woodhouse and Worsham—27.