On motion of Mr. ANDERSON,

Resolved, that so much of the governor's message as relates to the James river and Kanawha company, be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation, with instructions to enquire into the expediency of incorporating the Virginia canal company, upon the basis of the executory agreement entered into by Messrs. Bellot des Minières, Brothers and Company with the said James river and Kanawha company on the first day of September 1860.

On motion of Mr. JONES of Gloucester,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files, engrossed bill 133, and all other engrossed bills, whether reported from the house or senate, reported from the committee on finance, and not acted upon by the house; and that they be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. MYERS,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of the Bank of Richmond.

On motion of Mr. FROST,

Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the relief of the securities of Joshua H. Staats, late sheriff of Jackson county.

On motion of Mr. CHRISTIAN,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of authorizing the speedy construction of a rail road from the state arsenal at Lexington to some point on the Central rail road.

On motion of Mr. RIDDICK,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of authorizing the Norfolk and Petersburg rail road to construct a branch of their road.

On motion of Mr. MONTAGUE,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of amending the 25th section of the act of last session, entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, passed March 31, 1860, so as to authorize persons resident of this state engaged as colporteurs in selling Bibles, religious publications, tracts, &c. to be exempted from the operation of said act.

On motion of Mr. LUCAS,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of this house, bill 160 of the last session, and the petition pertaining thereto, for the relief of Enoch Atkins; and that the same be referred to the committee of claims.

On motion of Mr. KEEN,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the enactment of a stay law.

On motion of Mr. JONES of Gloucester,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of amending the act passed April 6, 1858, regulating foreign insurance companies within this commonwealth, so as to require some security for the payment of their policies.

On motion of Mr. CHRISTIAN,

Resolved, that the committee of claims enquire into the expediency of authorizing the auditor of public accounts to pay the amount of a claim of J. A. Waddell for advertising militia orders.

On motion of Mr. DUCKWALL,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the house, the petition of Henry Willard in reference to an erroneous assessment of the property of Benjamin and Isaac Deford in the county of Morgan; also bill 132 on the same subject; and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. KEEN,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of establishing an arsenal in the town of Danville.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing the credentials of the Hon. A. F. Hopkins and F. M. Gilmer, jr. Esq., commissioners from the state of Alabama; which on motion of Mr. GIBSON of Jefferson, were laid upon the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 8.

Mr. SEDDON submitted the following joint resolution; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put and decided in the affirmative.

Resolved by the general assembly, that a committee of five on the part of the house and three on the part of the senate, be appointed to receive and confer with the commissioners from the sovereign state of Alabama, and ascertain at what time it will suit their convenience to address the general assembly.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee on the part of the house: Messrs. Seddon, Anderson, Hopkins, Bassel and Lundy.

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

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the president of the board of commissioners to audit and pay expenses of the invasion of the state; which, on motion of Mr. COWAN, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 9.

On motion of MARTIN of Henry,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the propriety of amending an act passed at the last session of the legislature, limiting the common stem of the extension of the Richmond and Danville rail road, and the North Carolina Coalfield rail road, to ten miles, and report by bill or otherwise.

Mr. CRANE presented the petition of Matthew Wormley, praying to be refunded a sum of money improperly paid in the year 1857-8; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of granting to B. W. Love and Isaac Burnett, free persons of color, the privilege of enslaving themselves, without compensation to the state.

Mr. WARD presented the petition of Wm. Dunlap and others, for the incorporation of the Capon springs company; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

Mr. BISBIE submitted the following preamble and resolutions, which, on his motion, were laid on the table:

Whereas, the immense coast line of Virginia is necessarily unprotected against the incursion of an armed enemy or marauders, by which every portion of our territories bordering on the ocean, rivers and harbors of the commonwealth, are liable to danger and devastation: And whereas both the political and financial condition of the state requires that the promptest, most efficient and most economical system of coast defence should be adopted: And whereas the other manifest duties of the committee on military affairs preclude that full examination of this subject which its vast importance demands: Therefore,

Resolved, that a special committee of seven be appointed by the SPEAKER for the purpose of examining into and reporting upon:

1st—The points more especially requiring fortifications; and the promptest and most economical mode of construction.

2nd—Whether the merchant marine of the state does not contain elements of a defence, which, at a small expense, could be made a most efficient and valuable defence to the coast, rivers and harbors of the commonwealth; and report the same to this house for action.

On motion of Mr. KEEN,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of establishing an arsenal in the town of Danville.

On motion of Mr. WEST,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the propriety of providing by law for the equitable distribution of public arms in the various sections of this commonwealth.

On motion of Mr. MONTAGUE,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of this house, bill 61 of the last session, and that the same be referred to the committee of claims.

On motion of Mr. McGRUDER,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to John Lester a certain sum of money paid by him on account of an erroneous assessment of his property in the county of Henrico, and of correcting the assessment thereof.

On motion of Mr. GIBSON of Jefferson,

Resolved, that the committee of claims enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the payment of a certain account of P. A. Entler, for services rendered the state.

Mr. ANDERSON presented a preamble and resolutions, adopted by the people of Botetourt in a public meeting held on the 10th of December 1860; which were read.

Mr. SEDDON moved that the preamble and resolutions be entered upon the journal. Pending the consideration of which, a motion to adjourn having been made and withdrawn,

Mr. MAGRUDER submitted the following resolutions; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and the resolutions unanimously adopted.

1. Resolved, that the house of delegates of Viriginia have received, with deep sensibility and regret, intelligence of the death of their late fellow member, William Garth of Albemarle.

2. Resolved, that the officers and members of this house will wear the usual badge of mourning for 30 days as a testimony of the profound respect entertained for the deceased.

3. Resolved, that the clerk of this house be requested to forward a copy of these resolutions to the family of the late William Garth, Esq.

Mr. CRUMP submitted the following resolutions; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and the resolutions were unanimously adopted:

1. Resolved, that this house have learned with regret that since the last session death has removed from our midst our late fellow member, D. P. Taylor of Nottoway.

2. Resolved, that we tender to his family our profound sympathy in their affliction, and as a mark of respect for his memory, will wear the usual badge of mourning for 30 days.

3. Resolved, that as a further mark of respect, this house will now adjourn.

Ordered, that the house be adjourned until to-morrow, 12 o'clock.

No. 4. A bill making an appropriation for improving the Wilderness road in Greenbrier and Nicholas counties.

No. 5. A bill to amend the charter of the Winchester and Potomac rail road company.

The SPEAKER appointed the following members to fill vacancies upon the standing committees:

Committee for courts of justice, Mr. Staples; on military affairs, Messrs. Crump and Burks; of claims, Mr. Sherrard; on finance, Mr. Wood; on the armory, Messrs. Morgan and Preston; on library, Mr. Nelson; on lunatic asylums, Mr. Booker; of privileges and elections, Messrs. Staples and Jett; to examine the first auditor's office, Mr. Booker; to examine the clerk's office, Mr. Nelson; to examine the second auditor's office, Mr. Jett.

Mr. KEMPER, from the special committee upon the call of a convention, presented the following bill:

No. 6. A bill to provide for electing members of a convention, and to convene the same; which on his motion, was read the first time.

Mr. KEMPER moved that the bill be read a second time this day; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. WOOLFOLK demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, two-thirds concurring, was decided in the affirmative.

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

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Anderson, Arnold, Bailey, Ball, Ballard, Barbour, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bell, Bentley, Bisbie, Boisseau, Booker, Caperton, Carpenter, Carter, Chapman, Childs, Claiborne, Coleman, Cowan, Crane, Crump, Davis, Duckwall, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Fleming, Friend, Garrett, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycootz, Graham, Grattan, Hanly, Haymond, Hackley, Hopkins, Hunter, James, Johnson, C. H. Jones, W. T. Jones, Kaufman, Keen, Kemper, Kincheloe, Knotts, Kyle, Leftwich, Locke, Lockridge, Lucas, Lundy, Lynn, Magruder, Mallory, T. Martin, W. Martin, Matthews, McDowell, McGehee, McGruder, McKinney, Miles, D. Miller, J. R. Miller, Mong, Montague, Montgomery, Morgan, Nelson, Newton, Orgain, Preston, Pretlow, Pritchard, Randolph, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Scott, Seddon, Shannon, Sibert, J. K. Smith, Staples, Thomas, Tomlin, Tyler, Wallace, Ward, Welch, West, Wilson, Witten, Wood, Woolfolk and Yerby—109.

NOES—Messrs. Alderson, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Cassin, Christian, Collier, Dickenson, Edgington, Ferrill, Frost, Harrison, Holdway, Huntt, Jett, Massie, McKenzie, Morris, Myers, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Reid, Segar, Sherrard, I. N. Smith, Thompson, Walker, A. Watson and Watts—30.

Mr. JONES of Appomattox moved to amend the bill in the first section, so as to provide for holding the election of members of the convention on the “4th” instead of the “7th” of February 1861; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. ROBERTSON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

On motion of Mr. JONES of Appomattox, the roll was recorded as follows:

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Anderson, Bailey, Barbour, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bell, Bisbie, Boisseau, Caperton, Carpenter, Carter, Chapman, Childs, Claiborne, Coleman, Davis, Duckwall, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Friend, Garrett, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Graham, Grattan, Hanly, Huntt, Hunter, James, C. H. Jones, W. T. Jones, Kaufman, Kemper, Kincheloe, Kyle, Leftwich, Lundy, Lynn, Mallory, T. Martin, McDowell, McGehee, McGruder, Miles, J. R. Miller, Mong, Montague, Montgomery, Morgan, Nelson, Newton, Orgain, Riddick, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Seddon, Shannon, Sibert, Thomas, Tomlin, Tyler, Ward, Wilson, Witten and Woolfolk—71.

Mr. THOMPSON moved to amend the bill, by striking out the first section, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

“Be it enacted by the general assembly, that it shall be the duty of the superintendents and officers who were appointed to superintend elections for county officers in May last, at the places established for holding elections for members of the general assembly, to open polls for deciding the question of convention or no convention; which convention, if called by the voice of the people, shall consider and propose such measures as may be expedient for this commonwealth to adopt in the present crisis of state and national affairs. The said election shall be held on the 4th day of February in the year of our Lord 1861.”

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

Mr. WATTS submitted the following amendment:

“And provided further, that if said convention, which shall assemble on the day mentioned in the above section, shall make or pass any ordinance authorizing and directing the withdrawal of this state from this confederacy, or any ordinance authorizing and directing her connection with any other state or states of this Union, it shall, before any such ordinance shall take effect, be first submitted to and ratified by the citizens of this commonwealth.”

Mr. KEEN submitted the following amendment to the amendment:

“At the same time, the said commissioners shall open a poll to take the sense of the qualified voters upon the question as to whether any action of said convention changing the organic law of this state or dissolving our connection with the Union, shall be submitted to the voters of the commonwealth, for their ratification or rejection.”

And the question being on agreeing to the amendment to the amendment, Mr. SEDDON demanded the previous question; and the question being, Shall the main question be ordered? was put, and decided in the negative.

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

AYES—Messrs. Anderson, Arnold, Bailey, Ballard, Bass, Bassel, Bell, Boisseau, Burks, Carpenter, Carter, Chapman, Childs, Claiborne, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Friend, Garrett, J. T. Gibson, Graham, Grattan, Hanly, Haymond, Hopkins, Huntt, Hunter, James, Johnson, C. H. Jones, W. T. Jones, Kaufman, Kemper, Kincheloe, Kyle, Lundy, Lynn, Mallory, J. G. Martin, T. Martin, McDowell, McGehee, Medley, Miles, J. R. Miller, Mong, Montague, Montgomery, Morgan, Nelson, Newton, Orgain, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Seddon, Shannon, H. Smith, Thomas, Tomlin, Tyler, Wallace, Ward, West, Wilson and Woolfolk—65.

NOES—Messrs. Alderson, Ball, Bentley, Bisbie, Booker, Boreman, Brown, Caperton, Cassin, Christian, Coleman, Collier, Cowan, Crane, Davis, Dickenson, Duckwall, Edgington, Ferrill, Fleming, Frost, D. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Harrison, Hackley, Holdway, Jett, Keen, Knotts, Leftwich, Locke, Lockridge, Magruder, Massie, Matthews, McGruder, McKinney, McKenzie, D. Miller, Morris, Myers, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Preston, Pretlow, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Saunders, Scott, Segar, Sherrard, Sibert, I. N. Smith, Staples, Thompson, Walker, A. Watson, Watts, Welch, Wingfield, Wood and Yerby—68.

Pending the consideration of the amendments, Mr. ROBERTSON moved a suspension of the rules, with a view to pass by the pending business, in order to take up the resolutions reported from the committee in relation to the peace of the country; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. RICHARDSON demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

The question being on agreeing to the resolutions reported from the committee, Mr. COWAN demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

The resolutions are as follows:

“Resolved, by the general assembly of Virginia, that in view of the imminent danger of civil war, this assembly, in behalf of the commonwealth of Virginia, ask respectfully, on the one hand, of the president of the United States, and on the other, of the authorities of each of the southern states, to the end, that if possible, peace may yet be preserved; that they will reciprocally communicate assurances in response to the general assembly of Virginia, now in session, that the status quo of all movements tending to occasion collision, and concerning the forts and arsenals of the nation, shall, on either hand, be strictly maintained for the present, except to repel any actual aggressive attempt.

2. That the governer of the commonwealth be requested to communicate these resolutions, by telegraph, immediately to the president of the United States, and each of the governors of the southern states.”

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

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

No. 18. A bill to incorporate the Lynchburg and North Carolina rail road company.

No. 19. A bill to extend the improvement of the Little Kanawha river to the falls thereof, in the county of Braxton.

Mr. KEMPER, from the committee on military affairs, presented a report adverse to the petition of Capt. Kenney of the Rockingham rifles.

Mr. KAUFMAN presented the petition of Capt. James Long and others, asking that leave be given to Henry Guard to peddle some articles without license, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. KAUFMAN presented the petition of Col. C. E. Shryock and others, asking that compensation be paid the drummer and fifer for services rendered to the 51st regiment of Virginia militia, and asked that the same be referred to the committee on military affairs.

Mr. ORGAIN presented the petition of Paul A. Farley, for the refunding of a peddler's license, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. CHRISTIAN presented the petition of Walker Fitch, a free negro, for an act to allow him to become a slave, and asked that the same be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

Mr. CHRISTIAN presented the petition of B. M. Smith of Prince Edward, for relief from the payment of a fine inadvertently incurred, and asked that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

The house resumed the consideration of

No. 6. A bill to provide for electing members of a convention, and to convene the same, with the pending amendments thereto; and the question being on agreeing to the amendment submitted by Mr. KEEN to the amendment submitted by Mr. WATTS to the first section of the bill, Mr. KEMPER demanded the previous question; and the question being, Shall the main question be now ordered? was put, and decided in the negative.

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

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Anderson, Bailey, Baskervill, Bassel, Boisseau, Carpenter, Carter, Chapman, Childs, Claiborne, Edwards, Garrett, J. T. Gibson, Graham, Haymond, Huntt, James, Johnson, C. H. Jones, W. T. Jones, Kaufman, Kemper, Kincheloe, Lundy, Lynn, Mallory, T. Martin, McGehee, J. R. Miller, Mong, Morgan, Newton, Orgain, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Seddon, Shannon, H. Smith, Thomas, Tyler, Ward, West, Wilson, Witten and Woolfolk—47.

NOES—Messrs. Alderson, Arnold, Ball, Ballard, Barbour, Bass, Bell, Bentley, Bisbie, Booker, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Caperton, Cassin, Christian, Coleman, Collier, Cowan, Crane, Crump, Davis, Dickenson, Duckwall, Edgington, Evans, Ferguson, Ferrill, Fleming, Friend, Frost, D. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Grattan, Hanly, Harrison, Hackley, Hoffman, Holdway, Hopkins, Hunter, Jett, Keen, Knotts, Kyle, Leftwich, Locke, Lockridge, Lucas, Magruder, J G. Martin, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, McGruder, McKinney, McKenzie, Medley, Miles, D. Miller, Montague, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Preston, Pretlow, Pritchard, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Saunders, Scott, Sherrard, Sibert, J. K. Smith, I. N. Smith, Staples, Thompson, Walker, A. Watson, Watts, Welch, Wingfield, Wood and Yerby—94.

Mr. KEEN, by leave of the house, withdrew the amendment to the amendment. Mr. WATTS, by like leave, withdrew the amendment.

Mr. KEEN submitted the following amendment to the first section of the bill:

No. 26. A bill authorizing the payment to William L. Jackson, of certain coupons.

No. 27. A bill for the relief of James Scott of Greenbrier county.

No. 28. A bill refunding to Matthew Wamsley of the county of Randolph a certain amount of money erroneously paid by him.

No. 29. A bill for the relief of Rev. J. Packard.

Mr. BARBOUR presented the petition of citizens of Culpeper county, praying that one-fifth of the state revenue be appropriated for the purpose of arming the people, and placing the state on a war footing; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

Resolved, that the debate on all questions that may arise on the convention bill now pending in this house, be restricted to three minutes by any one speaker, when they shall be put to the vote.

On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the house of the last session, senate bill 63, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. SAUNDERS presented the petition of George I. Herring and others, praying for a release as sureties of P. P. Winston; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. THOMAS,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of last session, house bill 169, and papers relating thereto, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. BENTLEY,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the availability of the appropriation made at the last session for the more effectual arming of border counties.

Mr. SMITH presented the petition of citizens of Kanawha, upon the subject of free negroes; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

On motion of Mr. ROBINSON,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of this house, bill 380, and that the same be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

Mr. MYERS presented the petition of William B. Wooldridge and Thomas C. Howard, executors of A. S. Wooldridge; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. CLAIBORNE,

Resolved, that the committee of claims enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill refunding to George W. Tucker of Halifax, the sum of $60 37, improperly paid by him to the commonwealth.

On motion of Mr. CLAIBORNE,

Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill incorporating the Meadville manufacturing company.

No. 33. A bill to amend the 2d section of an act entitled an act incorporating the town of Bethany, passed April 6, 1853.

No. 34. A bill to incorporate the Capper's springs company.

No. 35. A bill to amend an act incorporating the town of Christiansburg, and extending the limits of the same.

Mr. CHAPMAN, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented the following bills:

No. 36. A bill authorizing the Norfolk and Petersburg rail road company to construct a branch of said road to some point on the North Carolina line.

No. 37. A bill to amend the charter of the Wheeling creek turnpike company.

No. 38. A bill incorporating the Norfolk county railway company.

No. 39. A bill to amend an act to increase the capital stock of the Richmond and Danville rail road company, and for other purposes.

Mr. KEMPER, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following bill:

No. 40. A bill to create an ordnance department; which, on his motion, was read the first time, and ordered to be read the second time.

On motion of Mr. TOMLIN,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of paying to James A. Bond a sum of money due for services rendered the 87th regiment of Virginia militia.

Mr. SMITH of Kanawha presented the petition of Jacob Goshorn and others; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. RUTHERFOORD,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the house, bill 67 of the last session, entitled a bill to give effect to the 19th clause of the 4th article of the constitution, and that the same be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

On motion of Mr. WALKER,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to Joseph Cline, or his representative, taxes erroneously paid.

On motion of Mr. WALKER,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to John W. Driver a license tax erroneously paid.

On motion of Mr. WALKER,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to Benjamin Hoover taxes erroneously paid.

On motion of Mr. CHRISTIAN,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of continuing the organization of the special court of appeals, and transferring to such court, for adjudication, the criminal docket of the supreme court.

On motion of Mr. PHELPS,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of relieving the securities of Hugh L. Pickens, late sheriff of Pleasants county, from the payment of damages imposed on them for the failure of said sheriff to pay the revenue of said county into the treasury within the time prescribed by law.

On motion of Mr. PHELPS,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of relieving the securities of Eugenius Tibbs, late sheriff of Ritchie county, from the payment of damages imposed on them for the failure of said sheriff to pay the revenue of said county into the treasury within the time prescribed by law.

On motion of Mr. LUCAS,

Resolved, that the committee of privileges and elections enquire into the expediency of establishing an additional election precinct at the mills of Willson Bane in Giles county.

On motion of Mr. LOCKRIDGE,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of this house, bill 189, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. BALLARD presented the petition of William Stratton of the county of Logan, praying to be released from certain fines, &c.; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

Mr. BOREMAN presented the proceedings of a union meeting in Wood county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on federal relations.

On motion of Mr. FROST,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Ravenswood.

Mr. WALLACE presented the petition of citizens of Preston and Monongalia counties, asking the incorporation of a joint stock company to repair and macadamize the Morgantown and Beverley turnpike road; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

Mr. WALLACE presented the petition of citizens of Preston, Barbour and Monongalia counties, asking the incorporation of a joint stock company to repair and macadamize the Morgantown and Beverley turnpike road; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

Mr. WALLACE presented the petition of citizens of Monongalia county, praying a repeal of the license to sell breadstuffs; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. GIBSON,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of allowing compensation to James Carscadon and William F. Davis, for services rendered the 77th regiment of Virginia militia.

Mr. SMITH of Amherst submitted the following resolution:

Resolved by the general assembly of Virginia, that the further strengthening of the forts in Virginia, and the removal of arms and munitions of war from arsenals within her limits by the government of the United States, will be regarded by the people as a menace or threat of war; and that we pledge her faith to restore the forts, dock yards and arsenals in tact, if they shall be entrusted to her keeping in the event of a peaceable restoration of affairs; and in the event of a dissolution of the Union, to account for them in an equitable division of the public property; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on state and national affairs.

On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of providing for defraying the expenses of transporting Galt's statue of Jefferson from Florence, procuring a pedestal for the same, and for properly setting it up.

On motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK,

Resolved, that the committee of privileges and elections be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to so amend the nineteenth section of the eighth chapter of the Code of Virginia, in reference to the compensation of officers conducting elections at the courthouses of the several counties in district elections, for making their returns, &c. in said districts, as to increase the same to at least an amount sufficient to pay the necessary expenses in traveling to and from as well as their necessary tavern expenses.

On motion of Mr. SMITH of Taylor,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of this house, bill 327, and that the same be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

On motion of Mr. HARRISON,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of the Bank of Scottsville.

Mr. WITTEN presented the petition of Rowland Fletcher, praying relief as contractor on the Raleigh and Grayson turnpike; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. HACKLEY,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of changing the place of holding the election in the Sperryville precinct of Rappahannock county, from the house of Miss Cenith Fuston, now Wm. F. Aurass, to the house of B. J. Holland, now occupied by Peter Baxter.

On motion of Mr. GIBSON of Jefferson,

Resolved, that leave be granted to withdraw from the files of the house, bill 383, and that the same be referred to the committee of schools and colleges.

On motion of Mr. GARRETT,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of empowering the counties of Essex and King & Queen to issue bonds of the said counties for a sum, in the judgment of the courts, sufficient to arm the citizens of said counties against invasion.

On motion of Mr. WOOD,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to amend the second section of an act passed January 3d, 1800, to authorize the opening of a turnpike over the Southwest mountain in the county of Albemarle.

Mr. McGRUDER presented the remonstrance of one hundred and eleven citizens of Henrico county, against the proposed extension of the corporate limits of the city of Richmond; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. MONTGOMERY,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw house bill 312 from the files of last session, and that the same be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

Mr. WELCH presented the proceedings of a public meeting in Kanawha county; which were ordered to be referred to the committee on state and national affairs.

On motion of Mr. ALLEN,

Resolved, that the committee of claims enquire into the expediency of paying to James Patteson a claim against the commonwealth, amounting to $ 76.

On motion of Mr. MARTIN,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the house, bill 548, and that the same be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. HOLDWAY,

Resolved, that leave be granted to withdraw from the files of this house, senate bill 236, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. MAUPIN,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of the town of Guyandotte in the county of Cabell.

On motion of Mr. LYNN,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of granting relief to the securities of Milton Fitzhugh, late sheriff of Prince William county, for damages and fines paid by him.

Mr. LEFTWICH presented the petition of Ro. H. Gray, attorney for heirs of officers and soldiers of the revolutionary war; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of claims.

On motion of Mr. McKENZIE,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the house of last session, bill 454, and that the same be referred to the committee of claims.

On motion of Mr. GIBSON of Hampshire,

Resolved, that four thousand copies of the act to provide for electing members of a convention, and to convene the same, be printed for the purpose of distribution, as specified in the said act, and among the members of the general assembly.

On motion of Mr. MATTHEWS,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of amending the 2d section of an act passed the 27th March 1858, entitled an act to incorporate the town of Frankfort in the county of Greenbrier.

Prayer by Rev. Mr. Boggs of the Methodist church.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a message from the governor upon the subject of pardons; which was laid upon the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 4.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bill:

No. 41. A bill authorizing the clerks of the supreme court and the district courts of appeals to take orders of publication in vacation.

Mr. CHRISTIAN, from the committee of schools and colleges, presented the following bills:

No. 42. A bill to amend the act incorporating the Lewisburg female institute.

No. 43. A bill to amend the act concerning district free schools in the county of Jefferson.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following bill; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

No. 44. A bill to authorize the issue of treasury notes.

Mr. GRAHAM presented the petition of Solomon W. Maxwell and others, asking for an extension of the Black lick and Plaster bank turnpike; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

On motion of Mr. JONES of Appomattox,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing the county court of Appomattox to raise $ 6,000 in the manner indicated in their petition, for the purpose of arming the volunteer and militia companies of said county.

Mr. JONES of Appomattox presented the petition of L. D. Isbell and Thos. H. Flood, a committee appointed by the county court of Appomattox, praying that leave be granted to the county court of said county to raise $ 6,000 for arming the county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

A message was received from the senate by Mr. EARLY, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had accepted their invitation to attend the delivery of the addresses of the commissioners from the state of Alabama.

Mr. GRAHAM presented the proceedings of a public meeting in Wythe county; which were ordered to be referred to the joint committee on state and national affairs.

On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of amending the 4th section of the act passed 30th March last, making regulations concerning licenses.

On motion of Mr. RICHARDSON,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of amending and re-enacting an act entitled an act for the encouragement of certain volunteer military companies in the city of Wheeling, passed March 27th, 1858.

Mr. HUNTT presented the proceedings of a public meeting in Fairfax county; which were ordered to be referred to the joint committee on state and national affairs.

Mr. FRIEND presented the petition of James Walden, a free negro, to remain in the commonwealth; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

Mr. LUCAS presented the petition of the citizens of Giles and Monroe counties, for a turnpike road; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

On motion of Mr. ORGAIN,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of this house, the petition of Samuel E. Lee of the county of Lunenburg, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. MORRIS presented the petition of W. H. Cecil and others, for releasing Henry Snider from the penalties of a conviction for permitting unlawful gaming at his ordinary in Marshall county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. MORRIS presented the petition of Robert Alexander and others, to release John Ray from a fine; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. ROBERTSON presented the petition of cavalry and other volunteer corps of Virginia for removal to this state of the remains of General Harry Lee; which, on his motion, was ordered to be referred to a select committee.

Mr. PATTERSON submitted the following resolutions; which, on his motion, were ordered to be referred to the joint committee on state and national affairs:

Resolved, by the senate and house of delegates, that R. M. T. Hunter, Wm. C. Rives, John J. Allen and George W. Summers be and are hereby appointed commissioners to open a correspondence with the governments of all the states, to ascertain on what terms, if upon any, the present Union can be preserved; and if it cannot, then upon what terms and with what states a new confederacy can be formed, which will secure to the people of Virginia the full enjoyment of all their rights; and that they be required to report the result of their proceedings to the convention to assemble on the 13th February next.

Resolved, that the governor be requested forthwith to apprise said commissioners of their appointment.

On motion of Mr. ALDERSON,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of incorporating a company upon the two and three-fifths principle, for the purpose of constructing a turnpike road from the mouth of Twenty mile creek, on the Weston and Gauley bridge turnpike road, by way of Clay courthouse, to connect with Elk river turnpike road at the Upper Three forks of Sandy.

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

No. 49. A bill to increase the capital stock of the Elk river turn-pike company.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following bills:

No. 50. A bill to defray the expenses of a pedestal, setting up and transporting the statue of Jefferson.

No. 51. A bill granting the commonwealth's right to the real estate of John Kelly deceased, to Owen Shee.

Mr. BISBIE, from the committee on agriculture and manufactures, presented the following bill:

No. 52. A bill to incorporate the Virginia boot and shoe manufacturing company.

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

Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following reports; which were concurred in:

A report referring the resolution enquiring into the expediency of reporting a bill for the relief of Hugh H. Hite, to the committee on finance.

An adverse report to a resolution to change the place of holding elections in the Sperryville precinct of Rappahannock county.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following report:

An adverse report to the petition of Wm. B. Wooldridge and T. C. Howard, asking for a reassessment of certain lands.

Mr. BARBOUR, from the joint committee upon state and national affairs, presented the following report; which, on his motion, was laid on the table:

Resolved, that in the opinion of the general assembly, it would be inexpedient for the federal government, under existing circumstances, to make any addition to the military forces in any of the forts, arsenals or naval stations in Virginia, inasmuch as any such increase of force would be liable to misconstruction, and tend to create uneasiness in the public mind.

Resolved, that the governor be requested to adopt immediate measures for obtaining information as to the purpose of the executive of the general government with respect to strengthening the military force in the arsenals, docks and fortifications within the limits of this commonwealth.

Resolved, that the foregoing resolutions be communicated by the governor of this commonwealth to the president of the United States.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee under the resolution adopted on yesterday in reference to the removal of the remains of Gen. Harry Lee: Messrs. Robertson, McCamant, McGruder, Mallory, and Gibson of Jefferson.

On motion of Mr. HOPKINS,

Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the relief of John Preston, Walter Preston and Thomas Preston from an erroneous assessment of a tract of land in the county of Wise.

Mr. GILMER of Pittsylvania presented the petition of officers of volunteer company A, 101st regiment Virginia militia, praying to be relieved from the necessity of attending the regimental musters; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

On motion of Mr. COLLIER,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of the Planters savings bank of Petersburg.

On motion of Mr. RIVES,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of authorizing the formation of a rifle volunteer company in the county of Surry, the minimum number of which shall not be less than thirty-five, rank and file.

Mr. RIVES presented the petition of citizens of Surry, for the formation of a rifle volunteer company; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

On motion of Mr. HACKLEY,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of amending the 23d section of the 3d chapter of the statutes of 1859-60.

On motion of Mr. McGEHEE,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of authorizing the county court of Charlotte to levy a tax of six thousand dollars to arm the volunteers and militia of said county.

Mr. WATSON of Pulaski presented the petition of citizens of Pulaski county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of incorporating the Augusta and Rockbridge lumber company.

Mr. THOMPSON presented the petition of George C. Bowyer and others, asking to have refunded to them certain money paid by them as sureties, &c.; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. BASSEL,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of suspending for one year the whole unexpended appropriations for internal improvements, and to report the bill of the last session laying a tax of one per cent. on the sales of all merchants in the state, or collected only upon one sale, and also the special license bill of the last session.

On motion of Mr. LUNDY,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of authorizing such volunteer companies as have not already been provided with arms by the state, to purchase arms, the quality and quantity to be defined and limited by law, and that for such sum so expended, said companies shall be reimbursed out of the treasury.

No. 52. A bill for the relief of Angus M. Wood.

No. 53. A bill for the relief of George N. Tucker of Halifax county.

No. 54. A bill to refund to Louisa Hunter of Alexandria county taxes improperly paid.

No. 55. A bill refunding to Joseph L. Russell amount of taxes improperly paid on license.

No. 56. A bill for the relief of Henry Cooper of Frederick county.

Mr. KEMPER, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following bills:

No. 57. A bill to amend the 1st section of an act entitled an act for the encouragement of certain volunteer military companies in the city of Wheeling, passed March 27th, 1856.

No. 58. A bill appropriating one million of dollars for the defence of the commonwealth.

Which last mentioned bill was, on his motion, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following bills:

No. 59. A bill for the relief of Charles A. Hoge and James Musgrave.

No. 60. A bill for the relief of Thomas Javins of Fairfax county.

No. 61. A bill refunding to John H. Showalter a license tax improperly charged against and paid by him.

No. 62. A bill refunding to Robert N. Wright a sum of money paid on erroneous assessment.

No. 63. A bill refunding to the securities of Wm. H. Blanch, late sheriff of the county of Mecklenburg, certain damages paid by them.

No. 64. A bill to amend and re-enact the 13th section of chapter 42 of the Code, edition of 1860, so as more effectually to regulate the sales of real estate, under executions in favor of the commonwealth.

No. 65. A bill for the relief of J. Dickinson Kincaid of Greenbrier county.

No. 66. A bill to provide for paying to the Bank of Racine lost coupons for interest on the bonds of the state of Virginia.

No. 67. A bill to provide for the payment to the Richmond branch of the Exchange Bank, of lost coupons for interest on the bonds of the state of Virginia.

Mr. WINGFIELD, from the committee of claims, presented the following report; which was concurred in:

The committee of claims have, according to order, had under consideration a resolution enquiring into the expediency of compensating that portion of the 89th regiment of Virginia militia who were called into the service of the state, during the John Brown raid, by the colonel of the regiment, and have adopted the following resolution:

Resolved, that the commissioners to audit and settle the accounts for services at Harpers Ferry and its neighborhood, during the John Brown raid, be authorized to reconsider the claim of the 89th regiment in the county of Morgan, and make report of their decision to this house, and that this committee be discharged from the further consideration of the same.

Mr. BARBOUR, from the committee on state and federal relations, presented the following report:

Mr. TOMLIN submitted the following substitute for the report of the committee:

The report and substitute were laid on the table, and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 15.

On motion of Mr. JONES of Gloucester, the resolutions submitted by Mr. Crittenden, in the senate of the United States, were ordered to be printed with the report of the committee.

On motion of Mr. JONES of Appomattox,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of amending the first section of chapter fifty-eight of the Code of Virginia, so that no person shall be elected or appointed a director in a bank, unless he is a stockholder in said bank.

On motion of Mr. BASS,

Resolved, that the committee of schools and colleges be instructed to enquire into the expediency of loaning a sum of money to Roanoke college, not exceeding ten thousand dollars.

Mr. EDGINGTON presented the memorial of the Wheeling and Belmont bridge company; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

On motion of Mr. EDGINGTON,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw bill 451 of the last session, also the memorial of the members of the bar of the circuit court of Ohio county, and that the same be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

Mr. McGRUDER presented the remonstrance of forty-three citizens of Henrico county against the proposed extension of the corporate limits of the city of Richmond; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

The SPEAKER presented the following communication from the governor of the commonwealth:

No. 69. A bill to establish the county of Bland out of parts of Giles, Wythe and Tazewell.

No. 70. A bill for the voluntary enslavement of Silla Rich and children without compensation to the state.

No. 71. A bill authorizing the trustees of the First Presbyterian church, in Portsmouth, to execute a deed of trust on said property.

Mr. CHAPMAN, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented the following bills:

No. 72. A bill amending the charter of the Black lick and Plaster bank turnpike company.

No. 73. A bill amending the charter of the Raleigh and Grayson turnpike company.

No. 74. A bill to amend the charter of the Sir John's run turnpike company.

No. 75. A bill to provide for the completion of the Middle fork turnpike.

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

No. 76. A bill to repeal sections 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 of chapter 58 of the Code of Virginia of 1860.

No. 77. A bill for the temporary relief of the banks of this commonwealth.

Which last mentioned bill was, on his motion, read a first time and ordered to be read a second time.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following reports:

An adverse report to the petition of James A. Harris and others, asking that James V. Thomas be released from the payment of a fine.

An adverse report to the petition of George I. Herring and others, asking to be released from the payment of money as sureties of P. P. Winston, late sheriff of the city of Richmond.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, presented the following resolution:

Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of allowing the sureties of P. P. Winston, late sheriff of Richmond city, longer time to pay their liability as such sureties to this commonwealth.

Mr. SEDDON, from the committee on banks, presented an adverse report upon the resolution enquiring into the expediency of amending the charter of the Planters Bank of Petersburg.

Mr. SEDDON, from the same committee, presented the following resolution; which, on his motion, was laid on the table:

Resolved, that it is the unanimous opinion of the committee on banks that it is inexpedient under existing circumstances to incorporate any new banks or branches.

On motion of Mr. SIBERT,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to John J. Grandstaff, late sheriff of the county of Shenandoah a certain sum of money erroneously paid.

Prayer by Rev. Dr. Read of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bills:

No. 77. A bill for the relief of T. D. Fendall, administrator of William Eaches deceased.

No. 78. A bill to increase the pay of the commonwealth's attorney for the circuit court of Ohio county.

No. 79. A bill to authorize the county courts to arm the militia of their respective counties, and to provide means therefor.

Which last mentioned bill was, on his motion, read a first, and ordered to be read a second time.

Mr. WINGFIELD, from the committee of claims, presented the following bills:

No. 80. A bill for the relief of Emory Edwards of Washington county in the state of Maryland.

No. 81. A bill authorizing the payment of $147 75 to Captain William H. Werth of company A of the 101st regiment Virginia militia.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following bills:

No. 82. A bill exempting from taxation the real estate of the Virginia mechanics institute.

No. 83. A bill authorizing the payment of forfeited commissions and damages to the executor of Charles Holden deceased, late sheriff of the county of Harrison.

No. 84. A bill amending the 107th section of chapter 35 of the Code of Virginia, and providing for the correction of erroneous assessments of taxes on lands.

Which last mentioned bill was read a first, and ordered to be read a second time.

No. 85. A bill refunding to Samuel A. McMechen and John G. Harness, jr., a sum of money paid by them on an erroneous assessment of land.

Mr. SEDDON, from the committee on banks, presented the following bill:

No. 86. A bill incorporating the Berkeley springs savings bank in the town of Bath in the county of Morgan.

Mr. WINGFIELD, from the committee of claims, presented the following report:

An adverse report to the petition of Floyd Smith, late sheriff of Montgomery county.

Mr. WINGFIELD, from the same committee, presented a report, asking that senate bill 448 of last session be referred to the committee on finance, and that the committee of claims be discharged from the further consideration of the subject; which was concurred in by the house.

Also a report asking that the petition of Robert H. Gray, attorney for heirs of soldiers and officers of the revolutionary war, be referred to the committee for courts of justice, and that the committee of claims be discharged from the further consideration of the subject; which was concurred in by the house.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented a report asking that the committee on finance be discharged from the further consideration of the resolution enquiring into the expediency of allowing to James Carok, administrator of Wm. F. Davis deceased, compensation for services rendered to the 77th regiment of Virginia militia, and that the same be referred to the committee on military affairs; which was concurred in by the house.

On motion of Mr. WATTS,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of amending chapter 134 of the Code of Virginia.

Mr. GRAHAM presented the petition of Robert Rosser, &c., asking that taxes be refunded on lands erroneously assessed; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. KEMPER,

Resolved, that the Board of public works be authorized and requested to audit the accounts of the commissioners of the armory, and to state and report a settlement of the same to this house.

On motion of Mr. PRESTON,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to amend the act of the last session of the legislature, providing for the construction of the Knob turnpike from the Russell courthouse and Saltville turnpike, via Abingdon, to the Tennessee line, so as to provide for two companies instead of one, viz: one company, for the construction of that part of the road north of Abingdon, and the other for the construction of so much of the road as lies south of Abingdon.

On motion of Mr. KEE,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the purpose of preventing the hunting of deer with dogs, in the county of Pendleton, at any season in the year, with the exception of when wounded in still hunting.

Mr. BALL presented the petition of citizens of the county of Loudoun, praying that the volunteer companies of the border counties, and especially the Loudoun guard, may be forthwith furnished with the most improved arms and equipments now in use; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

On motion of Mr. BALL,

Resolved, that the committee of claims enquire into the expediency of allowing compensation to the officers of the Hillsborough border guard, for service rendered during the John Brown raid.

Mr. WOOLFOLK presented the petition of the people of Orange (through their committee) to the general assembly of Virginia, praying for the passage of an act authorizing the county court of Orange to borrow money to purchase arms, &c. for the defence of the county, and to provide means therefor.

Mr. WOOLFOLK presented the proceedings of a meeting of the people of Greene county; which was ordered to be referred to the joint committee on federal relations.

Mr. WOOLFOLK presented the proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of Orange county; which was ordered to be referred to the joint committee on federal relations.

Mr. CARPENTER presented the petition of sundry citizens of Alleghany county, for the relief of Pittman Boley from a fine imposed by the circuit court of Alleghany county, at its April term 1860; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

A message was received from the senate, by Mr. LYNCH, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to authorize the county courts and any incorporated city or town to arm the militia of their respective counties, cities and towns, and to provide means therefor, No. 19: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

The bill was taken up, on motion of Mr. JONES of Appomattox, and read a first and second times.

Mr. GIBSON of Jefferson moved that the bill be committed to the committee for courts of justice; and the question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. BENTLEY demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the negative.

Mr. CRANE submitted the following amendment:

“Provided, that the general assembly shall not at any time hereafter assume the payment of, or the refunding of any debt which may be created by any county or corporation of this commonwealth, under the provisions of this act.”

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

Mr. MAGRUDER submitted the following amendment:

“It shall be the duty of the colonel of ordnance to act as agent of such counties as desire his services in the purchase of such arms as they respectively provide for.”

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

Mr. BASS moved to strike out the 4th section of the bill, and insert the following:

“The said courts shall not contract any debt or liability, unless the qualified voters of said counties or corporations shall, by a vote of three-fifths, consent thereto; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

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

AYES—Messrs. Alderson, Bass, Boreman, Brown, Cassin, Christian, Cowan, Crane, Dickenson, Edgington, Ferguson, Fleming, Friend, J. T. Gibson, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Grattan, Hanly, Harrison, Haymond, Hackley, Holdway, Huntt, Johnson, Kee, Kyle, Mallory, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McKenzie, Miles, D. Miller, Montague, Morris, Patterson, Porter, Preston, Pritchard, Reid, J. K. Smith, Staples, Thompson, Walker, Wallace, Watts and Wingfield—48.

On motion of Mr. MYERS,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the act passed the 18th day of February 1856, entitled an act providing for the voluntary enslavement of the free negroes of this commonwealth, so as to authorize the county courts to permit such enslavement, without compensation to the commonwealth.

On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to amend the 36th section of chapter 38 of the new edition of the Code.

On motion of Mr. DUCKWALL,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of authorizing the trustees of Eastern meeting house in the county of Morgan, to sell and convey the same.

Mr. REID presented the petition of James Campbell and others, to connect the Winchester and Potomac rail road with the Manassas gap rail road; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

Mr. MONTGOMERY presented the petition of citizens of Fayette county, asking that the compensation of Peyton Morton, commissioner of the revenue, be increased; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. REID presented the petition of Prof. Jno. L. Campbell, in relation to the license tax imposed on agents for selling books; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. DUCKWALL submitted the following resolutions; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative:

The general assembly of the commonwealth of Virginia having heard with pleasure the views presented by the honorable commissioners from the state of Alabama, upon the present condition of national and state affairs, respectfully request the commissioners to inform the authorities of the state of Alabama, that the general assembly of Virginia have passed an act for the election of members of a state convention, and to convene the same on the 13th day of February next; and that they have also adopted joint resolutions for the appointment of commissioners to meet commissioners from all the states on the 4th day of February next, in the city of Washington; and the general assembly is not able to make any definite response to the state of Alabama until the action of the state convention.

Resolved, that the governor communicate this resolution forthwith to the commissioners from the state of Alabama.

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

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

No. 51. A bill for the relief of John W. Grove of Frederick county.

Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jeter of the Baptist church.

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

No. 4. A senate bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 2d section of the charter of the Mechanicsville turnpike company, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

No. 30. A senate bill entitled an act for taking the sense of the people of Henrico upon giving authority to the county court to raise by loan two thousand five hundred dollars for arming the county, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. McGRUDER, read a third time and passed.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, to whom had been referred

No. 2. A senate bill entitled an act changing the time of holding the terms of the circuit courts of James City and the city of Williamsburg, and the county of Henrico, reported the same without amendment.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the same committee, presented the following bill:

No. 99. A bill authorizing the trustees of Eastern meeting house in the county of Morgan to sell and convey the same.

Mr. CHRISTIAN, from the committee of schools and colleges, presented an adverse report to a resolution enquiring into the expediency of allowing to J. T. Irving a sum of money out of the literary fund.

Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following bills:

No. 100. A bill to incorporate the Richmond and Liverpool packet company.

No. 101. A bill amending and re-enacting the charter of the town of Guyandotte in the county of Cabell.

Mr. MONTAGUE, from the committee of claims, presented the following bills:

No. 102. A bill for the relief of John W. Moore, late sheriff of Jefferson county.

No. 28. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the Virginia arms manufacturing company, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. BISBIE, read a third time and passed.

No. 31. A senate bill entitled an act allowing the Northwestern Bank of Virginia and any of its branches to establish an agency in the city of Richmond for the redemption of its circulating notes, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. WITTEN, read a third time and passed.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following reports:

An adverse report as to the expediency of amending the 18th section of chapter 157 of the Code.

An adverse report to the petition of R. H. Gray, attorney for the heirs of the officers and soldiers of the revolutionary war.

Mr. CHRISTIAN, from the committee of schools and colleges, presented the following bill:

No. 109. A bill to incorporate the Patrick springs female seminary.

Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following bills:

No. 110. A bill to incorporate the Southern express company.

No. 111. A bill incorporating the insurance company of Lexington.

No. 112. A bill amending the 1st section of the act forming the county of Webster.

No. 113. A bill constituting a part of the Ohio river a lawful fence.

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

No. 114. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Scottsville.

No. 115. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Howardsville.

No. 116. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Richmond.

Mr. CARPENTER presented the petition of Charles McCormick to have a fine refunded, imposed by the county court of Alleghany county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

On motion of Mr. WATTS,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to Richard Cox and David Griffith a sum of money erroneously assessed against him.

On motion of Mr. CARPENTER,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of amending the 14th section of chapter 61 of the Code of Virginia.

On motion of Mr. EVANS,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of repealing or amending the 8th and 9th sections of chapter 101 of the Code of Virginia, 1860, restricting the catching of fish in certain rivers and bays.

On motion of Mr. COWAN,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill legalizing a conveyance from Andrew Oliphant, guardian, &c. to David Simpson.

Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jeter of the Baptist church.

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

No. 117. A bill to authorize the South side rail road company to build a branch road from Black's and White's in the county of Nottoway, into the county of Mecklenburg.

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

No. 118. A bill imposing taxes for the support of government.

Mr. ROBERTSON, from a special committee, presented the following bill; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time:

No. 119. A bill making an appropriation for the removal to Virginia of the remains of General Harry Lee.

No. 7. A bill to amend the charter of the city of Richmond, was taken up and amended.

Mr. McGRUDER submitted an amendment. Pending the consideration of which, the bill and amendment were laid on the table.

A message was received from the senate, by Mr. AUGUST, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed house bills entitled an act to create an ordnance department, No. 40; an act to incorporate the Virginia boot and shoe company, No. 52; and an act appropriating one million of dollars for the defence of the commonwealth, No. 58, with amendments: in which amendments they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

Mr. WALLACE presented the petition of the citizens of Morgantown, asking the passage of an act incorporating a savings bank in the town of Morgantown; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on banks.

On motion of Mr. CHRISTIAN,

Resolved, that so much of the governor's message as relates to the land office, be referred to the committee on finance, to report such legislation thereon as may seem expedient.

Mr. MAGRUDER submitted the following preamble and resolutions; which on motion of Mr. CHRISTIAN, were referred to a select committee:

Whereas the commissioners of the Board of public works are required to hold their meetings in the room of the capitol adjoining the office of the second auditor: And whereas, in consequence of the accumulation of papers, the said room is represented to be insufficient to contain the same, in a form properly labelled and accessible for convenient reference thereto:

Be it therefore resolved by the general assembly, that the said commissioners may occupy and use as part of their office, the room now occupied by the auditor of public accounts, south of and adjoining their present office; and to accomplish the purposes hereby authorized, with as little inconvenience as possible, the governor of this commonwealth is hereby required to assign such other room or rooms in the capitol to the auditor of public accounts, and to have them properly arranged, as he may deem expedient, or the wants of the public service may require.

On motion of Mr. DUCKWALL,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the charter of the town of Bath in the county of Morgan, as to give one or more of the officers of said town the powers of a justice of the peace.

No. 77. A bill for the temporary relief of the banks of this commonwealth, was taken up, on motion of Mr. GIBSON of Hampshire, amended on motions of Messrs. HAYMOND and KYLE, and as amended, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

Mr. KEEN moved to take up the resolution heretofore submitted by him, in reference to a stay law. Pending the consideration of which,

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

No. 8. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of Thomas Javins of Fairfax county, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. HUNTT, read a third time and passed.

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Allen, Anderson, Arnold, Bailey, Ball, Ballard, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bell, Bisbie, Boisseau, Booker, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Carpenter, Cassin, Chapman, Childs, Christian, Claiborne, Collier, Crump, Davis, Dickenson, Duckwall, Edgington, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Friend, Garrett, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Graham, Hanly, Harrison, Haymond, Hackley, Holdway, Hopkins, Huntt, Hunter, Jett, Johnson, W. T. Jones, Kaufman, Keen, Kincheloe, Knotts, Kyle, Leftwich, Locke, Lockridge, Lucas, Lundy, Magruder, T. Martin, W. Martin, Matthews, Maupin, McCamant, McDowell, McGruder, McKinney, McKenzie, Medley, Miles, D. Miller, J. R. Miller, Mong, Montague, Montgomery, Morgan, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Orgain, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Preston, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Segar, Shannon, Sherrard, Sibert, J. K. Smith, I. N. Smith, H. Smith, Staples, Thompson, Tomlin, Walker, Ward, A. Watson, E. Watson, Watts, Welch, West, Wilson, Willcox, Wingfield, Witten, Wood, Woolfolk and Yerby—110.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee, under the resolution of the house adopted on yesterday, in reference to the rearrangement of the offices in the capitol:

Messrs. Magruder, Christian, Segar, Tomlin, Anderson, Thomas, Claiborne, Edgington, Watson of Accomack, Boreman, Edwards, Crane and Preston.

On motion of Mr. CHRISTIAN,

Resolved, that so much of the governor's message as relates to the public buildings and grounds, be referred to the select committee on the capitol building.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bills:

No. 120. A bill authorizing the justices of the county court of Chesterfield to impose a tax on dogs.

No. 121. A bill amending the charter of the town of Bath in the county of Morgan.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to the resolution enquiring into the expediency of a stay law; which, on his motion, was laid on the table, and made the special order of the day for Wednesday next at 1 o'clock.

Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following bills:

No. 122. A bill to amend an act passed January 3d, 1860, entitled an act to incorporate the Virginia life insurance company.

No. 123. A bill amending certain acts concerning the town of Port Royal in the county of Caroline.

No. 124. A bill authorizing the county courts to establish water courses lawful fences within their respective limits.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, to whom had been referred

No. 17. A senate bill for the relief of John W. G. Smith of Rockingham county, reported the same without amendment.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, to whom had been referred

No. 16. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of Robert Y. Overby of Mecklenburg, on account of taxes improperly paid, reported the same with amendments.

Prayer by Rev. Dr. Hoge of the Presbyterian church.

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

No. 44. A senate bill entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act incorporating the Princess Anne savings bank, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. WATTS, read a third time and passed.

No. 51. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the Virginia steam sugar refining company, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. McGRUDER, read a third time and passed.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

No. 46. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the Richmond city insurance company, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the Board of public works, in answer to a resolution of the house; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 18.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the second auditor, in response to a resolution of the house; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 19.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing a letter from the governor of Maryland, and also the ordinance of secession from the state of Georgia, with certain resolutions adopted by the convention of the state of Georgia; which were read, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 20.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing the semi-annual examination of the cadets of the Virginia military institute; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 11.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, presented an adverse report to the resolution enquiring into the expediency of legalizing certain acts of the Potomac bridge company.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the same committee, presented a report asking that the committee for courts of justice be discharged from the consideration of the petition of William Shalon, clerk of Logan county, and that the same be referred to the committee on finance; which was concurred in.

Mr. KAUFMAN, from the committee of claims, presented the following bills:

No. 141. A bill to amend the charter of the town of Martinsburg.

No. 142. A bill to amend an act passed 31st March 1860, entitled an act to restrict the catching of oysters in certain months.

Mr. JONES of Gloucester, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following bill:

No. 143. A bill amending certain laws respecting the militia of the commonwealth, so as to render them more efficient.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following bills:

No. 144. A bill to compensate Ephraim B. Hall for services rendered, in the circuit court of Marion county, for the commonwealth.

No. 145. A bill refunding to Benjamin Hover, executor of Daniel Lowry deceased, of the county of Rockingham, a sum of money paid on an erroneous assessment of land.

No. 146. A bill releasing the securities of Robert O. Doss, late sheriff of the county of Campbell, from the payment of damages.

No. 147. A bill allowing John Staples a sum of money for services rendered as attorney for the commonwealth in the circuit court of Patrick county.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, presented an adverse report to the petition of J. H. Cochran, late sheriff of the county of Hancock, praying for an additional compensation of two and a half per cent.

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

No. 148. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Ravenswood.

No. 149. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Charleston.

On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

Resolved, that the SPEAKER be requested to invite the clergy of all the religious denominations of this city to open the sessions of this house daily with prayer.

Mr. ROBERTSON presented the petition of R. H. Maury and others, asking to have refunded a sum improperly paid into the public treasury; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. MARTIN of Henry,

Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to report a bill providing adequate compensation to the commissioners appointed by Virginia to the federal government and the different states.

On motion of Mr. BISBIE,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to incorporate the American agency.

Prayer by Rev. Mr. Brown of the Presbyterian church.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing resolutions from the states of Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

The communication from the governor and the resolutions from the state of Tennessee were ordered to be printed and referred to the joint committee on state and federal affairs.

The resolutions from the state of Pennsylvania were ordered to be laid on the table.

A message was received from the senate, by Mr. TOWNES, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had passed a bill entitled an act to provide more efficient police regulations at the poor-houses of this commonwealth: in which they respectfully requested the concurrence of the house of delegates.

A message was received from the senate, by Mr. BRANNON, who informed the house of delegates that the senate had directed a return of the bill for the relief of the banks of this commonwealth, in obedience to the request of the house.

The bill was then read a third time and passed.

AYES—Messrs. Alderson, Allen, Anderson, Arnold, Bailey, Ball, Ballard, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bell, Bisbie, Booker, Boreman, Brown, Caperton, Chapman, Christian, Claiborne, Collier, Cowan, Crane, Crump, Davis, Edgington, Ferguson, Fleming, Friend, Frost, Garrett, D. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Graham, Hanly, Haymond, Hackley, Hoffman, Hopkins, Huntt, Hunter, Jett, Johnson, Kaufman, Keen, Kee, Kincheloe, Knotts, Kyle, Leftwich, Lockridge, Lucas, Lynn, T. Martin, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McGruder, McKinney, Miles, D. Miller, Montague, Montgomery, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Preston, Pretlow, Pritchard, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Saunders, Shannon, I. N. Smith, Staples, Thompson, Walker, Wallace, Ward, A. Watson, E. Watson, Willcox, Witten, Wood, Woolfolk and Yerby—94.

NOES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), J. T. Gibson, Grattan, C. H. Jones, W. T. Jones, Kemper, Lundy, McGehee, Newton, Rives, Rutherfoord, Seddon and Wilson—13.

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

Mr. CHRISTIAN, from the committee of schools and colleges, presented an adverse report to the resolution enquiring into the expediency of paying for the tuition of certain indigent children in Richmond county.

Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, to whom had been referred

No. 46. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the Richmond city insurance company, reported the same without amendment.

Mr. MAGRUDER, from the same committee, presented the following bills:

No. 155. A bill amending the charter of the town of Charleston in the county of Kanawha.

No. 156. A bill to exempt certain lands of Joseph Caldwell, lying in the city of Wheeling, from city taxes.

No. 157. A bill to repeal an act passed 19th March 1860, concerning the mode of catching fish in certain waters.

No. 164. A bill to take the sense of the voters of Elizabeth City county on the repeal of the act passed March 15th, 1858, authorizing a payment, out of the funds of the Hampton academy, to certain persons therein named, for a claim against said academy.

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

No. 165. A bill for the better government of the town of Danville.

Mr. MAGRUDER, from the same committee, to whom had been referred.

No. 13. A senate bill entitled an act to amend an act passed January 23, 1860, entitled an act to incorporate the Virginia life insurance company, reported the same without amendment.

Mr. KAUFMAN, from the committee of claims, presented the following bill:

No. 166. A bill for the payment of a sum of money to James W. Jones, jailor of Frederick county.

MR. CHAPMAN, from the committee of roads and internal navigation, presented the following bills:

No. 167. A bill to incorporate the Newport and Gap mills turnpike company.

No. 168. A bill to amend the first section of an act passed March 5, 1856, entitled an act to incorporate the Glen Easton turnpike company in the county of Marshall.

No. 169. A bill to incorporate a company to repair and macadamize the Beverley and Morgantown road.

Mr. CHAPMAN, from the same committee, to whom had been referred.

No. 24. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the Board of public works to confirm the sale of the Marysville plank road to the county, reported the same without amendment; and on his motion, the bill was read a third time and passed.

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Allen, Anderson, Ball, Ballard, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bell, Bentley, Bisbie, Booker, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Carter, Cassin, Chapman, Childs, Christian, Claiborne, Cowan, Crane, Crump, Davis, Dickenson, Duckwall, Edgington, Evans, Ferguson, Friend, Frost, Garrett, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Graham, Hanly, Haymond, Hackley, Hoffman, Hopkins, Huntt, Hunter, Jett, C. H. Jones, W. T. Jones, Keen, Kemper, Kincheloe, Knotts, Kyle, Leftwich, Lucas, Lundy, Lynn, Magruder, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McCamant, McGehee, McGruder, McKinney, McKenzie, Medley, Miles, D. Miller, Mong, Montague, Montgomery, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Orgain, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Pritchard, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robinson, Rives, Saunders, Seddon, Shannon, Staples, Thomas, Tyler, Walker, Wallace, Ward, A. Watson, E. Watson, Welch, Wilson, Willcox, Wingfield, Wood and Yerby—104.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

Mr. KEMPER, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following reports:

An adverse report to the resolution in relation to the sale of muskets.

An adverse report to the resolution enquiring into the expediency of furnishing the home guard of Scottsville with two field pieces.

No. 9. A bill amending and re-enacting the 8th section of an act entitled an act imposing taxes for the support of government, passed March 31st, 1860, was taken up, on motion of Mr. RICHARDSON.

Mr. RICHARDSON submitted an amendment thereto. Pending the consideration of which, the bill and amendment were laid upon the table.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a message from the governor, in reference to the contribution of specie on the part of the banks for the uses of the state; which was, on motion of Mr. McKENZIE, referred to the committee on banks and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 22.

Mr. BISBIE, presented the memorial of William P. Moore of North Carolina, praying a reference of the matter of the seizure of his schooner Pauline, for alleged violation of the inspection laws, to the proper committee, in view of just relief; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. WALKER,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of allowing the militia fines in the county of Rockingham, after defraying the expenses of the militia in that county, to be appropriated for the benefit of the volunteer regiment of that county.

Mr. MONTAGUE presented a petition for a new county out of parts of Monroe, Greenbrier and Fayette; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. RICHARDSON,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be instructed to enquire into the expediency of incorporating the Wheeling gymnasium association.

Mr. ROBERTSON of Richmond city presented the petition of J. H. Pecor, Benjamin Bragg and others, members of the metropolitan guard, asking to be exempted from military duty, except in defence of Richmond and its vicinity; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

On motion of Mr. BOREMAN,

Resolved, that the clerk of the house cause to be printed and distributed among the members of this house, once a week, a calendar of the business thereof.

On motion of Mr. MYERS,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of giving to justices of the peace jurisdiction in cases of garnishee summonses.

Mr. CARPENTER presented the petition of Ro. F. and D. G. Bibb, &c., praying that the state will receive, in payment for hire of convicts, the bonds of the state at par; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. LUCAS,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of incorporating a company to construct a bridge across Walker's creek, near Staffordsville in Giles county.

On motion of Mr. BOOKER,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to A. W. Deshazer a portion of license tax improperly paid by him.

On motion of Mr. PRITCHARD,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the propriety of granting a charter for the construction of a turnpike road from the mouth of Flat run in Marion county, to Burton in Wetzel county.

On motion of Mr. SEDDON,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding a license tax paid by Henry Purkins.

On motion of Mr. McKENZIE,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of providing by law proper penalties for the transmission of false intelligence by telegraph.

On motion of Mr. GRATTAN,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of creating a board of examination of candidates for the place of surgeon of the regiments of militia.

On motion of Mr. KEEN,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of repealing the 9th section of chapter 144 of the Code of Virginia.

On motion of Mr. J. GILMER,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the existing law prescribing the time within which writs of fieri facias and other final process shall be returned, as to increase that time.

On motion of Mr. MILLER,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be instructed to enquire into the expediency of amending chapter 61 of the new Code, with regard to the transfer of turnpikes heretofore transferred, under the provisions of the same laws as turnpikes transferred hereafter.

Mr. BISBIE submitted the following resolution:

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be requested to enquire into the expediency of raising the pay of the members of the general assembly to six dollars per day; which, on motion of Mr. BASS, was indefinitely postponed.

No. 161. A bill to regulate the prayer for and effect of answers in courts of equity, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

The following senate bills were read a third time and passed:

No. 4. A senate bill entitled an act amending and re-enacting the 2d section of the charter of the Mechanicsville turnpike company, passed February 21st, 1817.

No. 42. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the charter of the Bank of Philippi.

No. 43. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the charter of the Bank of the Commonwealth.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

Mr. GIBSON, from the same committee, presented a report, asking that the committee on banks be discharged from the further consideration of a resolution enquiring into the expediency of repealing the 9th section of chapter 144 of the Code, and that the same be referred to the committee for courts of justice; which was concurred in by the house.

On motion of Mr. EVANS,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances be requested to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the voluntary enslavement of Sam, George, Woodson and Sukey, persons of color in the county of Buckingham.

On motion of Mr. WATSON of Pulaski,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of consolidating the administration of the Virginia and Tennessee rail road, South side rail road, and Norfolk and Petersburg rail road.

On motion of Mr. SAUNDERS,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of chartering the Citizens insurance company of the city of Richmond.

On motion of Mr. CRUMP,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to Peter B. Crowder a sum of money improperly paid into the treasury.

On motion of Mr. PRESTON,

Resolved, that the committee on banks be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing a savings bank at Goodson, Washington county.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing a communication from his Excellency John Tyler, commissioner to the president of the United States, and the correspondence between him and the president; which were laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 23.

No. 13. A senate bill entitled an act to amend an act passed January 23d, 1860, entitled an act to incorporate the Virginia life insurance company, was read a third time and passed.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

No. 10. An engrossed bill fixing the mode of settlement with the sheriff of the country of Jefferson, was read a third time and passed.

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Arnold, Ballard, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bisbie, Boreman, Burks, Carpenter, Carter, Cassin, Chapman, Christian, Claiborne, Coleman, Collier, Cowan, Crump, Davis, Duckwall, Edgington, Ferguson, Friend, Frost, Garrett, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Graham, Grattan, Hanly, Haymond, Hackley, Hoffman, Huntt, Hunter, Johnson, C. H. Jones, W. T. Jones, Kemper, Kincheloe, Knotts, Kyle, Leftwich, Lucas, Lundy, Magruder, Mallory, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McCamant, McDowell, McGehee, McGruder, McKenzie, Miles, D. Miller, Mong, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Newton, Orgain, Patterson, Porter, Preston, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Segar, Shannon, Staples, Tomlin, Wallace, A. Watson, E. Watson, Welch, Willcox, Wood and Yerby—87.

NOES—Messrs. Hopkins and Wilson—2.

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

No. 175. A bill to incorporate the Leesburg and Point of Rocks turnpike company.

Mr. CHAPMAN, from the same committee, presented the following bill:

No. 176. A bill to increase the capital stock of the Richmond and York river rail road company.

Mr. KEMPER, from the committee on military affairs, presented a report in reference to the sale of muskets.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing certain resolutions of the general assembly of the state of New Jersey; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 24.

The SPEAKER also laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing certain resolutions adopted by the state of Maine in relation to weights and measures; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on agriculture and manufactures.

On motion of Mr. CHRISTIAN,

Resolved, that the committee of privileges and elections enquire into the expediency of amending the law of general elections, so as to authorize the commissioners conducting elections at a precinct where the house prescribed by existing law for holding the polls is inaccessible or inconvenient, to open the polls at such convenient house as the commissioners may select.

On motion of Mr. EDGINGTON,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the erection of a fort or other suitable military defences at the city of Wheeling.

No. 84. An engrossed bill amending the 107th section of chapter 35 of the Code of Virginia, and providing for the correction of erroneous assessment of taxes on land, was read a third time and passed.

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Arnold, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bentley, Boreman, Burks, Caperton, Carter, Cassin, Chapman, Christian, Claiborne, Collier, Cowan, Crane, Crump, Davis, Edgington, Evans, Ferguson, Frost, Garrett, D. Gibson, J. Gilmer, Graham, Haymond, Hackley, Hoffman, Hopkins, Huntt, Hunter, Johnson, C. H. Jones, W. T. Jones, Keen, Kemper, Kincheloe, Knotts, Leftwich, Lockridge, Lucas, Lundy, Magruder, Mallory, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, McDowell, McGruder, McKenzie, Medley, Miles, D. Miller, Mong, Myers, Nelson, Newton, Orgain, Phelps, Porter, Preston, Reid, Saunders, Shannon, I. N. Smith, Staples, Thompson, Tomlin, Tyler, Wallace, E. Watson, Wilson, Wood and Yerby—77.

NOES—Messrs. Ballard, Duckwall and McCamant—3.

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

No. 39. A bill to amend an act to increase the capital stock of the Richmond and Danville rail road company, and for other purposes, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MARTIN of Henry, amended, and as amended, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time; and being forthwith engrossed, was, two-thirds concurring, read a third time and passed.

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

Mr. HOPKINS gave notice that he should on Monday next move to amend the rule of the house in relation to motions to suspend the rules.

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

No. 17. A bill re-enacting and amending an act passed March 15th, 1849, incorporating the Glenville and Charleston turnpike company.

Amended, and title amended, on motion of Mr. KNOTTS.

No. 19. A bill to extend the improvement of the Little Kanawha river to the falls thereof in the county of Braxton.

Amended, and title amended, on motion of Mr. ALDERSON.

No. 20. A bill authorizing a loan from the Literary fund to the Alleghany college.

No. 21. A bill to incorporate the town of Cameron in the county of Marshall.

No. 22. A bill to incorporate the Berkeley border guards volunteer company.

No. 23. A bill for the relief of Nathaniel B. Harvey.

No. 24. A bill for the relief of Enoch Atkins of Giles county.

No. 25. A bill refunding a license tax to Paul A. Farley of the county of Lunenburg.

No. 26. A bill authorizing the payment to William G. Jackson of certain coupons.

No. 27. A bill for the relief of James Scott of Greenbrier county.

No. 28. A bill refunding to Mathew Wamsly, jr. of the county of Randolph, a certain amount of money erroneously paid by him.

No. 29. A bill for the relief of Rev. J. Packard.

No. 18. A bill to incorporate the Lynchburg and North Carolina rail road company, was read a second time, and on motion of Mr. KEEN, laid on the table.

Mr. PHELPS moved that the house adjourn; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the negative.

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

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Ballard, Bassel, Boreman, Carter, Christian, Claiborne, Cowan, Hopkins, Johnson, C. H. Jones, Keen, Kemper, McCue, McDowell, Miles, Phelps, Tyler, E. Watson and Wood—20.

NOES—Messrs. Alderson, Baskervill, Bass, Bentley, Burks, Cassin, Chapman, Coleman, Crane, Crump, Davis, Duckwall, Evans, Ferguson, Garrett, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, Graham, Haymond, Hackley, Hoffman, Huntt, W. T. Jones, Kincheloe, Knotts, Leftwich, Lockridge, Lucas, Lundy, Magruder, Mallory, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, McCamant, McGruder, McKenzie, Medley, D. Miller, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Newton, Orgain, Porter, Preston, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Saunders, Shannon, Staples, Tomlin, Wilson and Yerby—56.

No quorum voting, on motion of Mr. KEEN, the house adjourned until Monday, 12 o'clock.

Prayer by Rev. Mr. Dashiell of the Episcopal church.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing certain resolutions from the general assembly of the state of Kentucky, and the general assembly of the state of Minnesota.

The resolutions from Kentucky were ordered to be printed, and those referring to a national convention, referred to the committee on state and federal affairs. Doc. No. 25.

The resolutions from Minnesota were laid upon the table.

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

No. 177. A bill to amend an act entitled an act incorporating the Bellville and Williamsport turnpike company, and providing for a subscription on the part of the state, and changing the name of said company to the Williamstown, Bellville and Ravenswood turnpike company.

On motion of Mr. McKENZIE,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of authorizing the second auditor to receive from any rail road or other company, who has received state bonds at par in payment for state subscriptions or loans, to pay in settlement of interest due the state, the bonds of the state at par.

On motion of Mr. GILMER,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending an act passed March 20, 1860, entitled an act to establish a circuit court for the town of Danville.

On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of amending the act for ascertaining and running the boundary line between Albemarle and Fluvanna counties.

On motion of Mr. CRUMP,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the 55th section of chapter 85 of the Code of 1860, so as to authorize the committee of a lunatic to afford a maintenance or advancement to such of the children of an insane person as shall have attained their majority.

On motion of Mr. RICHARDSON,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of exempting from military duty all employees of the several telegraph companies, such as superintendents, operators, line repairers and battery keepers.

On motion of Mr. MYERS,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of incorporating the Farmers and Mechanics insurance company of the city of Richmond.

On motion of Mr. HAYMOND,

Resolved, that the governor be requested to report to this house the number of stand of arms contracted to be sold to J. R. Anderson & Co., how many have been delivered, and when the balance are to be delivered, by whom sold, and by what authority, with a statement of the number of stand of arms still remaining in the arsenals, and also what progress has been made in the repairs of the armory.

On motion of Mr. DUCKWALL,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the sixth and seventh sections of chapter 150 of the Code of 1860.

On motion of Mr. MEDLEY,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice be instructed to enquire into the expediency of authorizing William T. Ballou and S. B. Major, trustees, to sell a church lot in the county of Halifax.

Mr. BASSEL presented the petition of citizens of Upshur, praying that constables be confined to the district for which they were elected; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

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

No. 99. A bill authorizing the trustees of Easter's meeting house in the county of Morgan to sell and convey the same.

No. 100. A bill to incorporate the Richmond and Liverpool packet company.

No. 101. A bill amending and re-enacting the charter of the town of Guyandotte in the county of Cabell.

No. 102. A bill for the relief of the administrator of John W. Moore, late sheriff of Jefferson county.

No. 103. A bill for the relief of Richard H. Horner of Fauquier county.

No. 104. A bill amending the 39th chapter of the Code, concerning taxes on bank dividends, collateral inheritances and taxes on suits and seals.

No. 105. A bill for the relief of the securities of William Paris, late sheriff of the county of Appomattox.

No. 106. A bill to release Oscar H. Tate from the payment of a fine.

No. 107. A bill incorporating the Meadsville manufacturing company.

No. 108. A bill changing the names of the lunatic asylums.

No. 109. A bill to incorporate the Patrick springs female seminary.

No. 110. A bill to incorporate the Southern express company.

No. 111. A bill incorporating the Insurance company of Lexington.

No. 112. A bill amending the 1st section of the act forming the county of Webster.

No. 113. A bill constituting a part of the Ohio river a lawful fence.

No. 114. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Scottsville.

No. 115. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Howardsville.

No. 116. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Richmond.

No. 117. A bill to authorize the South side rail road company to build a branch road from Black's and White's in the county of Nottoway, into the county of Mecklenburg.

No. 118. A bill imposing taxes for the support of government.

No. 120. A bill authorizing the justices of the county court of Chesterfield to impose a tax upon dogs.

No. 121. A bill amending the charter of the town of Bath in the county of Morgan.

No. 122. A bill to amend an act passed January 3d, 1860, entitled an act to incorporate the Virginia life insurance company.

No. 123. A bill amending certain acts concerning the town of Port Royal in the county of Caroline.

No. 124. A bill authorizing the county courts to establish water courses a lawful fence within their respective limits.

No. 125. A bill refunding to Thomas J. Garden an amount of money paid on an erroneous assessment.

No. 126. A bill authorizing the payment of certain sums of money to William Osborne and Richard Matthews.

No. 127. A bill authorizing the payment to Scott and Adams of a sum of money for work done on the Southwestern turnpike.

No. 128. A bill for the relief of the securities of Hugh L. Pickens, late sheriff of the county of Pleasants.

No. 129. A bill amending the 2d section of an act authorizing the Bank of the Valley in Virginia to establish a branch in the city of Richmond.

No. 130. A bill to incorporate the Monongahela savings bank in the county of Monongalia.

No. 131. A bill to extend the charter of the Bank of Virginia.

No. 132. A bill to extend the charter of the Farmers Bank of Virginia.

No. 133. A bill to extend the charter of the Bank of the Valley in Virginia.

No. 134. A bill to extend the charter of the Exchange Bank of Virginia.

No. 135. A bill to extend the charter of the Northwestern Bank of Virginia.

No. 136. A bill to extend the charter of the Merchants and Mechanics Bank of Wheeling.

No. 137. A bill authorizing the Board of public works to appoint commissioners to estimate and report upon losses sustained by John Conaway in the construction of the Fairmont and Wheeling turnpike road.

No. 138. A bill authorizing the Board of public works to appoint commissioners to estimate and report losses sustained by Wm. W. King in the construction of the 14th section of the Ohio river and Maryland turnpike road.

No. 139. A bill to amend the charter of the Virginia car spring company.

No. 140. A bill incorporating the Piedmont land and improvement company.

No. 141. A bill to amend the charter of the town of Martinsburg.

On motion of Mr. GRAHAM,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill incorporating the town of Asbury in the county of Wythe.

On motion of Mr. PHELPS,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill securing to the commonwealth, in any internal improvement company in which the said commonwealth is a stockholder, or has an interest, a representation in the directory of any such company, proportionate to the amount of stock held by the commonwealth in such company, and so to provide that the commonwealth shall be entitled to the same vote pro rata on each share of stock owned by it in any such company, as is given to any other stockholder in any such company.

Mr. McDOWELL presented the petition of Isaac Hurkle et al.; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the commissioners to audit and pay the expenses of the Harpers Ferry raid; which was laid on the table, and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 26.

Mr. McGRUDER presented the petition of 96 citizens of Henrico, against the proposed extension of the corporation limits of the city of Richmond; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

Mr. CHAPMAN presented the petition of James K. Scott and 170 others, citizens of the counties of Greenbrier and Monroe, remonstrating against the formation of a new county out of parts of the counties of Monroe and Greenbrier; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

The following engrossed bills were read a third time and passed:

No. 21. A bill to incorporate the town of Cameron in the county of Marshall.

No. 157. A bill to repeal an act passed 19th March 1860, concerning the mode of catching fish in certain waters.

No. 115. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Howardsville.

No. 142. A bill to amend an act passed 31st of March 1860, entitled an act to restrict the catching of oysters in certain months.

No. 121. A bill amending the charter of the town of Bath in the county of Morgan.

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

The following bills were read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time; and being forthwith engrossed, two-thirds concurring, were read a third time and passed:

No. 42. A bill to amend the act incorporating the Lewisburg female institute.

No. 41. A bill authorizing the clerks of the supreme courts and the district courts of appeals to take orders of publication in vacation.

Prayer by Rev. Mr. Kepler of the Episcopal church.

Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, presented the following bills:

No. 183. A bill to incorporate the Citizens insurance company of the city of Richmond.

No. 184. A bill to incorporate the Farmers and Mechanics insurance company of the city of Richmond.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following bills:

No. 185. A bill to amend and re-enact the 29th section of chapter 58 of the Code of Virginia.

No. 186. A bill refunding to Mrs. Lucy Holland a sum of money paid on an erroneous assessment.

Mr. BISBIE, from the committee on agriculture and manufactures, presented the following bill:

No. 187. A bill to encourage manufactures, by limiting taxation in certain cases.

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

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented an adverse report to the petition of Washington Cook, asking that one-half of a forfeited recognizance be paid to him.

The resolutions heretofore submitted by Mr. BISBIE, in relation to the establishment of a line of steamers from Paris to some port in the United States, were, on motion of Mr. BISBIE, taken up and agreed to.

[For resolutions, see page 90 of Journal.]

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

Mr. COLLIER presented the petition of the citizens of Petersburg, asking certain changes in the law regulating assemblages of free negroes; which were ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the house, bill 339 of the last session, making appropriation, out of the surplus of the Literary fund, to certain colleges, and that the same be referred to the committee of schools and colleges.

Mr. MORRIS presented the petition of Arthur C. Marling and others, against the repeal of the road law in Marshall county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

Mr. MORRIS presented the petition of Samuel Cox and others, for an act to take the sense of the voters of Marshall county upon the repeal of the act providing for opening and keeping in repair the county roads in the county of Marshall, passed January 6th, 1854; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. BALLARD,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of making an additional allowance to the commissioner of the revenue in the county of Logan for the years 1861 and 1862.

On motion of Mr. BOOKER,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to E. T. Rice a sum of money improperly paid.

On motion of Mr. McGRUDER,

Resolved, that a select committee of three be appointed to report a bill amending an act passed 20th of March 1860, authorizing the common council of Richmond to authorize persons to construct rail roads in the streets of Richmond.

The SPEAKER announced the committee as follows: Messrs. McGruder, Saunders and Robertson.

On motion of Mr. HAYMOND,

Resolved, that when this house adjourns on to-morrow it will adjourn to meet on Monday next.

The following engrossed bills were read a third time and passed:

No. 31. An engrossed bill to incorporate the Western Virginia insurance company.

No. 33. An engrossed bill amending the second section of an act entitled an act incorporating the town of Bethany, passed April 5th, 1853.

No. 34. An engrossed bill to incorporate the Capper springs company.

No. 35. An engrossed bill to amend an act incorporating the town of Christiansburg, and extending the limits of the same.

No. 46. An engrossed bill to incorporate the Sweet Chalybeate springs company.

No. 47. An engrossed bill to amend the act passed 27th March 1858, incorporating the town of Frankfort in Greenbrier county.

No. 178. An engrossed bill to amend the 1st section of the act passed March 4th, 1856, for marking the boundary line between Fluvanna and Albemarle counties.

No. 71. A bill authorizing the trustees of the First Presbyterian church in the city of Portsmouth to execute a deed of trust on said property, was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time; and being forthwith engrossed, two-thirds concurring, was read a third time and passed.

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

The following bills were laid on the table:

No. 32. An engrossed bill for the voluntary enslavement of Walker Fitz, a free negro.

No. 48. A bill for the voluntary enslavement of B. W. Love and Isaac Barnett, without compensation to the state.

No. 70. A bill for the voluntary enslavement of Silla Rich and children, without compensation to the state.

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

No. 189. A bill amending an act passed March 20th, 1860, authorizing the council of Richmond to construct rail roads in its streets.

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

On motion of Mr. BISBIE,

Resolved, that a select committee of nine be appointed by the SPEAKER, upon a proper state system of commerce, mining and manufactures.

The SPEAKER announced the following committee, under the resolution:

Messrs. Bisbie, Barbour, Collier, Edgington, Haymond, Hopkins, Martin of Henry, Segar and Saunders.

Mr. HUNTT submitted the following resolution; which on motion of Mr. MYERS, was laid on the table:

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be requested to lay before this house such proof, if any, of the ability of the firm of Bellot des Minières, Brothers & Company to execute their contract, made in August last, for the purchase and completion of the James river and Kanawha canal.

Mr. DUCKWALL submitted the following resolution; which, on his motion, was laid on the table:

Resolved by the general assembly, that the commissioners to audit and settle the accounts for services at Harpers Ferry, shall be and they are hereby authorized to allow pay to the field officers and to the four companies of the 89th regiment in the county of Morgan, designated in their report of the 5th day of February 1861, in the manner reported by them.

On motion of Mr. RIVES,

Resolved, that leave be given to withdraw from the files of the house, the petition of citizens of Surry, for the formation of a volunteer company.

On motion of Mr. PRESTON,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of authorizing the Monticello Bank to establish an agency or branch at Abingdon or Goodson in Washington county.

On motion of Mr. SEGAR,

Resolved, that the committee on lunatic asylums enquire into the expediency of increasing the salary of the steward of the Eastern lunatic asylum.

Mr. MILLER submitted the following resolution; which, on motion, was ordered to be laid on the table:

Resolved, that a special committee of five be appointed to enquire into the expediency of passing a law providing for the valuation of property levied on under executions, by two or more freeholders, and that such property be required to bring at the public sale at least two-thirds of the value so fixed.

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

Mr. JONES of Gloucester presented the memorial of sundry citizens of Gloucester, asking the repeal of such laws as prohibit the catching of oysters in certain months; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

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

No. 74. A bill to amend the charter of the Sir John's run turnpike company.

No. 75. A bill to provide for the completion of the Middle fork turnpike.

No. 93. A bill amending the charter of the Clarksburg and Wheeling turnpike company.

No. 108. A bill changing the names of the lunatic asylums.

The following bill was taken up and read a second time, and on motion of Mr. HAYMOND, was ordered to be laid on the table:

No. 76. A bill to repeal sections 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 of the Code of Virginia of 1860.

No. 49. An engrossed bill to increase the capital stock of the Elk river turnpike company, was read a third time; and the question being upon the passage thereof,

Mr. HAYMOND submitted a ryder thereto; which was read a first and second times, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time; and the question being on the passage of the bill, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

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

No. 68. An engrossed bill to amend the 11th section of chapter 212 of the Code, was read a third time, and on motion of Mr. CHRISTIAN, laid on the table.

The following engrossed bills were taken up, read a third time and passed:

No. 94. A bill to incorporate the Elk river turnpike company.

No. 114. A bill to amend the charter of the Bank of Scottsville.

No. 123. A bill amending certain acts concerning the town of Port Royal in the county of Caroline.

No. 163. A bill incorporating the Gilmer oil mining and manufacturing company in the county of Gilmer.

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

The SPEAKER presented a communication from the governor of the commonwealth, enclosing a letter from Hon. Judge John Robertson, commissioner to the seceding states; which was read, and on motion of Mr. COLLIER, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 28.

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

Prayer by Rev. Mr. Woodbridge of the Episcopal church.

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

No. 61. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 1st and 3d sections of an act entitled an act to incorporate a company to construct, on the plan of James S. French, a rail road between Alexandria and Washington, passed February 27, 1854, was read the first and second times, and referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

The following senate bills were severally read the first and second times, and ordered to be referred to the committee on banks:

No. 55. A senate bill entitled an act establishing a branch bank in the town of Liberty in the county of Bedford.

No. 68. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the charter of the Merchants Bank of Virginia.

No. 69. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the Merchants Bank of Virginia to establish branches at Rocky Mount, Liberty, Goodson and Princeton.

No. 78. A senate bill entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to incorporate the Richmond and York river rail road company, passed January 31, 1853, was read a first and second times, and on motion of Mr. TOMLIN, read a third time and passed.

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Allen, Anderson, Arnold, Bailey, Ball, Ballard, Bass, Bassel, Bell, Bentley, Bisbie, Booker, Boreman, Brown, Caperton, Carpenter, Chapman, Christian, Claiborne, Coleman, Collier, Crane, Crump, Davis, Dickenson, Duckwall, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Ferrill, Fleming, Friend, Frost, Garrett, J. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Graham, Grattan, Hanly, Harrison, Haymond, Hackley, Hoffman, Holdway, Hunter, James, Jett, Johnson, C. H. Jones, W. T. Jones, Kaufman, Keen, Kemper, Knote, Knotts, Locke, Lockridge, Lynn, Magruder, Mallory, J. G. Martin, T. Martin, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McCamant, McDowell, McGehee, McKinney, McKenzie, Medley, Miles, D. Miller, Mong, Morgan, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Newton, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Preston, Pretlow, Pritchard, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robertson, Robinson, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Scott, Segar, Shannon, Sherrard, Sibert, J. K. Smith, Staples, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tyler, Walker, Ward, A. Watson, E. Watson, Watts, West, Willcox, Witten, Wood, Woolfolk and Yerby—107.

No. 64. A senate bill entitled an act to protect the interest of the commonwealth and others in rail road and steam boat companies in this state, on the two lines between Baltimore and Weldon, was read a first and second times.

Mr. HAYMOND moved that the bill be read the third time. Pending the consideration of which,

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

Mr. BASSEL, from the committee on agriculture and manufactures, to whom had been referred the following senate bills, reported the same without amendment:

No. 90. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the Amherst and Nelson woolen manufacturing company in the county of Nelson.

No. 94. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the Southern manufacturing company.

Mr. BASSEL, from the same committee, presented the following bill:

No. 198. A bill repealing the 21st section of chapter 87 of the Code of Virginia.

The SPEAKER presented a communication from the governor of the commonwealth, in response to a resolution adopted February 4, 1861, in regard to the sale of arms to Joseph R. Anderson & Co.; which, on motion, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 30.

Mr. CRANE presented the petition of David Goff and 125 other citizens of Randolph county, praying that the senate bill No. 60, transferring the Huttonsville and Huntersville turnpike, do not pass; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of roads and internal navigation.

On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON,

Resolved, that the members of the state convention be invited to the privileged seats in the house, while that body shall remain at the seat of government.

On motion of Mr. WEST,

Resolved, that the committee on propositions and grievances consider the propriety of allowing Joseph Gusman further time to rebuild his mill on the west fork of the Monongalia river, destroyed by fire in the county of Harrison.

On motion of Mr. KAUFMAN,

Resolved, that leave be granted to withdraw from the files of the house, the petition of the citizens of the Valley of Virginia, praying for a charter to extend the Potomac and Winchester rail road from Winchester to Strasburg.

Mr. MORRIS presented the remonstrance of David Philips and others, against the repeal of the road law in the county of Marshall; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

Mr. MORRIS also presented the remonstrance of Thomas Moore and others, against the repeal of the road law of Marshall county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. CHRISTIAN,

Resolved, that hereafter this house will meet at ten o'clock A. M. until otherwise ordered.

Mr. CHRISTIAN moved that the rules be suspended, for the purpose of considering the foregoing resolution. The question being on agreeing thereto, Mr. PHELPS demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

The resolution was then amended, by striking out “ten,” and inserting “eleven;” and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

On motion of Mr. EDWARDS,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of authorizing the county courts to fix and regulate annually the rates of ordinary keepers in the commonwealth.

On motion of Mr. SHANNON,

Resolved, that the committee on finance be requested to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to refund to V. S. Morgan, late sheriff of Smyth county, a sum of money paid into the treasury by him.

On motion of Mr. PATTERSON,

Resolved, that the committee on propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of allowing Joshua, a free man of color, to enslave himself to Robert Hutcheson of Rockbridge county, without compensation.

On motion of Mr. RANDOLPH,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the relief of Charles C. Davis, late sheriff of Doddridge county.

On motion of Mr. FERRILL,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of releasing William Anderson, sheriff of Wetzel county, from certain fines.

On motion of Mr. JETT,

Resolved, that the committee of schools and colleges enquire into the expediency of increasing the maximum rate of compensation to teachers of indigent children, to ten cents per day.

On motion of Mr. MORGAN,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to James W. Larue an amount of money paid by him on account of an erroneous assessment of his lands made by the assessor of the county of Clarke.

Mr. WOOD presented the petition of the regimental board of the 88th regiment of the Virginia militia, praying for a more perfect organization of the militia of the state; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

On motion of Mr. MILLER of Lee,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to the securities of John H. Allen, late sheriff of Lee county, a certain amount of money paid by them into the treasury.

On motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing Capt. Hiram A. McMullen and others of Greene county to form a volunteer rifle company—the minimum number not to be less than thirty-five members.

On motion of Mr. KEEN,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of extending the time of the payment of the revenue by the sheriffs of the state, due 15th March.

On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of incorporating a company for the manufacture of fire arms, ordnance, &c. in Staunton.

On motion of Mr. PRITCHARD,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the propriety of allowing the various regiments of Marion county to hold their fall training in their respective regimental districts.

No. 64. A senate bill entitled an act to protect the interest of the commonwealth and others in rail road and steam boat companies in this state, on the two lines between Baltimore and Weldon, being the unfinished business, was taken up. The question being to commit the bill to the committee on finance, Mr. WALKER demanded the previous question; which was sustained by the house; and being put, was decided in the affirmative.

On motion of Mr. MEDLEY, the house adjourned.

AYES—Messrs. Carter, Chapman, Duckwall, J. T. Gibson, Graham, Kincheloe, Locke, Lundy, McCamant, McCue, Mong, Myers, Newton, Randolph, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Segar, Ward, Wilson, Woolfolk and Yerby—22.

NOES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Anderson, Ball, Bassel, Bentley, Booker, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Carpenter, Childs, Christian, Claiborne, Coleman, Cowan, Crane, Crump, Davis, Dickenson, Edwards, Evans, Ferguson, Ferrill, Fleming, Garrett, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Hanly, Harrison, Haymond, Holdway, Hopkins, Huntt, Hunter, James, Jett, Johnson, Keen, Kemper, Knotts, Leftwich, Lucas, Lynn, Mallory, J. G. Martin, T. Martin, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McGehee, McKinney, McKenzie, Miles, J. R. Miller, Orgain, Patterson, Phelps, Preston, Pritchard, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Shannon, Sibert, J. K. Smith, I. N. Smith, Staples, Tomlin, Tyler, Walker, Watts, Welch, West, Willcox and Wingfield—76.

Resolved, that the said bill be rejected.

No. 171. A bill for the partial suspension of the sale of state bonds, and to provide for complying with contracts already made upon the Covington and Ohio rail road, was taken up, on motion of Mr. CAPERTON, and on motion of Mr. MARTIN of Henry, was laid upon the table.

On motion of Mr. LOCKE,

Resolved, that the committee of claims enquire into the expediency of allowing Redman & Gibson the amount of claims against the state on account of the John Brown raid.

On motion of Mr. PORTER,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of amending an act passed March 25, 1858, entitled an act to provide for the opening and repairing of public roads, and for repairing and building bridges in the counties of Brooke and Hancock.

On motion of Mr. FRIEND,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so amending the 29th section of chapter 158 of the Code of 1849 as to authorize the circuit courts to allow their clerks a sum for public services, not exceeding $ 100 for one year.

On motion of Mr. DAVIS,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of changing the existing law so as to allow the officers of the 131st regiment to hold their trainings at Lynchburg.

On motion of Mr. MILLER of Shenandoah,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill refunding to Jacob Kipps taxes erroneously paid.

On motion of Mr. NELSON,

Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill allowing commissions to John Sclater, sheriff of Fluvanna, and remitting damages for failing to pay promptly the revenue for which he was liable.

On motion of Mr. SEGAR,

Resolved, that the committee of claims enquire into the expediency of satisfying a claim of Henry Exall for furnishing plan of alterations in the hall of the house of delegates.

Mr. WOOLFOLK presented the petition of Maj. Rich'd Chapman, praying to be relieved from certain fines imposed on him by the court of enquiry of the 3d regiment of Virginia militia; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

On motion of Mr. C. H. JONES,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of extending the time for the sheriffs of this state to pay in that portion of the revenue due 15th March.

On motion of Mr. MALLORY,

Resolved, that the committee on finance be instructed to enquire into the expediency of refunding to Joseph W. Harper of Dinwiddie county the sum of sixty-one dollars, for license tax which he never used.

On motion of Mr. THOMPSON,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for establishing the right of way from coal banks to landings on rivers, &c.

On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to William H. Morton, sen. of the county of Mecklenburg, the sum of forty dollars and one cent, for taxes improperly paid by him in consequence of erroneous assessment.

On motion of Mr. WEST,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the propriety of refunding to Benj. S. Reynolds $ 17 46, erroneously assessed against him in the year 1858, in the county of Harrison.

On motion of Mr. KEEN,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of authorizing the banks of this commonwealth to issue notes of a less denomination than five dollars.

On motion of Mr. HAYMOND,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the propriety of providing by law that writs shall hereafter be made returnable to quarterly courts instead of monthly rules.

Mr. MORGAN presented the petition of 29 citizens of the county of Clarke, praying the passage of a stay law; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

On motion of Mr. DICKENSON,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill amending the 4th section of chapter 141 of the Code, so as to allow a greater rate of interest than 6 per cent. per annum by special contract, but not to exceed ten per cent. per annum.

On motion of Mr. DUCKWALL,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of so changing the present law prescribing punishment for petit larceny, as to authorize courts and juries to sentence persons convicted thereof, to labor on the public works of the state.

On motion of Mr. BELL,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of so dividing the 97th regiment of the militia as to allow two battalion musters—one in the lower part of the county of Page, and the other in the upper portion of said county.

On motion of Mr. HUNTT, the following resolution, heretofore submitted by him, was taken up and agreed to:

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be requested to lay before this house such proof, if any, of the ability of the firm of Bellot des Minières, Bros. & Co. to execute their contract, made in August last, for the purchase and completion of the James river and Kanawha canal.

Mr. BASSEL presented the petition of citizens of Upshur county, praying the passage of a stay law; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

Mr. SHANNON presented the petition of Leonard Sexton and others; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

Mr. HARRISON presented the petition of citizens of Rockingham county, for the relief of John Robinson, a free man of color; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

On motion of Mr. HOPKINS, the following addition to the rules of the house, in pursuance of notice heretofore given, was agreed to:

51. That on all motions to lie on the table, and on motions relating to the priority of business, the member making such motion may be heard not exceeding three minutes in support of such motion, and one member for the same time in opposition thereto; whereupon, the question shall be put without further debate.

On motion of Mr. SHANNON,

Resolved, that the committee of propositions and grievances enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to authorize the sale of a lot of land at Chatham hill in Smyth county, and the application of the fund arising from the sale of said lot to the purchase of another lot, and the erection of a schoolhouse.

Mr. ALDERSON presented a petition for a new county out of parts of Greenbrier, Fayette and Nicholas counties; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

Mr. BAILEY presented a petition from sundry citizens of McDowell, relating to the location of the county seat of that county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

Mr. McKENZIE presented the petition of J. N. Harper & Co., Wheat & Bro. and C. F. Suttle & Co., against altering the laws taxing vessels retailing wood; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. BASSEL presented the petition of citizens of Upshur county, praying relief for taxes erroneously paid; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. MILLER of Shenandoah moved that the house do now adjourn; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

No. 72. A senate bill entitled an act to amend the sixth section of chapter 165 of the Code, so as to allow compensation to attorneys for the commonwealth in the circuit courts of towns and cities for services heretofore performed by them, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

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

No. 209. A bill to amend and re-enact sections fourth and fifth of the act providing for the voluntary enslavement of free negroes of the commonwealth, passed 18th February 1856.

Mr. WINGFIELD, from the committee of claims, presented the following reports:

An adverse report to claim of Wm. H. Winder of Matthews county.

An adverse report to petition of A. P. Routt and R. W. Brooking of Orange county.

Mr. KEMPER, from the committee on military affairs, presented the following bill:

No. 210. A bill providing for the purchase and distribution of books of instruction for the use of the military officers of the state.

Mr. KEMPER, from the same committee, presented the following reports:

An adverse report to the formation of a rifle volunteer company in the county of Greene, with less than the minimum number prescribed by law.

An adverse report to the petition of Maj. Richard Chapman.

The following senate bills were read a third time and passed:

No. 68. An act to amend the charter of the Merchants Bank of Virginia.

No. 90. An act to incorporate the Amherst and Nelson woolen manufacturing company in the county of Nelson.

No. 71. An act to incorporate the Manchester savings bank in the town of Manchester.

No. 87. An act incorporating the Independence male and female college in the county of Grayson.

No. 53. An act to authorize the governor of the commonwealth to pardon a negro slave Tom, and restore said slave to his owner.

AYES—Messrs. Alderson, Anderson, Bailey, Ball, Ballard, Barbour, Baskervill, Bassel, Bell, Bentley, Bisbie, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Caperton, Carpenter, Cassin, Chapman, Childs, Christian, Coleman, Cowan, Crane, Crump, Davis, Duckwall, Edwards, Evans, Ferrill, Fleming, Friend, Frost, Garrett, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Graham, Grattan, Hanly, Harrison, Haymond, Hackley, Hopkins, Huntt, Hunter, James, Jett, C. H. Jones, Kaufman, Keen, Kee, Kemper, Kincheloe, Knote, Leftwich, Locke, Lucas, Lundy, Lynn, Magruder, Mallory, J. G. Martin, T. Martin, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, McCamant, McCue, McGehee, McGruder, McKinney, McKenzie, Medley, Miles, J. R. Miller, Mong, Morgan, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Newton, Orgain, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Preston, Pretlow, Pritchard, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Scott, Shannon, Sibert, J. K. Smith, I. N. Smith, Staples, Thomas, Thompson, Tomlin, Tyler, Walker, Ward, A. Watson, E. Watson, Watts, Welch, West, Wilson, Willcox, Wingfield, Wood and Woolfolk—120.

No—Mr. Dickenson—1.

Ordered, that the clerk inform the senate thereof.

No. 48. An engrossed bill for the voluntary enslavement of B. W. Love and Isaac Burnett, without compensation to the state, was taken up on motion of Mr. BASKERVILL.

On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL, the rules were suspended with a view to reconsider the vote by which the bill was ordered to its engrossment.

Mr. MAGRUDER submitted a substitute for the bill.

On motion of Mr. BASKERVILL, the bill and substitute were referred to the committee on the subject of free negroes.

On motion of Mr. WOOLFOLK, the committee on the subject of free negroes was enlarged by the addition of four members.

The SPEAKER announced the following as the committee: Messrs. Baskervill, Duckwall, Riddick and Garrett.

No. 54. A senate bill entitled an act to stay the proceedings on executions, trust deeds and other demands, in cases of refusal to receive bank notes, was, on motion of Mr. KEEN, laid on the table.

On motion of Mr. GIBSON of Hampshire,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of repealing so much of the law as requires the publication of the annual tabular statements from the several banks of this commonwealth.

On motion of Mr. EVANS,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to the county of Middlesex the amount of money paid by the said county for a set of weights and measures which were not received by said county, the county court having rescinded its order authorizing the same to be procured.

On motion of Mr. ALDERSON,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill for the relief of the securities of Wilson Abbot, late sheriff of Raleigh county.

Mr. BALLARD presented the petition of John Hail, commissioner of Logan county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. BALLARD presented the petition of Joel Elkins, praying to be relieved from a fine; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

On motion of Mr. PORTER,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of amending the charter of the Holliday's cove rail road company.

On motion of Mr. PRITCHARD,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to James Rix the sum of forty dollars, a fine improperly imposed on him in the circuit court of Marion county.

On motion of Mr. HOLDWAY,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of relieving Joseph Hagan of the county of Scott from the payment of taxes erroneously assessed in the county of Wise.

Mr. HOLDWAY presented the petition of James Hagan on the subject of the foregoing resolution; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on finance.

AYES—Messrs. Alderson, Anderson, Arnold, Ball, Ballard, Bassel, Bell, Bentley, Burks, Cassin, Chapman, Childs, Claiborne, Coleman, Crane, Davis, Duckwall, Fleming, Friend, Frost, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Graham, Grattan, Hanly, Harrison, Haymond, Hackley, Hoffman, Holdway, Huntt, Hunter, James, Jett, Johnson, W. T. Jones, Kaufman, Keen, Kee, Kincheloe, Leftwich, Locke, Lockridge, Lucas, Lundy, Lynn, Magruder, Mallory, J. G. Martin, T. Martin, W. Martin, Matthews, Maupin, McCamant, McCue, McGruder, McKinney, McKenzie, Miles, D. Miller, J. R. Miller, Morgan, Morris, Myers, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Preston, Pritchard, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Shannon, Sibert, J. K. Smith, I. N. Smith, Staples, Tomlin, Tyler, Walker, Ward, A. Watson, E. Watson, Watts, Willcox, Witten, Wood, Woolfolk and Yerby—96.

NOES—Messrs. McGehee and West—2.

No. 81. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the issue of registered certificates of state stock to Franklin Torrey in lieu of two lost bonds, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. RUTHERFOORD, from the committee for courts of justice, presented the following bill:

No. 211. A bill changing the time of holding circuit courts in the town of Danville.

Mr. MAGRUDER, from the committee of propositions and grievances, to whom had been referred

No. 11. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the St. Paul's church home, reported the same without amendment.

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

No. 212. A bill authorizing the amendment of the charter of the Holliday's cove rail road company.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, to whom had been referred the following senate bills:

No. 50. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of James R. Courtney of Westmoreland county; and

No. 80. A senate bill entitled an act to appropriate a sum necessary to pay for the preparation and publication of the second edition of the Code, reported the same with amendments.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, presented the following bill:

No. 213. A bill for the relief of the securities of Hilton Fitzhugh, late sheriff of Prince William county.

Mr. GIBSON, from the committee on banks, to whom had been referred

No. 69. A senate bill entitled an act authorizing the Merchants Bank of Virginia to establish branches at Rockymount, Liberty, Goodson and Princeton, reported the same with an amendment, and with a recommendation that the bill be rejected.

On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON, the house adjourned until to-morrow, 11 o'clock.

Prayer by Rev. Mr. Jacobs of the Mayo street congregation.

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

Mr. HAYMOND, from the committee on finance, presented the following bills:

No. 214. A bill releasing the securities of Winston Shelton, late sheriff of Nicholas county, from the payment of damages.

No. 215. A bill refunding to Isaac Shobe a sum of money paid on an erroneous assessment of land.

No. 216. A bill authorizing the 2nd auditor to receive from the Norfolk and Petersburg rail road company state bonds at par for the payment of interest and dividends.

No. 217. A bill refunding a sum of money paid by the county of Middlesex for a set of weights and measures.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, to whom had been referred

No. 81. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize the issue of registered certificates of state stock to Franklin Torrey in lieu of two lost bonds, reported the same without amendment.

Mr. CHAPMAN, from the committee on roads and internal navigation, presented the following bill:

No. 218. A bill to incorporate the Virginia canal company, and to transfer the rights and franchises of the James river and Kanawha company thereto; which, on his motion, was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

Mr. ROBERTSON presented the petition of the field and staff officers of the 4th regiment of cavalry, for removal to Virginia of the remains of General Harry Lee, which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

On motion of Mr. FROST,

Resolved, that the committee on agriculture and manufactures enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill incorporating the Jackson county agricultural society.

Mr. BENTLEY presented the petition of certain officers and privates of the 57th regiment of Virginia militia, asking compensation for certain companies of said regiment, for services rendered by them during the John Brown raid; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on military affairs.

On motion of Mr. HARRISON,

Resolved, that the committee on finance enquire into the expediency of refunding to Andrew L. Lindsey a certain sum of money paid by him on account of an erroneous assessment of his property in the county of Rockingham, and of correcting the assessment thereof.

No. 219. A bill for the voluntary enslavement of free negroes without compensation to the commonwealth, which on his motion was read a first time and ordered to be read a second time.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor of the commonwealth, enclosing a communication from the Hon. John Robertson, commissioner to the seceding states, with sundry documents therewith; which were read and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 32.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor of the commonwealth enclosing a resolution adopted by the legislature of Texas, which were read and ordered to be printed. Doc. No. 33.

The SPEAKER laid before the house a communication from the governor, enclosing certain resolutions adopted by the legislature of the state of Michigan; which were read and ordered to be laid on the table.

No. 38. A bill incorporating the Norfolk county railway company, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MARTIN of Norfolk, read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time; and being forthwith engrossed (two-thirds concurring), was read a third time and passed.

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

No. 61. A senate bill entitled an act to amend and re-enact the 1st and 3d sections of act entitled an act to incorporate a company to construct, on the plan of James S. French, a rail road between Alexandria and Washington, passed Feb. 27, 1854, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MYERS, amended, and as amended, read a third time and passed.

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

Mr. WARD presented the petition of citizens of Frederick, praying for the passage of a general law authorizing the erection of work houses; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

No. 217. A bill refunding a sum of money paid by the county of Middlesex for a set of weights and measures, was taken up, on motion of Mr. EVANS, read a first and second times, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

No. 171. A bill for the partial suspension of the sale of state bonds, and to provide for complying with contracts already made upon the Covington and Ohio rail road, was taken up, on motion of Mr. MARTIN of Henry.

Mr. MARTIN moved to amend the bill by striking out that portion thereof in the first section which suspended the sale of state bonds for other improvements except the Covington and Ohio rail road; and the question being on agreeing thereto, was put, and decided in the affirmative.

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

Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, presented the following bills:

No. 222. A bill requiring reports from savings banks and certain insurance companies, and imposing taxes thereon.

No. 223. A bill refunding to James W. Larue a sum of money paid on an erroneous assessment.

On motion of Mr. COLLIER,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of requiring the banks of this state to make an annual statement showing all dividends and deposits unclaimed for a period of three years, exceeding three dollars, and the names of parties to whose credit such dividends and deposits are standing on the books of such banks.

On motion of Mr. A. WATSON,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of amending the sixth section of chapter two hundred of the Code of Virginia.

On motion of Mr. FRIEND,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of authorizing justices of the peace to issue garnishee processes on their judgments.

On motion of Mr. RICHARDSON,

Resolved, that the committee on banks be instructed to enquire into the expediency of amending and re-enacting the 9th section of an act passed 12th February 1853, entitled an act to incorporate the Bank of Wheeling.

On motion of Mr. FLEMING,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation be instructed to enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill instructing the Board of public works to divide the Staunton and Parkersburg road into two sections, and appoint a superintendent for each section.

Mr. MORRIS presented the petition of Robert McConnell and others, for the release of Ann McGuire from her imprisonment in the county jail of Marshall county; which was ordered to be referred to the committee for courts of justice.

On motion of Mr. MAGRUDER,

Resolved, that the committee on military affairs enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to authorize the volunteer companies of Scottsville and Howardsville to form a battalion.

On motion of Mr. THOMAS,

Resolved, that the committee on banks enquire into the expediency of enforcing, by proper penalties, the requirements on the bank for quarterly statements of their condition.

On motion of Mr. MONTAGUE,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing the construction of a turnpike road from the New river White sulphur springs in Giles county to Vicker's switch on the Virginia and Tennessee rail road, on the joint stock principle.

Mr. FLEMING submitted following resolution:

Resolved, that when this house adjourns to-day, it will adjourn to meet on Monday next, and on every day thereafter, at 10 o'clock A. M.; which, on motion, was laid on the table.

On motion of Mr. COLLIER,

Resolved, that the committee of roads and internal navigation enquire into the expediency of authorizing the South side rail road company to construct a line of steamers to run in connection with said road from City Point.

On motion of Mr. JOHNSON,

Resolved, that the committee for courts of justice enquire into the expediency of reporting a bill repealing the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th sections of chapter 6th of the Code of Virginia.

On motion of Mr. LOCKE,

Resolved, that the committee of claims enquire into the expediency of allowing Samuel Stone (commissioner of the revenue for Jefferson county) a sum of money erroneously deducted from his commissions for the year.

Mr. MONG presented a petition of citizens of Martinsburg in reference to charter of said town; which was ordered to be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances.

Mr. ROBERTSON of Richmond city presented the petition of the Goochland dragoons and Richmond Fayette artillery, for the removal to Virginia of the remains of Gen. H. Lee; which, on his motion, was laid on the table.

On motion of Mr. ROBERTSON of Richmond city,

Resolved, that the auditor of public accounts report to this house:

I. The amount which, in his opinion, the state is likely to be called on to provide in specie for payment of interest in July and January on state bonds due to holders out of the state.

II. Tables showing what portion of said amount would be payable to each of the banks of this commonwealth: 1st. On the basis of their respective capitals. 2d. On that of capital, circulation and deposits. 3d. On that of circulation and deposits.

Mr. CHRISTIAN submitted the following resolution:

Resolved, that one thousand additional copies of the report of the committee of roads and internal navigation, in reference to the ability of the house of Bellot, Brothers and Company to execute their contract for the completion of the James river and Kanawha canal, be printed for the use of this house; which, on motion of Mr. SIBERT, was laid on the table.

On motion of Mr. RICHARDSON,

Resolved, that the committee of schools and colleges be instructed to enquire into the expediency of rearranging the school divisions in Ohio county.

Mr. BISBIE presented a petition of sundry merchants of Norfolk, praying compulsory inspection of salted provisions; which was ordered to be referred to the committee on agriculture and manufactures.

The amendments proposed by the senate to house bill entitled:

No. 38. An act incorporating the Norfolk county railway company, were agreed to.

No. 27. A senate bill entitled an act refunding to Moses G. Booth damages paid by him as surety of Samuel S. Turner, late sheriff of Franklin county:

No. 40. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of Thomas L. Jordan of Wayne county:

No. 99. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of Sam'l E. Lybrook, sheriff of Giles county:

No. 100. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of M. C. Hall, late sheriff of Lewis county, and his securities; and

No. 115. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of Thomas Nichols, were read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on finance.

No. 45. A senate bill entitled an act to authorize rail road companies to appoint police agents; and

No. 106. A senate bill entitled an act to distribute Mayo's Guide to coroners, were read a first and second times, and referred to the committee for courts of justice.

No. 101. A senate bill entitled an act for the relief of — Webb and — Adams, was read a first and second times, and referred to the committee on military affairs.

Mr. MYERS, from the committee of propositions and grievances, to whom had been referred the following senate bills, reported the same with amendments:

No. 104. A senate bill entitled an act providing for the location of the courthouse, jail and other public buildings in the county of McDowell.

No. 118. A senate bill entitled an act to incorporate the Mount Vernon insurance company.

Mr. MYERS, from the same committee, presented the following bill:

No. 230. A bill to annex a portion of Carroll county to the county of Grayson.

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

No. 231. A bill for the relief of Benjamin S. Reynolds of Harrison county.

Mr. HAYMOND, from the same committee, presented the following reports:

An adverse report to the resolution enquiring into the expediency of extending the time of payment by the sheriffs of the state of that part of the revenue due 15th March, into the treasury.

An adverse report to the petition of Geo. C. Bowyer and others, asking to have refunded a sum of money.

Mr. GIBSON, from the committee on banks, presented the following bill:

No. 232. A bill to extend the charter of the Central Bank of Virginia.

The following engrossed bills were read a third time and passed:

No. 28. An engrossed bill refunding to Matthew Wormsley, jr. of the county of Randolph, a certain amount of money erroneously paid by him.

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Allen, Anderson, Arnold, Bailey, Ball, Ballard, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bentley, Boisseau, Booker, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Carpenter, Cassin, Chapman, Childs, Christian, Collier, Crane, Davis, Duckwall, Edwards, Ferguson, Ferrill, Fleming, Friend, Frost, Garrett, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Graham, Hanly, Harrison, Haymond, Hackley, Hoffman, Huntt, Hunter, James, Jett, Johnson, W. T. Jones, Kaufman, Keen, Kee, Kemper, Knote, Knotts, Leftwich, Locke, Lockridge, Lucas, Lundy, Lynn, Magruder, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McCamant, McCue, McDowell, McGehee, McGruder, McKenzie, Miles, J. R. Miller, Mong, Montague, Montgomery, Morgan, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Orgain, Patterson, Phelps, Porter, Pritchard, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Riddick, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Segar, Shannon, Sibert, J. K. Smith, Staples, Tomlin, Walker, Wallace, Ward, A. Watson, Welch, West, Willcox, Witten, Woolfolk and Yerby—111.

No. 29. An engrossed bill for the relief of the Rev. J. Packard.

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Arnold, Bailey, Ball, Ballard, Bass, Bassel, Bentley, Booker, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Carpenter, Cassin, Christian, Claiborne, Collier, Crane, Davis, Duckwall, Edwards, Ferguson, Ferrill, Fleming, Friend, Frost, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Graham, Grattan, Hanly, Harrison, Haymond, Holdway, Huntt, Hunter, Jett, W. T. Jones, Kaufman, Keen, Kee, Kemper, Knote, Leftwich, Locke, Lockridge, Lucas, Lynn, Magruder, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McCamant, McCue, McDowell, McGehee, McGruder, McKenzie, Medley, Miles, J. R. Miller, Mong, Montague, Montgomery, Morgan, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Orgain, Patterson, Pritchard, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Shannon, J. K. Smith, Staples, Thomas, Tomlin, Walker, Wallace, Ward, A. Watson, Welch, West, Willcox, Witten, Woolfolk and Yerby—97.

NOES—Messrs. Crump, Dickenson, Goodycoontz and Johnson—4.

No. 97. An engrossed bill for the relief of the securities of Joshua H. Staats, late sheriff of the county of Jackson.

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Allen, Bailey, Ball, Ballard, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bentley, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Carpenter, Cassin, Childs, Claiborne, Crane, Crump, Davis, Dickenson, Duckwall, Edwards, Ferguson, Ferrill, Fleming, Friend, Frost, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Graham, Hanly, Harrison, Haymond, Hackley, Hoffman, Holdway, Huntt, Hunter, Jett, Johnson, Kaufman, Kee, Kemper, Knote, Knotts, Leftwich, Locke, Lockridge, Lucas, Lundy, Lynn, Magruder, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McCamant, McCue, McDowell, McGehee, McGruder, McKenzie, Medley, Miles, J. R. Miller, Mong, Montague, Montgomery, Morgan, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Orgain, Patterson, Pritchard, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Shannon, J. K. Smith, Staples, Tomlin, Wallace, Ward, A. Watson, Watts, Welch, West, Witten, Woolfolk and Yerby—98.

NOES—Messrs. Booker and W. T. Jones—2.

No. 27. An engrossed bill for the relief of James Scott of Greenbrier county.

AYES—Messrs. Crutchfield (speaker), Alderson, Allen, Arnold, Bailey, Ball, Ballard, Baskervill, Bass, Bassel, Bentley, Boreman, Brown, Burks, Carter, Cassin, Claiborne, Collier, Crump, Davis, Dickenson, Duckwall, Edwards, Ferguson, Ferrill, Fleming, Friend, Frost, D. Gibson, J. T. Gibson, J. Gilmer, C. H. Gilmer, Goodycoontz, Graham, Grattan, Harrison, Haymond, Hackley, Holdway, Huntt, Hunter, Jett, Johnson, Kaufman, Keen, Kee, Kemper, Knote, Knotts, Leftwich, Locke, Lockridge, Lucas, Lundy, Lynn, Magruder, W. Martin, Massie, Matthews, Maupin, McCamant, McCue, McDowell, McGehee, McGruder, McKenzie, Medley, Miles, Mong, Montague, Montgomery, Morgan, Morris, Myers, Nelson, Orgain, Patterson, Randolph, Reid, Richardson, Robertson, Robinson, Rives, Rutherfoord, Saunders, Shannon, J. K. Smith, Staples, Tomlin, Wallace, Ward, A. Watson, Watts, Welch, West, Willcox and Woolfolk—97.

No. 43. An engrossed bill to amend the act concerning the district free schools in the county of Jefferson.

No. 50. An engrossed bill granting the commonwealth's right to the real estate of John Kelly deceased, to Owen Shee.