On June 17, 1812, a Wednesday, the United States Senate is again considering the third reading of a bill from the House of Representatives, which is entitled "An act declaring war between Great Britain and her dependencies, and the United States and their territories."
Senator Giles brings a motion that the war bill be recommitted to the select committee of Senator Anderson with instructions to modify it to authorize only for naval reprisals against both Britain and France. His motion is put to a vote and is defeated with yeas 14 and nays 18.
Senator Horsey then brings a motion to adjourn the Senate. His motion is defeated.
Then the main question is put: Shall this bill pass as amended? The vote is taken and it is determined in the affirmative with 19 yeas and 13 nays. So it was resolved that by six votes that the United States would go to war. The title of the bill is amended to "An act declaring war between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their territories."
Senator Anderson then brings a motion that a committee be appointed, to consist of two members, to carry the war bill to the House of Representatives and ask for their concurrence in the amendments. Senators Anderson and Varnum were chosen to be the committee.
FYI - an image of the senate amendments document is on the net here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/image/War_of_1812_senate_admts.htm