Confederate States Congress.
Friday, February 27, 1863.
Senate.--The Senate was called to order at 12 o'clock M. by Mr. Hunter, of Va., and opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Sehon, of Nashville.
Mr. Sparrow, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported back the bill to increase the efficiency of the Confederate heavy artillery, with an amendment, by way substitute for the bill, which latter provides that the 1st South Carolina infantry shall be hereafter known as the 2d regiment South Carolina artillery, and do duty as such, having the same organization that they now have and shall be increased to twelve companies.
Laid on the table.
The Senate proceeded to consider the bill providing for the impressment of private property for public use, the question being on the adoption of an amendment offered by Mr. Hunter to one offered by Mr. Haynes. Mr. Hunter withdrew his amendment, and the further consideration of the bill and Mr. Haynes's amendment was then postponed.
The Senate next took up the bill to organize the Supreme Court of the Confederate States, Mr. Clay's amendment, repealing the 45th and 46th sections of the Judiciary Act of the Provisional Congress, being the pending question.
Mr. Wigfail, who was entitled to the floor, said he would rather the Senate would postpone the consideration of the bill, and take up the bill for the organization of engineer troops and the bill (reported from the Military Committee) putting the hospitals under military control, which he thought would conduce to the comfort of the sick soldiers.
The Supreme Court bill could be considered any time within the next month.
It was postponed.
The bill to provide and organize engineer troops, to serve during the war, was then taken up and passed.
The Senate then went into secret session.
House of Representatives.--The House met at 12 o'clock. Frayer by the Rev. Mr. Duncan, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Leave of absence was granted to Messrs. Calther, of N. C. and Singleton, of Miss, on account of sickness in their families.
Messrs. Hodge and Breckinridge, of Ky., were permitted to record their votes against the engrossment of the resolution of thanks to Gen. Bragg passed yesterday, they having voted in the affirmative for the purpose of moving a reconsideration.
Mr. Foots, of Tennessee, made a personal explanation.
He had been reported in one of the daily papers as having commended the extraordinary skill of Gen. Bragg, without qualification — He had said that he never doubted Gen. Bragg's skill as a disciplinarian, but he did doubt his capacity to command a large army.
He voted for the resolution of thanks because he knew that the army and the officers generally well deserved this evidence of our respect and gratitude, and he voted to include Gen. Bragg solely upon the official recommendation of Gen. Jos E. Johnston.
Mr. Chrisman, of Ky., also made a personal explanation.
He wished it known, especially by the Kentuckians in the Army of Tennessee that the course of Gen. Bragg in the Tennessee and Kentucky campaigns met with his cordial approval.
Mr. Machen, of Ky., said he did not vote upon the engrossment of the resolutions, and now the privilege of recording his vote against them Objection was made.
Mr. Farrow, of S. C. moved that when the House adjourn to-day it adjourn to meet on Monday next.
Last — yeas 24 nays 48.
Mr. Vest of Mo., moved a reconsideration of the vote by which the bill to provide for the arrest of
soldiers absent from their command without leave, was laid upon the table.
Mr. Gartcell, of Ga., called for the order of the day, and the House took up the bill entitled "in act to aid committees of Congress in the investigation of matters referred to them, and to punish false swearing before said committees"
The bill was variously amended and passed.
Mr. Miles, of S. C., from the Committee on Military Affairs to whom was referred a bill for the acceptance of troops from Missouri and Kentucky for a term of service less than three years reported the same back with a recommendation that it be laid upon the table, and that the committee be discharged from its further consideration.
Pending which on motion of Mr. Kenner, the House went into secret session. 