House of Delegates.
The House of Delegates met, pursuant to adjournment, at 12 o'clock M., the
Speaker in the Chair.
Prayer by
Rev. Dr. Jeter.
The Senate bill to amend the act incorporating the
Danville Manufacturing Company, was read the first time.
On motion of
Mr. Bradford, the
Committee on finance were instructed to inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill authorizing the payment of interest due on the coupons of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, guaranteed by the
State of Virginia.
The Clerk read a communication from the
Governor, presenting a communication from the
Governor of
Georgia and the joint resolutions adopted by the Legislature of that State, affirming that the separation from the
United States is final, urging that the war of independence be urged with vigor, and pledging
Georgia to stand by her sister Southern States until that independence is achieved.
On motion of
Mr. Anderson, of
Botetourt, the aforesaid resolutions were referred to the
Committee on Military Affairs, and the
Governor's communication ordered to be printed.
A communication was received from the
President of the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, extending the courtesies of his road to the members of the House of Delegates.
The Clerk read a communication from the
Governor announcing the resignations of
Jas. Boggs, of
Pendleton, and
John Gatewood, of
Shenandoah, as members of the House of Delegates.
On motion of
Mr. Grattan, the communication was laid on the table.
Mr. Tomlin. moved to reconsider the last vote.
It appeared from the letter of
Mr. Gatewood, just read his the
Clerk, that he had been prevented from attending to his duties as a member of the
House by the refusal of
Gen. T. J. Jackson to permit him to leave his company, now in service.
The Convention had granted the right to those members of the General Assembly in the military service of the
State, to absent themselves from their companies, in order to perform their duties as members, and he entered his protest against the act of
General Jackson, as one interfering with the privileges of this House.
Mr. Barbour concurred with the gentleman from King William.
This was a flagrant breach of the privileges of the
House.
He moved that the
House refuse to accept the resignation of
Mr. Gatewood.
Mr. Robertson also agreed with the gentleman preceding him, but he thought the subject was one of great importance, and deserved more than hasty action.
He thought it ought to be referred to a committee.
Mr. Rutherfoord moved to refer the subject of his resignation to the
Committee on Privileges and elections.
Mr. Tomlin was anxious to have immediate action taken.
He thought the
Sergeant at-Arms ought to be directed to go and bring the gentleman here, so that he might be permitted to exercise his privilege as a member of the House of Delegates.
Mr. Barnoue withdrew his motion, and the motion of
Mr. Rutherfoord. was then adopted.
Mr. Barnour presented a resolution encouraging the manufacture of saltpetre, which was adopted.
On motion of
Mr. Bradford, the
House then adjourned.
