General Assembly of Virginia,
Tuesday, March 31, 1863.
Senate.--The President pro tem., James F. Johnson, in the chair.
A message from the House transmitted, under amended title, the bill incorporating the Ritchie Coal Oil Company, of the county of Ritchie, which was taken up and passed by the Senate.
Also, from the House a joint resolution construing a section of the bill imposing taxes for the support of the Government not to refer to telegraph companies whose lines run through more than one county or corporation.
Also, joint resolution concerning the transportation of salt on railroads and canals within the limits of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Also, joint resolution concerning the manner in which the Auditor of Public Accounts shall make his biennial report.
All of which joint resolutions were concurred in.
Mr. Newman moved by resolution a vote of thanks to James F. Johnson, Esq., the President pro tem of the Senate, for the able and impartial scanner in which he had discharged his duties.
Mr. Alderson moved by similar resolution a vote of thanks to Mr. Shelton C. Davis for the seal and fidelity with which he had discharged the duties of Clerk of the Senate.
Both resolutions were unanimously adopted.
At twenty minutes to 2 o'clock P. M., the Senate having notified the House of a readiness on its part to adjourn sins die to the first Monday in December, 1863, and the House signifying also its readiness.
Mr. Johnson arose and addressed the Senate in some closing remarks, of which the following is a synopsis: ‘
He had on the eve of another adjournment of the General Assembly arisen to return his thanks to the respectable body over which he had been called temporarily to preside.
He would that words were adequate to express the sentiments of kindly feeling that filled his heart.
Two years ago he was elected to his present position — a position unexpected and perhaps unmerited, when he looked around upon heads more venerable and wisdom more worthy to control.
Yet he cherished this mark of their esteem as an honor, and it was gratifying to him to return his thanks.
The General Assembly of Virginia is now about to be dissolved.
Under what circumstances it will reassemble, who can tell?
It is a solemn thought.
A relentless foe is pressing upon our borders, portions of our territory have been wrested from us — we hope not permanently; but in the midst of all these dangers, and the rude commotions of war we have met here, even within the sound of the enemy's cannon, and legislated for the west of the old Commonwealth, animated only by the high patriotism and the common principles of our forefathers, each proudly striving to render to the country and the cause the best service in his power.
I have endeavored to discharge my duty faithfully, showing no favor, but doing justice to all. Senators, let us go to our respective homes from these legislative bails, released from our duty here, the more firmly resolved to do our duty as citizens and lovers of their country.
It but remains for me to announce the Senate of the General Assembly of Virginia adjourned to the first Monday in December, 1863. ’
House of Delegates.--The House was occupied with the odds and of business incidental to an adjournment aine cis --introduction of resolutions of thanks, &c., a the business dispatched was communicated immediately to the senate, we note the proceedings under the Senate head.
At half-past 1 o'clock, the Senate having informed the House of the readiness of that body to adjourn,
and the House concurring, the Speaker, Mr. Hugh W. Sheffey made the usual valedictory address before the body, returning his thanks for the honor conferred upon him in promoting him to the Chair, referring to the great deference and courtesy that had always characterised their intercourse, and his endeavor to discharge the duties of the position in an impartial manner.
At the conclusion of the Speaker's remarks, Mr. William F. Gordon, Jr., the Clerk of the House, responded to calls in some modest and appropriate remarks.
The House thereupon stood adjourned to the first Monday in December, 1863.
[Note.--After we went to press on Monday night the two branches of the Legislature on joint ballot, elected Col John N. Clarkson. Superintendent of the Salt Works.
The parties in nomination were J. N. Clarkson, Wm. King, Chas. B. Fiske, and G. R. Mason.
The whole number of votes cast on joint ballot was 121 necessary to a choice 61, of which whole number Clerkson received 59.
King 31, Fiske 11, and Mason, 6.
This result was reported from the House at midnight, when Mr. Armstrong offered the following:
Resolved, That the session of the General Assembly extended to March 31. (Tuesday) which resolution was adopted, and the House concurring, both branches that in extended session on Tuesday morning.] 