Chapter CXX. to provide for the Collection of abandoned Property and for the Prevention of Frauds in insurrectionary Districts within the United States
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Chap. CXX.— An Act to provide for the Collection of abandoned Property and for the Prevention of Frauds in insurrectionary Districts within the United States.March 3, 1863. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* ThatSpecial agente to receive and collect abandoned or captured properly in certain states. it shall be lawful for the Secretary of the Treasury, from and after the passage of this act, as he shall from time to time see fit, to appoint a special agent or agents to receive and collect all abandoned or captured property in any state or Territory, or any portion of any state or territory, of the United States, designated as in insurrection against the lawful Government of the United States by the proclamation of the President of July first, eighteen hundred and sixty-two:Proviso. *Provided,* That such property shall not include any kind or description which has been used, or which was intended to be used, for waging or carrying on war against the United States, such as arms, ordnance, ships, steamboats, or other water craft, and the furniture, forage, military supplies, or munitions of war.
Sec. 2. *And be it further enacted,* ThatSuch property may tie appropriated to public use, or sold at public auction in loyal States. any part of the goods or property received or collected by such agent or agents may be appropriated to public use on due appraisement and certificate thereof, or forwarded to any place of sale within the loyal states, as the public interests may require; and all sales of such property shall be at auction to the highest bidder, and the proceeds thereof shall be paid into the treasury of the United States.
Sec. 3. *And be it further enacted,* ThatBond of special agents. the Secretary of the Treasury may require the special agents appointed under this act to give a bond, with such securities and in such amount as he shaft deem necessary, and to require the increase of said amounts, and the strengthening of said security, as circumstances may demand; and he shaft also cause a bookBooks to be kept.Owners of such property may sue for proceeds in court of claims.Upon what proof may recover. or books of account to be kept, showing from whom such property was received, the cost of transportation, and proceeds of the sale thereof.
And any person claiming to have been the owner of any such abandoned or captured property may, at any time within two years after the suppression of the rebellion, prefer his claim to the proceeds thereof in the court of claims; and on proof to the satisfaction of said court of his ownership of said property, of his right to the proceeds thereof, and that he has never given any aid or comfort to the present rebellion, to receive the residue of such proceeds, after the deduction of any purchase-money which may have been paid, together with the expense of transportation and sale of said property, and any other lawful expenses attending the disposition thereof.
Sec. 4. *And be it further enacted,* ThatProperty coming into loyal states from states in insurrection, except through special agents, to be confiscated.Proceedings for condemnation and sale all property coming into any of the United States not declared in insurrection as aforesaid, from within any of the states declared in insurrection, through or by any other person than any agent duly appointed under the provisions of this aet, or under a lawful clearance by the proper officer of the Treasury department, shall be confiscated to the use of the Government of the United States.
And the proceedings for the condemnation and sale of any suchTHIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Ch. 120. 1863.821 property1789, ch. 22, §§ 89, 90.Vol. i. p. 895.Persons through whom property comes unlawfully to be punished. shall be instituted and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, in the mode prescribed by the eighty-ninth and ninetieth sections of the act of March second, seventeen hundred and ninety-nine, entitled “An act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage.
” And any agent or agents, person or persons, by or through whom such property shall come within the lines of the United States unlawfully, as aforesaid, shall be judged guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be fined in any sum not exceeding one thousand dollars, or imprisoned for any time not exceeding one year, or both, at the discretion of the court. AndRemission of penalties.1797, ch. 13.Vol. i. p. 506. the fines, penalties, and forfeitures accruing under this act may be mitigated or remitted in the mode prescribed by the act of March three, seventeen hundred and ninety-seven, or in such manner, in special cases, as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.
Sec. 5. *And be it further enacted,* ThatPay of special agents at ports opened in states in insurrection.1862, ch. 169, § 5.*Ante,* p. 572. the fifth section of the “Act to further provide for the collection of the revenue upon the northern, northeastern, and northwestern frontier, and for other purposes,” approved July fourteen, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, shall be so construed as to allow the temporary officers which have been or may be appointed at ports which have been or may be opened or established in states declared to be in insurrection by the proclamation of the President on the first of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, the same compensation which by law is allowed to permanent officers of the same position, or the ordinary compensation of special agents, as the Secretary of the Treasury may determine.
Sec. 6. *And be it further enacted,* ThatOfficers and soldiers receiving any such property, or cotton, &c., to turn the same over to special agents. it shall be the duty of every officer or private of the regular or volunteer forces of the United States, or any officer, sailor, or marine in the naval service of the United States upon the inland waters of the United States, who may take or receive any such abandoned property, or cotton, sugar, rice, or tobacco, from persons in such insurrectionary districts, or have it under his control, to turn the same over to an agent appointed as aforesaid, who shall give a receipt therefor; and in case he shall refuse or neglect so to do, he shall be triedPenalty for not so doing. by a court-martial, and shall be dismissed from the service, or, if an officer, reduced to the ranks, or suffer such other punishment as said court shall order, with the approval of the President of the United States.
Sec. 7. *And be it further enacted,* ThatThis not to apply to lawful maritime prizes. none of the provisions of this act shall apply to any lawful maritime prize by the naval forces of the United States. Approved, March 12, 1863. 822THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Res. 1, 2, 3, 9. 1863. RESOLUTIONS. No. 1: for increasing the Bond of the Superintendent of Public Printing Resolution 1 12 Stat. 820 1862-12-18 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 1.] A Resolution for increasing the Bond of the Superintendent of Public PrintingDecember 18, 1862. WhereasSuperintendent of public printing to give bond in $40,000. the amount of money which can be advanced to the superintendent of the public printing, under existing laws, is not sufficient to enable him to meet the current expenditures of his office: therefore— *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* That the said superintendent be required to furnish a new bond in the penal sum of forty thousand dollars.
Approved, December 18, 1862. No. 2: in Relation to certain Maps. Resolution 2 12 Stat. 820 1863-01-06 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 2.] A Resolution in Relation to certain Maps.January 6, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* That,Public printer to contract for lithographing certain maps, &c. with a view of expediting the issue of the annual report of the general land-office, the public printer is hereby authorized to contract for the lithographing of the maps of the several states and territories which may accompany the same, except in regard to the connected map accompanying the last annual report of the public lands east and west of the Mississippi, in regard to which the commissioner of the general land-office is hereby authorizedEngraved plate for other map. to procure an engraved plate thereof, to be perfected by adding from time to time the further surveys that may be made.
Approved, January 6, 1863. No. 3: to grant the Use of a Portion of Judiciary Square for a Free Library and Reading-Room for Soldiers. Resolution 3 12 Stat. 820 1863-01-13 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 3.] Joint Resolution to grant the Use of a Portion of Judiciary Square for a Free Library and Reading-Room for Soldiers.January 13, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatFree library and reading-room for soldiers. the Secretary of the Interior be, and be is hereby, authorized to grant to John A.
Fowle and Elida B. Rumsey the use of a portion of the land owned by the United States, and known as “Judiciary Square,” to erect thereon, free from charge to the United States, a suitable building for a soldiers’ free library and reading-room for soldiers: *Provided,* That the same can be done without prejudice to the public interests, and provided that all expenses shall be borne by said Fowle and Rumsey, and that all benefits and privileges of such library and reading-room be granted to our soldiers free of charge and that said building be removed whenever the Secretary of the Interim shall require the same to be done.
Approved, January 13, 1863. No. 9: to provide for the immediate Payment of the Army and Navy of the United States. Resolution 9 12 Stat. 820 1863-01-17 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 9.] Joint Resolution to provide for the immediate Payment of the Army and Navy of the United States.January 17, 1863.
Whereas1863, ch. 73, § 3.*Ante,* p. 710. it is deemed expedient to make immediate provision for the payment of the army and navy: therefore, *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* That the Secretary of the Treas-THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Res. 9–11, 13. 1863.823ury be,Issue of $100,000,000 United States notes authorized.Not to bear interest.Denominations, and how payable.Legal tender, except for, &c. and he is hereby, authorized, if required by the exigencies of the public service, to issue on the credit of the United States the sum of one hundred millions of dollars of United States notes, in such form as he may deem expedient, not bearing interest, payable to bearer on demand, and of such denominations not less than one dollar, as he may prescribe, which notes so issued shall be lawful money and a legal tender, like the similar notes heretofore authorized in payment of all debts, public and private, within the United States, except for duties on imports and interest on the public debt; and the notes so issued shall be part of the amount provided for in any bill now pending for the issue of treasury notes, or that may be passed hereafter by this Congress.
Approved, January 17, 1863. No. 10: supplementary to the Act entitled “An Act to provide for the Imprisonment of Persons convicted of Crime by the Criminal Court of the District of Columbia,” approved January sixteenth, eighteen hundred and sixty-three. Resolution 10 12 Stat. 820 1863-01-28 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 10.] A Resolution supplementary to the Act entitled “An Act to provide for the Imprisonment of Persons convicted of Crime by the Criminal Court of the District of Columbia,” approved January sixteenth, eighteen hundred and sixty-three.January 28, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* That1863, ch. 10.*Ante*, p. 635.Provisions of former act extended. the provisions of the act entitled An act to provide for the imprisonment of persons convicted of crime by the criminal court of the District of Columbia,” approved the sixteenth day of January, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, be, and are hereby, made applicable to all persons who had been convicted of crime by the criminal court of the District of Columbia and sentenced to confinement in the penitentiary prior to the date of the act herein named, and subsequent to the transfer legalized by the fourth section thereof,Former transfer made valid. and their transfer to the penitentiary at Albany, in the State of New York, in the present month, by order of the President of the United States, is likewise hereby legalized and declared valid; and the said persons so transferred shall continue in confinement in said prison until the expiration of their several terms of imprisonment, or until they shall be legally discharged or removed.
Approved, January 28, 1863. No. 11: tendering the Thanks of Congress to Commander John L. Worden, of the United States Navy. Resolution 11 12 Stat. 820 1863-02-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 11.] Joint Resolution tendering the Thanks of Congress to Commander John L. Worden, of the United States Navy.February 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatThanks of Congress tendered to Commander John L.
Worden.1862, ch. 183, § 9.*Ante,* p. 584. in pursuance of the recommendation of the President of the United States, and to enable him to advance Commander John L. Worden one grade, in pursuance of the ninth section of the act of Congress of sixteenth July, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, that the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, tendered to Commander John L. Worden for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy in the remarkable battle between the United States ironclad steamer “Monitor,” under his command, and the rebel ironclad frigate “Merrimac,” in March, eighteen hundred and sixty-two.
Approved, February 3, 1863. No. 13: tendering the Thanks of Congress to Commodore Charles Henry Davis and other Officers of the Savy, in Pursuance of the Recommendation of the President of the United States. Resolution 13 12 Stat. 820 1863-02-07 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 13.] Joint Resolution tendering the Thanks of Congress to Commodore Charles Henry Davis and other Officers of the Navy, in Pursuance of the Recommendation of the President of the United States.February 7, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatThanks of Congress tendered to. the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, given to the following officers of the United States navy, upon the recommendation of the President of the United States, viz: — CommodoreCommodore Charles Henry Davis.
Charles Henry Davis, for distinguished services in conflict824THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Res. 13, 18, 19, 20. 1863. with the enemy at Fort Pillow, at Memphis, and for successful operations at other points in the waters of the Mississippi River; Captain John A. Dahlgren,Captain John A. Dahlgren. for distinguished service in the line of his profession, improvements in ordnance, and zealous and efficient labors in the ordnance branch of the service; Captain Stephen C. Rowan,Captain Stephen C.
Rowan. for distinguished services in the waters of North Carolina, and particularly in the capture of Newbern, being in chief command of the naval forces; Commander David D. Porter,Commander David D. Porter. for the bravery and skill displayed in the attack on the Post of Arkansas, which surrendered to the combined military and naval forces on the tenth of January, eighteen hundred and sixty-three; Rear-Admiral Silas H. Stringham,Rear Admiral Silas H. Stringham. now on the retired list, for distinguished services in the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark;
And that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to each of the above officers by the President of the United States. Approved, February 7, 1863. No. 18: to compensate the Sailors on the Gunboat “Cairo” for Loss of Clothing. Resolution 18 12 Stat. 820 1863-02-13 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 18.] Joint Resolution to compensate the Sailors on the Gunboat “Cairo” for Loss of Clothing.February 13, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatAllowance to petty officers and crew of the gunboat “Cairo” for loss of clothing. the proper accounting officers of the treasury be, and they are hereby, authorized, in settling the accounts of the petty officers, seamen, sailors, and others of the crew of the United States gunboat “Cairo,” to allow to each a sum not exceeding fifty dollars as a remuneration for the damage they may have sustained in the loss of their clothing by the destruction of said vessel in December last.
Approved, February 13, 1863. No. 19: to revive “An Act to secure to the Officers and Men actually employed in the Western Department, or Department of Missouri, their Pay, Bounty, and Pension, and for other Purposes.” Resolution 19 12 Stat. 820 1863-02-16 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 19.] Joint Resolution to revive “An Act to secure to the Officers and Men actually employed in the Western Department, or Department of Missouri, their Pay, Bounty, and Pension, and for other Purposes.”February 16, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* That1862, ch. 49.*Ante,* p. 374.Commissioners to have six months to make report in.*Ante,* p. 623. the provisions of a joint resolution entitled “A resolution to suspend all payments under the act approved the twenty-fifth of March, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, entitled ‘An act to secure to the officers and men actually employed in the Western Department, or Department of Missouri, their pay, bounty, and pension, and for other purposes,’” approved July twelfth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, be, and they are hereby, revived, and the commissioners therein provided for shall be allowed six months from the passage of this resolution within which to make their report.
Approved, February 16, 1863. No. 20: to amend the “Joint Resolution for the Payment of the Expenses of the Joint Committee of Congress, appointed to inquire into the Conduct of the War,” approved the twenty-seventh January, eighteen hundred and sixty-two. Resolution 20 12 Stat. 820 1863-02-20 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 20.] A Resolution to amend the “Joint Resolution for the Payment of the Expenses of the Joint Committee of Congress, appointed to inquire into the Conduct of the War,” approved the twenty-seventh January, eighteen hundred and sixty-two.February 20, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* That*Ante,* p. 613.Moneys paid by Secretary of Senate, upon the order of the joint committee on the conduct of the war, to be allowed, &c. any portion of the amount appropriated by the joint resolution for payment of the expenses of the joint committee of Congress appointed to inquire into the conduct of the war, approved the twenty-seventh January, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, that may have been, or shall hereafter be, allowed by the said joint committee to witnesses attending before it, or to persons employed in its service, for per diem, travel[l]iug, or other necessary expenses, andTHIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Sess. III. Res. 21, 24–27. 1863.825 paid by the Secretary of the Senate in pursuance of the order of that joint committee, shall be accordingly credited and allowed by the accounting officers of the Treasury Department. Approved, February 20, 1863. No. 21: expelling George E. Badger from, the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, ana appointing Louis Agassiz in his place. Resolution 21 12 Stat. 820 1863-02-21 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 21.] A Resolution expelling George E. Badger from, the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, ana appointing Louis Agassiz in his place.February 21, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatSmithsonian Institution.George E. Badger expelled from board of regents.Louis Agassiz appointed in his place. George E. Badger, a member of the board of regents of the Smithsonian Institution, who is now giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the Government, be, and is hereby, expelled from the said board, and that Louis Agassiz, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, be, and he is hereby, appointed a member of the said board to fill the vacancy occasioned by the expulsion of Mr.
Badger. Approved, February 21, 1863. No. 24: authorizing the Appointment of a Commissioner to revise and codify the Naval Laws of the United States. Resolution 24 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 24.] Joint Resolution authorizing the Appointment of a Commissioner to revise and codify the Naval Laws of the United States.March 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatCommissioner to revise and codify the naval laws of the United States.Report.Salary. the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, authorized to appoint (by and with the consent of the Senate) a commissioner, whose duty it shall be to revise and codify the naval laws of the United States, and report such revised code to Congress at its next session.
The annual salary of said commissioner shall be three thousand dollars. Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 25: fixing the Pay of the Commandant of the Navy Yard at Mare Island, California. Resolution 25 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 25.] Joint Resolution fixing the Pay of the Commandant of the Navy Yard at Mare Island, California.March 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatPay of commandant of navy yard at Mare Island. the pay of the officer of the navy assigned to the command of the navy yard at Mare Island, California, shall be the sea pay of his grade.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 26: to facilitate the Payment of side and wounded Soldiers in the Hospitals and Convalescent Camps. Resolution 26 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 26.] A Resolution to facilitate the Payment of side and wounded Soldiers in the Hospitals and Convalescent Camps.March 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatSick and wounded soldiers in convalescent camps, &c., to be paid within sixty days. the paymaster-general be, and he hereby is, authorized and directed to take immediate measures for the prompt payment of the sick and wounded soldiers in the convalescent camps, hospitals, and elsewhere, so that they may be fully paid within sixty days from and after the passage hereof.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 27: to expedite the Printing of the President’s Message and accompanying Documents. Resolution 27 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 27.] Joint Resolution to expedite the Printing of the President’s Message and accompanying Documents.March 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* That,Heads of Departments to fui nish printer with copies of documents accompanying their annual reports by 1st November in each year.Number for Senate, instead of furnishing manuscript copies to each house of Congress, the heads of the several departments of Government be required to furnish the superintendent of the public printing with copies of the documents usually accompanying their annual reports on or before the first day of November of each year; whose duty it shall be to print, in addition to the number now required by law, two thousand copies for the use of the Senate, and five thousand for826THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Sess. III. Res. 27, 28. 1863. the usefor House.When to be delivered. of the House, in volumes (bound in the usual manner) of convenient size, and to deliver the same to the proper officer of each house, respectively, on or before the third Monday in December of each year. It shall also be his duty to print for the use of each of said heads of Departments one thousand copies of their said reports proper; and for the useNumber of copies of reports proper.No greater number, unless directed, &c. of the commissioners of the general land-office, of Indian affairs, and of pensions, five hundred copies of each of their reports, respectively, And it shall not be lawful for said superintendent to print any greater number of said reports, nor the reports of heads of any bureau to their respective superiors, unless directed to do so by either house of Congress.
Sec. 2. *And be it further resolved,* ThatNumber of bills, &c., to be printed, not to exceed 600, unless, &c. hereafter the number of any bill or joint resolution ordered or required to be printed by either the Senate or House of Representatives, under any rule of either house, shall not exceed six hundred, unless specially directed by the house ordering the same. Sec. 3. *And be it further resolved,* ThatCondensed statement of aggregate amount of exports and imports to be furnished printer, by 1st November. it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to furnish a condensed statement of the aggregate amount of the exports to and imports from, foreign countries to the superintendent of the public printing, on or before the first day of November of each year, who shall print and bind as soon thereafter as practicable ten thousand copies thereof, to be distributed as follows, viz:
The usual number (one thousand five hundred and fifty) for the two houses ofNumber of copies, and how distributed. Congress; three hundred copies for the treasury department; two thousand for the use of the members of the Senate; and six thousand one hundred and fifty copies for the use of the members of the House of Representatives. Sec. 4. *And be it further resolved,* ThatNumber of copies of commercial relations. six thousand copies of the “Commercial Relations,” annually prepared under the direction of the Secretary of State, be printed and distributed as follows, viz:
The usual number (one thousand five hundred and fifty) for the houses of Congress; four hundred and fifty for the state department; two thousand for the use of the members of the Senate; and three thousand for the use of the members of the House of Representatives. Sec. 5. *And be it further resolved,* ThatLithographing and engraving of over $200, to be awarded to lowest bidder. all lithographing and engraving, where the probable cost exceeds two hundred and fifty dollars, shall be awarded to the lowest and best bidder for the interest of the Government, after due advertisement by the superintendent of public printing, under the direction of the committee on printing.
Sec. 6. *And be it further resolved,* ThatForm and style of printing to be determined by the superintendent. the form and style in which the printing ordered by either house of Congress, or by any of the Departments, shall be executed, and the size of type to be used, shall be determined by the superintendent of public printing, having proper regard to economy’ and workmanship. Sec. 7. *And be it further resolved,* ThatRepeal of inconsistent laws. all laws or parts of laws conflicting with the above provisions be, and they are hereby, repealed.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 28: providing for the Distribution of certain Public Books and Documents. Resolution 28 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 28.] Joint Resolution providing for the Distribution of certain Public Books and Documents.March 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatAll books and documents heretofore printed, at cost of Government, except, &c., to be divided among members of present Congress. the Secretary of the Interior, and all other custodians thereof, be, and are hereby, authorized and directed to cause equal distribution to be made forthwith, among the members of the two houses of the present Congress, of all books and documents heretofore printed or purchased at the cost of the Government and not actually belonging to any public library, or the library kept for use in any department of the Government, excepting, however, all such booksTHIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Sess. III. Res. 29. 30, 31. 1863.827 and documents as are embraced in any existing order for the distribution thereof among the members of either house of Congress. Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 29: giving the Thanks of Congress to Major-General William S. Rosecrans, and the Officers and Men under his Command, for their Gallantry and good Conduct in the Battle of Murfreesborough, Tennessee. Resolution 29 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 29.] A Resolution giving the Thanks of Congress to Major-General William S. Rosecrans, and the Officers and Men under his Command, for their Gallantry and good Conduct in the Battle of Murfreesborough, Tennessee.March 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatThe thanks of Congress given to Major-General William S. Rosecrans, his officers, and men. the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, presented to Major-General William S.
Rosecrans, and, through him. to the officers and men under his command, for their distinguished gallantry and good conduct at the battle of Murfreesborough, Tennessee, where they achieved a signal victory for our arms. Sec. 2. *And be it further resolved,* ThatThis resolution to be communicated to Major General Rosecrans, &c. the President of the United States be requested to cause the foregoing resolution to be communicated to Major-General Rosecrans, in such terms as he may deem best calculated to give effect thereto.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 30: in Relation to Telegraph Companies in the District of Columbia. Resolution 30 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 30.] Joint Resolution in Relation to Telegraph Companies in the District of Columbia.March 3, 1863. *[Be it resolved] by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* ThatTelegraph companies may use streets, &c., in District of Columbia. the Independent Line of Telegraph, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York, for the purpose, and with the intention, of constructing a line of telegraph from Portland.
Maine, to Washington city, or any other corporation or company organized according to law, to construct a line of telegraph, be permitted to use any of the highways, roads, streets, or grounds in the District of Columbia in the extension and operation of their line to in, and through the city of Washington, and other parts of the District: *Provided, however,*Written approval of Secretary of the Interior, &c., to be first obtained. That the location and construction of any such line of telegraph within the said District shall not be carried into effect without the written approval of the Secretary of the Interior and commissioner of public buildings and grounds first obtained as to the proper route and course of said line to be followed within the said District of Columbia: *And provided, further,*Proper use of streets, &c., not to be obstructed thereby.
That the use of said highways, streets, roads, and grounds hereby granted for telegraphic purposes shall not obstruct the use and convenient occupancy of said highways, streets, roads, and grounds for public or other purposes, as the same are at present used. And all acts heretofore passed and now in force in the DistrictSuch telegrapk lines to be protected. of Columbia for the protection of telegraph-poles, wires, and corporations, shall be extended to any such line of telegraph.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 31: to enable the Secretary of the Treasury to obtain the Title to certain Property in the City of Denver, Colorado Territory, for the Purposes of the Branch Mint located in said Place. Resolution 31 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 31.] A Resolution to enable the Secretary of the Treasury to obtain the Title to certain Property in the City of Denver, Colorado Territory, for the Purposes of the Branch Mint located in said Place.March 3, 1863.
Whereas,Preamble.1862, ch. 59.*Ante,* p. 382. The Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, in order to carry into effect an act entitled “An act to establish a branch mint at Denver, in the Territory of Colorado,” approved April twenty-first, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, has purchased of Messrs. Clarke, Gruber, and Company, the preëm[p]tors and occupants thereof, certain city lots in said town of Denver, together with all the valuable improvements thereon: And whereas the said Clarke, Gruber, and Company have not, and cannot at an early day, perfect their title to said lots by entry of the same at the district land-office, for the sole reason that no such office is yet established in said district: 828THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Sess. III. Res. 31, 32. 1863. And whereas it is highly important for the interest of the Government to obtain at an early day the use and possession of said property to establish and open said mint, therefore, *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatSecretary of the Treasury to receive conveyance of rights of grantors to certain lots in Denver. the Secretary of the Treasury be and he is hereby, authorized to receive and accept from said Clarke.
Gruber, and Company such relinquishments and conveyances of their right or claim to said lots and property, as he, the said Secretary, shall deem sufficient for the extinguishment of any claim, right, or title which the said Clarke, Gruber, and Company may or can have thereto. AndLots to be reserved from sale, &c. said lots and property shall thereafter be reserved from public sale, preemption, or homestead settlement, and shall remain the property of the United States. Approved, March 3, 1863.
No. 32: authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to adjust the Equitable Claims of Contractors for Naval Supplies, and regulating Contracts with the Navy Department. Resolution 32 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 32.] Joint Resolution authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to adjust the Equitable Claims of Contractors for Naval Supplies, and regulating Contracts with the Navy Department.March 3, 1863. *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* ThatSecretary of Navy to adjust claims of contractors for naval supplies. the Secretary of the Navy be and he is hereby, authorized to adjust and settle the claims of contractors for naval supplies, who, during the last fiscal year ending thirtieth June, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, have furnished to the Department more than one hundred per centum above the quantities specified in their contracts and without default therein; and for the purpose of hearing said claims may associate with the chief of the beureau with which the contract was made the chief of any other bureau, subject to an appeal to said Secretary from their decision:Proviso. *Provided,* That no contractor shall be allowed, except upon the excess over the stipulated quantity and one hundred per centum in addition thereto, and upon such excess not more than sufficient to make the price thereon equal to the fair market value of the supplies at the time and place of delivery; nor shall any contractor be allowed any amount under this section unless there has been an actual loss to the contractor upon the whole contract: *And provided, further,*Claims to be presented within six months.
That all claimants under any such contracts shall present their claims to the department within six months after the passage of this joint resolution, or be forever barred from any equitable claim on account of said contracts. Sec. 2. *And be it further resolved,* ThatOffers of previous defaulters may be rejected. the chief of any bureau of the Navy Department, in contracting for naval supplies, shall be at liberty to reject the offer of any person who, as principal or surety, has been a defaulter in any previous contract with the Navy Department; nor shall parties who have failed as principals or sureties in any former contract be received as sureties on other contracts; nor shall the copartners of any firm be received as sureties for such firm or for each other; nor, in contracts with the same bureau, shall one contractor be received as surety for another; and every contract shall require the delivery of a specified quantity, and no bids having nominal or fictitious prices shall be considered.Only one bid front any person.Who to be received as contractors.Bidders may be present at opening of bids.
That if more than one bid be offered by any one party, by or in the name of his or their clerk, partner, or other person, all such bids may be rejected; and no person shall be received as a contractor who is not a manufacturer of, or regular dealer in, the articles which he offers to supply, who has not a license as such manufacturer or dealer. And all persons offering bids shall have the right to be present when the bids are opened and inspect the same. Sec. 3. *And be it further resolved,* ThatPenalties for certain unfulfilled contracts to be released to certain contractors. the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized to release and discharge the penalties, or the provisions in the nature of penalties, in certain cases of unfulfilledTHIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Sess. III. Res. 32–34. 1863.829 contractsCertain contractors released from penalties of unfulfilled contracts with the bureau of construction and of provisions and clothing of the Navy Department, made by Nathaniel W. Coffin, William Lang, Henry Newton, Baxter and Sumner, and Tilton, Wheelwright, and Company, for the fiscal year ending thirtieth of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, made prior to the proclamation of the President establishing blockades of the southern ports, or to the several acts of Congress passed subsequent thereto, imposing additional duties upon domestic and foreign products, wherein, by reason of said acts and failure of the Government to pay according to the prescribed terms, parties have been obstructed and prevented from a proper fulfilment of the same, to the end that these accounts may be settled and adjusted on terms of equity and justice; and in the settlement of such accounts, there shall be associated with the chief of the bureau in which the contract was made the chief of some other bureau of the Navy Department, and their decision shall be passed upon, modified, abridged, rejected, or approved by the Secretary of the Navy as, in his judgment, the law and justice shall require.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 33: authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue American Registers to certain Vessels named therein. Resolution 33 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 33.] Joint Resolution authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue American Registers to certain Vessels named therein.March 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatAmerican registers to issue to the “Marion,” “Selkirk, of Winsor,” “Hastings,” “Ottawa,” “California,” “Providence,” “City of Toronto,” “blue Bonnet.” the Secretary of the treasury be, and is hereby, authorized to issue American registers to the following named vessels: the “Marion,” “Selkirk, of Winsor,” “Hastings,” “Ottawa,” and “California,” of the Oswego district in the State of New York; the “Providence,” owned by A.
J. Richardson, of New York, and the Canadian built steamers “City of Toronto,” of Detroit, and “Blue Bonnet,” of New York. Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 34: respecting the Compensation of the Judges and so forth, under the Treaty with Great Britain and other Persons employed in the Suppression of the Slave Trade. Resolution 34 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 34.] Joint Resolution respecting the Compensation of the Judges and so forth, under the Treaty with Great Britain and other Persons employed in the Suppression of the Slave Trade.March 3, 1863. *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* That*Post,* p. 1225Compensation to marshals, district attorneys, and others in suppressing the Slave-trade. the President of the United States be, and hereby is, authorized to expend during the fiscal year ending the thirtieth day of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, so much of the appropriation of second March, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, as he may deem expedient and proper, not exceeding in the whole ten thousand dollars, for compensation to United States marshals, district attorneys, and other persons employed in enforcing the laws for the suppression of the African slave-trade, for any services they may render, and for which no allowance is otherwis[e] provided by law; and also, so much of said appropriation as may be necessary to pay the salaries of theSalaries of judges and arbitrators.1862, ch. 140.*Ante,* p. 531.Expenses of mixed courtsProviso.When salary to commence. judges and arbitrators appointed by him pursuant to the act of Congress, approved July eleven, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, entitled “An act to carry into effect the treaty between the United States and her Britannic Majesty for the suppression of the African slave-trade,” and for the expenses of the mixed courts provided for by said treaty: *Provided,* That no payment shall be made to any judge or arbitrator, on account of salary, who, after accepting the office, has declined or may hereafter decline the same without having actually entered upon duty; and no judge or arbitrator shall be regarded as entitled to salary from the date of the acceptance of the office to which he has been or may be appointed, who shall not have entered upon the duties thereof in good faith within three months from the date of his acceptance.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 35: authorizing the Collection in Coin of Postages due on unpaid Mail Matter from Foreign Countries. Resolution 35 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public 830THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Res. 35–38. 1863. [No. 35.] A Resolution authorizing the Collection in Coin of Postages due on unpaid Mail Matter from Foreign Countries.March 3, 1863.
Whereas,Preamble. the failure to prepay foreign correspondence throws upon the Post Office Department of the United States large balances which have to be paid in coin, Therefore: *Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* ThatPostages from abroad not prepaid to be collected as Postmaster-General deems advisable. the Postmaster-General be and is hereby, authorized to take such measures as may seem to him advisable to collect postages on letters from abroad, not prepaid, in order to avoid loss in the payment of such balances.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 36: to grant the Use of a Portion of Judiciary, or Armory Square, for a Home for Destitute Newsboys in Washington. Resolution 36 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 36.] A Resolution to grant the Use of a Portion of Judiciary, or Armory Square, for a Home for Destitute Newsboys in Washington.March 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatTrustees of home for destitute newsboys. the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby, authorized to grant to Professor Joseph Henry, Henry Beard, and J.
W. Forney, as trustees, and their successors, the use of a portion of the Judiciary Square, or Armory Square, in the city of Washington, to erect thereon, free from charge to the United States, a suitable building for a “Home for destitute Newsboys;”Proviso. *Provided,* That the same can be done without prejudice to the public interests: *And Provided,*Expenses to be borne by trustees.Building to be removed, when, &c. that all expenses shall be borne by said trustees in erecting, maintaining, and removing said building, and that said building shall be removed whenever the Secretary of the Interior shall require the same to be done.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 37: to compensate the Crew of the United States Steamer “Monitor” for Clothing ana Other Property lost in the Public Service. Resolution 37 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 37.] Joint Resolution to compensate the Crew of the United States Steamer “Monitor” for Clothing ana Other Property lost in the Public Service.March 3, 1863. *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatCrew of the “Monitor” to be compensated for loss of their property. the proper accounting officers of the treasury be, and they are hereby, authorized, in settling the accounts of the petty officers, seamen, and others of the crew of the United States steamer “Monitor,” which was wrecked near Cape Hatteras, on or about the thirtieth day of December, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, to credit each of them with the amount of sixty dollars, to cover their losses of bedding, clothing, and other property, occasioned by the sinking of the said steamer.
Approved, March 3, 1863. No. 38: in Relation to Property devised to the People of the United States by Captain Uriah P. Levy, deceased. Resolution 38 12 Stat. 820 1863-03-03 Little, Brown and Company text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2026-01-23 37 3 public [No. 38.] A Resolution in Relation to Property devised to the People of the United States by Captain Uriah P.
Levy, deceased.March 3, 1863. Whereas,Preamble. Uriah P. Levy, late a captain of the United States navy, died in the city of New York, on the twenty-second day of March, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, leaving a last will and testament, containing the following provision, to wit:Devise and bequest of Uriah P. Levy to the people of the United States, “I give, devise, and bequeath my farm and estate of Monticello, in Virginia, formerly belonging to President Thomas Jefferson, together with all the rest and residue of my estate, real and personal or mixed, not hereby disposed of, wherever or however situated, to the people of the United States, or such persons as Congress shall appoint to receive it, and especially ail my real estate in the city of New York, in trust for the sole and only purposefor an agricultural school. of establishing and maintaining at said farm of Monticello, in Virginia, an agricultural school, for the purpose of educating, as prac-THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Sess. III. Res. 38. 1863.831tical fanners, children of the warrant officers] of the United States navy whose fathers are dead,” subject to certain conditions therein mentioned, Therefore: — *Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled,* ThatAttorney general to ascertain and report the facts. the Attorney-General be authorized and empowered to ascertain the facts in relation to the devise and bequest aforesaid, and report the same, with his opinion as to the validity of the same, and such recommendations as he may think proper to make in reference thereto to the next Congress.
Approved, March 3, 1863. PRIVATE ACTS. 36 36 1 1859 1860 833 PRIVATE ACTS OF THE THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS of the UNITED STATES, *Passed at the first session, which was begun and held at the City of Washington, in the District of Columbia, on Monday, the fifth day of December, A. D.* 1859, *and ended on Monday, the twenty-fifth day of June, A. D.* 1860. James Buchanan, President. John C. Breckinridge, Vice-President, and President of the Senate. William Pennington, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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Chapter CXX
to provide for the Collection of abandoned Property and for the Prevention of Frauds in insurrectionary Districts within the United States
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