House and Senate Journals, Series 1, 1789-1817

摘要

The Journals of the U.S. House and Senate, Series 1, part of Readex/Newsbank's America's Historical Government Publications series of databases, dates from the beginning of the US government in 1789 to 1817. These journals record the minutes of floor action for the first Congresses, and include floor votes, actions, excerpts from executive department communications, and responses from the floor. While not as extensive as the Congressional Record (or earlier iterations of this title), which contains virtually every word said on the floor (and some things not said), the Journals nevertheless give a real flavor for how the daily life of Congress was spent, and are an important primary source for historians. These early Journal volumes bring alive discussions of early important events in US history, including the Constitutional Convention, the Bill of Rights, development of the first Bank of the United States, the early US Navy and early treaties made by the young nation. Those researching early laws such as the Fugitive Slave Act and the Alien and Sedition Act will find information here. And, of course, by reading the Journals the reader can also examine early interaction of several famous American forefathers such as Alexander Hamilton, George Washington,