In reply to these objections, and in support of the resolution, the humanity of the House was strongly appealed to. It was urged that the Government could in nowise be involved by an appeal to the generosity of the provincial government; that these men had not wilfully committed piracy, but had been deluded under various pretences to join the expedition; that they had joined it under a belief that they were entering into the service of the United States; that, even admitting them to have been indiscreetly led to join the enterprise, knowing it to be destined for a foreign service, yet, that they had been sufficiently punished by the penalty they had already undergone; that it was wholly immaterial what inference any persons might draw from the conduct of the United States in this respect, as to their concern with the original expedition; that such considerations should have no weight with the House; that if these poor fellows were guilty, they had repented of it; and Mr. NELSON quoted on this point the Scriptures, to show that there should be more joy over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and nine who have no need of repentance. In reply to an intimation that it was not even ascertained that they were American citizens, Mr. BACON observed that one of them had been born in the same town in which he was, and was of a reputable family. The resolution was negatived by the committee--49 to 31. The committee rose and reported the resolution, which report the House agreed now to consider--ayes 57. The question of concurrence with the committee in their disagreement to the resolution, was decided by yeas and nays, 50 to 34. On motion, the House adjourned. TUESDAY, December 20. A new member, to wit, JOSEPH STORY, returned to serve in this House, as a member for the State of Massachusetts, in the room of Jacob Crowninshield, deceased, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat in the House. WEDNESDAY, December 21. _Captain Pike's Expedition._ On motion of Mr. J. MONTGOMERY, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, on the bill making compensation to Z. M. Pike and his companions. [The first section of this bill grants to Captain Pike and his companions a certain quantity of land. The second section allows them double pay during the time they were engaged in exploring the western country.] Mr. STANFORD moved to strike out the first section of the bill; which was negatived--53 to 38. The second section was stricken out--42 to 35. A considerable debate took place on this bill, in which Messrs. MONTGOMERY, LYON and ALEXANDER supported the bill, and Messrs. MACON, DURELL, STANFORD and TALLMADGE opposed it. The bill being gone through, was reported to the House. SATURDAY, December 31. _Division of the Indiana Territory._