Page:Journal of the Sixth Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan.djvu/68

56, February 5, 1834.

The following message was received from the Secretary of the Territory and Acting Governor thereof, by Mr. Hunt:

By the act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for the government of the territory northwest of the river Ohio, approved August 7, 1789, the provisions of which act were, in their full extent, applied to the territory of Michigan by an act of Congress, entitled "An act to divide the Indiana territory into two separate governments," approved January 11, 1805, it is provided "that in case of the death, removal, resignation, or necessary absence of the Governor of the territory, the Secretary thereof shall be and is authorized and required to execute all the powers and perform all the duties of the Governor, during the vacancy occasioned by the removal, resignation, or necessary absence of said Governor."

Although not officially notified of the fact, by his excellency Governor Porter, I have the honor to inform you that the Governor of the territory has left the seat of government, and that the duties of the executive department have devolved upon me, during his temporary and "necessary absence." In all matters which may require the immediate action of the Legislative Council, whatever aid can be rendered by the co-operation of the executive, before the return of the Governor, will be cheerfully and promptly afforded.

STEVENS T. MASON.

Feb. 5, 1834.

On motion of Mr. Doty,

Ordered, That the message be entered on the Journal of the Council.

Mr. Millington presented a petition from the inhabitants of township two south of range three east, in the county of Washtenaw, praying that it may be organized into a separate township by the name of Sylvan. Referred to the committee on territorial affairs.

Mr. Millington presented a petition from the inhabitants of township two, south of range four east, in the county of Washtenaw, praying for the organization of the same into a separate township, to be called Lima. Referred to the committee on territorial affairs.

Mr. Hascall presented the proceedings of the stockholders of the Pontiac Academy, in the county of Oakland, applying for a change of the name of that institution. Referred to the committee on incorporations.

Mr. Millington presented a petition from sundry inhabitants of the village of Ypsilanti, praying for the incorporation of a bank, to be located in that village. Referred to the committee on incorporations.

Mr. Britain presented a petition from sundry inhabitants of the