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A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1784.
Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pensylvania, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina; and from the State of New Jersey, Mr. [John] Beatty; from Delaware, Mr. [James] Tilton; and from Maryland, Mr. [Jeremiah Townley] Chase.
The Committee [Mr. Edward Hand, Mr. James Tilton, Mr. Samuel Osgood] to whom was referred the memorial of Brigadier General Michael Jackson, in which he sets forth that he has been severely wounded in the service of the United States, and hopes and expects in consequence thereof that Congress will order him the emoluments of a Brigadier General, or a pecuniary reward equal thereto, beg leave to report,
That in their resolutions of 26th. August, 1776, and 25th September, 1778, Congress have expressly declared that the provision made for an officer or soldier, who has lost a limb in the service, or is otherwise rendered incapable of getting a livelihood shall not exceed one half of his monthly pay. That General Jackson continued in service until the end of the war and received the full pay and emoluments of a Colonel until the late discharge of the army; that he is at this time entitled to the commutation of a Colonel, and that in the present state of the public finances, it would be inexpedient to increase his emoluments;
Wherefore Resolved, That the desire of Brigadier General M. Jackson, for an increase of his emoluments as set forth in his memorial of the 18th November, 1783, cannot be complied with.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of James Tilton, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, III, folio 269. The indorsement states that it was read on this day. It was filed, "the act of 7 June, 1785, having made provision." See post, June 7, 1785. Jackson's memorial is in No. 41, IV, folio 463.]
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The Committee consisting of Mr. [Arthur] Lee, Mr. [William] Ellery and Mr. [John] Beatty, to whom was referred a motion of Mr. [David] Howell, beg leave to report the following resolution:
Resolved, That the President be directed to write to the Executives of the Several states in the union informing them that notwithstanding the necessity of a full representation in Congress has been repeatedly pressed upon the states, yet nine states are not represented; that the settling a General Peace with the Indians, assigning the quotas to each state and arranging the western territory, together with many other transactions of the last importance to the honor and interest of the United States require indispensably the presence of nine states, and ought to have the fullest representation of the Union; that Congress think it will be expedient to adjourn in May, and leave the business of less moment to a Committee of the States; that therefore the Executives of the States be most earnestly requested to exert themselves immediately and effectually in urging on the delegates of the same, that business of such high concern to the public may be no longer delayed by their absence.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Arthur Lee, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 313. Committee Book No. 191 shows that it was delivered on this day and filed.]
The Committee of the Week [Mr. Samuel Osgood, Mr. John Montgomery and Mr. James Monroe] report on the application of Captain Edward Phelon for compensation for his sufferings in the service of these states that the memorial be read in Congress.2
[Note 2: 2 This report, in the writing of Samuel Osgood, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, VIII, folio 182. It was brought in on this or an approximate date. Phelon's application was read April I and referred to Mr. [Hugh] Williamson, Mr. [Edward] Hand and Mr. [David] Howell. It is on folio 180.]
[Report of Mr. David Howell, Mr. Hugh Williamson, Mr. Jacob Read, on a motion respecting the irregularity of the Post Office.]
The Committee to whom was referred a motion of Mr. [David] Howell for enquiring into the reasons of the late irregularities in the arrival of the mails at this place--submit the following report:
It appears to your Committee that there have been great defects and irregularities in the arrival of both the northern and southern mails at this place for the last seven weeks, that tho' the severity of the season may help to account therefor in some measure, yet as there have been instances in which the post roads have been passed, both by carriage and travellers on horse back, while the post riders
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omitted performing their tours of duty, there is reason to apprehend some culpable neglect whereupon your Committee submit the following resolution
Resolved, That the Postmaster General be directed to enquire into and report to Congress the reasons of the late defects and irregularities in the arrival of the mails at this place, and to dismiss or cause to be dismissed from the service of the department any person or persons, who may appear to have culpably neglected his duty.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of David Howell, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 61, folio 525. The indorsement states that it was read on this day.]
Office of Finance, 24th Jany., 1784.
Sir:
The reestablishment of peace having at length given room for the proper investigations, it becomes in me a duty of public justice to mention to Congress the situation of those persons in Canada, or out of it, who are creditors to the United States for property furnished or services rendered in that Country. To these may perhaps be added those who have claims for damages sustained. Persuaded (as I am) that unless some general arrangements be taken on this subject it will occasion a great expense of time and money together with the loss of reputation, I think economy as well as justice calls for a due attention to the subject in the present moment.
I submit then the following ideas, not as being a perfect plan, but merely as hints to be perfectioned by the wise care of the United States. And first it might be proper, that a Commissioner were appointed to go into Canada, for the purpose of examining into the several claims above-mentioned, with power to liquidate the same and to give certificates of the amount. If it be a desirable thing that justice be done, it is a necessary thing that the enquiries be made on the spot. There and there alone can the due investigations take place, so as to prevent either the public or Individuals from being defrauded. Besides it will cost no more to maintain a Commissioner there, than it will here, and many who have been both distressed and oppressed are confined to that spot by their circumstances. It may also appear to be of some importance, that by doing justice to these people unsolicited, we secure their affections, which will prevent Great Britain from using them hereafter against us. Neither will it escape the attention of Congress that such a Commissioner may
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transmit useful intelligence; but this being rather in the Department of Foreign Affairs, I shall not enlarge on it.
A natural question will probably arise as to the means of payment. This may be answered by applying a like question to the case of other public debts. But I conceive that another, if not a better answer may be given. If a new State was set off about Detroit, and the Lands sold to all inclining to purchase, with permission to pay in certified Canadian debts, not only as specie, but even at a premium of five per cent, the lands would pay the debts and the United States would gain more than the amount of the payment by the very act of making it. For an equal if not greater number of persons than the Creditors in Canada would become settlers from that Country, and bring with them property beyond their purchase money. Nor is that all. Such State would become a barrier of infinite importance. It would secure eternal peace with the Indians and it would secure the Indian trade. For it would soon place the principal traders at that spot in the character of American citizens.
Robt. Morris.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 137, III, folio 447. The indorsement states that it was read on this day. It was referred to Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, Mr. [James] Monroe, Mr. [Jacob] Read, Mr. [Roger] Sherman and Mr. [David] Howell.]
The Committee, consisting of Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, Mr. [James] Monroe, Mr. [Jacob] Read, Mr. [Roger] Sherman and Mr. [David] Howell, to whom was referred the report of a Committee on a memorial of the refugees from Canada and also the motion of Mr. [James] Monroe of the 10th. February instant report,
That at the Commencement of the late War with Great Britain the United States in Congress assembled, were very justly impressed with the great weight and importance of the province of Quebec and of the decided effect that the conduct of the inhabitants of Canada must necessarily have in the dispute.
That Congress therefore took early measures to engage the inhabitants of Canada in the interest of America, and if not to take an active part at least to ensure their neutrality. The address to the Inhabitants of the province of Quebec of the 26th. October 1774 and the letter of 29th. May, 1775, to the inhabitants of Canada contain the strongest assurances that Congress will pursue no measures
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whatever but such as friendship & a regard for mutual safety & Interest might suggest."1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Jacob Read, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 35, folio 87. It is undated, but was probably submitted on this or an approximate date. See ante February 10.]
The Committee consisting of Mr. [Richard Dobbs] Spaight, Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry and Mr. [Arthur] Lee to whom were [referred] the report of the Superintendant of Finance on an extract from the Journals of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, and the report of the Superintendant of Finance, on letters from Benjamin Stelle, Commissioner for settling accounts in the State of Pennsylvania, beg leave to report.
That, after having duly considered the matters to them referred, they submit the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Commissioner for Pennsylvania govern himself by the directions given, and the rules prescribed by the Superintendant of Finance and the Comptroller of the Treasury.2
[Note 2: 2 This report, in the writing of Richard Dobbs Spaight, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, V, folio 409. It is undated, but Committee Book, No. 186, gives it the date of January 12, and states that it was renewed February 13. The committee was enlarged by the addition of John Beatty and Roger Sherman and reported April 13, according to Committee Book, No. 186.
On February 14, according to the indorsement, was read a memorial of L. Liebert. It is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, V, folio 321.]
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