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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 --THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 1777
Resolved, That 1,000 dollars be advanced to Lieutenant Colonel John Neville, for the use of the 12 Virginia regiment,and charged to Robert Wood, he to be accountable.
The Board of Treasury beg Leave to report,
That the pay of the paymaster General be increased toDollars pr Month, to be computed from the first Day of January last, that he be allowed an additional Clerk, and have the rank of Colonel.
That, the pay of the several Deputy paymasters to be appointed by the paymaster, or Deputy paymasters General agreeable to a Resolve of Congress of theDay oflast, beDollars pr Month, and that the said paymaster and Deputy paymasters General be respectively directed to take Bonds of such Deputies for the faithful performance of their Office, in such penalties as the Commander in chief or Commander of the Department shall direct.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Elbridge Gerry, is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, I, folio 227. It is indorsed as made June 12, 1777.]
Mr. [Jonathan Dickinson] Sergeant laid before Congress a letter from Gunning Bedford, dated City Tavern, Wednesday night, half ∥after∥ 8 o'clock,challenging him to meet him at the Center House armed with a pair of pistols containing a challenge for words spoken by Mr. Sergeant in the course of debate in Congress, together with his answer, and Mr. Bedford's reply, which were read:2
[Note 2: 2 These papers are in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, II, folios 193--199.]
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Sundry resolutions thereon being moved seconded, and debated, the decision thereof was put off, by the delegate of North Carolina, in behalf of the said State.
Resolved, That the Conduct of Gunning Bedford in sending a Challenge to Jonathan D. Sergeant Esqr. a Member of this House, for Words spoken in this House in the Discharge of his Duty, is highly reprehensible, and subversive of that Freedom of Speech which is Essential to the Constitution, and Authority of this House.
Resolved, That the Letter of the said Gunning Bedford to Jonathan D. Sergeant Esqr. of --, contains false, and scandalous Imputations against this House, unbecoming the Character of a Person who would wish to be considered as a Friend to the Liberties of America.
Resolved, That Gunning Bedford Esqr., be and he is hereby renderd incapable of Serving the united States in any Capacity whatsoever unless he shall make an adequate Reparation for the Insult by him offered to the Authority of this House within the Space of Forty Eight Hours.
Resolved, That the Letters of Gunning Bedford Esqr., to Jonathan D. Sergeant, together with a Copy of these Resolutions be transmitted to the President and Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pensylvania, in order that they take such farther Measures with the said Gunning Bedford, as they shall deem expedient.1
[Note 1: 1 This motion, in the writing of William Duer, is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, IV, folio 187.]
Resolved, That the Freedom of Speech and Debate in Congress ought not to be impeached or questioned in any Court or Place, out of Congress.
Resolved, That the said Letters from Gunning Bedford Esqr. to Mr. Sergeant, a Member of this Congress, from the State of New Jersey, is a most daring Contempt of the Authority of this House and Violation of the Priviledge of the said Member.
Resolved, the said Member, in laying the said Letters before Congress, did what his Duty to this House and the State he represents required of him.
Resolved, That it is the Right and the Duty of this Congress, to vindicate its own Authority from Contempts, and the Priviledges of all its Members.
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Resolved, that the said Gunning Bedford Esqr. be taken into Custody of the Door keeper of this Congress, and committed toNeg[atived]. the Prison in this City, for his Contempt and Breach of Priviledge aforesaid, untill the further order of Congress.1
[Note 1: 1 This motion, in the writing of John Adams, is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, IV, folio 189.]
The several matters to this day referred, being postponed.2.
[Note 2: 2 In thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 68, folio 263, is a letter from William Livingston, June 11, read on the 12th. It is endorsed as referred to the Board of War.]
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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