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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, OCTOBER 31, 1777
Prayers.
A letter, of the 18 October, from General Gates, with the copy of the convention at Saratoga, whereby General Burgoyne surrenders himself and his whole army; and another, of the 20th, enclosing the copy of a letter from him to Major General John Vaughan, were read :1
[Note 1: 1 The letter of the 18th is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 154, I, folio 278.]
Ordered, That the letters from General Gates, with the papers enclosed, be referred to the Board of War, and that the Committee of Intelligence publish the convention.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, to set apart a day of thanksgiving, for the signal success, lately obtained over the enemies of these United States:
The members chosen, Mr. S[amuel] Adams, Mr. R[ichard] H[enry] Lee, and Mr. [Daniel] Roberdeau.
A letter from Robert Towers, to Mr. Roberdeau, was laid before Congress and read:
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War.
Ordered, That Colonel Wilkinson, who brought the despatches from General Gates, be directed to attend [Congress]:
Colonel Wilkinson attending, was admitted, and having informed Congress that he had sundry papers to lay before Congress as soon as he could have time to digest and arrange them, and having answers to sundry questions relative to the situation of our army, and those of the enemy, before, at the time of, and since the capitulation of General Burgoyne, he withdrew.
Ordered, That an express be immediately despatched to General Washington, with a copy of General Gates's letter to Congress, and the enclosed capitulation.
Adjourned to 4 o'Clock.
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∥Four o'Clock, p. m.∥
The Committee on the Treasury brought in a report, which was taken into consideration: Whereupon,
Ordered, That there be paid to William Buchanan, Esqr. commissary general of purchases, one hundred thousand dollars, for the use of his department, and for which he is to be accountable; and that a copy of this order, certified by the secretary and passed at the Treasury Board, be a sufficient voucher for the payment of the said money.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of James Duane, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, I, folio 457.]
Ordered, That the speech with which Mr. [John] Hancock took leave of Congress, be entered on the journal, which is as follows:
Gentlemen: Friday last compleated two years and five months since you did me the honour of electing me to fill this chair. As I could never flatter myself your choice proceeded from any idea of my abilities, but rather from a partial opinion of my attachment to the liberties of America, I felt myself under the strongest obligations to discharge the duties of the office, and I accepted the appointment with the firmest resolution to go through the business annexed to it in the best manner I was able. Every argument conspired to make me exert myself, and I endeavoured, by industry and attention, to make up for every other deficiency.
As to my conduct, both in and out of Congress, in the execution of your business, it is improper for me to say any thing. You are the best judges. But I think I shall be forgiven if I say I have spared no pains, expence, or labour, to gratify your wishes, and to accomplish the views of Congress.
My health being much impaired, I find some relaxation absolutely necessary, after such constant application; I must therefore request your indulgence for leave of absence for two months.
But I cannot take my departure, gentlemen, without expressing my thanks for the civility and politeness I have experienced from you. It is impossible to mention this without a heartfelt pleasure.
If, in the course of so long a period as I have had the honour to fill this chair, any expressions may have dropped from me that may have
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given the least offence to any member, as it was not intentional, so I hope his candor will pass it over.
May every happiness, gentlemen, attend you, both as members of this house and as individuals; and I pray heaven, that unanimity and perseverance may go hand in hand in this house; and that every thing which may tend to distract or divide your councils be forever banished.
It was then moved, that the thanks of Congress be presented to John Hancock, Esqr. for the unremitted attention and steady impartiality which he has manifested in discharge of the various duties of his office, as president, since his election to the chair on the 24th day of May, 1775.
After debate it was moved, that the consideration of this motion be postponed, till the sense of Congress be taken on a general proposition, and on the question put,
Resolved in the affirmative.
It was then moved to resolve, as the opinion of this Congress, that it is improper to thank any president for the discharge of the duties of that office;
And the yeas and nays being required:
{table}
So the states were equally divided.
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The question being then put on the first motion, and the yeas and nays required:
{table}
So it was resolved in the affirmative.
∥The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,∥
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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