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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 --SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 17783
[Note 3: 3 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, XV, folio 301.]
A letter of the 29 from J. Mease, Esq. with one enclosed from S. Caldwell, was read:4
[Note 4: 4 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 33, folio 71.]
Ordered, That it be referred to a committee of three: the members chosen, Mr. F[rancis] L[ightfoot] Lee, Mr. [James] Lovell, and Mr. [William] Duer.
A letter, of the 28, from the committee at the camp, was read, representing the necessity of appointing, without delay, a quarter master general.5
Congress resumed the consideration of the report from the Board of War, respecting the quarter master's department; Whereupon, it was moved,
[Note 4: 4 From this point the writing is that of Charles Thomson.]
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"That an officer of rank, activity, and well acquainted by experience with the business of quarter master general, be immediately appointed to that office, and that he be empowered to arrange the department with the approbation and concurrence of the Board of War:"
To this an amendment was moved to strike out what follows "office" and insert: "immediately to enter upon the execution thereof, under the present regulations, and that the quarter master be directed, in concurrence with the Board of War, to prepare a new arrangement for that department, to be laid before Congress for consideration." After debate,
It was moved, That the consideration of the subject be postponed till Monday:
{table}
So it was resolved in the affirmative.
The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,
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Resolved, That the resignation of Colonel Stevens be accepted.
Resolved, That the Baron Holzendorf have leave to resign his commission of lieutenant colonel, and have liberty to depart for France:
That Brigadier General de Roche Fermoy have leave to resign his commission in the service of these states, and liberty to depart for France:
That it be referred to the Board of Treasury to consider and report whether any and what compensation shall be made to the two last gentlemen for their losses, and what sums shall be paid them to defray their expences home.
The Board of War brought in another report on Indian affairs, which was read:
At a Board of War Feby. 1st. 1778
Present General Gates and Mr Peters.
The Board taking into consideration the letters on Indian affairs, Agreed to Report:
That it is impossible for this Board, to determine the Language which ought, with Propriety, to be held out to the indians at the intended Treaty at Johnstown, in the State of New York, as the Addresses to them should be adapted to such as are received upon the Occasion from their side, and as Exigencies point out. Soothing them, will certainly produce Contempt, and inspire them with an Idea of our Unimportance. They therefore would humbly suggest, that the Commissioners be instructed to speak to them, in a Tone becoming the Representatives of Free and Independent States, and such as will convince them that we feel that we are so. Every Species of Insult or threat, should be retaliated; but the Commissioners are or will be, the best Judges whether, from the Temper they find among the Indians supposed to be disaffected, it will be right to insist upon their taking an Active Part in our Favor, as, according to their representation, it seems doubbtful against whom they will Act, when they are permitted to embody.
The Expedition now on Foot, will, according to its Success have great Operation upon Indian Affairs; therefore the Board are of Opinion, that at this Time a solid Judgement cannot be formed, concerning future proceedings; and that therefore the Commissioners should be
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strengthened as to Number; and invested with discretionary Powers to Speak, or Act, as Occasion may require; and they should be assured that Congress will support them in any Measures they think proper to adopt.
That the Commissioners be informed, how impossible it is to procure Blankets for Covering our Troops, and therefore their Request of 5, or 600 for the Indians, cannot be complied with, unless they can purchase them; which they should be Authorized to do, or wait the Event of the Expedition; unless they can be procured out of the Public Stores to the Eastward; in which case the Commissioners be invested with Power to order the Number required to be sent to Johnstown.
That the Commissioners be Authorized, and directed, to Comply with Mr Wheelock's request, as to the Maintenance and Education of the Indian Children.
That they be acquainted, that the Hard Money in the Chest at Albany, is ordered up to Co'os for the intended Expedition.
The Board beg Leave to Suggest the Necessity of Genl. Schuyler's Presence at the Treaty.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, dated February 1, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147, I, folio 465. See under February 2.]
Ordered, That it be referred to a committee of three. The members chosen, Mr. [Thomas] M'Kean, Mr. [William] Ellery, and Mr. [Abraham] Clark.
The Committee of Commerce laid before Congress an account received from Captain Willing:
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of Treasury.
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock on Monday.
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