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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 --WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1778
A letter, of 17, from W. Smith, at Baltimore, was read, informing that his private business puts it out of his power to give any further attendance at the navy board now removed to Philadelphia, and therefore requesting Congress will accept his resignation;2 Whereupon,
[Note 2: 2 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 787 XX, folio 225.]
Resolved, That the resignation of William Smith, as commissioner of the navy board in the middle district be accepted.
The Board of War, to whom were referred the letters from his Excellency P. Henry, governor of Virginia, dated 8 and 10 July, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration, and after debate,
Resolved, That it be re-committed.
Resolved, That a member from Pensylvania and a member from Virginia be appointed to consult with the Board of War on the subject of this report:
The members chosen, Mr. [Joseph] Reed and Mr. [John] Harvie.
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Ordered, That the Board of War and committee meet on this business forthwith, and report thereon as soon as possible.
A letter, of 16, from Governor Henry, of Virginia, was read.1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 71, I, folio 179.]
The Committee on the Treasury brought in a report.
Before it was read, a member called for the determination of the question, which was postponed at the request of a State on the 13th. Whereupon a debate arose, which should have a preference, the report from the treasury or the determination of the question postponed. During this debate a member desired that the secretary might give information respecting the practice of the House. This being objected to, a motion was made:
"That the sense of the House be taken whether when a difference of opinion arises in Congress with respect to the true meaning of a rule of the House, a member may of right ask information of the secretary of Congress, with respect to the practice of the House on the rule on which a difference of opinion subsists."
An amendment was moved to insert after "information" these words, "through the chair"
The yeas and nays being required by Mr. G[ouverneur] Morris:
{table}
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So the house being equally divided the amendment was lost.
Resolved, That the farther consideration of the motion under debate be postponed.
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock to Morrow,
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