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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, NOVEMBER 14, 1778
A letter, from Lieutenant Donald M'Leod, a prisoner on parole, was read, praying, in behalf of himself and eleven others in similar circumstances, that two of them may be permitted to go to New York to negotiate for an exchange; or, if that cannot be done, to bring a supply for them all.
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War.
A letter of this day from Major General Arnold was read, enclosing a letter of the 9th, from R. Peters, member of the Board of War:2
[Note 2: 2 Arnold's letter is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 162, folio 161.]
Ordered, That the same be referred to the Board of War.
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A letter, of 1 and 13th, from Mr. S. Deane, was read, enclosing a memoire on the subject of currency, and establishing a marine or naval force for the defence of the American coast:
Ordered, To lie on the table for the perusal of the members.
A letter, of 9th, from Colonel Hartley, at Sunbury, to the council of Pensylvania, and one of the same date to the Board of War, were laid before Congress and read;1 Whereupon,
[Note 1: 1 These letters are in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, XI, folios 359 and 363.]
Ordered, That a copy of the letter to the Board of War be sent to General Washington, and that he be directed to take such measures relative to the subject matter thereof, as he may judge necessary:
That the Board of War give orders to the proper officers, for furnishing the troops in the posts or the western frontiers under the command of Colonel Hartley, with provisions and other necessary supplies.
The Marine Committee, to whom was referred the letter from Major Silas Talbot, brought in a report; Whereupon,
Resolved, That Congress have a high sense of the bravery and good conduct of Major Silas Talbot, of the State of Rhode Island, and the officers and men under his command, in boarding and taking the armed schoonerPigot of eight twelve pounders and forty five men, in the east passage between Rhode Island and the main; and that he, as a reward of merit and for the encouragement of a spirit of enterprize, be presented with the commission of lieutenant colonel in the army of the United States.
Another report from the Marine Committee was read; Whereupon,
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Resolved, That, to encourage seamen to enter into the service of the United States, those who shall engage for a term not less than twelve months, be supplied with slops in such quantities and with such abatements, not exceeding fifty per cent. on the cost thereof, as the Marine Committee shall, from time to time, judge necessary.
Resolved, That pursers be appointed in the navy of the United States for all vessels not under sixteen guns, and that their pay be equal to that of surgeons in the navy.
Whereas by the act of Congress ordering the distribution of prize money amongst the petty warrant and petty officers in the navy of the United States no provision has been made for the carpenter's and gunner's mates:
Resolved, That the carpenter's and gunner's mates share equally in prize money with the other petty warrant and petty officers in the navy of the United States.
The Committee on the Treasury brought in a report; Whereupon,
Ordered, That a warrant issue on the treasurer in favour of John Gibson, Esq. for four thousand seven hundred and ten dollars, to enable him to discharge the residue of a warrant drawn on him by the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. President of Congress, in favour of the delegates of the State of Rhode Island, for ten thousand dollars, dated 5 July, 1777; for which the said J. Gibson is to be accountable.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, II folio 697.]
Ordered, That Mr. [Henry] Marchant have leave of absence.
Congress resumed the consideration of the report of finance, and some time being spent thereon,
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock on Monday.
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