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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, JANUARY 15, 1779
The hon. Mr. [Francis] Lewis having reduced to writing the substance of the conversation between him and the hon. Mr. [Henry] Laurens, on the subject laid before the House in writing by Mr. Laurens on the 11 instant, and also what he knows respecting the matter which was the subject of that conversation, laid the same on the table according to order. And the same being read,
In a Teat à Teat conversation with the Honble. Mr Laurens at York Town, introduced by Mr Laurens's observations on the confused state
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of our commercial transactions, and hinting at some vessels employed in the public service carrying goods on the private account of some members of that committee, which had been communicated to him by his friends from Charles Town.
This led me to relate the following circumstance as a matter, that struck me at the time of its transaction.
Congress at Baltimore, having occasion to send dispatches immediately to France, were informed that a ship laden with tobacco was then in the harbour ready to sail. The Commercial Committee was requested to ask the Captain if he would take the charge of said packet, and that upon his arrival at a port in France, he would deliver the same into the hands of one of the Commissioners at Paris. To this he objected, saying he could not justify himself to his owners, in leaving the ship to proceed with the packet to Paris. He was then asked, if the ship was not laden on the Continental Account. To which he replied, That she was chartered by Messrs. Willing & Morris's clerk, and that the bills of lading which the said Captain signed, were filled up, Shipped by Willing & Morris, concluding therefore that the Cargo was not on account of the public. The Armed Brigantine Lexington was then ordered to be immediately fitted for the sea, and Captain Johnston appointed to carry the dispatches.
A few days after the ships sailing, the Honble. Mr Morris, in a letter to Congress, mentioned a rumour spread at Philadelphia, that the said Ship was taken by the enemy, but hoped it was not true. If it was, that he had fifty Hhds on board on his own account.
This is, as nearly as I can recollect from my memory the conversation that passed between the Honbl. Mr Laurens and myself relative to the foregoing.
Fra: Lewis.
This was delivered at the Table and Read in Congress the 14th January, 1779.2
[Note 2: 2 A note in the writing of Henry Laurens.]
The above is a note in Mr Laurens's hand writing. He ought to have dated 15th., because though the papers were read on the 14th., it was agreed by Congress that no notice should then be taken of it, and that it should be read the next day as if then first brought in, and it was accordingly read Jany. 155th., immediately after reading the Journal.3
[Note 3: 3 A paragraph in the writing of Charles Thomson.]
[Note 3: 3 This paper, in the writing of Francis Lewis, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, IV, folio 207.]
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At the request of Mr. Laurens,
Ordered, That he be furnished with a copy of the said writing.
A report, of 6, and one of 13 January from the Committee of Commerce, were read:
Ordered, That they be referred to the Board of Treasury.
A letter, of this day, from Colonel Armand, Marquis de la Rouerie, was read.1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 164, folio 388.]
In consequence of an adjustment by the Commissioners of Claims, the Auditor General reports,
That there is due to John Rodgers, for sundry ferriages over Susquehannah lower ferry, from March, 1777, to September, 1778, a ballance of one thousand and fifty eight dollars and 80/90ths.
That there is due to William Turnbull, his pay as commissioner of claims, from August 19th to September 12, 1778, one hundred and twenty five dollars.
That there is due to Thomas Ewing, his pay as clerk to the Commissioners of Claims from the 29 July, to 21 September, 1778, one hundred and thirty five dollars.
That there is due to John Norman, for engraving a map, planishing and polishing the plate to be prefixed to General St. Clair's trial, one hundred and thirty three dollars and 30/90ths.
That there is due to Belcher P. Smith, his pay for services in the Secretary's office, from 6 September, to 9 January, 1779, inclusive, 422 36/90 dollars.
That there is due to the Reverend Monsr. Lotbinier, his pay and subsistence as chaplain to Colonel Livingston's regiment, from 11 December, to 10 January, 1779, inclusive, sixty dollars.
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That there is due to Colonel Lewis Nicola, for the officers and privates of the Philadelphia militia, as guards, for the month of September, 1777, one thousand four hundred and ninety dollars and 19/90ths.
There is due to the Estate of George West, late a Lieutenant In Colonel Miles' Regiment, his pay from June the 1st, 1777, to November 14, 1778, the day of his decease; and for rations and subsistance the sum of four hundred and fifty two dollars.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, dated January 14, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, III, folio 31.]
Ordered, That the said accounts be paid.
The Marine Committee, to whom were referred the letters from the governors of Maryland and Virginia, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,
That the size and Construction of the Maryland Gallies render them very unsafe and extremely hazardous for a sea voyage at any season, but more especially the present. That should they be so fortunate as to arrive in safety in the Bason of St Augustine, and the state of that Garrison require a blockade of three months to reduce it, which is asserted, they will in less time than that be under the necessity of retiring for the want of provisions, unless the land army will be so situated and circumstanced, as to enable them from time to time to supply them with provisions, which is a fact your Committee are unable to ascertain, yet absolutely necessary to be known before the gallies are ordered on that Station.
That the great deficiency of sailors and marines, there being but fifteen of the former and eighteen of the latter in the Maryland Gallies, and the impracticability by any encouragement that can be given of manning and equipping them in time so as to cooperate with the land army, are insuperable difficulties against employing these gallies at all. The attempt to man and equip (when there is so little prospect of fully succeeding in it) will be attended with considerable expense and trouble, without answering any valuable or desirable purpose. Your Committee are therefore of opinion that it would be wise and prudent in Congress, considering the danger and risk of a sea voyage at this season, the impracticability of manning in time and the probable
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difficulty of supplying the gallies with provisions during the blockade, to lay aside the design of employing them.
If Congress under these circumstances should still think it necessary that these gallies should proceed. The Committee then Postponed report that a warrant issue in favor of the Governor of Maryland for twenty thousand dollars, to enable him to proceed in manning and equipping the gallies.
That the President and Privy Council of South Carolina, and the Commander in Chief in the Southern Department, be authorized and empowered to appoint an officer to take the Command of all the gullies employed on the intended expedition against E. Florida.
That the President of Congress be requested to inform the governor of Virginia that measures have been taken to protect the trade of Chesapeake Bay, and that Congress flatter themselves a speedy end will be put to the depredations of Godridge and his associates, and also that Congress esteem it necessary to the success of the expedition against East Florida that the troops and gallies requested of that State should proceed to Charlestown in S. Carolina with all convenient Speed.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of William Whipple, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 37, folio 159.]
Resolved, That considering the danger and risque of a sea voyage at this season, the impracticability of manning in time, and the probable difficulty of supplying the Maryland Gallies with provisions during the blockade, the design of employing them be laid aside.
Resolved, That the remainder of the report be postponed.
The Marine Committee, to whom was referred the trial and sentence of the court martial upon Captain McNeil, brought in a report, which was read, and an amendment made thereon; after which,
On motion, Ordered, That the farther consideration thereof be postponed.
The Marine Committee to whom was referred the The trial and sentence of the Court Martial upon Capt. McNeil, beg leave to report,
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That after examining with great care and attention the several charges exhibited against Capt. McNeil, and the Depositions of the witnesses produced to support them, they are of opinion the Charges are not supported by evidence, and that the sentence against Captain McNeil ought not to be carried into execution.
[Amendment.]
That the sentence of the Court Martial against Capt. McNeil be not carried into execution.1
[Note 1: 1 This report and amendment, in the writing of William Whipple, are in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 37, folio 163.]
The committee, to whom was referred the letter of 28 November last from Mons. de Francey, having brought in a report, the same was taken into consideration; and thereupon,
Resolved, That according to the agreement entered into with Mr. de Francey, agent of Mons. de Beaumarchais, at Yorktown, on the 7th day of April, 1778, remittance should be made with all convenient despatch to the said Mr. de Beaumarchais.2
[Note 2: 2 The original report here added: "And that the Honour, Interest and even Safety of these United States require a very strict Attention to the Performance of every part of the said Contract,"]
Resolved, That the requisition of Mr. de Francey, in his letter of 28 November last, is reasonable, and that 3000 hogsheads of tobacco, on account of these United States, be purchased, to be laden on board the ships mentioned in the said letter.3
[Note 3: 3 This report, in the writing of Meriwether Smith, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, Mo. 36, IV, folio 115.]
Resolved, That the following letter be written to Mr. de Beaumarchais:
Sir, The Congress of the United States of America, sensible of your exertions in their favour, present you with their thanks, and assure you of their regard.
They lament the inconveniencies you have suffered by the great advances made in support of these states. Circumstances have prevented a compliance with their wishes, but they will take the most effectual measures in their power to discharge the debt due to you.
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The liberal sentiments and extensive views which alone could dictate a conduct like yours, are conspicuous in your actions and adorn your character. While with great talents you served your prince, you have gained the esteem of this infant republic and will receive the merited applause of a new world.
By order of Congress,
Adjourned to 10 oClock to Morrow.
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