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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, MARCH 20, 1779
A letter from J. Clark and J[ames] Johnston, auditors in the army, was read:1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, V, folio 221.]
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of Treasury.
A petition of Rufus Lawrence,2 a soldier in Captain Spaulding's independent company, was read, praying, for sundry reasons therein set forth, to be discharged:
[Note 2: 2 The petition of Lawrence, dated February 20, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, IV, folio 184.]
Ordered, That the prayer of his petition be granted.
A memorial of Mr. Holker was read:
Ordered, That it be referred to the committee on a former memorial from Mr. Holker.
A report from the Board of Treasury was read; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the clerks of the Treasury, Marine Committee, Board of War and Secretary's office be allowed, each, six dollars per day.3
[Note 3: 3 The report was based upon letters from B. P. Smith, of February 19, and from J. Carleton, J. Nicholson, Cornelius Comegys, and Joshua Coit, of February 25, and the Board referred to their report of January 2 on the subject. See Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, III, folio 183.]
A petition of Mary McMyer, widow of Captain Andrew McMyer, and a petition of Hannah Morris, widow of Major Joseph Morris, both which officers fell in battle, were read, praying that provision may be made for their support.4
[Note 4: 4 The petitions, dated August 25 and 27, 1778, are in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No, 42, V, folios 118 and 122.]
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states to set apart a day of fasting humiliation
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and prayer, brought in a draught, which was taken into consideration, and agreed to as follows:
Whereas, in just punishment of our manifold transgressions, it hath pleased the Supreme Disposer of all events to visit these United States with a destructive calamitous war, through which His divine Providence hath, hitherto, in a wonderful manner, conducted us, so that we might acknowledge that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong: and whereas, there is but too much Reason to fear that notwithstanding the chastisements received and benefits bestowed, too few have been sufficiently awakened to a sense of their guilt, or warmed our Bosoms with gratitude, or taught to amend their lives and turn from their sins, that so He might turn from His wrath. And whereas, from a consciousness of what we have merited at His hands, and an apprehension that the malevolence of our disappointed enemies, like the incredulity of Pharaoh, may be used as the scourge of Omnipotence to vindicate his slighted Majesty, there is reason to fear that he may permit much of our land to become the prey of the spoiler, and the Blood of the innocent be poured out that our borders to be ravaged, and our habitations destroyed:
Resolved, That it be recommended to the several states to appoint the first Thursday in May next, to be a day of fasting, Thanksgiving humiliation and prayer to Almighty God, that he will be pleased to avert those impending calamities which we have but too well deserved: that he will grant us his grace to repent of our sins, and amend our lives, according to his holy word: that he will continue that wonderful protection which hath led us through the paths of danger and distress: that he will be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless children, who weep over the barbarities of a savage enemy: that he will grant us patience in suffering, and fortitude in adversity: that he will inspire us with humility and moderation, and gratitude in prosperous circumstances: that he will give wisdom to our councils, firmness to our resolutions, and victory to our arms That he will have Mercy on our Foes, and graciously forgive them, and turn their Hearts from Enmity to Love.
That he will bless the labours of the husbandman, and pour forth abundance, so that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth in due season.
[That he will cause union, harmony, and mutual confidence to prevail throughout these states: that he will bestow on our great ally all those
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blessings which may enable him to be gloriously instrumental in protecting the rights of mankind, and promoting the happiness of his subjects and advancing the Peace and Liberty of Nations. That he will give to both Parties to this Alliance, Grace to perform with Honor and Fidelity their National Engagements].1 That he will bountifully continue his paternal care to the commander in chief, and the officers and soldiers of the United States: that he will grant the blessings of peace to all contending nations, freedom to those who are in bondage, and comfort to the afflicted: that he will diffuse useful knowledge, extend the influence of true religion, and give us that peace of mind, which the world cannot give: that he will be our shield in the day of battle, our comforter in the hour of death, and our kind parent and merciful judge through time and through eternity.
[Note 1: 1 Words in brackets are in writing of John Jay.]
Done in Congress, this 20th day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, and in the third year of our independence.
John Jay, President.
Attest, Charles Thomson, Secretary.2
[Note 2: 2 This proclamation, in the writing of Gouverneur Morris, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 437.]
A letter, of February 6, from J. Rutledge, governor of South Carolina, and one, of the 8th March, from P. Henry, governor of Virginia, were read:
Ordered, That they be referred to the committee appointed to take into consideration the circumstances of the southern states, &c.
Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the committee on the application from the general assembly of Pensylvania; Whereupon,
Resolved, That a sum not exceeding two millions of dollars be granted on loan to the State of Pensylvania, at 6 per cent. per annum, agreeable to the request of the said State; and that the Board of Treasury prepare and report a proper resolution on the subject.
Resolved, That two members be added to the committee on the memorials from Mr. Holker:
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The members chosen, Mr. G[ouverneur] Morris and Mr. [William] Carmichael.
Congress proceeded to the election of a secretary and paymaster to the navy board in the middle district, and the ballots being taken,
Mr. Joseph Pennel was elected.
A letter, of 6 February, from Major General R. Howe was read.
The Committee, to whom was referred the Information respecting Col. Mitchell's obliterating and expunging certain Entries contained in one of his office Books, report as follows:
That they have examined Mr. John Hall, Clerk in the said office, who made the Entries in the said Book, and who afterwards obliterated and expunged one Entry in the said Book, and who obliterated Parts of another Entry and inserted other words, which Entries are those upon which the above Information was given; that the said Examination was on oath and is herewith delivered, and also the Book containing those Entries, to which said Examination and Book your Committee beg leave to refer.
Your Committee are of Opinion that no Evidence appears to prove that the said Col. Mitchell, in ordering and directing the said John Hall, his clerk, to make the said alterations and obliterations, has acted criminally or fraudulently.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of William Paca, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, I, folio 127. Hall's affidavit, written upon the same sheet, is dated March 20. The committee was named January 26.]
Adjourned to 10 o Chock on Monday.
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