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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 --THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1779
A memorial from Captain William Macpherson was read; Whereupon,
Resolved, That a brevet of major in the army of the United States be granted to William Macpherson, and that, while in actual service, he receive the pay and subsistence of a major.
Ordered, That Major Macpherson repair to the southern army, and receive the orders of Major General Lincoln, or the commanding officer in that department for the time being.
A letter, of the 15th, from Colonel Knobelauch was read;1 Whereupon,
[Note 1: 1 The memorial of Macpherson is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, VI, folio 145; the letter of Knobelauch is in No. 78, XIII, folio 549.]
The committee to whom his memorial was referred, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; and thereupon Congress came to the following resolution:
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from Col. Knoblauch of September 4, 1779, report:
That it appears Colonel Knoblauch was strongly recommended to Congress and General Washington, by Dr. Franklin and William Lee Esqrs. His certificates evincing at the same time, that he is a gallant, skilful and experienced officer.
That Colonel Knoblauch be informed, that although Congress entertain a high opinion of his merit, yet they find it impracticable to employ him in the armies of the United States agreeable to his wishes.
That Col. Knaublauch receive the thanks of Congress for his zeal in the Cause of America and his Willingness to serve in the army of the U. States.
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Resolved, That although Colonel Knoblauch brought with him very respectable recommendations to a member of Congress, and to General Washington, yet it is inconsistent with the arrangement of the army to employ him agreable to his wishes.
Resolved, That Congress entertain a proper sense of Colonel Knoblauch's zeal for the cause of America, and that the sum of 10,000 dollars be paid to Colonel Knoblauch, in order to defray his expences to Europe, and those incurred during his residence in America.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Frederick A. Muhlenberg, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, III, folio 373½. What is printed in large type was an amendment, and is on folio 373, in the writing of John Jay.]
Resolved, That the order of 26 August, in favor of Colonel Knoblauch, be cancelled.
The Board of War, to whom was referred the letter from Major Widdersheim, brought in a report; Whereupon,
War Office, September 15, 1779.
The Board having examined the memorial and credentials therewith referred by Major Widdersheim, beg leave to report,
That it appears he holds the rank set forth in his memorial; but as we are unacquainted with the encouragement given in Europe as he alleges in the year 1776, we cannot pretend to say what operation it should have. But it should seem that the period is too distant for any public offers then made to have effect at this day, so as to operate as an obligation upon the United States to give employment to officers, coming here at this stage of the war. Be this as it may, we are convinced Major Widdersheim cannot be introduced into the line of the army advantageously either to himself or the United States. We therefore propose that it be,
Resolved, That Major Widdersheim be informed that tho' Congress entertain a proper sense of his offer to enter into the service of these States, yet it is impracticable to employ him in the line of the Army consistent with the arrangement thereof.
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On conversing with Major Widdersheim, we find that there is the greatest reason to believe he was induced by the publication he mentions, to think he could obtain employment in this Country. He says he lost his baggage in coming from Holland to St. Ustatias by shipwreck. He appears to be a modest, sensible man, and so reasonable as to acknowledge, on the circumstances of our army being stated to him, that he ought not to expect rank therein, in violation of the rights of our own officers, many of whom he must of course command if gratified in his wishes of preferment. He is therefore satisfied to return home with the disappointment, but thinks it hard he should have no indemnification for his losses, as his family is large, and they will be injured by his disbursements on his voyage. Nor is it possible for him to get to Europe without the assistance of the United States, as he has little money and no friends. We therefore beg leave to submit to Congress whether it would not be proper that the sum of Dollars be paid to Major Widdersheim to enable him to return to Europe.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147, II, folio 459.]
A letter, of this day, from William Palfrey, pay master general, was read,2 informing that John Baynton has resigned the office of pay master for the western district, and that it is necessary another person be appointed to succeed him; Whereupon,
[Note 2: 2 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 165. folio 513.]
Congress proceeded to an election, and the ballots being taken, John Boreman was elected deputy pay master for the western district, in the room of Mr. John Baynton, resigned.
Ordered, That the letter be referred to the Board of Treasury.
The Committee of Commerce, to whom was referred the letter of P. Permet, brought in a report,
Ordered, That it be re-committed, and that the committee take order thereon.
Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the committee on further ways and means for supplying the Treasury, and some time being spent thereon,
Adjourned to 10 oClock to Morrow.
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