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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 --MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1780
A letter, of the 17th, from General Washington, was read:
Ordered, That the same be referred to the Board of War. The Board of War, to whom was referred General Schuyler's letter, of the 5th, brought in a report, which was read; Whereupon,
At a Board of War, Feby 19. 1780
Present Colo Pickering, Mr Peters, Col Grayson
The Board having considered Genl Schuyler's letter of the 5th instant, agree in sentiment with the Commissioners of Indian affairs in the Northern department as to the policy of the measures recommended by them with respect to ensuring the performance of any engagements the savages may make, but whether the Indians will deem it politic on their side is yet problematical, as it will have a tendency to embroil them with the Enemy. It therefore seems necessary to give discretionary powers to the Commissioners in this respect, as any plan established here may interfere with circumstances arising in the course of the Treaty. If the Indians can be prevailed on to take an active part with us, it will certainly be the best means of insuring their fidelity to the United States by involving them in our
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contest and its consequences. But their operations will much depend upon the supplies we give them, and it is a question whether we are able to support them when they throw themselves entirely upon us, if we do not supply them, they may make it a pretext for breaking the Treaty from necessity. But if a Treaty of amity and strict neutrality could be established, we should not be deemed responsible for any supplies farther than was consistent with our convenience and abilities. But this is a matter on which the board do not form any decided opinion, leaving it to the judgment of Congress, and those they have been pleased to entrust with the business.
They beg leave to report,
Resolved, That the Commissioners of Indian affairs in the Northern department, be authorized and instructed to take such securities from the hostile tribes of Indians and fall upon such methods to insure the faithful performance of their engagements the savages may make at any treaty entered into with them by with the said commissioners for establishing peace and friendship between the said Indians and the inhabitants of these States, as to them shall seem best adapted to circumstances as seem most conducive to the end, proposed without confining themselves to any particular for that purpose, in lieu of hostages.
That a Warrant issue on the Treasurer in favor of the pay master of the Board of War and Ordnance for the sum ofdollars to be transmitted to the commissioners of Indian affairs in the Northern department for the purpose of defraying the expence of an expected Treaty with the hostile Tribes of Savages, and for rewarding by proper presents the Oneidas and Tuscarurraes who have continued faithfully attached to the interest of these States.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147, IV, folio 171.]
Ordered, That the last paragraph of the report, relative to an advance of money for the purpose of defraying the expence of an expected Treaty with the hostile tribes of Indians, be referred to the Board of Treasury.
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The report of the Board of War on the letter from Colonel White was read; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the promotion of the artillery and horse be determined by the rules executed with regard to the infantry; and that no promotions to the rank of colonel, either in the artillery or cavalry, be made on vacancies.
Another report from the Board of War was read; Whereupon,
At a Board of War, Feb: 15. 1780
Present Mr. Peters Col Grayson
The Board having recd frequent applications for commissions from the Aides de Camp who were appointed previous to the resolution of May the 27th. 1778, were induced to write a letter to Gen.1 Washington on the subject. They take the liberty to enclose his Excellency's answer and beg leave to report
Resolved, That all aids de camp now in service, who were appointed before the 27th of May, 1778, and are not admissible into any state line, receive commissions agreeably to the rank they are entitled to, under the resolution of June 5th, 1776; the commissions to bear the dates of their appointments.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147, IV, folio 151.]
Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the committee for estimating supplies, and in debating the following paragraph, viz. "West India rum good proof one dollar and one half per gallon."
A motion was made by Mr. [Nathaniel] Peabody, seconded by Mr. [George] Partridge, to strike out the words, "one dollar and an half," and in lieu thereof, insert "two dollars and a half."
On the question shall the words moved to be struck out stand, the yeas and nays were required by Mr. [Nathaniel] Peabody,
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{table}
So it passed in the affirmative.
"Best alum, or rock salt, per bushel, three dollars."
A motion was made by Mr. [James] Forbes, seconded by Mr. [George] Plater, to strike out "three dollars."
On the question shall the words moved to be struck out stand,
The yeas and nays were required by Mr. [James] Forbes,
{table}
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So it passed in the affirmative.
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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