| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |
A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1780
A memorial from the Honorable Minister Plenipotentiary of France was read. On which a motion being made by Mr. [Robert R.] Livingston,
Ordered, That the memorial and motion be referred to a committee of three.2
[Note 2: 2 A translation of the memorial is printed in the Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution (Wharton), III, 683.]
The members chosen, Mr. [Robert R.] Livingston, Mr. [Oliver] Ellsworth and Mr. J[oseph] Jones.
Mr. [John] Mathews, one of the committee sent to headquarters, being returned laid before Congress a report, which was read:
Ordered, That it be referred to the foregoing committee.
A letter, of this day, from J. Hiltzeimer was read:
Ordered, That is be referred to the Board of Treasury.
A letter, of this day, from Captain Paschki was read.3
[Note 3: 3 Hiltzheimer's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, XII, folio 25; that of Paschke is in No. 78, XVIII, folio 287. Mathews' report is in No. 39, I, folio 16.]
A report from the Board of War was read, enclosing a letter from Brigadier Knox, recommending the Rev. Mr. Samuel Blair to be chaplain to the brigade of artillery; Whereupon,
Page 434 | Page image
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Samuel Blair be appointed chaplain of the brigade of artillery; and that this appointment have effect as if made on the first day of March, 1779, from which time he has officiated as chaplain to the brigade.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147, IV, folio 359.]
At the request of Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry,
Resolved, That the order of the 5, for a warrant in his favour for 12,000 dollars, be repealed, and the warrant drawn in consequence thereof, cancelled.
The report of the committee on the device of a seal was taken into consideration; and after debate,
The Committee to whom was referred on the 25th of March last the report of a former Committee on the device of a Great Seal for the United States in Congress assembled, beg leave to report the following description.
The seal to be [3] inches in diametre.
On one side the arms of the United States as follows The shield charged on the field azure with 13 diagonal stripes alternate [rouge] and white [argent]. Supporters, dexter a warrior holding a sword; sinister a figure representing peace bearing an olive Branch. The crest--a radiant constellation of 13 Stars. The motto, Bello vel paci: The Legend round the achievement, The great seal of the United States of America.
On the Reverse The Figure of Liberty seated in a chair holding the staff and cap. The motto, semper ["Libertas virtute perennis"]: underneath MDCCLXXVI.
A miniature of the Face of the great seal to be prepared of half the diametre, to be affixed as the less seal of the United States.2
[Note 2: 2 This report, in the writing of William Churchill Houston, except the words in brackets which are in Thomson's hand, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 23, folio 129. It is endorsed by Thomson: "Delivered May 10, 1780, read; recommitted", and a note added by Houston: "N. B. The within report has been altered since the recommitment of May 17, 1780." The designs were drawn by Francis Hopkinson and the notes underneath the sketches are in his writing. See post Oct. 27. On folio 144 is this note in Houston's hand undated:
"The figure of Liberty in a standing attitude and on a pedestal in a flowing dress, turning on a column, on which are to be engraved the emblems of navigation, commerce, agriculture and arms in sculpture."]
Ordered, That it be re-committed.
Page 435 | Page image
The delegates for New York laid before Congress a letter, of 27 April, and one of 9th May, from Governor Clinton, with sundry papers enclosed, which were read:
Ordered, That so much thereof as relates to the depredations of the Indians be referred to the Board of War.
On motion of Mr. [William Churchill] Houston, seconded by Mr. [James] Duane,
Ordered, That the President write to the Executive of the States of Delaware and Maryland and urge them to send forward immediately, and to keep up a representation in Congress, as matters of the highest consequence are now before them.
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
PREVIOUS SECTION .. NEXT SECTION .. NAVIGATOR
| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |