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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, OCTOBER 14, 1780
A memorial from William Trent, in behalf of the proprietors of Vandalia and Indiana, was read.
A report from the Board of Treasury was read; Whereupon,
Ordered, That on the application of the inspectors of the continental press, a warrant issue on the treasurer, in their favour, for six thousand dollars, to defray the contingent
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expences of the printing office and other demands; and for which they are to be accountable.
That on the application of Mr. [John] Mathews, Mr. F[rancis] Kinloch and Mr. I[saac] Motte, delegates for the State of South Carolina, a warrant issue on the treasurer in their favour, for thirty thousand dollars, for which the said State is to be accountable.
Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the committee to whom was referred the letter of Major General Gates, to consider of the honors due to the memory of Major General Baron de Kalb and the officers and soldiers under his command; and thereupon,
Resolved, That a monument be erected to the memory of the late Major General the Baron de Kalb, in the city of Annapolis, in the State of Maryland, with the following inscription:
Sacred to the memory of the baron de Kalb
Knight of the royal Order of
Military merit,
Brigadier of the Armies of France
And major general in the service
of the United States of America
Having served with honor and reputation
for three years,
he gave a last & glorious proof of his attachment
to the liberties of Mankind
and the cause of America
in the action near Camden in the state of So. Carolina
On the 16th of August 1780
where leading on the troops of
the Delaware & Maryland lines against
superior numbers
and animating them by his example
to Deeds of Valour
he was pierced with many wounds
and on the 19 following expired
in the 48 year of his age.
The Congress of the United States of America
in gratitude to his zeal, services and merit
have erected this monument.
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Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to Generals Smallwood and Gist, and to the officers and soldiers of the Maryland and Delaware lines; the different corps of artillery; Colonel Porterfield's and Major Armstrong's corps of light infantry, and Colonel Armand's cavalry; for their bravery and good conduct, displayed in the action of the 16th of August last, near Camden, in the State of South Carolina.
Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to such of the militia officers and soldiers who distinguished themselves by their valour on that occasion.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of John Henry, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, II, folio 391. The last two paragraphs are also on folio 397.]
On motion of Mr. [John] Sullivan, seconded by Mr. [Samuel] Adams,
Ordered, That an extract of General Washington's letter, mentioning the death of Brigadier General Poor, be referred to the Committee of Intelligence, and published as a testimony of the high sense Congress entertain of the merit and services of the said brigadier-general.
Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on salaries; and thereupon,
Resolved, That each of the surveyors of the post-office be allowed five hundred and thirty three dollars and one third of a dollar per annum, and three dollars and one half of a dollar per day, while travelling the roads in the discharge of their duty:
The secretary to the President of Congress, four hundred and fifty dollars per annum:
The steward to the President of Congress, five hundred and fifty dollars per annum.
[Resolved, That the salary of the secretary and comptroller of the Post-Office be eight hundred dollars per annum:
That the above salaries be paid in the same manner as those agreed to the 13th September last.]
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On the reference of the memorial of the auditors of accounts at the Army, they report,
That in consideration of the nature of the service in which the auditors of accounts at the army are engaged, they be allowed, each, two additional rations per day, while with the army.
Ordered, That a warrant issue on the treasurer in favour of James Johnston, one of the auditors of accounts at the main army, for three thousand dollars continental bills of the old emissions, for which sum he is to be accountable.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of William Churchill Houston, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 26, folio 209. The portion in brackets was added in Congress.]
A report from the Board of Treasury was read; Whereupon,
Treasury Office October 13th 1780
The Board of Treasury having considered the memorial of Samuel Young referred to them by Congress beg leave to report,
That it appears by said memorial and divers testimonies on oath exhibited and filed that a sett of Bills of Exchange for thirty six dollars drawn by the United States on the Commissioners at Paris in favor of Nathaniel Donnell dated May the 10th 1779 numbered 838 and duly issued from the Continental Loan Office for the State of Pennsylvania were delivered by the Memorialist to Jacob Bennet Master of the Sloop Swan to be negociated in France and that the said Sloop was captured by the Privateer Spitfire of New York which afterwards foundered at sea and all on board perished. Moreover that it appears as aforesaid that a sett of Bills of Exchange for one hundred and twenty dollars drawn by the United States on the Commissioners at Paris in favor of Charles Pryor dated the 24th of June 1779 numbered 829 and duly issued from the Continental Loan Office for the State of Pennsylvania were delivered by the Memoralist aforesaid to James Robertson Commander of the Continental Schooner Ferret which is supposed to be lost.
That the setts of exchange aforesaid were purchased and endorsed to the Memoralist aforesaid. The truth of all which the Board have no reason to doubt and therefore submit the following resolution,
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Resolved, That the treasurer of loans sign and deliver to Thomas Smith, commissioner of the continental loan office for the State of Pensylvania, to be by him issued to Samuel Young, two serfs of exchange on the commissioners at Paris; one in favour of Nathaniel Donnell for thirty six dollars, to bear date May the 10, 1779, and be numbered 838, and the other in favour of Charles Pryor, for one hundred and twenty dollars, to bear date the 24 June, 1779, and be numbered 829, each set to consist of the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th bills, one of the eight only to be paid.
That the treasurer of loans furnish the said Samuel Young with quadruplicate letters of advice, each containing a certified copy of this resolution and that the aforesaid Samuel Young enter into bond with the loan office aforesaid on behalf of the United States with two or more sufficient freeholders as securities in double the amount of the value of the said bills with condition to indemnify the United States against the holder or holders of any of the bills aforesaid which are said to be lost, should any such appear.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, IV, folio 617.]
Treasury Office Oct 12th 1780
The Board of Treasury beg leave to represent
That a report with sundry inclosures made by the Committee of foreign affairs to Congress respecting the salary or pay of Samuel Stockton Esqr late Secretary to the Honb'le William Lee Esqr late Commissioner for the United States at the Courts of Vienna and Berlin was read in Congress on the 17th of April last, and referred to this Board, on which reference the Board reported to Congress the 23d of May following and on the 24 of the same month a resolution of Congress passed on that subject, and the accounts of the said S. W. Stockton were referred to the Auditor General for liquidation and in course were settled and returned to this Board allowing Mr Stockton three hundred pounds sterling a year agreeably to the resolution aforesaid from the time of joining Mr Lee at Vienna to the time of his leaving him at Frankfort deducting all monies received by the said Mr Stockton from Mr Lee and others without any consideration for his
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time or expences in returning from Frankfort in Germany to this City via Holland and Boston, leaving a balance due to Mr Stockton of fifty three pound five shillings and five pence half penny sterling; to this report Mr Stockton objected and brought his appeal before this Board which hath been heard, attentively considered, and unanimously determined; and more especially as the Board are of opinion the resolution of Congress aforesaid as to time has left the matter open that justice be done.
The following resolution is submitted.
Resolved, That Samuel W. Stockton, Esq. late secretary to the honorable William Lee, late commissioner for the United States at the Courts of Vienna and Berlin, be considered on salary, at the rate of three hundred pounds sterling per annum, from the time he left London to go to Mr. Lee, at Vienna, which was in the month of May, 1778, until he came to this city with letters to Congress, from Mr. Lee, in the month of December, 1779: That Mr. Stockton be not allowed for any expences, and that the several sums of money he has received, agreeably to his liquidated account, be deducted from the salary aforesaid, and the balance paid to Mr. Stockton, in specie, or current money equivalent; rating specie dollars at 4s 6d sterling.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, IV, folio 613.]
The committee, to whom was referred the letter from the senate and house of assembly of the State of New York, of 21 September, delivered in a report, which was read; Whereupon,
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Senate and House of Assembly of the State of New York dated the 21 of September last, beg leave to report,
That it appears from the representation of the said Legislature to be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to procure the quantity of beef allotted to that State by the Act of Congress of the 25th of February last; and that they are willing to substitute flour for whatever may be its deficiency in beef estimated at the prices fixed to those articles in the said act. That your Committee are of opinion,
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that it will be of public advantage to procure flour in lieu of beef in the State of New York, on account of the great expence and uncertainty of transportation, from States more remote from the army and military posts, and that for this and other reasons set forth in the said representation the request of the said Legislature ought to be granted,
Your Committee therefore submit the following resolution:
Congress passed the following resolution:
Whereas the State of New York was required, by an act of Congress of the 25 February last, to furnish eleven thousand two hundred cwt. of beef; and whereas the said state by their Delegates in Congress have represented that on trial therein, but that the Legislature are willing to substitute to substitute Flour for whatever may be its deficiency in Beef estimated at the prices afixed in the said act; and,
Whereas, it will be of public advantage to procure flour as near as possible to the military posts and quarters of the army:
Resolved, That Congress do agree, that the State of New York, according to their proposal set forth in the letter above mentioned, may substitute flour in lieu of any quantity of beef which may be deficient on the 1st day of November next, of the quota allotted to the said state, at the rate of four dollars and an half for every hundred weight of flour and five dollars and an half for every hundred weight of beef; provided, nevertheless, that the said state shall continue to provide and deliver the quantity of beef requested to be furnished by the committee of Congress, lately with the army, in their letter of the 2d of June last, and eleven hundred and twenty five head of beef cattle, in addition thereto.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of James Duane, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 20, I, folio 359.]
A report from the Board of War was read; Whereupon,
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War Office Octr. 14, 1780
Sir
We have the honor to lay before Congress an account of the shot and shells contracted for by our orders which are very short of the quantity required. The Iron Masters have not received any part of the sum agreed to be paid them and are consequently distressed and extremely clamorous. We are informed that a sum of money is arrived from the eastward for which our paymaster has applied to the Treasurer who having so many previous Warrants cannot give a preference without a special order of Congress which we pray may be granted for at least one million of dollars, there being now due 4,580,6162/3 dollars.
We submit to Congress the propriety or impropriety of proceeding farther in this business as perhaps some of the Iron Masters might be prevailed on to cast more than the amount of their present contracts could they depend on being paid. A speedy determination upon this subject is necessary as their furnaces when blown out cannot again be put in blast this season.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147, IV, folio 597.]
Ordered, That the treasurer without delay pay to the order of the Board of War one million of dollars, in part of the warrant issued in their favour to enable them to discharge their contract for shot and shells.
That the Board of War be informed that Congress judge it inexpedient to proceed farther in contracts for shot and shells.
The committee to whom was referred the application of the State of New York, and the motion of Mr. [Robert R.] Livingston for the relief of the treasury of that State, report as their opinion,
That if the application should be granted, the like benefit may be claimed for other states; that there is reason to believe that a compliance with such demands would involve the United States in the greatest difficulties, and that it cannot therefore be complied with:2
[Note 2: 2 This report, in the writing of James Duane, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 20, I, folio 363.]
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Resolved, That Congress agree to the said report.
A letter from Peter Baynton, secretary and comptroller of the Post Office, was read:1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, IV, folio 25. It was undated, but an erroneous date of October 18, 1780, inserted.]
Ordered, That it be referred to the committee on salaries.
Treasury Office Octo 14th 1780
The Board of Treasury beg leave to report,
That on the application of the Board of War and Ordnance a Warrant issue on the Treasurer in favor of Joseph Carleton Pay Master to the said Board for one hundred thousand dollars to defray the contingent expenses of said Board, for which the said Joseph Carleton is to be accountable.2
[Note 2: 2 This report, indorsed: "Passed October 14," is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, IV, folio 619.]
Treasury Office Octr 14, 1780
Whereas on the eighth day of March last, it was resolved by Congress "that the Board of Treasury report such sums as they may deem competent to be advanced to the Commissioners and Clerks of the several Boards, Auditors of the Army and other civil officers, for their necessary expenses to be accounted for toward their salaries, when a new Establishment thereof shall be made by Congress, which has been made by the Resolutions of the thirteenth and twenty fifth of September last; and whereas the salaries established as aforesaid are directed by a Resolution of the thirteenth of the September last to be paid in specie or other current money equivalent: Whereupon doubts have arisen whether the Resolutions aforesaid of the thirteenth and twenty fifth of September last establishing the salaries of certain Officers therein mentioned, are to have retrospect and to extend beyond the eighth day of March last, when the Board of Treasury were authorised to report advances in favor of certain officers, to be accounted for toward their salaries when a new establishment thereof should be made by Congress--Also whether in the payment of the salaries established as aforesaid, the words "Specie or other current money equivalent" are to be understood agreeably to the rate of Exchange fixed by the Resolution of the eighteenth March last, or agreeably to such rate of Exchange as has been or may be from time to time the real Exchange in the intercourse of business,
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The Board of Treasury beg leave to submit the following Resolutions to the consideration of Congress
Resolved, That the Resolutions of the thirteenth and twenty fifth of Septr. last respecting salaries have Retrospect and extend only to the 8th. day of March last; that the several Officers therein mentioned, be paid for their services previous to that period agreeably to such establishment of their respective Salaries, as was suspended by the resolution of the eighth of March last, authorising the Board of Treasury to report money to be advanced on account--that just allowance thereon be made for depreciation from the time of last settlement of their respective accounts until the 8th. day of March last, to be computed agreeably to the Table of Depreciation prepared in pursuance of the Resolution of the 28th. of June last--
Resolved, That the salaries directed to be paid in specie, or other current money equivalent by the Resolution of the thirteenth of Septr. last, be computed agreeably to the Rate of Exchange, between Specie and Continental Currency, that from time to time has been or may be the real exchange in the intercourse of business.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, not indorsed, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, IV, folio 639.]
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock on Monday.
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