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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, SEPTEMBER 24, 1781
Mr. [Abraham] Clark, a delegate for New Jersey; and
Mr. [John] Hanson, a delegate for Maryland, attended and took their seats.
A letter, of 20, from Major General Heath;
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A letter, of May 3, from the honble. Doct Franklin, with copies of the intercepted letters before received;
A letter, of April 9, from honble. J. Laurens;
A letter, of 30 November, 1780, from Mr. Sweighauser; and A letter, of this day, from the superintendant of finance, with a letter enclosed from Captain James Nicholson, of 19th; were read.1
[Note 1: 1 Heath's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 157, folio 298; Schweighauser's is in No, 193, folio 389; Morris's is in No. 137, I, folio 169; Laurens's letter is printed in the Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution (Wharton), IV, 355.]
The committee of the week was elected:
Mr. [Abraham] Clark, Mr. [John] Hanson, Mr. [William] Sharpe.
A report from the committee of the week was read; Whereupon,
Ordered, That a letter, of 20, from Brigadier General Mcintosh, with the papers enclosed, be lodged in the secretary's office.2
[Note 2: 2 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 32, folio 257; McIntosh's letter is in No. 162, folio 309.]
A report of the Board of War was read; Whereupon,
War Office September 22nd. 1781.
Sir,
The Board have considered the memorial of Colonel Broadhead referred to them by Congress. Upon which they beg leave to observe that they do not think themselves equal to an investigation on the merits of this unhappy dispute as the original papers relating thereto were referred to the Commander in Chief and we are uninformed of the measures he hath taken on the subject; but the Board are unanimous in opinion that no time ought to be lost in putting an end to a dispute that tends to involve these states in the most dangerous consequences. They therefore submit the following resolutions.
Resolved, That Brigadier General Irwin be, and hereby is ordered to repair forthwith to Fort Pitt, and take upon him the command of that garrison until farther orders:
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That Brigadier General Irwin be, and hereby is authorised and directed to arrange the troops which compose the garrison of Fort Pitt and its dependencies, in such manner as to retain no more officers than are absolutely necessary for the number of non-commissioned officers and privates at those posts:
That Brigadier General Irwin be, and hereby is authorised and directed to arrange the staff departments within his command, so as to retain no more officers or persons in those departments than the service absolutely demands:
That he be, and hereby is farther empowered to call in, from time to time, such aids of militia as may be necessary for the defence of the post under his command and the protection of the country; and for this purpose the executives of the States of Virginia and Pensylvania are requested to direct the proper officers of the militia in their respective states, to obey such orders as they shall receive, from time to time, from Brigadier General Irwin, for the purpose aforesaid.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 148, II, folio 285.]
Another report from the Board of War was read; Whereupon,
War Office Sept. 24th. 1781.
Sir,
The Board beg leave to inform Congress that the Reverend Mr Armstrong Chaplain to the Second Maryland Brigade (now in this City) has applied to them for an advance of money on account, to answer some unavoidable exigencies, occasioned by the loss of his baggage at the battle of Camden, and enable him to return to the Southern Army.
The Board therefore beg leave to report,
Resolved, That the Board of War be empowered to draw a warrant on the paymaster general in favour of the Revd. Mr. Armstrong, chaplain to the 2d Maryland brigade, for
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six months' pay and subsistance in bills of the new emissions, for which sum he is to be accountable.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 148, II, folio 293.]
Another report from the Board of War was read; Whereupon,
At a Board of War September 22nd. 1781
Present Mr Peters
General Cornell
The Board having taken into consideration the Memorial of Major Lomagne referred to them from Congress,
Beg leave to report,
Resolved, That Major Lomagne, late of Colonel Armand's legionary corps, be permitted to retire from the service of the United States, in which he has distinguished himself by his personal bravery, his state of health not permitting his continuance in service.
That his account for pay and depreciation be adjusted by the Comptroller of the Treasury, and the sum of dollars in part of the balance due him be paid in bills of exchange on Europe to enable him to return to France and for the residue he receive loan office certificates in like manner with the officers of Hazen's Regiment.
The Board beg leave to observe that Major Lomagne has incurred considerable expences by his long sickness, and is in a very distressed situation, they have therefore left a blank for the sum to be paid him in bills of exchange, that Congress may be pleased to fill it up as they shall deem proper.2
[Note 2: 2 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 148, II, folio 281.]
Ordered, That the remainder of the report respecting the settlement of Major Lomagne's accounts be referred to the superintendant of finance.
The committee to whom was referred the memorial from the honble the Minister plenipotentiary of France requesting a conference, delivered in a farther report containing the substance of their conference:
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From a fetter of the 19th April, 1781:
That Count de Vergennes remarks, that on the application of Chevalier de la Luzerne, and his representation of the distresses of the United States, measures had been taken for our aid when Colonel Laurens arrived; that it being impossible for the king to comply with all Colonel Laurens's demands, he took the resolution to offer his guaranty for ten millions of livres tournois, to be borrowed in Holland, for account of the United States; that the king was sensible of the wants and distresses of Congress, and wished to relieve them; but that it ought to be considered, that the French squadron and troops are in America for our immediate assistance. That Count de Grasse's expedition to America will occasion great expense;--and that all those things collected together would go far beyond even the expectation of Congress. That the most essential manner of showing the gratitude of the United States would be by making all the exertions in their power to co-operate in a glorious and effectual manner with the king's forces for their own speedy deliverance. The Count de Vergennes observes, that a part of the six millions of livres would be employed in purchasing the different articles contained in a list delivered by Mr. Laurens. That three millions would be given by instalments to Dr. Franklin, for the payment of bills of exchange drawn by Congress. That a fourth million would be reserved for unforeseen emergencies, and particularly to pay for the supplies embarked on the ship La Fayette. That Count de Vergennes had been Dr. Franklin's security for a part of those supplies, amounting to 417,000 livres. That he is unacquainted with the measures which had been taken to effectuate the loan of ten millions in Holland, that affair being in the province of Mr. Neckar, who probably would settle
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that matter with Mr. Laurens, or with Mr. Adams, who at that time was still in Holland to fill up a loan of a million florins, which he had opened several months before.
From a letter of 11th May. That Count de Vergennes informs the Chevalier de la Luzerne, that orders had been given by the king to have the loan of ten millions on account of the United States negotiated: that the Duke de la Vauguyon had received orders to propose it to the states of Holland; but met with insuperable difficulties, not only because the United States had no credit in Holland, but also because that province was afraid of exposing itself; and that indeed granting a loan to the United States would be the same thing as countenancing their independence, which would be contrary to the obligations entered into by the republick with the neutral powers: that in order to remove this difficulty, the king had presented himself as a principal borrower, and as being alone accountable for the sums which were to be furnished. The Count adds, that he thinks these proceedings need no commentary; and that a mere exposition of them will be sufficient to excite the gratitude of the United States, and to engage them at last to make all the exertions in their power. The Count flatters himself that the measures which have been taken by his court will enable Congress to put their finances in the best order. That the Chevalier de la Luzerne had often written to him, that the most certain way to effectuate so happy an event would be to put Congress for a while out of their distressing situation, and to enable them, by an external relief, to take internal measures without precipitation, and with solidity. That these considerations determined the king; and that from affection he has done more for his ally than mere prudence would,
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perhaps, have suggested to him. That the council of the king have no doubt but this resolution will be productive of the good effects which the Chevalier de la Luzerne had announced. The Count exhorts Congress to take hold of the present circumstances for the common advantage. He thinks it his duty freely and openly to declare, that the moment is come; not to spend the time in expectation, deliberation, and useless exhortations: that though he would wish to avoid every disagreeable intimation, friendship and common interest oblige France to speak without reserve and with perfect sincerity: that the king has done on this occasion what he can do no more: that Congress, if well informed of the situation of his Majesty's affairs, would be sensible that an exertion like the present cannot be repeated; and that the court would feel the deepest concern, if it, was under the disagreeable but indispensable necessity of refusing the demands of an ally whose cause is now become his own.
From a letter of the 14th of May. That Count de Vergennes observes, that Colonel Laurens had taken leave of the King, and that he ought to be satisfied with the success of his mission, although he had not obtained all that he demanded. That the Court of France hopes these demands will not be renewed; for how able soever to refuse allies whom the king sincerely disagree loves, necessity would oblige him to reject pecuniary demands of any kind whatsoever.
From a fetter of 27th July. That the Chevalier de la Luzerne observed, that in March last he informed Congress that the court no longer pay the bills drawn upon France; upon which declaration be believes Congress stopped all drafts on Dr. Franklin: that he informed the court of that resolution of Congress. The Court in
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the mean time had resolved to grant a subsidy of six millions, to be employed in purchasing arms, ammunition and clothing to be sent from France to the United States; and the remainder of the sum to be employed in paying the drafts of Congress or any person they might appoint. Mr. Morris being appointed superintendent, the minister, according to his instructions, authorized him to draw for half a million of livres, and informed Mr. Neckar of this measure; accordingly funds were prepared for a regular payment. The Chevalier de la Luzerne had agreed with the superintendent, that he might draw in the whole for a million and a half, including the half million abovementioned; of all which he had informed Count de Vergennes. Colonel Laurens being in the mean while arrived in France, it was found from his representation that the mode of drawing was prejudicial to Congress, and that if the specie was imported there would be no loss: and it was agreed, that he should bring over two millions and a half out of the six millions in specie. In consequence of this measure, Count de Vergennes acquaints the Chevalier de la Luzerne that he hopes the superintendent will not have drawn more than the before mentioned half million of livres. He wishes it the more earnestly as bills for a greater sum would embarrass the finances of France in a great degree, the goods delivered to Colonel Laurens exceeding already the sum remaining out of the six millions, and the goods taken on board the Marquis la Fayette being not yet replaced.
For a fuller explanation, the Chevalier de la Luzerne communicated to the committee an account of the sums already furnished, and to be furnished from this time to the end of the present year for the service of the United States. That he had orders to take hold of this
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opportunity to repeat to Congress, that the king for the next year cannot continue any supplies to the United States, even of a much less nature. That it is time for them to relieve his majesty from the heavy burdens in a war which he had undertaken and carries on for their sakes. That the Count do Vergennes expects that Congress will not have drawn more bills of any kind after the first day of April last: that relying firmly on this, he had engaged the king to procure the necessary sums to answer the bills drawn before that period, and desired Dr. Franklin to accept no more, if he had no other means of paying them: that this resolution could not be altered by any circumstances whatever. The Count de Vergennes proceeds to state how far the abuse of the king's benevolence had been carried, he supposes against the will and instructions, and without the knowledge of Congress. That the bills drawn upon Mr. Jay, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Laurens, had been sent back to Dr. Franklin, that is, in effect, to the Court of France. That the republick of Holland had been unwilling to hear of any loan even under the guaranty of the king, when it was known that the money was intended for the use of the United States; and that to remove this obstacle, as he had before observed, the king was induced to present himself as the principal borrower. The court was still unacquainted with the effect of that proposition.1
[Note 1: 1 The report to this point is printed in the Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution (Wharton), IV, 724.]
The Chevalier de la Luzerne then presented to the committee a paper entitled "List of the sums that have been furnished by the king, and that are to be furnished hereafter in the course of this year for the service of the United States of America;" and also a paper explanatory of the said account; both of which are delivered in with this report.
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The Paper entitled List of the sums, &c.
N. B. This last sum has been retained by Dr. Franklin for paying new bills of exchange which he had accepted.
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There is in the above calculation a mistake of six thousand, which is likewise in the original received by the minister of France from his court, of which this is a copy officially communicated.
Second Paper, 1781.
N. B.--Si Mr. Morris a négocié au dela de cette somme on payera avec exactitude.
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L'epoque à la quelle l'emprunt de la Hollande sera rempli est incertaine; mais s'il ne l'est point, le roi a promis d'y, suppléer des ses fonds le plutôt qu'il sera possible; cette expression ne permet pas de juger quand cette somme pourra être à la disposition du Congrès, le Chevalier de la Luzerne ne perdra pas de tems à s'en informer et à savoir de quelle manière elle parviendra au Congrès. Il prie le comité de vouloir bien lui communiquer les sentimens du Congrès sur cette matière.1
[Note 1: 1 This report was entered only in the manuscript Secret Journal, Foreign Affairs.]
Ordered, That this, together with their former report be re-committed that the committee may report thereon.
Congress proceeded to the election of a comptroller; and the ballots being taken, Mr. William Churchhill Houston was elected, having been previously nominated by Mr. [Elias] Boudinot.
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The report of the Committee of Commerce on the memorial of William Bingham was taken into consideration; and after debate:
Ordered, That it be re-committed; and
That Mr. [Edward] Telfair be added to the committee for this purpose.
Mr. A[rthur] Middleton, a delegate for the State of South Carolina, attended and produced the credentials of his appointment, which were read, as follows:
State of South Carolina,
In The House of Representatives,
the 1st Day of February, 1780 (six o'clock, P. M.).
The House met according to Adjournment.
Ordered, That Mr. Edwards and Mr. Charles Elliott do wait on the Senate and acquaint their Honours, that this House is now ready to receive them, in order, jointly, to ballot for a Fifth Delegate to the Congress of the United States.
Mr. Edwards reported, That Mr. Elliott and himself had delivered the Message they had in Charge to the Senate, who were pleased to say, they would attend in this House presently.
The Honourable the Senate being come into this House accordingly:
The Members of both Houses proceeded to ballot for a Ffth Delegate to Congress
After which the Senate withdrew, leaving one of their Members to see the Poll closed.
And the Ballots being reckoned,
Mr. Speaker reported, That upon casting up the Ballots, it appeared, That the Honourable Arthur Middleton, Esquire, was, by a Majority of the Votes of all the Members present, duly elected a Delegate to represent this State in the Congress of the United States.
A true Extract from the Journals.
Petr. Timothy,
Clerk of the House of Representatives.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, South Carolina, Credentials of Delegates.]
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The report of the committee on the memorial of Thomas Savage was taken into consideration, and sundry motions being made thereon:
Ordered, That the report and motions be re-committed.
At a Board of War September 24. 1781
The Board have been honored with a reference of a letter of General Washington's respecting the exchange of Colonel Laumoy and Lieutenant Colonel Cambray. On which we beg leave to observe that the same obstacles which have occurred to the Commander in Chief create difficulties with us of so important a nature that unless we were pointedly ascertained that the services of these gentlemen are so absolutely necessary for the operations of the war, that they could not be dispensed with, we could not undertake to recommend a measure which deranges the system of exchanges and causes infinite jealousies in the minds of the officers who conceive themselves retained in captivity by any preferences. On this consideration we beg leave to return the letter of Colonel Pinckney as connected with this subject, leaving Congress to judge of the reasons he has mentioned, which will at least serve to show the grounds we have to believe much uneasiness will be created by the exchange of Colonel Laumoy and Lieutenant Colonel Cambray Preferences have been given heretofore to foreign officers on principles of policy and if Congress should be of opinion that such principles should prevail on this occasion, they will be pleased to direct General Duportail's request in favor of these gentlemen to be complied with. We cannot but add in favor of these Gentlemen, that we are convinced of their abilities, and join with General Duportail in opinion that their abilities, with the local experience they have added to their professional knowledge cannot be more usefully employed than in a Southern enterprise.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 148, II, folio 289. It was read on this day as the indorsement indicates. It adds: "On question to agree to order their exchange 5 ayes, 3 noes, lost." The question is on folio 292: Resolved, That the Commissary General of prisoners immediately cause Colonelsandof the Corps of Engineers to be exchanged.]
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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