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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 26, 1782]
[Mr Duane's Motion 26th. Sept. 1782. Referred to Mr. James Madison Mr John Rutledge Mr. Joseph Montgomery.]
Resolved, That it appears to Congress that the treatment which Mr Laurens received at the hands of the British Ministry, far from laying a foundation for acts of liberality towards prisoners of the enemy in our power calls for public indignation, and can never be remembered without resentment.
Resolved, That the tyrannical and inhuman conduct of Lord Cornwallis while he commanded the British Forces in the Southern States exposes him to just odium, and that he, of all men, is the last who ought to expect favour or indulgence from these States.
Resolved, That Congress cannot are not bound to ratify the conditional agreement made by their Minister Pleny. at the Court of Versailles for releasing Lord Cornwallis from his parole and referred to the approbation of Congress.
Resolved, therefore, that Lord Cornwallis shall be considered as a prisoner of war on his parole only to be exchanged on a general cartel stipulating for the payment of the subsistence of the British prisoners in the power of the United States
But that nevertheless from a respect to their public ministers who have gone so far into the measure of his release, and on no other consideration the Commander in Chief is instructed to declare the said Lord Cornwallis to be released from his parole, provided that valid arrangements shall first be made for paying or securing the large balance due to the United States for subsistence of the British prisoners of war.2
[Note 2: 2 This motion, in the writing of James Duane, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, III, folio 445.]
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War Office, Sept. 25, 1782.
Sir,
In obedience to the orders of Congress I have in company with the Clothier General examined the soldiers cloathing offered for sale by Mr Barclay. It is the uniform of the troops raised by the States south of Delaware, made of very coarse cloth, suitable in size for boys from twelve to fifteen years old. Mr Barclay informed that he understood they were prize goods taken on their passage to America, but by whom they were shipped, or in what bottom, he had no knowledge but could obtain the particulars by sending to St. Thomas.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, miscellaneous. The indorsement says: Report of the Secretary at War September 25, 1782. On motion of Mr. [Arthur] Lee, to examine cloathing offered for sale at Barclay's store in the city of Philadelphia. Read September 25, 1782, referred to Mr. [Arthur] Lee, Mr. [David] Ramsay, Mr. [Turbett] Wright.
On September 26, according to the indorsement, a representation from the legislature of New Jersey, dated September 24, on the subject of pay for officers and soldiers was presented and referred to the Superintendent of Finace to report. It is in No. 68, folio 599.
On this date, according to the indorsement, was read a letter from General Washington, dated Head Quarters, September 22, and enclosing intelligence from New York. It is in No. 152, X, folio 735.]
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