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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, APRIL 21, 1783
On a report from the agent of marine, to whom was referred a memorial of John Thompson:
Resolved, That all accounts of persons in the marine department for pay, depreciation or arrearages, be adjusted by the commissioner for settling the accounts of the marine department.3
[Note 3: 3 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 137, II, folio 335.]
A letter, of this day, from the Superintendant of finance, was read, enclosing a copy of a letter of the 20, from the Minister of France, requesting the loan of the ship Duc de Lauzun, for the purpose of carrying home the French troops now in this country; whereupon,
Ordered, That the said letters De referred back to the Superintendant of finance, and that he take order for complying with the request of the honorable the Minister of France.
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On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. [Theodorick] Bland, Mr. [Thomas] Fitzsimmons and Mr. [Stephen] Higginson, to whom was referred a letter of the 11, from the Superintendant of finance:
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Suptd. of Finance of theday of August respecting the sale of the ship Duke D' Lauzun conceived it to be the wish of Congress that they should inquire into the authority as well as the reasons which induced the Suptd. of Finance to purchase and employ the said Ship. They have made those inquiries accordingly and find that on the 3d day of August July, 1781, Congress resolved,
"That the Suptd. of Finance be impowered to pursue such measures as he may think proper for exporting and importing goods, money and other articles at the risque and for the account of the United States, at such times and in such manner as he shall deem necessary and useful to the public service."
Which resolution in their opinion fully warranted the purchase and employment of the aforesaid ship.
That upon enquiring into the circumstances which induced the purchase the committee had the fullest information and are perfectly satisfied that the reasons for purchasing the said ship were substantial ones, and her employment intended for the service and interest of the United States; upon this point the committee submit the copies of the several letters furnished them from the office of Finance and recommend,
Resolved, That the Superintendant of finance take order for the sale of the ship Duc de Lauzun, after the service for which she is lent to the Minister of France is performed.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Thomas FitzSimons, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 26, folio 441. According to the indorsement, it was delivered and read April 18. Morris's letter is in folio 443.]
On the request of Colonel M. Ogden, of the New Jersey line, accompanied with the approbation of the Commander in Chief:
Resolved, That Colonel M. Ogden, of the New Jersey line, have leave to go to Europe.2
[Note 2: 2 Ogden's letter, dated April 16, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 78. XVII, folio 353. Washington's letter, dated April 7, is on folio 349.]
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Report of a Committee [Mr. Alexander Hamilton, Mr. James Madison, Mr. Samuel Osgood, Mr. Oliver Ellsworth, Mr. James Wilson] to whom was committed the letter from His Excelly the President of the State of Pennsylvania respecting a peace with the Indians
Whereas, by the 9th article of the confederation the United States in Congress assembled are vested with the sole and exclusive right and power among other things "of regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians not members of any of the States"--
Resolved, That the general superintendence of Indian affairs under Congress be annexed to the department of war.
That there be an immediate a suspension of offensive hostilities against the Indian nations, and that immediate measures be taken to communicate the same to the several tribes preparatory to a formal final pacification.
That there be four Commissioner Agents appointed for the transaction of affairs with the Indians in the different districts--one for the eastern district comprehending all the tribes under the general denomination of the Penobscot Indians; one for the northern district, comprehending the six nations, and the nations depending on them; one for the western district, comprehending all the tribes under the general denomination of the western Indians; one for the southern district, comprehending all the southern nations; with an allowance not exceeding dollars per annum to each Commissioner Agent.
That immediate measures be taken to purchase articles proper for presents to the Indians to the amount ofto be distributed when their deputies shall assemble for the purpose of a treaty of peace.
That in order to a more speedy pacification, till the Commissioners aforesaid can be appointed, a Special Committee be appointed, instructed to endeavour to engage one or more respectable inhabitants for each district acquainted with Indian affairs to undertake the negotiation of a treaty of an immediate peace and that the said Committee digest such further details measures as it will be proper for Congress to take with reference thereto.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Alexander Hamilton, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 30, folio 173. The indorsement shows that it was read on this day, Monday, April 28, assigned for its consideration, and on August 12, "referred to the committee on peace arrangements, Mr. Holten." According to the record in Committee Books No. 186 and No. 191, the report was committed, on August 12, to Mr. [James] Duane, Mr. [Ralph] Izard and Mr. [Daniel] Carroll, who reportedSeptember 19. The Pennsylvania letter, dated April 3, is in No. 69, II, folio 435, and was read and referred April 4.
On this day, as the indorsement indicates, was read a letter from the Superintendent of Finance, stating that he has prospect of getting a person to be Commissioner for the accounts. It is in No. 137, II, folio 339.
Also a letter of April 18 from General Washington. It is in No. 152, XI, folio 219. It was referred to Mr, [Samuel] Osgood, Mr. [Theodorick] Bland, Mr. [Alexander] Hamilton, Mr. [James] Madison, and Mr. [Richard] Peters, and is printed in the Writings of Washington (Ford) X, 225.]
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