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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 --FRIDAY, MAY 9, 1783
On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Samuel] Holten,
Resolved, That the President, st the time of transmitting to the executive authorities of the several states copies of the recommendations of Congress of the 18 of April last, and the address of the 26 of the same month, inform them, that it is the earnest desire of Congress that such of the legislatures as are neither sitting, nor about to sit in a short time, may be convened with all possible expedition.2
[Note 2: 2 This motion, in the writing of James Madison, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 111.]
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The committee appointed to confer with the Secretary for Foreign Affairs on his continuance in office beg leave to report a letter from that gentleman, as the subject matter of their conference.
"Philadelphia, 9th May, 1783.
Sir
The enquiries that the Committee were pleased to do me the honor to make this morning relative to my continuing to exercise the Office of Secretary for Foreign Affairs were extremely embarrassing to me--Because on the one hand, I find it impossible to continue in the Office on the present Establishment, without materially injuring my private Affairs; and on the other, to propose the terms on which I should stay, would be to overrate my own importance, and to suppose that others could not be had upon such conditions as Congress have been pleased to consider as sufficient. Having given my whole time, and a considerable part of my property to the Public during the War, I see with pleasure that the Affairs of the United States are not now in such a situation as to render the contributions of an Individual necessary. It is my wish to endeavour to repair the injuries my Estate has sustained by the Ravages of the Enemy, my own neglect, and the offices I have held. By my former letter Congress will be able to judge how far my Expences in the Office exceed the Salary; but as it by no means follows, that another with greater (economy and humbler, but perhaps more just Ideas of the importance of the Office could live at less expence, I do not think that mine should be any reason to induce Congress to make other changes than such as they shall themselves deem necessary, and in this view I requested the Committee that called upon me last winter to keep the matter of Emolument entirely out of sight in their Report, as I then considered my stay only as a temporary inconvenience. At present, Sir, I must chuse between the Office I have been honoured with by Congress, and an important State Office. If I continue in the first, I must suppose it the business of years and lose sight of all objects in my own State, where I had something to hope from my Connections and the favour of my Countrymen, and where I possess an Estate, the value of which depends in a great measure upon my attention to it. Under these circumstances I presume to flatter myself, that the Committee will not think me blameable, when I assure them, that tho' I am willing to give my time and services to the public, if they should be deemed necessary, yet I cannot in justice to myself or my Family add to the gift that of such a portion of my property as I find
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absolutely necessary to support the Office I now hold. Permit me gentlemen to add, that having no wishes upon this subject, I am sincerely desirous that personal considerations may not enter into the arrangements that Congress make thereon.
I feel myself extremely honoured by the attention they have shewn me in directing you to confer with me on this subject, and I reflect with great pleasure on the Reasons I have had to be satisfied with their Conduct towards me since I have been honoured with the Office."1
[Note 1: 1 This report, the opening sentence being in the writing of Arthur Lee, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 25, II, folios 211--216. According to the indorsement, and the record in Committee Books 186 and 191, the committee, Mr. A[rthur] Lee, Mr. [Stephen] Higginson and Mr. [Ralph] Izard, were appointed May 7, and the report delivered May 9, read and filed.]
Resolved, That from and after the first day of November next the sums to be drawn for by the President of Congress for the support of his household according to the resolution of the 21st of November 1781 shall not exceeddollars per annum or at that rate during such parts of the year as Congress may sit [the time of his residence at the place where Congress shall usually sit]2
[Note 2: 2 This motion, in the writing of Hugh Williamson, except the part in brackets which is in that of John Rutledge, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 109. According to the indorsement, and the record in Committee Books 186 and 191, the motion was made by Williamson, seconded by [Samuel] Holten, May 9, 1783, and referred to Mr. [John] Rutledge, Mr. [Arthur] Lee and Mr. [Stephen] Higginson. On May 26 Lee was replaced on the committee by Mr. [Abraham] Clark, and the report was delivered and read May 30.]
Ordered, That a committee consisting of Mr. [Alexander] Hamilton, Mr. [Richard] Peters and Mr. [Nathaniel] Gorham, be appointed to consider and report the means of reducing expenditures in all other Departments as well as the military and that a letter of the 9th May from the Superintendant of Finance and the Secretary at War be referred to the said Committee, who are directed to confer with them.3
[Note 3: 3 This order was entered only in the journal kept by the Secretary of Congress for the Superintendent of Finance: Morris Papers; Congressional Proceedings.]
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