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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 --WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1783
On motion of Mr. [Alexander] Hamilton, seconded by Mr. [James] Madison,
Whereas by the Confederation the assent of nine states is requisite to the determination of matters of principal importance to the United States; and the representation in Congress has for some time past generally consisted of less than that number of states, in consequence whereof the public business, at an interesting juncture, has suffered and continues to suffer great delay and embarrassment:
Resolved, That the states which are not represented present in Congress, be informed that it is indispensable they should, without loss of time, send forward a delegation to Congress.1
[Note 1: 1 This motion, in the writing of Alexander Hamilton, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 171.]
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A letter, of the 24 June, from his Excellency W. Livingston, governor of the State of New Jersey, was read; Whereupon,
The committee [Mr. Jacob Read, Mr. James McHenry and Mr. Stephen Higginson] to whom was referred the letter of His Excellency William Livingston Esq. Governor of the State of New Jersey dated Trenton 24th June 1783 to the President of Congress, report,
Resolved, That the President inform his Excellency the Governor of New Jersey, that Congress entertain a high sense of the spirit and attachment of the citizens of New Jersey to the federal union, and of the sentiments expressed by his Excellency; and are happy that events have rendered the call of the citizens into service unnecessary.
and are obliged by the readiness expressed by his Excellency the Governor to be personally engaged in defending the representatives of the United States against any insult and indignity.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Jacob Read, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 20, I, folio 301.]
An address of the governors and masters of the college, was read, offering to Congress the use of the hall, library room and every other convenience that the college in its present situation can afford; Whereupon,
The Committee [Mr. Jacob Read, Mr. James McHenry and Mr. Stephen Higginson] to whom was referred the address of the Governors and Masters of the College to the President of Congress, Offering to Congress the use of the Hall, Library Room, and every other convenience that the College in its present situation can afford, Report,
Resolved, That the President inform the governors and masters of the college, that Congress entertain a proper sense of their obliging offer, and accept the use of such parts of the college as are immediately necessary for their session, and for the officers attending them during their stay at Princeton.2
[Note 2: 2 This report, in the writing of Jacob Read, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 20, I, folio 297.]
A letter, of 25 June, from the hon. John Cox, vice-president of the council of New Jersey, was read, accompanied with certain resolves entered into by the inhabitants of Trenton; Whereupon,
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The Committee [Mr. Jacob Read, Mr. James McHenry and Mr. Stephen Higginson] to whom was referred the letter of the Honourable John Cox Esq., Vice President of the Council of New Jersey dated Trenton, June 25th, 1783, addressed to His Excellency the President of Congress, and inclosing a copy of certain resolves, entered into by the inhabitants of Trenton and the vicinity on the 24th June, 1783.
Resolved, That the President inform Mr. Cox, that Congress entertain just sentiments of the polite and dutiful manner in which the inhabitants of Trenton and its vicinity express themselves in their resolves of the 24 of June last, with regard to Congress.
That Congress highly applaud the proper resentment the citizens of Trenton and its vicinity have discovered against disturbers of the public peace and violators of the dignity of the union.1
[Note 1: 1 This report in the writing of Jacob Read, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 20, I, folio 299.]
[Motion of Mr. John Francis Mercer and Mr. Alexander Hamilton, July 2, 1783.]
Congress having adjourned from the City of Philadelphia to this place for the purpose of taking further and more effectual measuresto suppress the mutiny which happened on Saturday thewith intention to return to that place when such measures should have been taken and a detachment of troops being now on its march to that city,
Resolved, That Congress be adjourned to meet at the City of Philadelphia onconformable to their said intention till they shall determine on the place of their permanent residence agreeable to the resolution of2
[Note 2: 2 This motion, in the writing of Alexander Hamilton, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 167.]
[Motion of Mr. Ralph Izard, seconded by Mr. Stephen Heggenson to postpone Mr. John Francis Mercer's motion and take into consideration the following.]
The authority of Congress having been grossly insulted by a body of armed soldiers, on the 21st. Ultimo in Philadelphia, and repeated applications having been made, without effect, to the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, for protection against similar insults.
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Resolved, That until Congress shall receive satisfactory assurances of protection, it will neither be safe, or honorable for them to return to Philadelphia.1
[Note 1: 1 This motion, in the writing of Ralph Izard, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 163--165.
On this day, as the indorsement states, was read a letter of July I from George Morgan offering place for residence of Congress at Princeton. It is in No. 46, folio 63.]
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