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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 --TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1783
On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. [James] McHenry, Mr. [Richard] Peters and Mr. [Theodorick] Bland, to whom was referred a letter of 15 May, from the Secretary at War,
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Secretary at War of the 15th May respecting the promotion of certain officers at the close of the War, report,
That an honorary promotion of a grade by brevet to those Officers, who hold the same rank at this time which they held in the year 1777 could not be complained of by the rest of the Army, being in itself an act of justice. The committee are supported in this opinion by the sentiments of the Commander in Chief, who recommends the measure as one likely to gratify a deserving description of officers.
Therefore, they submit the following resolution:
Resolved, that the Secretary at War issue to all Officers in the Army [under the rank of Major General] who hold the same rank now that they held in the year 1777, a brevet Commission, one grade higher than their present rank [having respect] in dating their commissions to the relative dates of their commissions of 1777 [to their seniority].2
[Note 2: 2 This report, in the writing of James McHenry, except the part in brackets, which is in the writing of Elias Boudinot, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 27, folio 241. According to the indorsement, it was read and entered September 18.]
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Resolved, That an honorary promotion of a grade by brevet to those officers who hold the same rank at this time which they held in the year 1777
That the Secretary at War issue to all officers in the army, under the rank of major general, who hold the same rank now that they held in the year 1777, a brevet commission one grade higher than their present rank, having respect to their seniority; and that commissions for full colonels be granted to the lieutenant colonels of 1777, the resolution of 27 May, 1778, notwithstanding.
On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. [James] McHenry, Mr. [Richard] Peters and Mr. [James] Duane, to whom were referred a letter from Captain Segond, and sundry other papers,
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from Capt Segond and the papers enclosed report.
That tho' Capt Segond is the eldest Officer yet there are other Officers of the Corps late Pulaski's, Viz Capt. Du Pontiere Aid to the Baron Steuben, Lieut Beaulieu who has been a long time a Prisoner of War (having been wounded and taken at Monk's Corner in S. Carolina) and Capt Le Brun who was incorporated with Armand's legion. This latter may possibly be attended to with the rest of the Officers of Genl Armand's Corps; but it will be just at this time that Capt De Pontiere and Lieut Beaulieu receive similar treatment with Capt Segond: The Committee therefore recommend the following resolutions:
Resolved, That Captains Segond and De pontiere, late of Pulaski's legion, be promoted to the rank of majors by brevet in the army of the United States; their relative rank to be settled according to the dates of their present commissions.
Resolved, That Lieutenant Beaulieu be promoted to the rank of captain by brevet in the army of the United States.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Richard Peters, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, V, folio 317. According to the indorsement, it was delivered September 2, entered and read.]
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On a report from the Secretary at War:
War Office September 22d., 1783.
Sir,
On the letter from Major General Howe, recommendatory of Captain Haskell to the brevet commission of Major, referred to the Secretary at War, I beg leave to report that Captain Haskell has sustained several staff appointments in the army, which it appears that he has discharged with honor to himself and benefit to the service, and in consideration of these extra-confidential services, I have the honor to submit the following draught of a resolve in his favor.
Resolved, That the brevet commission of major in the army of the United States, issue to Captain Haskell, aid-decamp to Major General R. Howe.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 149, III, folio 199. According to the indorsement, and the record in Committee Books No. 186 and No. 191, Howe's letter was referred to the Secretary at War September 5, and the report was delivered and read in Congress September 25.]
On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. [James] McHenry, Mr. [Benjamin] Hawkins and Mr. [James] Madison, to whom was referred a memorial of Lieutenant Edward Phelon:
The committee to whom was referred the memorial of Lt. Edward Phelon, beg leave to report the following Resolves:
Resolved, That Congress entertain a just sence of the merits of Lt. Phelon for the early part he took in the American contest, and for his zealous and faithful services during the war, and
That the Secretary at War issue to Lt. Phelon a brevet commission of Captain in the Army of the United States.2
[Note 2: 2 The first three paragraphs of the report are in the writing of James McHenry.]
That in consideration of the services and sufferings of Lt. Phelon and of the testimonials of his merit from a number of Genl. Officers, The Secretary at War issue to the said Lt. Phelon a commission of Captain in the Army of the United States.3
[Note 3: 3 This paragraph is in the writing of Elbridge Gerry.]
And that the Superitendant of Finance do pay the said Lt. Phelon of the 4th Massachusetts regiment Lt. Phelon be hereafter entitled to receive from the United States the pension of a wounded Captain agreeable to the spirit of the resolve of theday of4
[Note 4: 4 This paragraph, and the balance of the report, is in the writing of Elias Bondinot.]
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Whereas Lieutenant Edward Phelon, of the 4th Massachusetts regiment, hath, by his memorial, set forth, that while he was fighting for the liberties of the United States, he received several wounds, under which he has for four years past borne the most excruciating pains; and that during that time, he has been without any other support from the public, than what has been given to other officers in full health; and that he is still a cripple: and whereas the facts above set forth, are certified to be true in all their parts, by eleven of the general officers of the army, who have moreover recommended him as having served with reputation to himself, and advantage to the United States, and as deserving the favor and consideration of Congress: therefore,
Resolved, That the Secretary at War issue to Lieutenant E. Phelon, a commission of captain in the army of the United States.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, V, folios 139 and 141. A copy of the preamble and resolution is on folio 145.]
On the question to agree to this, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [William] Ellery,
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So it was resolved in the affirmative.1
[Note 1: 1 On this day, as the indorsement indicates, was read a letter, dated Albany, September 25, from General Schuyler, on Indian affairs. It is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 153, III, folio 617.
On this day, as the indorsement indicates, was read the memorial of Fleury Mesplet, printer, dated Montreal August 1, 1783, and referred to Mr. [Samuel] Holten, Mr. [Arthur] Lee and Mr. [Abraham] Clark. It is in No. 41, VI, folio 305, and the letter of transmittal, of the same date, is in No. 78, XVI, folio 365. According to Committee Book No. 186, the committee was discharged November 1.]
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