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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, MARCH 15, 1784,
Congress assembled: Present, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Virginia and North Carolina; and from the state of South Carolina, Mr. [Jacob] Read.
A motion being made by Mr. [John] Montgomery, seconded by Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson,
That one commissioner be appointed in addition to the five already chosen, to negotiate with the Indians of the northwest, and to-morrow assigned for that purpose.
A motion was made by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, seconded by Mr. [George] Partridge, to amend by inserting the words, "from the State of New York," immediately after the word "commissioner." On this amendment the previous question was moved by the State of Rhode Island, seconded by the State of Connecticut, and on the question to agree to the previous question, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry,
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So the question was lost.
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On the question to agree to the amendment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry,
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So the question was lost.
The original motion was then withdrawn.
The Committe consisting of Mr [Jeremiah Townley] Chase [Mr. David Howell and Mr. Roger Sherman] to whom was referred motion made by Mr. [David] Howell respecting western territory, submit the following report,
Whereas Congress by their resolution of the 6th of September, 1780, recommended to the States having claims to the western country, to pass such laws and give their delegates in Congress such powers as effectually to remove the only obstacle to a final ratification of the Articles of Confederation; and whereas in consequence thereof the legislature of the State of Maryland authorized their delegates to ratify the said articles on behalf of that State, at the same time declaring, "that by acceding to the said confederation, "this State doth not relinquish, any right or interest she hath, with "the other United or Confederated States to the back country; but "claims the same as fully as was done by the legislature of this "State in their declaration which stands entered on the journals of "Congress: this State relying on the justice of the several States "hereafter as to the said claim made by this State." And whereas similar claims have at different times been made by several of the
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other States, on the ground that said territory was formerly claimed by the King of Great Britain, who was divested thereof by the joint exertions and common expense of the United States. And whereas the States of New York and Virginia have ceeded to the United States part of their claims to the said territory which have been accepted by the United States in Congress, but no act hath been done to quiet or recognize the right of said States to the residue; And whereas an amicable settlement of all disputes respecting the territorial claims aforesaid would promote harmony among the States and strengthen their federal union.
Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to those States who still claim large tracts of western territory within the limits of the United States, to authorize their delegates in Congress to make liberal cessions out of said claims to the United States, and that the same may be satisfactory to instruct them previously to confer with a committee of Congress in order to agree on what cessions it may be proper for such States to make, and the United States to accept, in order to that so an amicable and final settlement may be made of all disputes on that subject and settlement may be made of all disputes on that subject the said States be entitled to the guaranty contained in the articles of Confederation for securing to them the residue of their claims, That the result of such conference be reported to Congress and to the Legislatures of the said States respectively, for their approbation and final ratification.
To commit: Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Roger Sherman, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 30, folio 47. The indorsement states that it was read on this day and on March 16, 1784, referred to the grand committee. Committee Books, Nos. 186 and 191, show that the grand committee reported March 22.
On this day, as the indorsement states, was read a letter of March 13 from Henry Remsen, Jr. It is in No. 78, XIX, folio 463.]
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