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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 12, 1784.
Congress assembled: Present: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina; and from the State of North Carolina, Mr. [Hugh] Williamson.
Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the committee appointed to prepare and report to Congress the arrears of interest on the national debt, together with the interest and expences for the year 1784, from the first to the last day thereof inclusive, and a requisition of money on the states, when a motion was made by Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson, seconded by Mr. [Arthur] Lee, in that part where it is proposed, "that the states be required to furnish within the course of the present year, such part of their deficiencies under the requisition of eight millions, as with their payments to the close of the last year, will make up three-fourths of their original quota thereof;" that "three-fourths" be struck out, and in lieu thereof, "one half" inserted: And on
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the question to agree to this amendment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Edward] Hand,
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So the question was lost.
A motion was then made by Mr. [David] Howell, seconded by Mr. [William] Ellery, to strike out the words "three-fourths," and in lieu thereof, insert "three-fifths:" And on the question to agree to this amendment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Edward] Hand,
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So the question was lost.
A motion was then made by Mr. [David] Howell, seconded by Mr. [Abiel] Foster, to reconsider the first motion, to strike out "three-fourths," and insert "one-half;" which being agreed to, on the question to agree to this amendment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Edward] Hand.
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So it was resolved in the affirmative.
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The Committee [consisting of Roger Sherman, John Beatty and Arthur Lee] to whom was referred a letter from the President of the State of Pennsylvania dated March 24th. 1784. Report as their opinion,
That the President of Congress write to the President of the State of Pennsylvania, acknowledging the receipt of his letter of the 24th. of March last and acquaint him that Congress do not think proper to take any order respecting the running the lines therein mentioned.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Roger Sherman, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 20, II, folio 171. The indorsement states that it was read on this day.
The letter of John Dickinson, President of Pennsylvania, is in No. 69, II, folio 473.]
The Committee of the Week [Mr. James McHenry, Mr. Charles De Witt and Mr. Thomas Stone] report that the memorial of Dr. [Nicholas] Schuyler be read in Congress. 2
[Note 2: 2 This report, in the writing of James McHenry, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, IX, folio 288. Schuyler's memorial is on folio 285. It was referred, the indorsement states, to Mr. [Edward] Hand, Mr. [David] Howell and Mr. [Charles] De Witt, and May 3 ordered to be filed.]
The Committee of the Week [Mr. James McHenry, Mr. Charles De Witt and Mr. Thomas Stone] report that the petition of James Livingston be read in Congress.3
[Note 3: 3 This report, in the writing of James McHenry, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, IV, folio 354. Livingston's petition is on folio 351. It was referred, the indorsement states, to Mr. [Edward] Hand, Mr. [David] Howell and Mr. [Charles] De Witt.
On this day, as the indorsement indicates, was read a letter from Israel Evans, and referred to Mr. [Edward] Hand, Mr. [David] Howell and Mr. [Charles] De Witt. It is in No. 78, VIII, folio 413. Committee Book, No. 186, states that the committee reported April 22.]
The Committee to whom the Report of a Committee on Baron Steuben of March 24th was recommitted, together with the Report of a Committee of Decr. 30, 1782, beg leave to report,
That upon examining the Papers accompanying the report of the 30th. Decr. they find the Baron de Steuben states therein that he was possessed of a Patrimony canonry worth 4600 livres per annum, and of an appointment from the Margrave of Baden of 4800 livres per annum; that on coming to enter into the service of the U. S., he transferred his canonry to his nephew and resigned the appointment in the Margrave's Service. Your Committee therefore recommend the following Resolutions:
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R. That the resignation of the Baron de Steuben, late Inspector Genl. and Major General be accepted the Superintendant of Finance take order for paying to the Baren Steuben six thousand Dollars as a compensation for the Sacrifices he made when he entered the Service of the U. S. exclusive of all sums due to him for pay and arrearages of Pay, Rations and Subsistance.
R. That the thanks of the U. S. in Congress assembled be given to the Baron de Steuben for the great zeal and abilities he has discoverd in the discharge of the several duties of his office, and that a gold hilted sword be presented to him as a mark of the high sense Congress entertain of his character and services.
R. That the Superintendant of Finance take order for procuring the same.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of Arthur Lee, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, V, folio 517. According to the indorsement, it was delivered April 12.]
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