| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |
A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1784.
Congress assembled: Present, as yesterday.
The report of the committee, "appointed to consider of the measures proper to be adopted in order to take possession of the frontier posts," being under debate,
A motion was made by Mr. [Jacob] Read, seconded by Mr. [John Francis] Mercer.
Page 433 | Page image
That there be inlisted as soon as possible, to serve for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged, 896 men, to give protection to the commissioners appointed to negotiate treaties of peace with the Indians, and to defend the northwestern frontiers of the United States, and that the different states furnish their quotas, &c.
A motion was made by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, seconded by Mr. [Francis] Dana, to postpone the consideration of the said motion, in order to take up the following:
Whereas different opinions exist in Congress respecting their authority to make requisitions on the several states for land forces in time of peace: and whereas such a construction of the Confederation as will enable Congress to make requisitions for a small number of land forces for a short period, must admit an unlimited power to extend their requisitions, both with respect to numbers and time of service, and must preclude the states from a right of deliberating, and leave them only an executive authority on the subject. And whereas Congress being authorised to make foreign and domestic loans, and to issue bills of credit, if permitted to raise land forces as aforesaid in time of peace, will be furnished with such coercive means as must be very alarming to the several states: and whereas standing armies in time of peace are inconsistent with the principles of republican governments, dangerous to the liberties of a free people, and generally converted into destructive engines for establishing despotism. And whereas the United States, being remote from nations that have peace establishments, may avoid the heavy expences thereof by providing a small number of troops for garrisoning their posts and guarding their magazines, and by being always in a state of defence, on the plan of the Confederation, which provides that, "every State shall always keep up a well regulated and disciplined
Page 434 | Page image
Militia, sufficiently armed and accoutred; and shall provide and have constantly ready for use, in public stores, a due number of field pieces and tents, and a proper quantity of arms, ammunition and camp equipage." And whereas in a matter so doubtful, as it respects the authority of Congress, and of such high importance to the Union, it is expedient that the delegates should take the sense of their Constituents on the subject; and it is the duty of Congress in the interim to suspend the exercise of the powers aforesaid for that purpose.
It is therefore Resolved, That recommendations in lieu of requisitions shall be sent to the several states for raising the troops which may be immediately necessary for garrisoning the western posts, and guarding the magazines of the United States, unless Congress should think it expedient to employ the Continental troops now at West Point, in the service aforesaid.
On this motion the previous question was moved by the State of South Carolina, seconded by the State of North Carolina:
And on the question to agree to the previous question, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry,
{table}
Page 435 | Page image
So it was resolved in the affirmative.
The motion of Mr. [Jacob] Read being amended, by striking out the words, "to give protection to the Commissioners appointed to negotiate treaties of peace with the Indians, and" so as to read, that there be inlisted as soon as possible, to serve for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged, 896 men, to defend the northwestern frontiers of the United States, &c.
On the question to agree to the motion as amended, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Jacob] Read,
{table}
So the question was lost.
Page 436 | Page image
A motion was then made by Mr. [Samuel] Hardy, seconded by Mr. [John Francis] Mercer,
That 350 men be marched from the garrisons at West Point and Fort Pitt to take possession of the western posts, until 896 men can be inlisted; and that the states be required, without delay, to proceed to the inlistment of their respective quotas for this purpose.
A motion was made by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, seconded by Mr. [Roger] Sherman, to amend that motion with the following proviso, to wit:
"Provided the inhabitants of the states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts shall be exonerated by the United States from theextra pay due by contract to the said soldiers, from the day of October last, until they shall be discharged."
When the question on this amendment was about to be put, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Abiel] Foster, the determination thereof was postponed till to-morrow, by the State of New York.
[Mr. David Howell's motion. Referred to, Mr. David Howell, Mr. Hugh Williamson, and Mr. Roger Sherman.]
Mr Howell, [seconded by] Mr Wadsworth.
Resolved, That the salary of the Secretary at War shall not in future, exceed fifteen hundred dollars per annum.
Resolved, That the Secretary at War be authorized to appoint one Clerk in his office with the allowance of five hundred dollars per annum.
Resolved, That the troops to be raised for garrisoning the posts on the Northwestern frontiers of the U. S. and for protecting the western country, shall be subject to the direction and orders of the Secretary at War, for the time being, as their Commanding Officer.
Resolved, That the Secretary at War be authorized and directed to purchase and provide by special contracts, or otherwise cloathing and rations for the troops aforesaid and to appoint a suitable person at each garrison to receive and issue the same, that he also provide
Page 437 | Page image
such military and hospital stores as may be necessary, or as Congress or the Committee of the States may direct. And that the Superintendant of Finance take order for paying the drafts of the Secretary at War for the purposes aforesaid.
Resolved, That Monday next be assigned for the election of a Secretary at War.1
[Note 1: 1 This motion, in the writing of David Howell, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 395. See post, May 29, 1784.]
PREVIOUS SECTION .. NEXT SECTION .. NAVIGATOR
| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |