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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 --SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1784.
Congress assembled: Present as yesterday.
The dispatches being read, and order taken thereon,
The question was called for, the determination of which was yesterday put off by the State of New Jersey, and the yeas and nays being required by the State of New Jersey,
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So the question was lost.
On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. [James] Monroe, Mr. R[obert] R. Livingston and Mr. [John] Beatty, to whom was referred a letter of MajorE.Doughty,
Resolved, That the Secretary in the War-Office take order for supplying the troops under the command of Major Doughty, with cloathing, agreeably to the return to the War-Office.
Resolved, That Mr. Duer, the present contractor, be requested to continue to supply the said troops, as also those at Fort Rensselaer, upon the terms he hath hitherto done with provisions for the months of January and February ensuing.
Resolved, (by nine states) That in consideration of the additional expence into which Major Doughty hath been
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thrown by having the command of the garrison at West Point, he be allowed the pay and emoluments of major of artillery, to commence from his appointment to the said command.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of James Monroe, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, II, folio 107. Major John Doughty's letter is in No. 78, VIII, folio 81.]
In pursuance of the foregoing resolve [of December 9], the committee of one for each state reported a draft of a letter, which was agreed to as follows:
Great, faithful and beloved friend and ally,
The various reiterated and important acts of friendship done by your majesty to these states have inspired them with strong attachment to your person, and with firm confidence in your friendly disposition towards them. Both these considerations unite in urging us to recommend to your majesty's particular attention and favour the Marquis de la Fayette, a nobleman who has ably promoted the interests of both countries, and acquired glory by strenuous and successful endeavours to advance our mutual honour, prosperity and confidence.
Permit us to assure your majesty, that we not only approve but admire his conduct. We entertain esteem and affection for him as a man. We think highly of his talents, and are convinced of his disposition to perpetuate the amity and good understanding which we pray God may ever subsist between France and America.
May the Author of all good continue to bless your majesty, your family, and people, and keep you and them under his holy protection.
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By the unanimous order of Congress, at Trenton, the 11th December, 1784.
Richard Henry Lee, President.
Charles Thomson, Sec'y.
On the outside directed to
Our great, faithful and beloved Friend and Ally,
Louis XVI. King of France and Navarre.
Sent under cover to Doctor Franklin.1
[Note 1: 1 This letter was entered only in the manuscript Secret Journal, Foreign Affairs, No. 5 in Secret Journal, No. 4, and in Secret Journal, No. 6, Vol. III. The cover direction is entered in Secret Journal No. 4 and the draft of the letter, in the writing of John Jay, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, II, folio 257.]
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