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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, DECEMBER 13, 1784.
Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia; and from New Hampshire, Mr. [Abiel] Foster; and from Connecticut, Mr. [Joseph Platt] Cook.
Resolved, That Thursday next be assigned for the appointment of a chaplain two chaplains to Congress.2
[Note 2: 2 This report, in the writing of -- is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 481.]
On motion, of Mr. [John] Jay, seconded by
Resolved, That the appointment of chaplains be made annually.
Mr. [John] Jay, chairman of the committee, consisting of a member from each State, appointed to receive and take leave of the Marquis de la Fayette, reported, that on the 11th instant they received the Marquis in the Congress chamber, and took leave of him agreeable to the instructions given them on that subject: That they communicated
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to him the purport of the resolutions of the 9th, and that he thereupon made the following answer:
"Sir:--While it pleases the United States in Congress so kindly to receive me, I want words to express the feelings of a heart which delights in their present situation, and the bestowed marks of their esteem.
Since I joined the standard of liberty, to this wished for hour of my personal congratulations, I have seen such glorious deeds performed and virtues displayed by the sons of America, that in the instant of my first concern for them, I had anticipated but a part of the love and regard which devote me to this rising empire.
During our revolution, Sir, I obtained an unlimited indulgent confidence, which I am equally proud and happy to acknowledge; it dates with the time, when, an unexperienced youth, I could only claim my respected friends' paternal adoption. It has been most benevolently continued throughout every circumstance of the cabinet and the field; and in personal friendships, I have often found a support against public difficulties. While on this solemn occasion I mention my obligations to Congress, the states, the people at large, permit me also to remember the dear military companions, to whose services their country is so much indebted.
Having felt both for the timely aid of my country, and for the part she, with a beloved king, acted in the cause of mankind, I enjoy an alliance so well rivetted by mutual affection, by interest, and even local situation. Recollection ensures it. Futurity does but enlarge the prospect; and the private intercourse will every day increase, which independent and advantageous trade cherishes, in proportion as it is well understood.
In unbounded wishes to America, Sir, I am happy to observe the prevailing disposition of the people to strengthen the Confederation preserve public faith, regulate trade, and in a proper guard over continental magazines and frontier posts, in a general system of militia, in foreseeing attention to the navy, to ensure every kind of safety. May this immense temple of freedom ever stand a lesson to oppressors, an example to the oppressed, a sanctuary for the fights of mankind! and may these happy United States attain that complete splendour and prosperity which will illustrate the blessings of their government, and for ages to come rejoice the departed souls of its founders.
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However unwilling to trespass on your time, I must yet present you with grateful thanks for the late favours of Congress, and never can they oblige me so much as when they put it in my power, in every part of the world, to the latest day of my life, to gratify the attachment which will ever rank me among the most zealous and respectful servants of the United States."1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of John Jay, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, II, folio 259, Lafayette's letter being on folio 263. The letter was also entered in the manuscript Secret Journal, Foreign Affairs.
Another letter of December 12, 1784, from the Marquis Lafayette was read on this or an approximate date. It is in No. 35, folio 93.
On this day, as the indorsement indicates, a letter of December 8, 1784, of Major Laurens Olivier was referred to Mr. [William] Ellery, Mr. [James] Monroe, Mr. [Jacob] Read, Mr. [Hugh] Williamson and Mr. [Richard Dobbs] Spaight. It is in No. 35, folio 141.
Also, on this or an approximate date, a petition from Jean Menard. It is in No. 35, folio 157. A note on folio 163 in William Ellery's writing says: "Menard's petition should be referred to the Committee who may be appointed to examine the accounts of Canadians."]
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