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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 --TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1785.
Congress assembled. Present, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia; and from the state of New Hampshire, Mr. [Abiel] Foster.
A motion was made by Mr. [John] Lawrence, seconded by Mr. [David] Howell,
To reconsider the resolution passed yesterday for the appointment of Commissioners to inquire into the receipts and expenditures of public Monies during the administration of the late Superintendent of finance &c. in order to prefix the following preamble:
"Whereas there is no board or commissioner acting under Congress proper to examine and adjust the Accounts exhibited to Congress by the late Superintendent of finance, and as it is necessary that all persons entrusted with public Monies should account for"
A motion was made by Mr. [William] Grayson, seconded by Mr. [Charles] Pinckney, to postpone the motion in order to take up the following:
To reconsider the resolution passed yesterday for the appointment of Commissioners, &c., so as to extend the said resolution to the appointment of a commissioner or commissioners to examine and adjust the receipts and expenditures of all such persons as have been or may be entrusted with the public monies, and for the settlement of whose accounts commissioners have not yet been appointed.
And on the question to postpone for this purpose, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Charles] Pinckney,
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So the question was lost. After debate, Mr. [John] Lawrence withdrew his motion.
On motion of Mr. [James] McHenry, seconded by Mr. [David] Howell,
Resolved, That the administration of the board of treasury be examined, and the accounts thereof adjusted annually, in the manner directed for the investigation and adjustment of the accounts of the treasury, under the administration of the late superintendant of finance.
The report of the committee, consisting of Mr. [William] Houstoun, Mr. [David] Howell, Mr. [William] Hindman, Mr. [William] Grayson and Mr. [William] Ellery, on the subject of reprinting the journals of Congress, being read,
Ordered, That it be referred to the Secretary of Congress to take Order.1
[Note 1: 1 According to Committee Book No. 190, and Despatch Book No. 185, a petition from Thomas Tolman was this day read, praying for advance of money as agent for Col. Warner's regiment and for reimbursement for guns bought in 1776. It was referred, this day, to Mr. [David] Howell, Mr. [John] Lawrance and Mr. [William Samuel] Johnson, who reported June 23.]
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The Committee Consisting of [Mr. David Howell, Mr. William Grayson, Mr. James McHenry, Mr. Charles Pettit and Mr. Rufus King on Lieutenant Colonel Harmar's letters] Report,
That Congress approve of the conduct of Colo. Harmar in carrying into execution the orders given him by the Commes. for removing intruders from the lands of the U. S.
That he be authorized to remove the garrison troops under his command, and to take Post at any place on or near the River Ohio, between the Pennsylvania line Muskingdom and the Great Miami which he shall conceive most advisable for farther carrying into effect the before mentioned orders.
The Secretary at War to take order on this ana tne above.
That the Board of Treasury advance Colo. Harmer six hundred dollars on account for the purpose of transporting the garrison said troops and their baggage to such place as he shall deem proper for the advance of the public service.
To the Bd. of Treasy. to take order.
That the Commanding Officer at fort Pitt be directed to join Colo. Harmer with the troops under his command, and that such of the stores as are not necessary for immediate use be disposed of by public sale.
Postponed.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of William Grayson, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, III, folio 63. According to Committee Book No. 190, it was acted on June 24. The italicised phrases were entered on the report on that day.]
The Committee consisting of Mr. [William] Ellery, Mr. [Archibald] Stewart and Mr. [David] Howell to whom a letter from Philip Schuyler of the 12th. of June, 1785, was referred. Report,
That so much of the letter of Genl Schuyler of the 12th. of June, 1785, as respects the supplying the Indian hostages, and the unhappy sufferers who have been long in captivity with the Indians, with clothing and provisions be referred to the Board of Treasury to take order. With respect to that part of said letter which advises that the Indians who may come down to Albany on business, should be supplied with provisions &c., Your committee are of opinion
That when the Indians shall visit any post on business with the U. S. That the Commanding Officer shall receive their
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communications, and transmit the same to the Board of War: and furnish them with necessary provisions while on such business.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of William Ellery, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, V, folio 313. The indorsement states that it was read on this day and Committee Book No. 191 that it was filed. See ante, June 16.]
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