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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 --THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1785.
Congress assembled. Present, as yesterday.
Congress proceeded to the election of two chaplains; and, the ballots being taken, the Rev. Mr. Provost, the Rev. Dr. Rogers, were elected.3
[Note 3: 3 On this day, as the indorsement states, was read a letter of Samuel H. Parsons, dated October 27, announcing his arrival at Pittsburg and recounting western intelligence. It is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 56, folio 327.
Also, a letter of Thomas Hutchins announcing his return and the reasons therefor and recounting western intelligence. It is in No. 60, folio 193.
Also, a letter of William Greene, Governor of Rhode Island, dated November 3, and enclosing a resolution of the Assembly vesting in Congress power to regulate commerce and foreign trade for twenty-five years. It is in No. 64, folio 566.
Also, a letter of October 31 from William Moultrie, Governor of South Carolina, acknowledging receipt of the requisition of Congress: "the Assembly will meet 10 Jany. next." It is in No. 72, folio 591.
Also, sundry letters from Joseph Brown, presenting portrait prints of Generals Washington and Greene to Congress. They are in No. 78, IV, folios 457--489.
Also, a letter of September 4 from William Wenman Seward from London forwarding intelligence. It is indorsed as read November 24 and "Referred to Secretary for foreign Affairs. The letter from Seward put under injunction of Secresy." It is in No. 78, XXI, folio 431.
Also was read a letter and petition, both dated April 21, 1785, from Thomas Hickling, of St. Michaels, praying appointment of consul for the Azores or Western Islands. They are in No. 42, III, folios 493--497.]
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The Board of Treasury to whom was referred the Memorial of Robert Morris late Super Intentendant of the Finances of the United States of the 23rd. Septt. last, Beg leave to Report--
That they find, on a conference with the Comptroller, that in pursuance of a resolve of the General Assembly of the State of Penn.a dated November 21st. 1782, (of which a copy is herewith transmitted) he was appointed by the late Superintendant of Finance to settle in behalf of the United States, with the Comptroller of the State of Pennsylvania, the quantity of Specific Supplies, for which the said State was to obtain credit, by commuting certain sums of cash received by Robert Morris (Agent of the said State for purchasing Specific Supplies) and applied by him as Superintendant of Finance in general expenditures for the service of the United States.
That in the course of this examination a difference in opinion betwixt the Comptroller of the State of Pennsylvania and the Comptroller of the United States, prevented a final adjustment of the matter in reference, previous to the resignation of the late Superintendant of Finance; after which period, the Comptroller of the United States, did not conceive himself authorised, without a renewal of his powers, to proceed in said business.
That a suit has been since commenced against the said Robert Morris as Agent for the purchase of Specific Supplies, by the Comptroller General of the State of Pennsylvania in behalf of said State.
That it appears by the statement of the accounts of the late Superintendant of Finance, that the principal part of the sums received by him from the State of Pennsylvania was expended in the General service of the United States.
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From these considerations, the Board submit to the consideration of Congress the following Resolve.
That the Board of Treasury be authorised to appoint either the Comptroller of the Treasury, or such other suitable person as they may think proper, to adjust on the part of the United States, with any person duly authorized on the part of the State of Pennsylvania the quantity of Specific Supplies for which that State should obtain credit, by commuting the cash received from their Agent, and expended for the general service of the United States, into the Specific Supplies required, in order that the account of that State for such supplies may be finally adjusted.2
[Note 2: 2 On this day, according to Despatch Book No. 185, was read a letter of November 25 from Rev. Dr. John Rodgers, accepting the office of Chaplain to Congress. It is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, XIX, folio 511.
Also was read a letter of November 24 from the Secretary for Foreign Affairs forwarding sundry letters from John Adams and C. W. F. Dumas. It is in No. 80, II, folio 57. These letters are listed in Despatch Book No. 185, under November 25.
November 25: The following committee was appointed: Mr. [Charles] Pinckney, Mr. [Rufus] King, Mr. [William Samuel] Johnson, Mr. [William] Grayson, Mr. [William] Hindman, on a petition of S. Emery respecting the brig Hope, belonging to Messrs. Lake, of Liverpool.
Committee Book No. 190.]
November 17th. 1785.
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