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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 --MAY 31, 1786.
The following letter from the Secretary for Foreign Affairs read:
Office for Foreign Affairs,
29 May, 1786.
Sir: In my negotiations with Mr. Gardoqui I experience certain difficulties, which, in my Opinion, should be so managed as that even the existence of them should remain a secret for the present. I take the liberty therefore of submitting to the consideration of Congress, whether it might not be adviseable to appoint a committee with power to instruct and direct me on every point and subject relative to the proposed treaty with Spain. In case Congress should think proper to appoint such a committee, I really think it would be prudent to keep the appointment of it secret, and to forbear having any conversation on subjects connected with it, except in Congress, and in meetings on the business of it.
With great respect, I have the honour to be your excellency's most obedient and very humble servant,
(Signed) John Jay.
His Excellency the President of Congress.
The above was referred to a committee of three, viz. Mr. [Rufus] King, Mr. [Charles] Pettit and Mr. [James] Monroe, who, on the 1st August, reported that the letter be referred to a committee of the whole.1
[Note 1: 1 Jay's letter is in No. 80, II, folio 185. According to indorsement by Thomson, it was read May 30 and referred to the committee May 31. The above proceeding is entered, by Thomson, only in Secret Journal, Foreign Affairs, No. 5. See post, August 1.
May 31: On this day the memorial of Robert Johnston praying relief from the loss of money in 1779, was read and referred to the Commissioner for settling Hospital Accounts, who reported June 6. Johnston's memorial is in No. 31, folio 129.
Committee Book, No. 190.]
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