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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, JUNE 5, 1786.
Mr. William Peery, a delegate for Delaware, attended, and took his Seat.1
[Note 1: 1 See ante, May 1, for credential.]
Congress assembled. Present, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia; and from New Hampshire, Mr. [Pierse] Long; from New Jersey, Mr. [John Cleves] Symmes, and from Delaware, Mr. [William] Peery.
The Secretary laid before Congress a letter of the 29th May, from Mr. Benjamin Hichborn, in behalf of Mr. Hancock, stating that, "as Mr. Hancock is still confined to his bed, and unable to write himself, he has requested him to inform Congress, that he has long flattered himself with the prospect of better health, the want of which alone, has prevented his attending Congress; but his disorders at present wearing no appearance of leaving him soon, he is induced, from a consideration of the great inconvenience Congress is exposed to in such frequent temporary appointments to fill the chair, as well as from the total uncertainty of his future health, to request their acceptance of his resignation of the Office of President; that Mr. Hancock is truly sensible of the singular marks of the favourable sentiments of Congress in his appointment, and most sincerely regrets that he has it not in his power personally to acknowledge them;"2 Whereupon,
[Note 2: 2 Hichborn's letter is in No. 78, XII, folio 441.]
Resolved, That Congress proceed to the election of a president.
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War Office, June 5th, 1786.
Sir: I have the honor to inform Congress that all the troops who were raised in the state of Jersey amounting to ninety men marched from New Brunswick on the 2nd. instant for the western territory and also thirty-two recruits for the New York and Connecticut companies. The detachment is commanded by captain Mercer. On its arrival at the Ohio the number of troops there will amount to rather more than six hundred noncommissioned officers and privates.
A party of about thirty are designed for the garrison of West Point. At present only twelve are there; the remainder will be furnished by the recruits from New Jersey. After this party shall be completed there will be deficient about sixty of the seven hundred men ordered to be raised by Congress. This deficiency arises from the Quotas of the respective states not having been completed in the first instance: to the discharges of men unfit for the hardships of the field: to desertions, and to deaths. As the deficiency must be furnished by the respective states on which Congress assessed the regiment, the arrangement for recruiting in these states with its consequent contingent expences and the transportation of the recruits to the frontiers would be inordinately disproportionate to their services.
I shall therefore forbear any further recruiting for the present, otherwise than completing the garrison of West Point, unless events in the Western territory should render it necessary for the whole number to be completed immediately, or Congress should think proper to direct, the measure.
I have the honor to be etc.
H. Knox.1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 150, I, folio 333. According to indorsement it was read June 6.]
The Honorable
Nathaniel Gorham Esqr.
Chairman of Congress.
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