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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, MARCH 8, 1787.
Congress assembled. Present Massachusetts New York New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia and from Rhode island Mr [James Mitchell Varnum from Connecticut Mr S[tephen] M[ix] Mitchell and from Maryland Mr [Uriah] Forrest.
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On a report1 of the board of treasury to whom was referred a motion of Mr [James Mitchel] Varnum 2
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 139, p. 461. The report, signed by Samuel Osgood, Waiter Livingston and Arthur Lee, March 5, 1787, read March 8, is identical with the resolve as passed. A copy of an Act of Rhode Island, for payment of certificates with paper bills, is on p. 465. The covering letter of the Board, read March 8, is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 140, I, p. 323.]
[Note 2: 2 See March 1, 1787.]
Resolved That when the state of Rhode island shall have compleated the payment of her specie quota of the requisition of the 27 Septr. 1785,3 the loan Officer of the said state shall be authorised to continue the issue of indents agreeably to the terms of the said requisition.
[Note 3: 3 Journals, vol. XXIX, pp. 7657ndash;771.]
[Motion of Mr. Grayson on stores at Springfield 4]
[Note 4: 4 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 151, p. 242, in the writing of Mr. William Grayson. Referred to Secretary at War to report. Report rendered March 13, 1787. Cf. Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 139.]
Resolved that ye. Secy. at war be directed to take effectual measures for removing witht. delay the Arms Artillery, and Military Stores from Springfield in ye State of Massachusetts toin the State ofand that ye board of treasury take order for defraying the necessary expence attendg the same.
[Report of the Secretary of Congress on sundry petitions 5
[Note 5: 5 Reports of Secretary of Congress, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 180, p. 47, agreed to on March 8, 1787. See also Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 139.]
March 7 1787
Office of Secy. of Congress.
On the petition of John Snowden 6 stating his services and praying for a resettlement of his accounts
[Note 6: 6 See March 1, 1787, and Journals, vol. XXXI, p. 928.]
The Secy reports that a similar petition was presented to Congress on the 3 of November last and referred to the Commissioner for settling the quarter Masters Accounts to report. That the sd. Comr. has reported that Mr Snowden served in several capacities and had his pay augmented
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from time to time, that though the encrease of pay might not have kept pace with the depreciation of continental currency, yet his case is not singular, and that no allowance ought to be made him unless it is made general and depreciation allowed on the pay of all who have served in the quarter Master's department.
On this state of facts the Secy. farther reports That Agreed to March 8. Mr Snowden be informed that the prayer of his petition cannot be granted.
On the petition of Pierre Charlong1 a canadian stating his joining col Ethan Allen, his being taken prisoner and suffering confinement for two years until he made his escape his afterwards joining col Hazen's regiment as a volunteer in 1778, that he has never received any pay or compensation for the time he was in Captivity or as a volunteer; and praying for such relief as is consistent with justice.
[Note 1: 1 According to the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 139, the petition was referred as recommended. Report rendered March 12, 1787. See March 1, 1787.]
The Secy. reports that The petition of Pierre Charlong Agreed to March 8 be referred to the Comr. of Army Accounts to report.
[Report of Board of Treasury on Virginia resolutions 2]
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 139, pp. 457--458, read March 8, 1787. See February 26. The covering letter of the Board for this and the following report, read March 8, is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 140, I, p. 319.]
The Board of Treasury to whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution of the Senate and House of Delegates of the State of Virginia of the 9th. December 1786,
Beg leave to Report
That it would be improper for the United States in Congress to assume any Claim which may be brought against the Army or Navy of his most Christian Majesty, whilst acting within these States during the late War unless specially requested so to do by the Government of France; since the authenticity of such Claims could not be sufficiently ascertained, neither could any application be with propriety made to the French Court for the reimbursement of the amount if so assumed by the United States.
The Board beg leave further to observe, that it is well known that the said Army had special Agents Citizens of these States employed by them to purchase whatever was necessary for the Movement and Subsistence of their troops, one of which Gentlemen 3 is at present a
[Note 3: 3 Probably John Holker.]
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Resident in this Country; and that they wanted neither Money or Credit to procure whatever was necessary for the above Objects.
All which is humbly submitted.
Samuel Osgood
Walter Livingston
Arthur Lee
March 1st 1787.
[Report of Board of Treasury on memorial of M. Willett1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 138, II, pp. 539--540, read March 8 and passed March 21, 1787. See February 20 and March 21, 1787. Copies of three letters to Willet are on pp, 543--550.]
The Board of Treasury to whom was referred the Memorial of Colonel Marinus Willet together with a Report of the Commissioner of Army Accounts, and a Committee of Congress on the said Memorial,
Beg leave to Report,
That in addition to the facts stated in the Report of the Commissioner of Army Accounts, relative to the Regiment lately commanded by Colonel Willett, that Officer has laid before the Board sundry Letters received by him from the late Commander in Chief, betwixt the 4h. August and 16th of October 1783; Copies of which accompany this Report.
From these Letters it appears, that after the general line of the Continental Army was disbanded, the Regiment abovementioned was by the directions of the Commander in Chief detained in Service for the purpose of clearing the Roads and the communication betwixt Fort Schuyler and Oswego, with a view of occupying the British posts, which were then expected to be evacuated.
From this circumstance, and those stated in the Reports of the Commissioner of Army Accounts, and Committee of Congress, the Board submit to the consideration of Congress, the following Resolve, viz.
That the Commissioner of Army Accounts Settle with such of the Officers and Men of the Regiment lately commanded by Colonel Marinus Willet, as were in the actual Service of the United States during the Year 1783, for all Arrears of Pay, and Subsistence, respectively due to them.
All which is humbly Submitted.
March 1st 1787.
Samuel Osgood
Walter Livingston
Arthur Lee
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[Letter of Board of Treasury transmitting accounts 1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 140, II, p. 395, read March 8, 1787. The enclosed accounts, signed by Joseph Nourse, Register, are in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 141, II, as follows: General Account of Taxes, no. 10, pp. 113--115; General Account of Receipts and Expenditures of the United States, no. 10, pp. 137--138, supported by no. 1, Expenditures of the Civil List, pp. 119--123; no. 2, Expenditures of the Pay Master General's Department, p. 125; no. 3, Expenditures for Subsistence of the Army, p. 127; no. 4, Expenditures of the Quarter Master General's Department, p. 129; no. 5, Expenditures for Indian Affairs, p. 131; no. 6, Expenditures of the Military and Ordnance Stores Department, p. 133; no. 7, Expenditures for Pensions, Annuities and Grants, p. 135; no. 8, Expenditures for Contingencies, p. 109; and no. 9, Expenditures for the payment of Old Accounts, p. 111. The abstracts of the Treasury of the United States for January and February 1787 are on pp. 141--142 and 145--146, respectively.]
Board of Treasury
March 6th. 1786
Sir: We do ourselves the honor of laying before Congress the Quarterly Accounts of the Receipts and Expenditures of the Treasury of the United States commencing the 1st of October, and ending 31st. December 1786; together with Abstracts of the State of the Treasury, for the Months of January and February 1787 and are with the greatest Respect
Your Excellencys, most Obedient, etc.,
Samuel Osgood
Walter Livingston
Arthur Lee
His Excelly
The President of Congress
[Report of Secretary for Foreign Affairs respecting a consulate at Lisbon 2]
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 81, III, pp. 185--188, read March 8, 1787. Part agreed to March 13. See February 26, 1787.]
Office for Foreign Affairs
1st. March 1787
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs, to whom was referred a Letter to him of the 20th. February 1787 from John Marsden Pintard the Agent of the United States at
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Madeira, suggesting Reasons for extending his Agency to the Port of Lisbon,
Reports
That in his Opinion it would always be expedient to have an Agent or Vice Consul stationed at Madeira, and of this the Advantages experienced by several of our Citizens from Mr. Pintard's Agency there afford Evidence.
That at present it would not be easy to supply his Place there, especially as no Salary is annexed to the Appointment, and as his is the only american House in that Island; wherefore in case of his removing to Lisbon your Secretary thinks it may be well to make no Alterations in that Appointment at present, but leave him to manage the Business of it by his Partners.
Your Secretary would prefer having a Resident or Minister with consular Powers at Lisbon, but as the Finances of the United States oppose it, he thinks it would be useful to have a Consul or an Agent there. The Treaty with Portugal not being finally concluded, an Agent would in his Opinion be sufficient and perhaps more proper at the present Moment.
The Sentiments he entertains of Mr. Pintard lead him to think that such a Mark of the public Confidence would be well bestowed; and that our Ministers for negociating that Treaty as well as your Secretary might derive Advantages from his Correspondence and Activity. Besides the United States have considerable Commerce with Lisbon, and it is natural to suppose that an Agent for those Purposes would be convenient.
Your Secretary is apprized of the following Act of Congress 1 Vizt. "June 21st. 1780"
[Note 1: 1 Journals, vol. XVII, p. 541.]
"The Committee of foreign Affairs, to whom was referred a Letter of 23d May from Mr P. Henry late Governor of Virginia,
Report, That from the said Letter and other Papers laid before them, as well as from the Information of Mr. G. Anderson, they find that Mr. Arnold Henry Dohrman, Merchant of Lisbon, hath from the Commencement of the present War manifested a warm and steady Attachment to the Cause and Interests of the United States; that he hath expended large Sums of Money in carrying into Practice, Schemes projected by him for assisting them with Cloathing and warlike Stores,
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as well as in supplying great Numbers of american Prisoners, carried into the Ports of the Kingdom of Portugal, with Money and all other Necessaries for their comfortable Subsistence while there, and for their Return to their own Country by such Routes as they preferred: that from the great Wealth and Influence and the favorable Dispositions of the said Arnold Henry Dohrman many Benefits might be derived to these States, by enabling him to be more publicly and extensively useful under the Sanction of Authority from Congress: That the Committee are assured the said Mr. Dohrman wishes for no Salary or Emolument for his Services, but simply a Repayment of his Advances when it shall be most convenient. Whereupon,
Resolved, That Arnold Henry Dohrman of the City of Lisbon Merchant, be appointed Agent for the United States in the Kingdom of Portugal, for the Transaction of such Affairs of the said States as may be committed to his Direction."
But as Mr Dohrman is not a Citizen of the United States, and is at present in America (as your Secretary is informed), and particularly as his Agency is limited to the Transaction of such Affairs of the United States as may be committed to his Direction, your Secretary thinks Mr. Pintard might nevertheless be appointed commercial Agent at that Port with propriety.
Your Secretary has Reason to think Mr. Dohrman deserves well of the United States, and that he merits the Attention of Congress, but in a Way consistent with their Act1 of 16th. March 1784, which confines certain Appointments to Citizens.
[Note 1: 1 Journals, vol. XXVI, p. 144.]
Wherefore your Secretary submits the following Resolution to the Consideration of Congress, Vizt.
Resolved, That a commercial Agent to reside at the Port of Lisbon be appointed.
Your Secretary also thinks in Case the Choice should fall on Mr. Pintard, that then it should also be resolved that his Agency at Madeira should not be construed to have thereupon become vacant, but should remain in force until the further Order of Congress.
All which is submitted to the Wisdom of Congress.
John Jay
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[Letter of Secretary for Foreign Affairs respecting commerce of the United States and France1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 209, read March 8, 1787. Jefferson's letter and its enclosures, read March 8, are in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 87, I, pp. 694--696 and 698--760. See March 13, 1787.]
New York 5th. March 1787
Sir: I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith enclosed, a Letter from Mr. Jefferson of 23d. October last together with the Papers mentioned to be enclosed in it and Translations of them; and am with great Respect and Esteem ect.
John Jay
His Excellency
The President Of Congress,
[Report of Commissioner of Army Accounts on petition of H. W. Archer2]
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 62, p. 197, delivered March 5, read March 8, 1787. See March 1, 1787.]
The Commissioner for settling the army accounts, begs leave to report on the petition of Captain H. W. Archer, referred to him,
That Captain Archer on the 26th of July 1779, had the brevet of a Captain given to him, to which was added by the Resolution3 of September 24th. following, the pay and Subsistence of a Captain.
[Note 3: 3 Journals, vol. XV, p. 1102.]
That your Commissioner conceives a brevet Commission to be honorary only, and not attended with any emoluments whatever; agreably to the resolutions4 of April 30th. 1778, April 1, 1779 and September 10th., 1783.
[Note 4: 4 Journals, vol. X, p. 410; vol. XIII, p. 407; and vol. XXV, p. 541, respectively.]
That the after grant of pay and Subsistence to Captain Archer cannot be construed as altering his appointment, but only as annexing certain express allowances to it. for if the intention of Congress had been to have extended his appointment from a brevet to the line of the army, or that other emoluments should be given to him, the expressions of their resolutions, would undoubtedly have been to that purport.
That a resolution5 of January 26, 1784, has directed that the claim of Commutation cannot be admitted by implication only.
[Note 5: 5 Journals, vol. XXVI, p. 49.]
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Your Commissioner therefore presumes that Captain Archer cannot be considered as entitled to the Commutation in consequence of his appointment of July 26, 1779, without a new and express Resolution for that purpose.
All which is humbly Submitted
Jno. Pierce Commissr.
Office Of Army Accounts
New York March 2d. 1787.
[Report of Commissioner of Army Accounts on memorial of John Thomson1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 62, p. 201, delivered March 5, read March 8, 1787. See March 1, 1787.]
The Commissioner for settling the accounts of the Army to whom was referred the memorial of Captain John Thomson begs leave to report.
That there appears to be a ballance of Eleven hundred Ninty Nine 6/90 dollars due to Cap. Thomson on the settlement of his recruiting account, Opposed to which ballance, Colonel Edward Antill has charged to him the sum of One thousand and seventy dollars, for which the Colonel has produced an entry in his account book and attested that the same has been paid by him to Cap. Thomson.
That Captain Thomson, has also attested that he never did receive the sd. sum of One thousand and seventy Dollars or any part of it for his own use or that of the United States.
That Colonel Antill has been called on by your Commissioner to support his charge of this sum, which he says he can do, and that the same was paid by him out of the monies committed into his hands by the united States.
That Cap. Thomson has repeatedly applied for his Settlement but at the time of his application Colonel Antill was absent, which has prevented an hearing between the parties.
That Captain Thomson character being unknown to your Commissioner or the means by which he could make so considerable an advance for the public, and Colonel Antill being now at Saratoga in this State, has induced your Commissioner again to suspend granting a certificate for the whole ballance claimed by the petitioner, until the parties can be brought together and heard, on the Subject of their Controversy,
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or until a reasonable time may have elapsed after a notification for them to make their appearance.
All which is humbly Submitted.
Jno. Pierce1
[Note 1: 1 March8, 1787. According to the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, pp. 138--139, the following matters were referred:
A motion of Mr. William Irvine for posting a company at Venango and countermanding the order for dismantling Fort McIntosh. Referred to the Secretary at War to report. Reported March 9, 1787.
A petition of Edward Dowse, a surveyor in Western territory, March 1, read March 8, 1787, praying his account be passed, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, II, pp. 354--355. Referred to the Board of Treasury to report. See October 3, 1787.
Memorial of John Johnson. Referred to Commissioner of Army Accounts to report.
Also, the committee of February 12 on a report respecting infractions of the treaty with England was discharged. (Committee Book, p. 136).According to indorsement the following was read:
Petition of Moses Hazen, March 6, 1787, with reference to citizenship of Canadian refugees. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, III, p. 516. See March 13, 1787.
According to Committee Reports, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 189, p. 22, was received:
A report of the Board of Treasury on the petition of James Hendricks. See February 26, 1787.
Letter of the Commissioner of army accounts, J. Pierce, February 27, 1787, asking an allowance of 500 dollars. See March 13, 1787.]
Office Of Army Accots.
March 4 1787.
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