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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 --In Convention, September 17th. 1787.1
[Note 1: 1 Ratifications of the Constitution, pp. 71--73, in the writing of Benjamin Bankson. The text of Washington's letter as it appears in this volume is here printed.]
Sir. We have now the honor to submit to the consideration of the United States in Congress Assembled, that Constitution which has appeared to us the most adviseable.
The friends of our Country have long seen and desired, that the power of making war, peace and treaties, that of levying money and regulating commerce, and the correspondent executive and judicial authorities should be fully and effectually vested in the general government of the Union: but the impropriety of delegating such extensive trust to one body of men is evident. Hence results the necessity of a different organization.
It is obviously impracticable in the foederal government of these States, to secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each, and yet provide for the interest and safety of all. Individuals entering into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest. The magnitude of the sacrifice must depend as well on situation and circumstance, as on the object to be obtained. It is at all times difficult to draw with precision the line between those rights which must be surrendered, and those which may be reserved; and on the present occasion this difficulty was encreased by a difference among the several States as to their situation, extent, habits, and particular interests.
In all our deliberations on this subject we kept steadily in our view, that which appears to us the greatest interest of every true American, the consolidation of our Union, in which is involved our prosperity, felicity, safety, perhaps our national existence. This important consideration, seriously and deeply impressed on our minds, led each State in the Convention to be less rigid on points of inferior magnitude, than might have been otherwise expected; and thus the Constitution, which we now present, is the result of a spirit of amity, and of that mutual deference and concession which the peculiarity of our political situation rendered indispensable.
That it will meet the full and entire approbation of every State is not perhaps to be expected, but each will doubtless consider, that had her interests been alone consulted, the consequences might have been particularly disagreeable or injurious to others; that it is as liable to
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as few exceptions as could reasonably have been expected, we hope and believe; that it may promote the lasting welfare of that country so dear to us all, and secure her freedom and happiness, is our most ardent wish
With great respect
We have the honor to be
Sir
Your Excellency's
Most Obedient and humble servts.
George Washington, President.
By Unanimous Order of the Convention.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
[Letter of Secretary at War on Indian Affairs1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 150, II, pp. 377--378, read September 20, 1787. The extract from Major John Doughty's letter, July 22, 1787, is on p. 373.]
War Office September 3d. 1787.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency an extract of a letter from Major Doughty commanding at the Muskinghum.
The soldiers and officers on the frontiers have constantly worn their uniform and have not until this instance suffered any injury. The small detachments of troops which accompanied the surveyors during the last and the present year were peculiarly exposed to the depredations of the savages had they been so disposed.
But the murder which Major Doughty relates, and the circumstance of the scalp being carried through the Wyandot towns imply strongly a change of conduct on the part of the savages with respect to the troops of the United States. If this should be the case, it will most probably be fully proved in the course of the expedition to St. Vincents.
It appears by a letter from Brigadier General Harmar to the paymaster of his regiment now in this city that he had not moved from the Rapids of the Ohio on the 5th. of July but that he should move forward the moment a detachment for which he was waiting arrived.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
H Knox
His Excellency
The President of Congress
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[Letter of Secretary at War on Indian affairs1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 150, II, pp. 469--470, read September 20, 1787. The enclosures mentioned are on pp. 457--466.]
War Office, September 14'th 1787.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to Congress, extracts from a letter just received from the Superintendant of Indian Affairs for the Northern department, dated at Carlisle the 26'th of August.
Notwithstanding the ill health of this officer, he would have repaired to the treaty directed by Congress to be held at post Vincennes, had it not been supposed that his services might be more immediately necessary with the indians inhabiting the country about Lake Erie.
The Superintendant having stated to me, that on the frequent applications of the indian chiefs for powder and lead, that he was constrained to give high prices for these articles, and therefore requested an order to draw them occasionally from the public stores. Although I conceived such an order might be improper, yet, as the object was to save expence in the public disbursements, I have given orders that he should be furnished with two barrels of powder, and five hundred weight of lead. His receipt for these articles will be transmitted to the treasury department, that his accounts may be charged therewith.
In a letter received from James Livingston Esquire, deputy to the Superintendant of the Northern district, dated Johnstown the 30'th of August, he informs me, that, he shall soon hold a treaty with the five nations. Being uninformed of the objects of such a treaty, and apprehensive of the expence which would unavoidably arise on the occasion, I wrote him a letter of which the enclosed is a copy.
It is with great respect, that I suggest the importance of general instructions being issued, by the authority of Congress, to point out, and to govern the conduct of the Superintendants of indian Affairs.
I also transmit a letter received from James Farlie Esqr., dated at Albany Septr. 7th. 1787, containing a report of the intended designs of Brant. But, the information from Fort Pitt, as communicated by the Superintendant, has a very different complexion. The messages of the Delawares and Wyandots, and the intended visit of the Senecas to Venango, may be regarded as better evidence of the dispositions of the Indians, than the report from Niagara.
I have the honor to be, etc., H Knox
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
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[Letter of Secretary at War regarding troops in Western territory 1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 150, II, pp. 513--514, read September 20, 1787. Copies of the letters and papers enclosed are on pp. 473--510. See September 21, 1787.]
War Office, September 17th. 1787
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency copies of two letters and a variety of papers from Brigadier General Harmar. One of the letters is dated at the Rapids of the Ohio on the 7th. July and the other at Post Vincennes the 7th. August.
Although the movement of the troops up the Wabash was in consequence of the resolve of Congress of the 24th. April it may be presumed that it will also happily effect the objects intended by the resolves of Congress of the 24th. July.
Brigadier General Harmar lost no time in the execution of his orders. His military arrangements and the oeconomy of his supplies reflect honor on his conduct.
Although the movement by water was directed if practicable, on account of the difference of expence, yet as its propriety depended on circumstances not to be ascertained here, the mode operating by land or water was necessarily confided to the judgement of the commanding officer.
The great expence of Packhorses is entirely saved in consequence of the movement being performed by water. And as the boats were previously in possession of the troops being necessary to their situation in garrison little more expence has been incurred in this expedition than the additional price of the rations.
Brigadier General Harmar's force at Post Vincennes consists of about three hundred non-commissioned officers and privates.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
H Knox
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
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[Letter of Secretary for Foreign Affairs transmitting correspondence 1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 297, read September 20, 1787.]
Office for foreign Affairs
17th. August 1787
Sir: I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith enclosed, a Letter of the 4th. May last from Mr. Jefferson,2 one of the 5th. Instant from Mr. Lamb3 announcing his Arrival at Boston, and another, from Sir John Temple4 of the 16th. Instant.
[Note 2: 2 A copy is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 107, II, pp. 5--16. It deals with delay of Congress in replying to the King's letter, French finances, American commerce at Marseilles, Algerines, Lombardy rice, information from Brazil, Mexico and Peru, duties on fish and medal for General Gates.]
[Note 3: 3 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 91, II, p. 539, read September 20, 1787. It explains Lamb's delay.]
[Note 4: 4 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 92, p. 516, read September 20, 1787. It refers to duties on teas and silks imported by Temple. See September 21, 1787.]
With great Respect, etc.,
John Jay.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
[Letter of Secretary for Foreign Affairs transmitting letter and loancontract5]
[Note 5: 5 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 301, read September 20, 1787.]
Office for foreign Affairs
30th. Augt. 1787.
Sir: I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency herewith enclosed, a Letter6 from Mr. Adams of the 16th. June last, together with the Contract that accompanied it; and am
[Note 6: 6 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 84, VI, pp. 501--502, read September 20, 1787. A translation from Dutch into English of the bond or contract of June 1, 1787, for one million guilders, issued by Adams in favor of Dutch money lenders, is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 145, pp. 271--295. See September 28 and October 11, 1787.]
With great Respect, etc.,
John Jay.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
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[Letters of Secretary for Foreign Affairs transmitting correspondence]
Office for foreign Affairs
31. August 17871
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 305, read September 20, 1787.]
Sir: I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith enclosed a Letter2 from Mr. Gardoqui of 28th. Instant, together with a Translation of it, and the Charleston Gazette which accompanied it, and am
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 97, pp. 194--197, with translation, pp. 198--199, read September 20, 1787. A copy of the Columbian Herald, August 6, 1787, is at p. 200. According to indorsement and the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 165, this letter was referred to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to report. Report rendered October 4, 1787.]
With great Respect, etc.,
John Jay.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
Office for foreign Affairs
7th Septr. 17873
[Note 3: 3 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 309, read September 20, 1787. See September 21, 1787.]
Sir: I have the Honor of transmit to your Excellency herewith enclosed a Letter4 from the Honorable Mr. Jefferson of 21st. June last., together with the Papers mentioned in it and Translations of them; and am
[Note 4: 4 A copy is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 107, II, pp. 16--26, with the several enclosures on pp. 26--39. It deals with American commerce in France, military stores at Nantes, fish oils, the Assembly of Notables, European situation, Eden, Ambassador to Madrid, arrest of Barclay, letter of d'Oigney, claims against South Carolina, and letter of Lamb.]
With great Esteem, etc.,
John Jay.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
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Office for foreign affairs
9 Augt. 17871
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 293, read September 20, 1787. According to the Despatch Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 185, IV, p. 17, Shaw's letter gave an account of the China trade.]
Sir: I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith enclosed a Letter of the 31st. of Decr. last from Mr. Shaw, the american consul at Canton, and am
With great Respect etc.,
John Jay2
[Note 2: 2 September 20, 1787. According to indorsement and the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 165, the following committee was appointed:
Mr. Richard Henry Lee, Mr. William Grayson and Mr. William Few on a memorial of Nathaniel Twining, praying for relief in connection with losses incurred in his mail contract. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, X, pp. 259--262, read September 20, and acted on September 25 and 26, 1787. There is another unsigned memorial of Twining with reference to his contract in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, X, pp. 255--256. It is endorsed by Thomson as read November 2, 1787 and referred to the Postmaster General to report. No business was transacted on this date and no other information regarding this memorial appears.
According to indorsement the following letters and petitions were read:
Letter of Governor John Hancock, Massachusetts, to Arthur St. Clair, August 11, 1787, with reference to the landing of foreigners in the State. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 65, II, p. 361, with attested copies of five depositions enclosed, on pp. 365, 367--369, 371, 373 and 375--376. See September 21, 1787.
Letter of Governor John Sullivan, New Hampshire, to President of Congress, August 27, 1787, giving explanation of absence of delegates from Congress, in reply to the President's circular letter of August 13. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 64, pp. 336--337. The circular letter is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 16, pp. 326--328.
Letter of Governor John Sullivan, to Charles Thomson, August 27, 1787, stating that delegates are not in Congress because they are attending the Convention. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 64, p. 340.
Letter of Governor John Collins, Rhode Island, to [President of Congress], September 4, 1787, stating steps taken with respect to circular letter of August 13, 1787. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 64, p. 584.
Letter of Governor Samuel Huntington, Connecticut, to President of Congress, September 5, 1787, in reply to circular letter of August 13, 1787, regrets that he has been unable to keep State represented in Congress. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 66, II, p. 370.
Letter of Governor Samuel Huntington to Charles Thomson, September 6, 1787, expects State to be represented soon in Congress. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 66, II, p. 374.
Petition of William Blodget, August 22, 1787, praying for benefits of commutation for services rendered. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, I, pp. 413--414, with his original commission as second lieutenant on p. 417. See September 21, 1787.
Petition of Val and Pat French and nephew, in reference to a debt due them from Thomas Barclay, who was released from imprisonment by the French courts on account of his diplomatic status. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, III, pp. 153--155, with a printed copy in French of the court order releasing Barlcay on pp. 157--160. See September 21 and 26, 1787.
Petition of John C. Symmes, August 29, 1787, praying for a grant of land in the Western territory on terms similar to the grants of July 23 and 27, 1787, to Sargent and Cutler. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, VII, p. 295. See September 21 and October 2, 1787.
According to the Despatch Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 185, IV, p. 17, the following communications were delivered to Congress:
Petition of Westchester farmers asking compensation for damages.
Memorial of Capt. G. Cunningham praying for a settlement of his accounts.]
His Excellency
The Presidt. of Congress.
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