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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 --TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1787.
Congress assembled. Present as yesterday.
On Motion3 of Mr H[enry] Lee seconded by
[Note 3: 3 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, III, p. 389, in the writing of Mr Henry Lee. This motion and proceeding so far as relates to the Judges for the Western territory were entered by John Fisher in Western Territory, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 176, p. 17.]
Resolved That Congress proceed to the election of the judges for the western territory and the commissioners for settling the Accounts between the United States and the individual States.
Accordingly Congress proceeded to the Election of the Judges and the ballots being taken
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Congress proceeded to the election of Commissioners but not coming to a choice the election was postponed till the morrow.
On Motion1 of Mr [Edward] Carrington
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, III, p. 315, in the writing of Mr. Edward Carrington. This resolve and the following respecting J. P. Jones were also entered by Charles Thomson in Secret Journal, Foreign Affairs, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 5, III, pp. 1674--1675.]
Resolved Unanimously That a medal of gold be struck and presented to the Chevalier John Paul Jones in commemoration of the valour and brilliant services of that Officer in the command of a squadron of french and American ships under the flag and commission of the United States off the coast of England Great Britain in the late war; And that the Honorable Mr Jefferson Minister plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Versailles have the same executed with the proper devices.
Resolved2 That a letter be written to his Most Christian Majesty informing him that the United States in Congress Assembled3 have bestowed upon the Chevalier John Paul Jones this medal as well in consideration of the distinguished marks of approbation which his Majesty has been pleased to confer upon that Officer as from a sense of his merit; And that as it is his earnest desire to acquire greater knowledge in his profession, it would be acceptable to Congress that his Majesty would be pleased to permit him to embark with his fleets of evolution; convinced that he can no where else so well acquire that knowledge which may hereafter render him more extensively useful.
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, III, p. 313, in the writing of Mr. Edward Carrington.]
[Note 3: 3 The original draft of the motion read "have been pleased to promote the Chevalier John Paul Jones to the rank of Rear Admiral" in place of the clause "have bestowed upon the Chevalier John Paul Jones this medal."]
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Ordered That the Secy for foreign Affairs prepare a letter for the above purpose to be signed by the president; And that the Chevalier J. P. Jones be the bearer of the said letter.
1Draught2 of a Commission and letter of credence for Mr Jefferson made out for him in consequence of the Act of Congress of the 12 Oct. reappointing him Minister plenipotentiary at the court of France.
[Note 1: 1 From this point to the end of the day the Journal entries were made by Charles Thomson in the Secret Journal, Foreign Affairs, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 5, III, pp. 1675--1677.]
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 81, III, pp. 17--19. It is indorsed "Agreed to 19 Oct, (s) Chas. Thomson Secy". This date is evidently an error, as no business was transacted on October 19.]
Commission
The United States of America in Congress Assembled to our trusty and well beloved Thomas Jefferson esqr. send Greetg.
We reposing especial trust and confidence in your integrity prudence and ability have nominated constituted and appointed and by these presents do nominate constitute and appoint you the said Thomas Jefferson our Minister plenipotentiary to reside at the court of his Most Christian Majesty and do give you full power and authority there to represent us and to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or Office doth appertain or as may by our instructions be given unto you in Charge. This commission to commence and take effect from and after the tenth day of March next and continue in force for the space of three years thence ensuing unless sooner revoked. In testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Witness his Excellency Arthur St Clair our president this twelfth day of October One thousand seven hundred and eighty seven and of our Sovereignty and independence the twelfth.
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The letter of Credence.
Great and beloved friend
We the United States in Congress Assembled have given to Thomas Jefferson esqr. a new commission to represent us at your Majestys court, which is to commence at the expiration of his present one; and we beseech your Majesty to give entire credit to whatever he shall deliver on our part especially when he shall assure you of the sincerity of our friendship.
We pray God to keep your Majesty under his holy protection. Done at the city of New York the 12th day of Oct in the year of our Lord 1787 and of our sovereignty and independence the twelfth.
The Secretary for foreign Affairs reports that agreeably to the Order of the 16 he hath prepared the following letter1 to his Most Christian Majesty which having been duly signed and countersigned was delivered to the chevr. J. P. Jones.
[Note 1: 1 The draft of this letter is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 81, III p. 21.]
Great and Beloved Friend
We the United States in Congress Assembled in consideration of the distinguished marks of approbation with which your Majesty has been pleased to honor the chevalier J Paul Jones as well as from a sense of his merit have unanimously directed a medal of gold to be struck and presented to him in commemoration of his valour and brilliant services while commanding a squadron of french and American ships under our flag and commission off the coast of Great Britain in the late war.
As it is his earnest desire to acquire greater knowledge in his profession we cannot forbear requesting the favour of your Majesty to permit him to embark with your
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fleets of evolution where only it will be probably in his power to acquire that degree of knowledge which may hereafter render him more extensively useful.
Permit us to repeat to your Majesty our sincere assurances that the various and important benefits for which we are endebted to your friendship will never cease to interest us in whatever may concern the happiness of your Majesty, your family and people.
We pray God to keep you, our Great and beloved friend, under his holy protection.
Done at the city of New York the 16 day of Octr. in the year of our Lord 1787 and of our Sovereignty and independence the twelfth.
[Motion of Mr. Grayson1]
[Note 1: 1 Notation of this motion was made by Thomson only in the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 173. It was referred to a committee consisting of Mr. William Grayson, Mr. Abraham Clark and Mr. David Ross, which reported October 20, 1787.]
Motion of Mr Grayson recommendation to N C and Georgia to cede claims of W territory.
[Letters of Secretary for Foreign Affairs transmitting correspondence]
Office for foreign Affairs
15th. Octor. 17872
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 337, read October 16, 1787. According to the Despatch Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 185, IV, p. 20, Jefferson's letter dealt with "enregistering stamp and land tax."]
Sir: I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency herewith enclosed, a Letter from Mr. Jefferson of 15th. August last, and am with great Respect, etc.,
John Jay.
His Excellency
the President of Congress.
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Office for foreign Affairs
15h. Octor. 17871
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 341, read October 16, 1787.]
Sir: I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency, herewith enclosed, a Letter2 from Messrs. Willinks and Van Staphorsts of 30th. June last, together with the Papers mentioned in them, and am with great Respect, etc.,
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 145, p. 233. It related to "240,000 guilders on new loan of 1 million."]
John Jay.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
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