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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 --FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1788.
Congress Assembled present Massachusetts New Jersey Pensylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia and South Carolina and from New Hampshire Mr [Nicholas] Gilman from Connecticut Mr Jer[emiah] Wadsworth from North Carolina Mr [James] White and from Georgia Mr [Abraham] Baldwin.
2The committee consisting of Mr [George] Thatcher Mr [Jeremiah] Wadsworth and Mr [William] Irvine to whom was referred a Petition3 of Thomas Russel praying for sea letters for the Ship Hercules, and an application for sea letters for the Ship Asia, report
[Note 2: 2 Roger Alden takes up the entry.]
[Note 3: 3 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, VI, p. 532. The petition was dated December 14, 1787 and read and committee appointed on February 1, 1788.]
That they are satisfied that the ship Hercules is american built and commanded and manned by Americans and the ship Asia, John Barry Commander, is american built and commanded and manned by Americans, Whereupon Ordered That sea letters in the usual form be granted for the Ship Hercules, Moses Browne Commander, and also for the Ship
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Asia, John Barry Commander, both bound for Canton in China.
The committee consisting of Mr [Samuel Allyne] Otis Mr [Abraham] Clark, Mr [William] Irvine, Mr [James] Madison and Mr [Nathaniel] Mitchel to whom was referred the Credentials produced by the Delegates from the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, report, 1[made report 2which being amended was accepted and is as follows] that they have carefully examined the same 1[Credentials], and are of opinion that Mr [Nicholas] Gilman of New Hampshire, Mr [Samuel Allyne] Otis and Mr [George] Thatcher of Massachusetts, Mr Jeremiah Wadsworth of Connecticut, Mr [Abraham] Clark Mr [Jonathan] Elmer and Mr [Jonathan] Dayton of New Jersey, Mr [William] Irvine Mr [John] Armstrong and Mr [James R.] Reid of Pensylvania Mr [Dyre] Kearny and Mr [Nathaniel] Mitchel of Delaware, Mr [James] Madison, Mr [Cyrus] Griffin and Mr [John] Browne of Virginia, Mr [James] White of North Carolina Mr [Daniel] Huger, Mr [John] Parker and Mr [Thomas Tudor] Tucker of South Carolina and Mr [Abraham] Baldwin of Georgia are authorised to sit and vote in the present Congress of the United States until the first Monday in November next and no longer. That Mr [John Eager] Howard and Mr [Benjamin] Contee of Maryland are authorised to sit and vote in the Congress of the United States until the second Monday in December next.
[Note 11: 1 The words bracketed were added by Charles Thomson.]
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 23, pp. 277 and 279, in writing of Mr. Samuel Allyne Otis. The original report had a concluding paragraph as follows:--" Your Committee further report that, the paper purporting to be a Commission to Mr Parker of South Carolina, is not authenticated by the signature of the Governor or first Magistrate of the State aforesaid." The unsigned credentials are in Papers of the Continental Congress, South Carolina Credentials. See January 22, 1788.]
Resolved that Congress agree to said report.
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1A letter2 of 22 Jany from Mr J[ames] White was read stating that as his holding the Office of Superintendant of Indian Affairs is incompatible with the appointment given him by the State of North Carolina as delegate in Congress, he therefore resigns his Office of Superintendent.
[Note 1: 1 Charles Thomson resumes the entry.]
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, XXIV, p. 599, addressed to Charles Thomson.]
[Report of Secretary of Congress on sundry petitions and letters3]
[Note 3: 3 Reports of Secretary of Congress, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 180, pp. 66--67.]
Office of Secy of Congress
Jany 23, 1788
On the letter of the Governor of Georgia dated 15 Nov(r) stating the reasons for going to war with the Creek Indians
The Secy of Congress reports
That the letter of 15 Nov(r) from the Governor of agd . Georgia with the paper enclosed be referred to a comee .4
[Note 4: 4 According to the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 178, the committee consisted of Mr. James Madison, Mr. James White, Mr. Abraham Baldwin, Mr. Dyre Kearny and Mr. Jonathan Elmer. Besides the letter a report of a committee of the state of Georgia on the conduct of the Creek Indians was also referred. The committee was renewed June 4, 1788. See January 22, June 20, 27 and July 15, 1788.]
On the letter of the 10 Novr from genl Washington transmitting a copy of the paper enclosed in Mr President Laurens letter of 19 feby 1778 agreably to the order of 25 Octr last
The Secretary of Congress reports That there was a comee appointed by the last Congress to consider and report upon the claims of Baron Steuben, he therefore submits
That the comee on the claims of Baron Steuben be revived and that agd . the letter of 10 Novr from genl Washington with the paper enclosed be referred to that committee.5
[Note 5: 5 According to the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 178, the committee consisted of Mr. William Irvine, Mr. Nicholas Gilman, Mr. James Madison (replaced on March 6 by Mr. Jeremiah Wadsworth), Mr. Dyre Kearny and Mr. Samuel Allyne Otis. A letter of Baron yon Steuben was also referred. This committee was renewed June 4, 1788. See October 6 and 25, 1787, January 22 and July 7, 1788.]
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On the letter1 of the 2 Novr from John Sevier informing Congress that he has the honor to preside over a state which he calls the state of Franklin of which "and that a great majority of the people of that state hold out and contend for a separate and an independent and separate government from that of North Carolina agreeable to the cession Act passed in June 1784"
[Note 1: 1 See January 22, 1788.]
The Secretary of Congress reports That on the 20th of Oct last Congress again brought before the view of North Carolina and Georgia the Subject of surrendering to the Union a portion of their territorial claims in the western country for the general benefit, that no answer is yet received from either of those states to this last representation of Congress, and it not appearing that any thing can, in the present situation of the federal government, be done to effect, he therefore reports
That the letter of 2 Novr from J Sevier be filed.
On the letter1 of the 8 Sept from the Cherokee Indians proposing that H Droomgoole be appointed an agent or Superintendant to reside among them
The Secretary of Congress reports
That the letter of 8 Sept from the Cherokee Indians agd be referred to the Secretary at war to report.2
[Note 2: 2 See January 22 and February 5, 1788.]
On the letter from P. Langlois of Kaskaskies representing the bad conduct of I. Dodge and one Tardiveu
The Secretary reports That complaints of a similar nature have been made to him by a Mr Parker now in this city and late from that country he therefore reports
That the letter of 28 Sept from P. Langlois be agd referred to a committee.2
On the petition of Jacobus Demarest and others in behalf of the people of Bergen Country stating difficulties which prevent their obtaining certificates for sums due to them by the United States
The Seey of Congress reports
That the petition of J Demarest and others be agd referred to the board of treasury.3
[Note 3: 3 See January 22 and February 11, 1788.]
On the petition of Israel Evans praying for a grant of Lands in consequence of his having served as a chaplain in the Army during the late war
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The Secretary of Congress presuming that Congress will not act partially nor grant favours to one which they have not thought proper to grant others in similar circumstances and who have performed like services therefore reports.
That Mr Israel Evans have leave to withdraw his petition.1
[Note 1: 1 See January 22 and February 11, 1788.]
[Report of Board of Treasury on memorial of Betts, Campbell, Stewart and Taylor.2]
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 138, I, pp. 111--114, read February 1, 1788. The covering letter of the Board, also read, is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 140, I, p. 419. See April 19, 1787.]
The Board of Treasury to whom was referred the Memorial of William M. Betts, John Campbell, Archibald Stewart and George Taylor Assistants to Colo . Udney Hay Deputy Quarter Master for the middle department, in the Years 1778, 1779 and 1780,
Beg leave to Report,
That the object of the Memorialists is to obtain further compensation, on Account of the reduced value of their pay, which at the time they received their appointment, was Forty dollars per Month; although the pay of the Assistants in the succeeding Establishment of the Quarter Master General's Department was fixed at seventy five dollars per Month.
On the above Memorial the Board beg leave to observe, that the pay of the Memorialists appears from time to tune to have been augmented on Account of the depretiating state of the Continental Currency; and although such Augmentation, when reduced to Specie Value, may not (as the Memorialists state) be adequate to the Sum of Forty Dollars in specie per Month, yet relief cannot be given in this instance, without extending the Claim of depretiation to all Officers in the late Staff Departments, of the Army, as well as to others in the public service, whose Nominal Pay, may on a revision of their Accounts, not appear to have been adequate, to their respective Services.
That the Act3 of Congress of the 10th . of April 1780, limits the Claim of depretiation to persons in the line of the Army, or belonging to Independent Corps; provided they were at the time of passing that Act in service under enlistment for three Years, or during the War; or
[Note 3: 3 Journals, vol. XVI, pp. 344--345.]
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should thereafter, engage in the Army during the War; That the benefit of this Act was afterward extended to the Military Hospital; but that Congress have uniformly rejected all Applications, which have been made to them for extending it to the Officers of the Staff Departments.
That, it is therefore to be presumed, that Congress have, on a consideration of this subject, judged it impracticable to extend general relief, to the numerous characters engaged in their service during the War, who have been sufferers, from the depretiation of the Paper, which they received in payment. Under these circumstances they submit to the opinion of Congress the following Resolve.
That the Memorial of Wm . M Betts, John Campbell, Archibald Stewart and George Taylor late assistants in the Quarter Master Generals department, praying for a further allowance on account of the Depretiation of their respective pay cannot be complied with.
All which is humbly Submitted.
Samuel Osgood
Walter Livingston
January 25th . 1788.
[Report of Board of Treasury on memorial of J. Story1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 138, II, pp. 417--422, read February 1, 1788. The covering letter of the Board, also read, is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No 140, I, p. 423. See March 12 and September 5, 1788.]
The Board of Treasury to whom was refered the Memorial2 of John Story,
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, IX, pp. 295--299, dated and read February 7, 1785. According to indorsement and the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 44, the part of the petition referring to pay while settling public accounts was referred to the Board of Treasury to report. See Journals, vol. XXVIII, p. 47 n. Cf. March 25, 1788.]
Beg leave to Report
That the Memorialist solicits of Congress an allowance for his Services whilst attending a settlement of the Accounts of the late Major General Greene, as Quarter Master General of the Army from the 21st . of April 1781, to the 8th . day of July 1784, and that the depretiation of money by him received on account of Pay &c. previous to the 5th . day of August 1780, should be made good.
He further states, that in the month of June 1777, (agreeably to the plan 3 established by Congress on the 14th . May 1777) he was appointed
[Note 3: 3 Journals, vol. VII, pp. 355--359.]
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Quarter Master to General Glover's Brigade, with the rank of Captain, and on the 17th . of October following, Deputy Quarter Master General to a division of the Northern Army, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; in which capacity he continued 'till he was appointed Pay-master to the Quarter Master Generals department under the late Major General Greene in Camp, with the same Pay and Emoluments as were annexed to iris former station; that he has not received the commutation or other emoluments annexed to the rank of a Lt . Colonel in the Army; and therefore submits it to the Consideration of Congress whether the same should not be made.
It is likewise alledged by the said Memorialist, that from September 1781, to the death of the late Major General Lord Stirling, he acted as an Aid du Camp to that Officer; but it does not appear that on this account he makes any claim. On the above memorial the Board beg leave to state to Congress, That on the 24th . July 1781, the United States resolved,1 "that Mr . John Story should repair to Camp, and there carefully transact and settle the business belonging to the late Quarter Master Generals department, untill the further orders of Congress and that he should be allowed for his Services, the pay and Rations of a Captain in the line of the Army."
[Note 1: 1 Journals, vol. XXI, p. 786.]
That this compensation not being satisfactory to Mr . Story, he declined this appointment; and that on the 15th . of August following it was resolved 2 in Congress, "that Mr . Story be informed that his claim to Rank is Inadmissable, and that Iris further services be dispensed with." This Act of Congress precludes Mr . Storys claim to any compensation on the part of the United States for services in assisting in the settlement of the Accounts of the late Major General Greene, as well as of his pretentions on account of rank &c. as a Deputy Quarter Master General.
[Note 2: 2 Journals. vol. XXI, p. 873.]
Exclusive of this it may be necessary to observe on the first point, That in the opinion of this Board, the Commission of one per Cent allowed to the late Major General Greene, and his two principal Assistants in the Quarter Master Generals department was meant and ought include all charges and expences for rendering their accounts of expenditures, so as to entitle them to the said Commissions.
On the second point, That in the rejection of Rank, on account of a commission in the Staff department (and consequently of the emoluments of Commutation &c. dependant thereon) the Act of Congress
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above stated, is in strict conformity to their invariable determination, on applications of the same nature from Officers in the Staff departments, more especially in the Case of Colonels Udny Hay and Morgan Lewis, as will appear by the Acts1 of Congress of the 29th . of May 1778 and 7th . April 1783
[Note 1: 1 Journals, vol. XI, pp. 554--555 and vol. XXIV, p. 230, respectively.]
With respect to the claim of the Memorialist on account of Depreciation, the Board beg leave to observe,
That the Act of Congress relative to depreciation does not extend to any Officers in the late Staff departments; except those of the Hospital; and Congress have constantly rejected the numerous applications which have been made for extending it. It may be further necessary to observe that it appears from the documents accompanying this Memorial, that the State of Massachusets has, notwithstanding, paid to the Memorialist the sum of Two thousand four hundred and sixty Dollars and 11/90ths on account of depreciation; the amount of which, under the existing Acts of Congress, cannot be admitted as a charge against the United States.
Under the circumstances above stated, the Board submit the following Resolve,
That the claims of John Story in his Memorial of the 7th . of February 1785, are inadmissable.
All which is humbly submitted.
Samuel Osgood
Walter Livingston
January 25, 1788.
[Report of Board of Treasury on memorial of P. Noyes2]
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 138, II, pp. 213--214, read February 1, 1788. The covering letter of the Board, also read, is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 140, I, p. 427.]
The Board of Treasury to whom was refered a Memorial 3 of Paul Noyes of the 8th of February 1786.
[Note 3: 3 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, V, p. 465, with accompanying documents between pp. 468--480. See Journals, vol. XXX, p. 60 n.]
Beg leave to Report
That the powers and duties of the late State Commissioners (so far as they relate to the Settlement of the claims of Individuals against the United States) have devolved on the Accountant of the Treasury; and are in the opinion of the Board competent to the settlement of the claims of the Memorialist; they therefore submit to the consideration of Congress the following order.
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That the petition and account of Paul Noyes, of the 8th . of February 1786, be refered to the Consideration and adjustment of the Accountant of the Treasury.
All which is humbly submitted,
Samuel Osgood
Walter Livingston
January 26th 1788.
[Report of Board of Treasury on petition of J. Hurd1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 138, I, pp. 613--614, read February 1, 1788. The covering letter of the Board, also read, is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 140, I, p. 435. See October 9, 1787.]
The Board of Treasury to whom was referred the Petition of John Hurd,
Beg leave to Report
That the Petitioner sets forth that he is in Possession of two setts of Exchange drawn by the United States or their Commissioner at the Court of Versailles; which Bills were issued for the Payment of Interest on Loan Office Certificates.
That from an examination of Mr . Barclays Accounts it appears, that of the Bills drawn as above stated, about Seventeen thousand Dollars have not been paid.
That sundry setts of these Bills not paid, have been presented to the Board of Treasury for payment some of which have been regularly protested, and the damages accruing thereon have been demanded equally as the Principal.
That it is the opinion of this Board that the Holders of those Bills are entitled to the same Justice as Persons holding Private Bills returned for want of acceptance or non-payment.
The following resolve is therefore submitted,
That such Bills of Exchange as have been drawn by the United States or their Commissioner at Paris for Interest on Loan Office Certificates, and have not been discharged be paid agreeably to the custom of Merchants, and in such manner as the State of the Finances will best admit of.
All which is humbly submitted.
Samuel Osgood
Walter Livingston
Board of Treasury
January 28th 1788.
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[Report of Board of Treasury on memorial of D. Henley1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 138, I, pp. 593--595, read February 1, 1788. The covering letter of the Board, also read, is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 140, I, p. 439. See July 6, 1787 and June 4, 1788.]
The Board of Treasury to whom was referred the Memorial of Mr . David Henley one of the Commissioners for settling the claims of the State of Virginia, on Account of the Western Territory, ceded by that State to the United States.
Beg leave to Report
That the said Commissioner being appointed an Arbitrator, as well on the part of the State of Virginia, as on that of the United States, to examine into and decide on the claims aforesaid, in the mode pointed out by the Act2 of Congress of the 13th of April 1785; it appears reasonable that his service and expences should be a joint and equal charge, against the parties.
[Note 2: 2 Journals, vol XXVIII, p. 261.]
That the allowance made to the Commissioner on the part of the United States, during his attendance on this Reference is six Dollars per day; which sum, the Board presume would be a proper compensation for the Service and expences of Mr . Henley.
They submit to the consideration of Congress the following Resolves, vizt . Resolved, That the expences attending the service of David Henley, one of the Commissioners appointed to adjust certain claims on Account of the Western Cession made by the State of Virginia in pursuance of the Act of Congress of the 13th . of April 1785 ought in the opinion of Congress to be a joint and equal charge against the State of Virginia, and the United States.
Resolved, That on the part of the United States there be allowed to the said David Henley at the rate of Three dollars per day on Account of his service and Expences, whilst attending on that Business.
All which is humbly Submitted.
Samuel Osgood
January 29th . 1788.
Walter Livingston
[Report of Board of Treasury on memorial of J. B. Diricks.3]
[Note 3: 3 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 138, II, pp. 467--468, read February 1, 1788. The covering letter of the Board, dated January 28, 1788, also read, is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 140, I, p. 431. See April 25 and 26, 1787.]
The Board of Treasury to whom was referred the Memorial of R. J. Vanden Brock, in behalf of Lieutenant Colonel Diricks
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Beg leave to Report.
That the Memorialist states that whilst Colonel Diricks was in the Family of the late Major General Lord Stirling in the Year 1777, he made sundry advances on account of that Officer the Reimbursement of which he claims of the United States. On an examination of the account accompanying this Memorial there is no Evidence that the same was advanced on account of the United States, neither is the same supported by any other voucher, than the Oath of the Claimant. The Board submit therefore to the consideration of Congress the following Resolve.
That the Memorial of R. J. Vanden Brock, attorney of the late Lieut . Colonel Diricks be dismissed, the said Colonel Diriks having no claim against the United States for the disbursements, set forth in the said Memorial.
All which is humbly Submitted.
Samuel Osgood
January 28th . 1787 [1788]
Walter Livington
[Letter of Secretary at War respecting J. Sullivan.1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 150, III, pp. 17--19, read February 1, 1788. The enclosures mentioned are on pp. 1--5 and 13--14. See July 15, 1788.]
War Office January 25th . 1788
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the Copy of a letter said to have been written by a certain Mr John Sullivan, together with the evidence of its authenticity.
This letter was delivered to me by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to whom it was enclosed from Philadelphia. The strong intimations contained in it of an audacious and unjustifiable design which might involve the United States in a war with a foreign nation, seemed to require that some measures should be immediately taken thereon. Accordingly I conceived it my duty in the recess of Congress to transmit to Brigadier General Harmar the commanding Officer of the troops on the frontiers, the directions contained in the enclosed letter to him, which I humbly hope may be conformable to the judgement of Congress.
I have hitherto considered this letter as a secret of State, and it is with all possible defference that I take the liberty of suggesting to Congress the propriety of its still being considered in that light.
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It is a fact well ascertained that reports have been circulated on the frontiers, that Congress were about to obtain advantages for the marine States at the expence of some of the rights of the inhabitants of the western waters. If to the existing opinions and prejudices on this subject, fresh matter heightned probably by misrepresentation should be added, the result might be greatly pernicious to the public interests.
No report has been received in consequence of my directions of the 14th . of November, indeed sufficient time has not yet elapsed to expect any.
I have lately been informed that Brigadier General Harmar returned to the Muskinghum on the 20th . of November from the expedition to post Vincennes on the Wabash. That he had transmitted to me a particular report of the operation of the troops, and of the treaties he had formed with several indian tribes at that post. That the person to whom the letters were entrusted had been detained on the road by accident but that he might be daily expected in this City. As soon as he shall arrive all the material intelligence in the public dispatches, will be submitted to Congress.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
H Knox.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
[Letters of Secretary for Foreign Affairs transmitting correspondence.]
Office for Foreign Affairs
23d January 17881
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 359, read February 1, 1788.]
Sir: I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency, herewith enclosed, sundry Letters from Mr . Adams2 of 10th 22d . and 23d . September
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 84, VI, pp. 505--507, (with enclosures pp. 509--510, 513, 515); 519--521; 523--525, (with enclosure pp. 527--528); and 531--533, respectively. The letter of September 10 deals with proposals of the Court of Lisbon respecting the appointment of ministers. The first of September 22 discusses the effects of the circular letter respecting the infractions of the treaty of peace, the critical situation of England and European politics. The second of September 22 indicates measures taken to relieve American seamen impressed in England. And that of September 23 relates the critical state of European politics and the benefits that would accrue to America. According to indorsement and the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 177, these letters were referred to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs to report. See February 12, 1788.]
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last, and one from Mr Carmichael1 of 19th . August together with the Papers that are mentioned in them respectively, and am with great Respect, etc.,
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 88, II, pp. 500--503. This letter sets forth the measures taken to elucidate the claim of South Carolina for services rendered by the Frigate commanded by Commodore Gillon. According to indorsement and the Despatch Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 185, IV, p. 23, a copy of this letter was given to the delegates of South Carolina. See February 12, 1788.]
John Jay.
His Excellency Cyrus Griffin Esqr .
President of Congress.
Office for Foreign Affairs
23d . Jany . 17882
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 363, read February 1, 1788.]
Sir: I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency, herewith enclosed, four Letters 3 from Mr Jefferson of 19th . and 22d . September and 8th . and 27th . October 1787, together with all the Papers that accompanied them, except an Extract from the Minutes of the Admiralty of Guadaloupe mentioned in his Letter of 19th September, which being lengthy and in the french Language the Interpreter has not yet made a Translation of it.
[Note 3: 3 The letter of September 19 deals with the sending forward of the ratification of the Moroccan treaty, redemption of prisoners, European politics and the claim of South Carolina. Those of September 22 inform that the Prussian army has entered Holland and that reductions will be made in certain duties. That of October 8 discusses politics of France, European events and the protection of Mr. Dumas. And that of October 27 gives account of the declarations of England and France for disarming. It is noted that there were five letters instead of four. These letters are published in Washington's edition of Jefferson's Complete Works, vol. 2. According to indorsement and the Despatch Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 185, IV, p. 23, a copy of the part of the letter of September 19 relating to the claim of South Carolina was given to the delegates of that State. See February 5, 11 and 12, 1788.]
I have the Honor to be, etc.,
John Jay.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
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Office for Foreign Affairs
24th . January 17881
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 367, read February 1, 1788.]
Sir: I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency, herewith enclosed, a Letter from the Marquis de la Fayette2 of 15th . October last, together with one from the Chevr . de la Luzerne3 (without Date) which I have just received.
[Note 2: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 156, pp. 462--465. This letter discussed European politics and Lafayette's opinion regarding the frontier posts and the navigation of the Mississippi.]
[Note 3: 3 This was a letter of compliment and introduction of Count de Moustier.]
I have the Honor to be etc.,
John Jay.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
Office for foreign Affairs
25th . Jany . 17884
[Note 4: 4 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 371, read February 1, 1788.]
Sir: I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency, herewith enclosed, two Letters5 from Mr . Dumas of 5th . and 27th . September last, together with the Papers mentioned in them and Translations. and am with great Respect, etc.,
[Note 5: 5 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 93, III, pp. 291--293 and 303--305, respectively with enclosures on pp. 295--300 and 307--310, originals in French. Letter No. 26, September 5, 1787, deals with the political and military situation in Holland. No., September, relates the difficulties which Dumas had in attempting to secure protection from the military authorities at the Hague. See February 5 and 11, 1788.]
John Jay.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
New York 26th January 17886
[Note 6: 6 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 375, read February 1, 1788. The enclosed letters, except Van Berckel's, are on pp. 379, 383 and 387--388. See May 2, 1788.]
Sir: I have the Honor of transmitting to you a Letter from the Minister of the United Netherlands,7 dated the 18th . Ult., together
[Note 7: 7 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 99, pp. 285--286, original in French with English translation on pp. 289--90. According to the Committee Book, Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 190, p. 177, this letter was referred to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs to report. Report rendered March 25, 1788.]
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with a Translation of it, a Copy of a Letter on the Subject of it from me to the Mayor of this City, dated the 4th . Instant, his Answer of the 7th . Instant, and a Copy of my Letter to the Minister, dated the 10th . Instant. I have Reason to hope that the Mayor will take proper Measures to satisfy the Minister, and thereby render the Interposition of Congress unnecessary.
I have the Honor to be, etc.,
John Jay.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
Office for foreign Affairs
26th . Jany . 17881
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 80, III, p. 418, read February 1, 1788.]
Sir: I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency, herewith enclosed, a Letter2 from Sir John Temple of the 7th December last, and my Answer2 to it of the 11th . of the same Month. I have no Reason to expect any further Applications on the Subject of them, and I trouble you with these Papers only because I apprehend it to be my Duty to give Congress from Time to Time, the most perfect Information of my official Transactions.
[Note 22: 2 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 92, pp. 535 and 539, respectively.]
I have the Honor to be with great Respect, etc.,
John Jay.3
[Note 3: 3 February 1, 1788. According to the Despatch Book, Papers of Continental Congress, No. 185, IV, p. 23, the following was received:
Letter of President of the Convention of New Jersey to [Charles Thomson] February 1, 1788, transmitting the ratification of the Constitution.]
His Excellency
The President of Congress.
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