it would be insulting to your conception to suppose you stood in need of them. A moment's reflection will convince every dispassionate mind of the physical impossibility of carrying either proposal into execution.

"There might, Gentlemen, be an impropriety in my taking notice, in this address to you, of an anonymous production; but the manner in which that performance has been introduced to the army, the effect it was intended to have, together with some other circumstances, will amply justify my observations on the tendency of that writing. With respect to the advice given by the author to suspect the man, who shall recommend moderate measures and longer forbearance, I spurn it, as every man who regards that liberty, and reveres that justice, for which we contend, undoubtedly must. For, if men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of speech may be taken away, and, dumb and silent, we may be led away like sheep to the slaughter.

"I cannot, in justice to my own belief, and what I have great reason to conceive is the intention of Congress, conclude this address without giving it as my decided opinion, that that honorable body entertain exalted sentiments of the services of the army, and, from a full conviction of its merits and sufferings, will do it complete justice. That their endeavours to discover and establish funds for this purpose have been unwearied, and will not cease, till they have succeeded, I have no doubt; but like all other large bodies, where there is a variety of different interests to reconcile, their deliberations are slow. Why then should we distrust them; and in consequence of that distrust, adopt measures, which may cast a shade over that glory, which has been so justly acquired, and tarnish the reputation of an army, which is celebrated through all Europe for its fortitude and patriotism? And for what is this done? To bring the object we seek nearer? No! Most certainly, in my opinion, it will cast it at a greater distance.

"For myself (and I take no merit in giving the assurance, being induced to it from principles of gratitude, veracity, and justice), a grateful sense of the confidence you have ever placed in me, a recollection of the cheerful assistance and prompt obedience I have experienced from you, under every vicissitude of fortune, and the sincere affection I feel for an army I have so long had the honor to command, oblige me to declare in this public and solemn manner, that, in the attainment of complete justice for all your toils and dangers, and in the gratification of every wish, so far as may be done consistently with the great duty I owe to my country, and those powers we are bound to respect, you may freely command my services to the utmost extent of my abilities.

"While I give you these assurances, and pledge myself in the most unequivocal manner to exert whatever ability I am possessed of in your favor, let me entreat you, Gentlemen, on your part, not to take any measures, which, in the calm light of reason, will lessen the dignity and sully the glory you have hitherto maintained. Let me request you to rely on the plighted faith of your country, and place a full confidence in the purity of the intentions of Congress, that, previous to your dissolution as an army, they will cause all your accounts to be fairly liquidated. as directed in their resolutions, which were published to you two days ago, and that they will adopt the most effectual measures in their power to render ample justice to you for your faithful and meritorious services. And let me conjure you in the name of our common country, as you value your own sacred honor, as you respect the rights of humanity, and as you regard the military and national character of America, to express your utmost horror and detestation of the man, who wishes, under any specious pretences, to overturn the liberties of our country, and who wickedly attempts to open the flood gates of civil discord, and deluge our rising empire in blood.

By thus determining and thus acting, you will pursue the plain and direct road to the attainment of your wishes; you will defeat the insidiuos designs of our enemies, who are compelled

to resort from open force to secret artifice; you will give one more distinguished proof of unexampled patriotism and patient virtue, rising superior to the pressure of the most complicated sufferings; and you will, by the dignity of your conduct, afford occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example you have exhibited to mankind, 'Had this day been wanting, the world had never seen the last stage of perfection, to which human nature is capable of attaining.'

WASHINGTON THANKED BY RESOLUTION.

Upon completing his address, Washington retired, and the following resolutions were adopted:

On motion made by General Knox, and seconded by General Putnam:

"Resolved, That the unanimous thanks of the officers of the army be presented to his Excellency, the Commander-in-chief, for his excellent address, and the communications he has been pleased to make to them; and to assure him, that the officers reciprocate his affectionate expressions, with the greatest sincerity of which the human heart is capable."

OFFICERS APPOINTED TO DRAFT SUITABLE RESOLUTIONS.

The address from the army to Congress, the report of the committee from the army, and the resolutions of Congress of the 25th of January being read, on a motion by General Putnam, seconded by General Hand:

"Voted, That a committee be appointed immediately to draw up some resolutions expressive of the business before us, and report in half an hour; that the committee consist of one general, one field-officer, and one captain.

That General Knox, Colonel Brooks, and Captain Howard compose the said committee."

The report of the committee having been brought in and fully considered,

"Resolved unanimously, That at the commencement of the present war, the officers of the American army engaged in the service of their country from the purest love and attachment to the rights and liberties of human nature; which motives still exist in the highest degree; and that no circumstances of distress or danger shall induce a conduct, that may tend to sully the reputation and glory, which they have acquired at the price of their blood and eight years' faithful services.

"Resolved unanimously, That the army continue to have an unshaken confidence in the justice of Congress and their country; and are fully convinced, that the representatives of America will not disband or disperse the army until their accounts are liquidated, the balances accurately ascertained, and adequate funds established for payment. And, in this arrangement, the officers expect that the half-pay, or commutation of it, should be efficaciously comprehended.

"Resolved unanimously, That his Excellency the Commanderin-chief be requested to write to his Excellency, the President of Congress, earnestly entreating the more speedy decision of that honorable body upon the subjects of our late address, which was forwarded by a committee of the army, some of whom are waiting upon Congress for the result. In the alternative of peace or war, this event would be highly satisfactory, and would produce imme diate tranquility in the minds of the army, and prevent any fur ther machinations of designing men to sow discord between the civil and military powers of the United States.

"Resolved unanimously, That the officers of the American army view with abhorrence, and reject with disdain, the infamous propositions contained in a late anonymous address to the officers of the army, and resent with indignation the secret attempts of some unknown persons to collect the officers together in a manner totally subversive of all discipline and good order.

"Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of the officers of the army be given to the committee, who presented to Congress the

late address of the army, for the wisdom and prudence with which they have conducted that business; and that a copy of the proceedings of this day be transmitted by the President to MajorGenera! McDougall, and that he be requested to continue his solicitations at Congress until the objects of his mission are accomplished."

WASHINGTON APPROVES THE ACTION OF THE OFFICERS.

These proceedings were signed by General Gates, as president of the meeting, and on the 18th the approbation of General Washington was expressed in public orders as follows:

"The Commander-in-chief is highly satisfied with the report of the proceedings of the officers assembled on the 15th instant, in obedience to the orders of the 11th. He begs his inability to communicate an adequate idea of the pleasing feelings, which have been excited in his breast by the affectionate sentiments expressed towards him on that occasion, may be considered as an apology for his silence."

The report of the proceedings with all the papers involved was transmitted to Congress and appears in the Proceedings of Congress of date Tuesday April 29, 1783.-STATE HISTORIAN.

[No. 4992.]

Governor Clinton Urges the President of Congress for a Speedy Settlement of the Public Accounts.

Poughkeepsie, April 3d, 1783. Sir, I have it in particular Charge from the Legislature to express to your Excellency their earnest Desire that the Acc'ts of this State & the In[dividuals thereof with the United States be speedily settled to this End to urge that the Commissioners appointed for this Purpose may be directed to repair to this State as soon as possible.

I have the honor to be &c.

His Excellency The Presid't of Congress.