on the question, shall those words stand? the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Howell, So the question was lost, and the words were struck out. The preamble was then agreed to as amended, and the whole is as follows: Whereas it appears that the application of the legislature of Pennsylvania, relative to a treaty for the purchase of the Indian claim to lands within the jurisdiction of that state, proceeded from a respectful attachment to the federal government, and a desire to guard against prejudices which might arise from the interference of their own particular views with the authority of the United States: That the public interest might have been deeply affected by a negoti ation for such purchase independent of, and unconnected with the general treaty to be holden on behalf of the United States: Resolved, That the commissioners for holding the convention with the Indians under the act of the 15th day of October inst. give notice to the supreme executive of the state of Pennsylvania, of the time and place of holding such treaty, to the end, that the persons to be appointed by that state, for purchasing lands within the limits thereof, at the expense of the said state, may attend for the sole purpose of making such purchase, at the time and place appointed for holding the said treaty: and the commissioners on the part of the United States, are instructed to give every assistance in their power, to the commissioners who may be appointed on the part of Pennsylvania, towards promoting the interest of that, as far as the same may consist with the general interest of the union. On a memorial from Robert Patton, messenger, Resolved, That the sum of ten dollars per month be allowed to Robert Patton, in addition to his salary, from the 21st day of June last, to the 12th of November next, for his extra services and expenses. A motion was made by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Lee, That in case a president shall not be chosen, on or before the 12th day of November next, the secretary adjourn Congress on that day, to meet at Annapolis on the 26th of the said month, according to the resolution of the 20th instant. On the question to agree to this, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Peters, Massachusetts, Mr. Holten, ay Osgood, ay Pennsylvania, Mr. Montgomery, no no ay Rhode Island, Mr. Ellery, ay ay Maryland, Peters, no ay M'Henry, ay S ay Connecticut, B. Huntington, ay Mr. S. Huntington, ay ay Virginia, Mr. Lee, ay Mercer, ayay New-York, N.-Carolina, Mr. Hawkins, ay no Williamson, ay ay Mr. Read, ay no Beresford, ay ay L'Hommedieu, no So it was resolved in the affirmative. A motion was made by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Holten, That a committee be appointed to repair to the lower falls of Potomac, to view the situation of the country in the vicinity of the same, and report a proper district for carrying into effect the resolution of the 21st of October. Whereupon, a motion was made by Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Carroll, to amend the foregoing motion by adding, "And that the committee appointed on the 7th day of October inst. to report the most suitable place for erecting buildings for the accommodation of Congress, near the falls of the Delaware, be directed to report as soon as may be." On the question to agree to this amendment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Howell, Massachusetts, Mr. Holten, Osgood, ay ay ay Rhode Island, Mr. Ellery, Howell, 22, } y Maryland, Pennsylvania, Mr. Montgomery, no no no ay ay Connecticut, Virginia, Mr. Lee, ay ay Mr. Hawkins, ay no Williamson, ay ay S. Carolina, Mr. Read, ay no Beresford, ay ay Mr. S. Huntington, ay L'Hommedieu, no no So it was resolved in the affirmative. On the question to agree to the motion of Mr. Lee, which was divided from the amendment, at the request of a member, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Peters, The second part was agreed to, and the whole is as follows: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to repair to the lower falls of Potomac, to view the situation of the country in the vicinity of the same, and report a proper district for carrying into effect the resolution of the 21st of October; and that the committee appointed on the 7th of October, to report the most suitable place for erecting buildings for the accommodation of Congress, near the falls of the Delaware, be directed to report as soon as may be: The members, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Mercer and Mr. Williamson. A motion was then made by Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Mercer, That the president transmit to the executives of New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, copies of the acts of Congress of the 7th inst. respecting buildings to be erected for a federal town on the banks of the Delaware; and of the acts of the 21st inst. respecting buildings to be erected on the banks of the Potomac, for a second federal town, and the adjournment of Congress to Annapolis; and that copies be also transmitted to the several other states in the union. A division was called for, and a question taken on the first clause, as far as "Delaware," inclusive: passed in the affirmative. On the question to agree to the second clause, from Delaware to the end, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Peters, FRIDAY, October 31, 1783. Mr. George Bond, deputy secretary, having informed, that the state of his private affairs will not suffer him to continue longer in the service of the public, and therefore tendered to Congress his resignation of the appointment of deputy secretary. Resolved, That the resignation of Mr. George Bond, deputy secretary of Congress, be accepted; and that he be informed, Congress approve the fidelity and assiduity with which he has discharged the duties of his appointment, On motion of Mr. Mercer, seconded by Mr. Williamson, Resolved. That the secretary be, and he is hereby empowered and instructed, to continue to employ Mr. John Dunlap, to print for Congress; and to inform him, that Congress expect he will keep his office at the place where they may reside. Nathan Jones, a clerk in the war-office, having informed, that he is under a necessity of quitting his office, Resolved, That the account of Nathan Jones, a clerk in the war-office, for his salary, be made up to the first of January next, in consideration of his faithful services. The committee, consisting of Mr. Clark, Mr. Holten and Mr. Hawkins, to whom was referred a memorial from Henry Remsen, jun. and Benjamin Bankson, clerks in the secretary's office; report, That at a time when Congress are taking measures to reduce the national expenses, it will be highly improper to augment salaries, yet considering the increased labour of the memorialists, occasioned by the reduced number of clerks in the secretary's office, and the temporary suspension of the department for foreign affairs, the committee are of opinion, that some allowance ought to be made them for such extra services: Whereupon, Resolved, by nine states, That there be allowed to Henry Remsen, jr. and Benjamin Bankson, the two clerks in the secretary's office, 200 dollars each for their extra services. A contract between his most Christian majesty and the United States of America, entered into on the 25th day of February, 1783, being laid before Congress, Resolved, That the same be ratified in the terms following: THE UNITED STATES IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, To all who shall see these presents, send greeting: Whereas Benjamin Franklin, our minister plenipotentiary at the court of Versailles, in pursuance of the powers in him vested, did, on the 25th day of February, in the year 1785, with Charles Gravier de Vergennes, &c. counsellor of the king in all his councils, commander of his orders, minister and secretary of state, &c. vested with full power of his most Christian majesty for the purpose, enter into, conclude and sign a contract between his most Christian majesty and the United States of North-America, in the words following, viz. [Here insert the contract at large.] Now know ye, That we the said United States in Congress assembled, impressed with a lively sense of the assistance and affection manifested by his most Christian majesty in the above contract, have ratified and confirmed, and by these presents do ratify and confirm the said contract, and every article thereof; and we do hereby empower our minister plenipotentiary at the court of Versailles, to deliver this our ratification in exchange for the ratification of the said contract on the part of his most Christian majesty. In testimony whereof, we have caused our seal to be hereunto affixed, witness his excellency Elias Boudinot, president, this 31st day of October, 1783, and of our sovereignty and independence the eighth. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Duane, Mr. Gerry and Mr. Lee, to whom was referred a report of the secretary for foreign affairs, respecting an agent or consul at Madeira, Resolved, That a commercial agent be appointed to assist the merchants and other citizens of these United States, trading to the Island of Madeira and Porto Santo. The ballots being taken, Mr. John Marsden Pintard was elected. According to order, the Hon. P. J. Van Berckel, minister plenipotentiary from their high mightinesses the states general of the United Netherlands, was admitted to an audience: And upon being introduced, he addressed Congress in a speech, of which the following is a translation: GENTLEMEN OF THE CONGRESS, Previous to my laying before you the commission with which their high mightinesses the states general of the United Netherlands have honored me, permit me to express the joy I feel on finding myself this day in this assembly, and meeting those illustrious men whom the present age admires, and whom posterity will always point to as models of patriotism, and whose merits eternity itself can alone recompense. While all Europe kept its eyes fixed on your exploits, their high mightinesses could not refrain from very seriously interesting themselves therein, recollecting as they always did the dangers and difficulties to which their fore-fathers were subjected, before they could free themselves from the yoke in which they were enthralled. They knew better than any other the worth of independence, and they knew better to set a just value on the greatness of your designs. They applauded your generous enterprise, which was inspired by a love of your country, conducted with prudence and supported with heroic courage; and they rejoiced at the happy success which crowned your labours. In order to convince you of their affection, and the part they take in whatever regards your republic, my masters have charged me to congratulate you on the accomplishment of your desire, which had for its object the power of your own absolute will, and the enjoyment of that inestimable and natural treasure, which places you in the rank of sovereign and independent powers. How flattering is it to me to find myself this day the organ and interpreter of the sentiments and dispositions of my masters, and to have it in my power to assure you, on their behalf, that there is nothing which they more ardently wish than the happiness of your republic, and the establishment of the union of your states. May this union, founded on the principles of true patriotism and a love for the public good, be cemented in such a manner, that neither false ambition, jealousy, or private interest, may ever be able to do it the least injury. May the administration of a wise and prudent government, dispense happiness and plenty among the people, and give them a glory extended from pole to pole, and as lasting as ages. GENTLEMEN, Their high mightinesses are not content with sending compliments of congratulation, which are in themselves unfruitful, but being convinced that an intercourse of commerce and mutual good will, are the surest means of binding closer the sacred bonds of friendship, which already unite you together; they have commanded me to assure you, that they have nothing nearer at heart, than to labour effectually to render this friendship fruitful and profitable, and to contribute as far as possible to the aggrandizement of an ally, from whom they promise themselves the same efforts. This is a sketch, but a very feeble and imperfect sketch, of the sentiments of my masters, whose sincerity surpassess expression, but which is however manifested in the letter which I shall have the honor to deliver you. This, gentlemen, this is the purpose of the mission with which they have honored me. May it be in my power worthily to answer their expectation, and at the same time to gain your affection and confidence, which are so necessary for the success of my undertaking. As to myself, without guile and without artifice, I shall always conduct myself with that rectitude, candor and cordiality, which form the distinguished character of a true republican, and which is at the same time the best security for my attaining the point of my ambition, which is that of gaining the approbation of Congress, the friendship of its members, and the esteem of the United States of America. He then delivered the letter from their high mightinesses the states general, of which the following is a translation: TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED. OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES, With very great satisfaction did we, by the reception of the hono rable Mr. Adams, your minister with our state, acknowledge the independence of your republic; and with equal and much greater delight have we received the pleasing tidings of the conclusion of the preliminary articles of peace, by which the court of Great-Britain has declared you free and independent states. We have long ardently wished for this happy period, having, for several years past, with sorrow seen the troubles and difficulties with which you were obliged to struggle. And we do most cordially congratulate you on this happy event, sincerely taking a share in your present agreeable situation. To give a testimony of our sentiments in this respect, and to convince you of our unfeigned esteem, we have thought it proper to send to you an envoy extraordinary; we have for that purpose chosen a gentleman of distinction, whose personal qualifications are in great repute among us; the honorable Mr. Peter John Van Berckel, burgo-master of the city of Rotterdam, and a deputy in our assembly. We hope and trust that you will graciously receive this gentleman in quality of our minister plenipotentiary, and when he shall have the honor to deliver you these presents, and to enter into further negotiations with you, that you will give full faith unto bim as unto ourselves, being assured that he will not be able to express m terms too strong the sentiments of esteem and reverence which we have for a long time possessed for that wis dom, courage and perseverance by which you have rendered yourselves famous throughout tire world. May God grant that your rising republic may become more and more prosperous; that it may increase in lustre and glory, and subsist to the end of time. We shall at all times rejoice in your increasing felicity; and we desire nothing more ardently than that we may maintain the strictest friendship and correspondence with you, for the good of the subjects and inhabitants of both countries. This letter being read, the president returned the following answer to the minister: SIR, In a contest for the rights of human nature, the citizens of the United States of America, could not but be impressed with the glorious example of those illustrious patriots, who, triumphing over every difficulty and danger, established the liberties of the United Netherlands on the most honorable and permanent basis. Congress, at an early period of the war, sought the friendship of their high mightinesses; convinced that the same inviolable regard for liberty, and the same wisdom, justice and magnanimity which led their fore-fathers to glory, was handed down unimpaired to their posterity; and our satisfaction was great in accomplishing with them a treaty of amity and commerce on terms so acceptable to both nations. With the sincerest pleasure, sir, we receive the honorable testimonials of confidence and esteem of their high mightinessess, and their affectionate congratulations on the success of our efforts in the sacred cause of liberty. We assure you, sir, that it is our earnest desire, to unite with their high mightinesses in every measure which can promote the most unreserved confidence, and the most friendly intercourse between two nations, which have vindicated their freedom amidst the most trying scenes of danger and distress, and have been equally blessed by the gracious interposition of Divine Providence, with that sovereignty and independence so essential to their safety and happiness. Governed by the same ardent love of freedom, and the same maxims of policy; cemented by a liberal system of commerce, and earnest by disposed to advance our mutual prosperity, by a reciprocity of good offices; we persuade ourselves that the most friendly and beneficial con nexion between the two republics, will be preserved inviolate to the latest ages. It adds, sir, greatly to our pleasure on this interesting occasion, that their high mightinesses have employed as their minister, a gentleman so highly celebrated for rectitude and patriotism, and from whose illustrious family these United States have received the most distinguished proofs of regard and friendship. The secretary at war reported, that the following lines, corps and individuals, have agreed to accept the commutation of five years pay, in lieu of the half-pay for life, as appears by the papers accompanying his report: The lines of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Armand's legion, two light-dragoons, Hazen's regiment: Corps of engineers, sappers and miners, Patton's and Pendleton's artificers, Van Heer's troop: Adjutant-general and family, brigadier-general Clinton: Colonel William Grayson, colonel Malcom, lieutenant-colonel Morris: Major Franks, major Aquilla Giles, major M'Pherson, major Burnet, major Barber, major Bruin, of the artificers, captain Turner, captain Bentalou, captain John Stevens, captain M'Lane, captain Second, lieutenant Beaulieu, lieutenant Jollibois, and hospital-department, Dr. Tilton, Dr. Bodo Otto, Dr. Frederick Otto, Dr. Martin. The Rev. Mr. Ellis, Mr. Plumb, and Mr. Armstrong. SATURDAY, November 1, 1783. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Madison and Mr. Peters, to whom was referred a letter of 14th March, 1783, from the secretary at war: Resolved, That all lieutenant-colonels commandant in the army of the United States, shall rank as full colonels from the date of their respective commissions, and that new commissions issue accordingly, the resolution of the 27th May, 1778, notwithstanding. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. S. Huntington, Mr. A. Lee and Mr. Duane, to whom were referred a letter from captain J. P. Jones, to the agent of marine, of the 13th October, and a letter from him to Congress of the 18th of the same month, Resolved, That captain John Paul Jones be, and he hereby is recommended to the minister plenipotentiary of the United States, at the court of Versailles, |