WEDNESDAY, January 28, 1784.

Five states only attending; namely, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and North-Carolina; and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty; from Delaware, Mr. Tilton; from Maryland, Mr. Chase; from Virginia, Mr. Monroe, and from South-Carolina, Mr. Beresford; the president adjourned Congress till ten o'clock to-morrow, THURSDAY, January 29, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North-Carolina and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty; from Delaware, Mr. Tilton, and from South-Carolina, Mr. Beresford.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Lee, Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Osgood, to whom was referred a letter of the 20th of December, 1783, from J. Carlton, secretary in the war-office.

Resolved, That the secretary in the war-office be, and he is hereby authorized and directed, to issue such commissions for promotions obtained in 1782, and such brevet commissions under the act of Congress of the 30th September, 1783, and other subsequent resolves, as have not been issued; to issue warrants on the pay-master in favor of officers who were of the lines southward of Maryland, for such rations retained in October, November and December, 1782, as have not yet been settled for, and for pay and subsistence advanced to the army since the first day of January last; to make monthly estimates for the government of the superintendent of finance, of subsistence for the officers retained in service.

Resolved, That regular returns of military stores and of the troops retained in service, be made to the war-office.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Hand, Mr. Tilton and Mr. Williamson, to whom was referred a motion of Mr. Hand,

Resolved, That the principles in the several departments of quarter-master general, commissary of military stores, clothier, and of the hospital, be, and they are hereby ordered to transmit, as soon as may be, to the war-office, to be laid before Congress, exact returns of all the stores in their respective departments, specifying the quantity and quality of each article, where deposited, in whose care, and in what manner secured.

Ordered, That Mr. Joseph Carlton, secretary in the war-office, take the spediest and most effectual method of conveying the foregoing resolution to such persons as are affected thereby, in any part of the United States.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Osgood and Mr. Williamson, to whom were referred a letter of the 25th December, 1783, from John Allan, and the papers therein enclosed,

Resolved, That a copy of the said letter be sent to the governor of Massachusetts, with a recommendation, that he cause enquiry to be made, whether the encroachments therein suggested, have been actually made on the territories of the state of Massachusetts, by the subjects of his Britannic majesty, from the government of Nova-Scotia, and if he shall find any such to have been made, that he send a representation thereof to the British governor of Nova-Scotia, with a copy of the proclamation of the United States of the 14th inst. which is to be enclosed to the governor of Massachusetts for that purpose, requesting him in a friendly manner, and as a proof of that disposition for peace and harmony which should subsist between neighboring states, to recal from off the said territory, the said subjects of his Britannic majesty, so found to have encroached thereon; and that the governor of Massachusetts be requested to inform Congress of his proceedings herein, and the result thereof.

The report of the committee, on a letter of the 6th of November, from the legislature of New-Hampshire, touching the proceedings and sentence of the court of appeals in cases of capture, on the case of the brig Lusannah, having been called for, and the same being read, as entered on the journal of the 21st instant,

A motion was made by Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Hand,

That the consideration thereof be postponed; and on the question for postponing, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Foster,

N-Hampshire, Mr. Foster,

Osgood,

no * Delaware,
Maryland,

Rhode Island, Mr. Ellery,

ay 2

Virginia,

Mr. Jefferson,

ay

Howell,

ay

ay

Wadsworth,

ay

ay

New-Jersey,

Mr. Beatty,

ay >

Spaight,

ay

ay

Pennsylvania, Mr. Mifflin,

ay

S.-Carolina,

Mr. Beresford,

ay

So it was resolved in the affirmative.

FRIDAY, January 30, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina and South Carolina; and from the state of New Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty, and from Delaware, Mr. Tilton.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Osgood, Mr. Hardy and Mr. Ellery, to whom was referred a letter of the 20th December, 1785, from the superintendent of finance, enclosing two contracts made between the board of war and Mr. James Byers, and a proposition made by the said James Byers, on compliance with which he is willing to relinquish his contract.

Resolved, That the proposal of Mr. James Byers, contained in the letter of the 20th December, 1783, from the superintendent of finance, cannot be complied with.

Resolved, That the superintendent of finance propose to Mr. James Byers, in behalf of the United States, a mutual relinquishment of right and title to services and salary, and in case Mr. Byers shall not assent to the proposition, that the commissary of military stores give him such directions as he is obliged to conform to by his contract.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Beatty, Mr. Wadsworth and Mr. Osgood, to whom was referred a memorial of Calvin Partridge, administrator to the estate of the late colonel Alden, and guardian to the children he left, praying that he may be enabled to draw four years' pay now due to the widow of the deceased.

Resolved, That as Congress, by their act of the 24th August 1780, have made provision for the widows of deceased officers, and in case there be no widow, or of her intermarriage, for the children of the deceased officer, it is inexpedient at present to alter the mode prescribed for the payment of the half-pay therein promised.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Monroe, Mr. Patridge and Mr. Williamson, to whom was referred a letter of the 23d December, 1783, from Daniel Parker, stating, that a ship called, "The Empress of China," will shortly sail from New-York, for Canton, in China, under the command of captain John Green, and requesting sea-letters for said Green.

Resolved, That sea-letters be granted for the said captain John Green, in the form following:

Most serene, serene, most puissant, puissant, high, illustrious, noble, honorable, venerable, wise, and prudent emperors, kings, republics, princes, dukes, earls, barons, lords, burgo-masters, counsellors, as also judges, officers, justiciaries and regents of all the good cities and places, whether ecclesiastical or secular, who shall see these patents or hear them read:

We the United States in Congress assembled, make known, that John Green, captain of the ship called the Empress of China, is a citizen of the United States of America, and that the ship which he commands, belongs to citizens of the said United States, and as we wish to see the said John Green prosper in his lawful affairs, our prayer is to all the beforementioned, and to each of them separately, where the said John Green shall arrive with his vessel and cargo, that they may please to receive him with goodness, and treat him in a becoming man

ner, permitting him upon the usual tolls and expenses in passing and repassing, to pass, navigate and frequent the ports, passes and territories, to the end, to transact his business where and in what manner he shall judge proper, whereof we shall be willingly indebted. In testimony whereof, &c. &c.

MONDAY, February 2, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina and South-Carolina; and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from Rhode-Island, Mr. Ellery; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty, and from Delaware, Mr. Tilton.

TUESDAY, February 3, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina and South-Carolina; and from the state of New Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty, and from Delaware, Mr. Tilton.

The committee, consisting of Mr. Chase, Mr. Hand and Mr. Sherman, to whom was referred a letter of the 29th January, from J. Carlton, secretary in the war-office, stating, that on the final adjustment of his accounts, as pay-master to the late board of war and ordnance, there remains a balance of 320 dollars due from him to the United States, report,

"That they find upwards of 60,000,000 of dollars passed through the hands of Mr. Carlton in his negotiations, and in the opinion of the committee, the loss of 320 dollars, in the course of business of such extent, is very inconsiderable, and cannot be imputed to want of fidelity or neglect, but to unavoidable casualty" Whereupon,

Resolved, That the register of the treasury be, and he is hereby directed in the settlement of the account of the said Joseph Carleton, to credit him with 320 dollars for the loss thus by him sustained.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Beatty, Mr. Hand and Mr. Tilton, to whom was referred a letter of the 19th January, from lieutenantcolonel Murnan, of the corps of engineers, desiring leave to resign,

Resolved, That the resignation of lieutenant-colonel Murnan be accepted. Resolved, That Congress entertain a due sense of lieutenant-colonel Murnan's abilities and services; and that the secretary deliver him a copy of this act, as a testimony of their approbation of his conduct.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Sherman, Mr. Osgood and Mr. Read, to whom was referred a motion of Mr. Gerry, respecting the papers belonging to the office for foreign affairs,

Resolved, That an under secretary be appointed to take the charge of the papers belonging to the office for foreign affairs, until the further order of Congress and that the said under secretary make and lay before Congress, a list of the said papers.

Ordered, That Thursday next be assigned for the election of the said under secretary.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Hand, Mr. Howell and Mr. Williamson, to whom was referred a letter from brigadier-general Armand, in behalf of the foreign officers of the corps of engineers, the legionary corps, &c. Resolved, That the superintendent of finance be, and he is hereby directed to take measures, as far as may be consistent with the finances of the United States, for remitting annually to the foreign officers of the late corps of engineers, the legionary corps lately commanded by brigadier-general Armand, to major Second and capt. Beaulieu, late of gen. Pulaski's corps, and to capt. Ponthiere, late aid-de-camp to baron Steuben, the interest of such sums as may remain due to them respectively, after the payments which shall have been made to them in consequence of the resolution of the 22d of January last.

WEDNESDAY, February 4, 1784.

Six states only attending; viz. Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North-Carolina and South-Carolina; and from the state of New

Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from Massachusetts, Mr. Patridge; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty; from Delaware, Mr. Tilton, and from Maryland, Mr. Chase; the president adjourned Congress till ten o'clock to morrow.

THURSDAY, February 5, 1784.

Six states only attending: viz. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North-Carolina; and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from Rhode-Island, Mr. Howell; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty; from Delaware, Mr. Tilton, and from South-Carolina, Mr. Beresford; the president adjourned Congress to ten o'clock to-morrow.

FRIDAY, February 6, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South-Carolina; and from the state of Rhode-Island, Mr. Ellery; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty, and from Delaware, Mr. Tilton.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Williamson, Mr. Read and Mr. Hand, to whom was re-committed a report on a letter of the 22d January, from brigadier-general Armand, and a letter from the honorable the minister of France,

Resolved, That the commissions of major by brevet, be issued to captains De Bert, Le Brun and M. G. Houdin; and the coinmissions of captain by brevet, be issued to lieutenants Verdier, Fontivieux, Le Roy and Marcellin.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Hand, Mr. Spaight and Mr. Tilton, to whom was referred a letter from major F. J. S. de Brahm,

Resolved, That a brevet commission of lieutenant-colonel, be issued to major de Brahm, of the late corps of engineers, and that he be informed, that his further services are dispensed with.

Ordered, That the order of the day for electing an under secretary, to take charge of the papers in the office for foreign affairs, be postponed to Tuesday

next.

SATURDAY, February 7, 1784.

Five states only attending; viz. Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and North-Carolina; and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty; from Delaware, Mr. Tilton; from Maryland, Mr. Chase, and from Virginia, Mr. Lee; the president adjourned Congress to ten o'clock on Monday.

MONDAY, February 9, 1784.

Six states only attending; viz. Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North-Carolina; and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from New-Jersey, Mr. Beatty; from Delaware, Mr. Tilton, and from Maryland, Mr. Chase; the president adjourned Congress till ten o'clock to-morrow.

TUESDAY, February 10, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North-Carolina and South-Carolina; and from NewHampshire, Mr. Foster; from New Jersey, Mr. Beatty; from Delaware, Mr. Tilton, and from Maryland, Mr. Chase.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Lee, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Hand, Mr. Read and Mr. Gerry, to whom were referred a report on letters of 16th and 30th December, from general P. Schuyler, and a motion of Mr. Read thereon.

Resolved, That general Schuyler be, and he is hereby directed to expedite the return of the deputation from the late hostile Indians, with information to their constituents, that due notice shall be given them of the time and place where Congress will hold a meeting, for settling a general treaty with the Indian nations, which meeting they may rest satisfied will be held as soon as the

season and other necessary circumstances will permit. In the mean time, the Indian tribes may be assured of the protection of the United States, so long as they continue in the peaceable disposition which they now manifest, and which is highly pleasing to Congress.

Ordered, That the election of an under secretary, to take charge of the papers in the office for foreign affairs, be postponed till to-morrow.

WEDNESDAY February 11, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present as yesterday.

Ordered, That the election of an under secretary, to take charge of the papers in the office for foreign affairs, be further postponed till to-morrow. On motion of Mr. Gerry, seconded by Mr. Lee,

Ordered, That to-morrow be assigned for electing a deputy secretary. The committee, consisting of Mr. Ellery, Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Lee, to whom was referred a note from the honorable the minister of France, dated the 30th January, informing, that his most Christian majesty, from a desire to favor the progress of commerce between his realm and these United States, has nominated four consuls and five vice-consuls, to reside in the towns of the continent where he has judged their presence to be necessary; and that he has appointed Mr. de Marbois consul-general for the thirteen United States, report, that they have conferred with Mr. de Marbois, who produced to them four commissions for the said consuls, and five brevets for the vice-consuls; whereby it appears, that the sieur de Marbois, is appointed consul-general of France for the thirteen United States of America; the sieur de l'Etombe, consul of France for the states of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island; the sieur de St. Jean de Crevecœur, consul of France for the states of Connecticut, NewYork and New-Jersey; the said sieur de Marbois consul of France for the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware, and the chevalier Dannemours cousul of France for Maryland and Virginia: also that the sieur Toscan is appointed vice-consul at Portsmouth, in New-Hampshire; the sieur de Marbois vice-consul at Rhode Island; the sieur Oster vice-consul at Richmond, in Virginia; the sieur Petry vice-consul at Wilmington, in North-Carolina, and the sieur de la Foret vice-consul at Savannah, in Georgia: Whereupon,

Resolved, That the commissions and brevets of the said officers, be registered in the secretary's office; and that thereupon acts of recognition in due form be immediately issued to the states concerned, in order that they may furnish them respectively with their exequatur or notification of their quality, that the same may be made known and published.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Chase, Mr. Williamson and Mr. Patridge, to whom were referred petitions of captains Gosselin, Olivie and Leibert, Canadian officers, lately in the regiment commanded by brigadier general Hazen, requesting that they may be furnished with money in payment for sundry articles with which they supplied the troops of the United States in Canada,

Resolved, That the Canadian officers be furnished with a copy of the act of August 9, 1783; and that the commissioner therein referred to, be required to give despatch to the settlement of the accounts of those officers.

The committee, consisting of Mr. Williamson, Mr. Monroe and Mr. Sherman, to whom was referred a letter of 20th January last, from J. Pierce, paymaster general, respecting claims which have been made by certain officers to half-pay and the commutation for half-pay, report,

"That by a resolve of November 24th, 1778, it was provided, that all deranged officers should be entitled to one year's pay; and it was further provided, that officers who had been prisoners with the enemy, and then were, or thereafter might be exchanged, should, if appointed by the authority of the state, be entitled to return into the service in the same rank they would have had if they had not been captured, under certain restrictions, and that they should receive half-pay till the time of their entering again into the service, under this