recess, be, and they are hereby directed, to hold their session at Trenton, in the state of New-Jersey, and to open the same on the 20th day of June instant, and the several states are requested to keep up their representation therein.

A motion was made by Mr. Read, seconded by Mr. Beresford, to postpone the consideration of that motion, in order to take up the following:

"That notwithstanding the act of the 26th April last, Congress will continue to sit and transact the business of the United States, until Tuesday the 8th of June instant, on which the president shall adjourn Congress, to meet at Trenton on the 30th day of October next, pursuant to the said act of the 20th of April abovementioned :"

And on the question to postpone for the purpose abovementioned, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Read, N-Hampshire, Mr. Foster, Blanchard,

Pennsylvania, Mr. Mifflin,

Hand,

ay no

div.

ay

ay say

Massachusetts, Mr. Gerry,

ay) Maryland,

Mr. McHenry,

ay

Chase,

ay

Howell,

ay

ay

Mercer,
Lee,

Wadsworth,

ay

ay

Monroe,

New-York,

Mr. De Witt,

Paine,

no

Spaight,

Mr. Read,

ay

Beresford,

ay Say

ay

So it was resolved in the affirmative.

After debate, a division was called for by Mr. Mercer, so that a question be taken on the first part, as far as the words, " 8th of June instant;" and the second question on the latter part.

Upon this the motion was withdrawn, to make way for a motion of Mr. Gerry, to this effect, that on Tuesday next, Congress should stand adjourned to meet at Trenton on the 30th of October.

An adjournment was then called for, which being carried,

The president, by virtue of the powers, and in pursuance of the direction of the act of the 26th April, adjourned Congress to meet at Trenton on the 30th day of October next.

TRENTON, MONDAY, November 1, 1784.

Pursuant to the articles of confederation, the following gentlemen attended as delegates :

The same gentlemen attended as yesterday; and from South-Carolina, Mr. Read.

WEDNESDAY, November 3, 1784.

The same attended as yesterday.

THURSDAY, November 11, 1784.

Four states attended, namely, New-Jersey, Virginia, South-Carolina and Georgia; and from the state of Massachusetts, Mr. Holten, and from NorthCarolina, Mr. Williamson. At the desire of the states and members attending, the secretary wrote to the executive of the states unrepresented, urging them to send on delegates with all possible despatch.

MONDAY, November 29, 1784.

Six states assembled, namely, Massachusetts, New-Jersey, Virginia, NorthCarolina, South-Carolina and Georgia; and from the state of Pennsylvania, Mr. J. Gardner.

The delegates from the several states above mentioned, having produced their credentials, and the same being read,

On motion of Mr. Read, seconded by Mr. Houston,

Ordered, That the credentials just produced and read, be referred to a committee of five, to report thereon as soon as may be. The members chosen, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Holten, Mr. Bull, Mr. Beatty and Mr. Read.

TUESDAY, November 30, 1784.

The states assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North-Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Mr. Ellery, a delegate for Rhode-Island, &c. produced the credentials of his appointment; which were read.

The committee, to whom were referred the credentials produced by the delegates from the states of Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North-Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, report," That they have carefully examined the credentials to them referred, and are of opinion, that the honorable Samuel Holten and George Patridge, of the state of Massachusetts; the honorable David Howell, of the state of Rhode-Island; the honorable William Churchill Houston and John Beatty, of the state of NewJersey; the honorable Joseph Gardner and William Henry, of Lancaster, of the state of Pennsylvania; the honorable Samuel Hardy, James Monroe and Richard Henry Lee, of the state of Virginia; the honorable Hugh Williamson and Richard Dobbs Spaight, of the state of North-Carolina; the honorable Jacob Read, John Bull and Charles Pinckney, of the state of South-Carolina; and the honorable William Houstoun and William Gibbons, of the state of Georgia, are authorized to sit and vote in the present Congress of the United States." Eight states being assembled, the United States in Congress assembled, proceeded to the election of a president, and, the ballots being taken, the honorable Richard Henry Lee was elected.

On motion of Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Howell,

Resolved, That the several matters which were before the United States in Congress assembled, at the time of their adjournment, and which were left unfinished by the committee of the states, shall be taken up in the present Congress.

On motion of Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Patridge,

Resolved, That Friday next be assigned for the election of two commissioners of the board of treasury, in the room of the honorable Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, whose health will not admit of his attendance, and the honorable Oliver Ellsworth, who has declined the appointment.

WEDNESDAY, December 1, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, the same as yesterday.

Mr. John Vining and Mr. Gunning Bedford, two of the delegates for the state of Delaware, attended, and produced credentials of their appointment, which were read.

THURSDAY, December 2, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania,

Delaware, Virginia, South-Carolina and Georgia; and from the state of NewHampshire, Mr. Foster; from Connecticut, Mr. Cook, and from the state of North-Carolina, Mr. Williamson.

Mr. Abiel Foster, delegate for the state of New-Hampshire, and Mr. Joseph Platt Cook, for the state of Connecticut, produced the credentials of their several appointments, which were read.

On motion of Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Read,

Resolved, That a standing committee of qualifications to consist of five members be appointed, to report, from time to time, on the credentials of members during this Congress.

Mr. Egbert Benson, a delegate for the state of New-York, attended, and produced the credentials of his appointment, which were read.

FRIDAY, December 3, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North-Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia; and from the state of New Hampshire, Mr. Foster, from New-York, Mr. Benson.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Monroe, Mr. Houston and Mr. Howell, to whom was referred a commission of consul from his majesty the king of Sweden, to Charles Hellstedt, dated the 22d of September, 1783, with an appointment to reside at Philadelphia,

Resolved, That the said commission be registered in the secretary's office; and that thereupon acts of recognition in due form be immediately issued to the several states, in order that they may respectively furnish him with an exequatur or notification of his quality, that the same may be made known and published.

According to order, Congress proceeded to the election of commissioners for the board of treasury, but no choice being made,

Ordered, That the election be postponed till Tuesday next.

On motion of Mr. Hardy, seconded by Mr. Patridge,

Resolved, That Wednesday next be assigned for the election of a secretary

at war.

MONDAY, December 6, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, New-York, New-Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North-Carolina and Georgia; and from NewHampshire, Mr. Foster; from Connecticut, Mr. Cook, and from South-Carolina, Mr. Pinckney.

Mr. Jay, a delegate for the state of New-York, attended, and took his seat, his credentials having been previously laid before Congress.

Mr. Rufus King, a delegate for the commonwealth of Massachusetts, produced the credentials of his appointment, which were read. Mr. Elbridge Gerry, another delegate for the commonwealth of Massachusetts, attended, and took his seat, his credentials having been previously laid before Congress.

This being the day assigned for the appearance of the states of Massachusetts and New-York, by their lawful agents, in pursuance of the notice transmitted to them, agreeable to the resolution of the 3d day of June last,

With the consent, and at the request of, the delegates of the states of Massachusetts and New-York,

Resolved, That farther day be given, and that Wednesday next be assigned for the appearance of the said states.

TUESDAY, December 7, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, New-York, New-Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina and Georgia; and from New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from Connecticut, Mr. Cook, and from Pennsylvania, Mr. Henry.

Mr. Walter Livingston, a delegate for New York, attended, and took his seat; his credentials having been previously laid before Congress.

Mr. Robert R. Livingston, a delegate for the state of New-York, attended, and produced the credentials of his appointment, which were read.

On motion of Mr. Hardy, seconded by Mr Williamson,

Resolved, That the secretary in the war-office be directed to stop the sale of such quarter-master and military stores as were directed to be sold under a letter from the said secretary of 23d May, 1784, until the further order of Congress.

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Holten, Mr. Ellery, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Monroe and Mr. Williamson, to whom was committed a resolution passed on Friday last, pursuant to a former report of the said committee, Resolved, That the secretary in the war-office, cause the troops at FortStanwix, to be marched immediately to Fort-Rensselaer.

The order of the day for electing two commissioners for the board of treasury being called for,

On motion of Mr. Read, seconded by Mr. Gerry,

Ordered, That Tuesday next be assigned for the election of the said commissioners.

WEDNESDAY, December 8, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present as yesterday.

This being the day assigned for the appearance of the states of Massachusetts and New-York, agreeable to the resolution of the 6th instant, and the United States in Congress assembled being informed, that the agents for the said states are now attending,

Ordered. That they be admitted..

The agents appeared accordingly, and produced their credentials, which were read as follows:

CREDENTIALS OF THE AGENTS FOR THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in Senate, 11th November, 1784.

Whereas the legislature of this commonwealth, by their petition to Congress, on the 27th day of May last past, alleged that certain lands to which the state of New-York set up a claim, wer the just and proper right of this commonwealth, and Congress having given notice thereof to the said state, and appointed the first Monday of December next, to proceed in the premises, as by the article of confederation and perpetual union is directed: Reso ved, That the honorable John Lowell and James Sullivan, esqrs. with the delegates who shall actually represent this commonwealth in Congress, on the first day of December next, or the major part of the persons before mentioned, be, and they hereby are constituted the lawful agents of this state, and are authorized and empowered, with such agent or agents as are or may be empowered therefor, on the part and behalf of the state of New-York, to appoint by joint consent, commissioners or judges to constitute a court for hearing and determining the claim of the same state and of this commonwealth, to the lands mentioned and described in the petition aforesaid: and in case the said state of New-York shall neglect to attend by their agent or agents at the time appointed therefor by Congress; or if atte ding, the agent or agents of the said state and of this commonwealth, cannot agree to appoint by joint consent, commissioners or judge for the purpose aforesaid, then the said agents of this commonwealth, or the major part of them, are hereby authorized and empowered, to do and transact all matters and things whatsoever, which, by the said articles of confederation and perpetual union, are made necessary to be done and transacted on the part of this commonwealth, for the appointment of commissioners or judges for the purpose aforesaid.

Sent down for concurrence, SAMUEL ADAMS, President.

In the House of Representatives, November 11, 1784.

Approved,

Read and concurred, SAMUEL A. OTIS, Speaker.
JOHN HANCOCK.

True Copy Attest : JOHN AVERY, jun, Secretary. CREDENTIALS OF THE AGENTS FOR THE STATE OF NEW-YORK. The people of the state of New-York, by the grace of God, free and independent, to all to whom these presents shall come, send greeting: Know ye, That we having inspected the original acts of the legislature of our said state, remaining in our secretary's office, do find there a certain act passed the 12th day of November, 1784, in the words and figures following, to wit, "An act to appoint agents or commissioners for vindicating the right and jurisdiction of this state, against the claims of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, pursuant to the articles of con

431

fedreation and perpetual union of the United States. Whereas the United States of America in Congress assembled, at the city of Annapolis, on the third day of June last, did make and publish a certain act in the wor is following, that is to say: By the United States in Congress assembled, in the city of Annapolis, on the third day of June, in the year of our Lord 1784, and in the eighth year of the independence of the United States of America, to the legislative autho rity of the state of New-York, it is hereby made known, that pursuant to the ninth of the articles of confederation and perpetual union, the legislature of the commonwealth of Massachu setts, have presented a petition to Congress in the words following: To the United States in Congress assembled, the petition of the legislature of the commonwealth of Massachusetts sheweth, That whereas James the first, late king of Great-Britain, by his letters patent, bearing date at Westminster, the 3d day of November, in the 18th year of his reign, granted unto the council established at Plimouth, in the county of Devon, and kingdom of Great-Britain, commonly called the council for planting, ruling and ordering and governing of New-England, And in America, all that part of America, lying and being in breadth from 40 to 48 degrees of northerly latitude, and of length of and within all the breadth aforesaid, throughout the main lands from sea to sea, to hold the same to themselves, their successors and assigns for ever. whereas the said council established at Plimouth, by their deed indented under their scal, dated the 19th day of March, in the third year of the reign of Charles the first, late king of Great-Britain, did bargain, sell, enfeoff, alien and confirm, unto sir Henry Roswell and his associates, and to their heirs and assigns, all that part of New-England in America, which leth and extendeth between a great river called Merrimack, and a certain other river there called Charles river, being the bottom of a bay there called Massachusetts-Bay, and also all those lands lying within three English miles to the southward of the southernmost part of the said bay, and extending thence northward in latitude to the northward of every part of the said river Merrimack, and in the breadth of latitude aforesaid, extending throughout all the main And the said legislature in their claim land in longitude westwardly to the southern ocean herein described, do aver, that the point or place situate three miles south of the bay called Massachusetts-Bay, is a point or place situate in 42 degress of northern latitude, two minutes north; and that the place, point or boundary aforesaid, of three miles to the northward of every part of the river Merrimack, is a place or point situate in 44 degrees northern latitude 15 minutes north; and that by the grant aforesaid, the said sir Henry Roswell and his associates became seized of all the lands before described and contained in the grant aforesaid, of the council established at Plimouth; and that the same grant was confirmed to the said Henry Roswell and his associates, by the said king Charles, by his letters patent, dated in the fourth year of his reign; and that the said sir Henry Roswell and his associates, were immediately, upon making the grant aforesaid, by the said council, in the actual seizin and possession of all the lands afore. said, and for many years held the same under the name and title of the governor and company of Massachusetts-Bay in New-England; and that such proceedings and possessions have been done and had, respecting the territory aforesaid granted to the said sir Henry Roswell and his associates, and such subsequent grants have been made of the same, that all the said territory is now the just and proper right of the commonwealth aforesaid, and all this the said legislature are ready to verify. And whereas the state of New-York have set up a claim to some part of the land before mentioned, and it being highly necessary to have the same clam brought to an immediate decision, they do therefore in behalf of the said commonwealth, most solemnly request the United States of America in Congress assembled, that commissioners may be appointed, for enquiring into and determining upon the claim aforesaid of the said legislature, and that such other proceedings respecting the premises may be had, as are by the federal government of the said United States in such cases made and provided; and that the first Monday in December next, is assigned for the appearance of the said states of Massachusetts and New-York by their lawful agents, at the place in which Congress shall then sit, to proceed in the premises as by the said articles of confederation and perpetual union is directed.' Be it therefore enacted by the people of the state of New-York, represented in senate and assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, that James Duane, John Jay, Robert R. Livingston, Egbert Benson and Walter Livingston, esqrs. shall be, and they hereby are declared to be agents for this state, in the controversy between this state and the said commonwealth of Massachusetts, in the said recited act of the United States in Congress assembled mentioned; and the said James Duane, John Jay, Robert R. Livingston, Ebgert Benson and Walter Livingston, esqrs, or any two or more of them, are hereby authorized and directed, on the day and place for that purpose in the said act limited, and at such other times and places as the occasion shall require, in behalf of this state, to appear before the said United States in Congress assembled, in order by the joint consent of them the said agents or any two or more of them, and the agents on the part of the said commonwealth of Massachusetts, to appoint.commissioners or judges to constitute a federal court for hearing and determining the controversy afore said; and if it shall so happen, that the agents for the said state of New-York and commonwealth of Massachusetts respectively, shall not agree by joint consent in appointing commissioners or judges to constitute such court, then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said agents on the part of this state, or any two or more them, and they or any two or more of them are hereby authorized and required to proceed in behalf of this state to the appointment of such commissioners or judges, in the manner and form directed and prescribed in and by the said articles of confederation and perpetual union, and also to appear before the said