and Mr. Jeremiah Townley Chase, were duly elected additional members, to represent the said state in Congress. Six states only attending, namely, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and North-Carolina; and from the state of Maryland, Mr. Chase, and from New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster, the president adjourned Congress to 10 o'clock to-morrow. TUESDAY, December 16, 1783. Congress assembled: Present seven states, viz. Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North-Carolina; and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster. The letters from the ministers of the United States at foreign courts, were read, and referred to a committee. WEDNESDAY, December 17, 1783. Only six states attending, namely, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina; and from the state of Maryland, Mr. Chase, the president adjourned Congress to ten o'clock to-morrow. THURSDAY, December 18, 1783. Congress assembled: Present seven states, viz. Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina; and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster. Sundry letters and memorials were read, among which a letter of the 23d November, from the minister plenipotentiary of the United Netherlands, and a note respecting the capture and condemnation of the sloop Chester, and a letter of the 28th of October, from governor Hancock, in behalf of the government of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, which were committed. FRIDAY, December 19, 1783. Congress assembled: Present as before; and from the state of South-Carolina, Mr. Read. SATURDAY, December 20, 1783. Congress assembled: Present as before. A letter, of this day, from the commander in chief, was read, informing Congress of his arrival in this city, with the intention of asking leave to resign the commission he has the honor of holding in their service, and desiring to know their pleasure in what manner it will be most proper to offer his resignation; whether in writing or at an audience; Whereupon, Resolved, That his excellency the commander in chief be admitted to a public audience, on Tuesday next, at twelve o'clock. Resolved, That a public entertainment be given to the commander in chief on Monday next. On motion of Mr. Monroe, seconded by Mr. M'Henry, Ordered, That an authenticated copy of the act passed by the United States in Congress assembled, the 13th of September last, relative to the act of the legislature of Virginia, of the 2d January, 1781, be transmitted by express, to the executive of Virginia. MONDAY, December 22, 1783. Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina; and from the state of NewHampshire, Mr. Foster, and from the state of South-Carolina, Mr. Read. TUESDAY, December 23, 1783. Congress assembled: Present as before. On motion of Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Jefferson, Resolved, That letters be immediately despatched to the executives of NewHampshire, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, South-Carolina and Georgia, informing them, that the safety, honor and good faith of the United States, re quire the immediate attendance of their delegates in Congress; that there have not been, during the sitting of Congress at this place, more that seven states represented, namely: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North-Carolina, and most of those by only two delegates; and that the ratification of the definitive treaty, and several other matters, of great national concern, are now pending before Congress, which require the utmost despatch, and to which the assent of at least nine states is necessary. According to order, his excellency the commander in chief was admitted to a public audience, and being seated, the president, after a pause, informed him, that the United States in Congress assembled, were prepared to receive his communications; Whereupon, he arose and addressed as follows: MR. PRESIDENT: The great events on which my resignation depended, having at length taken place, I have now the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Congress, and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country. Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States, of becoming a respectable nation, I resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task; which however was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the union, and the patronage of Heaven. The successful termination of the war has verified the most sanguine expectations; and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my countrymen, increases with every review of the momentous contest. While I repeat my obligations to the army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge, in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished merits of the gentlemen who have been attached to my person during the war. It was impossible the choice of confidential officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular, those who have continued in the service to the present moment, as worthy of the favorable notice and patronage of Congress. I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them to his holy keeping. Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life. He then advanced and delivered to the president his commission, with a copy of his address, and having resumed his place, the president returned him the following answer: SIR, The United States in Congress assembled, receive with emotions, too affecting for utterance, the solemn resignation of the authoritics under which you have led their troops with success through a perilous and a doubtful war. Called upon by your country to defend its invaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge, before it had formed alliances, and whilst it was without funds or a government to support you. You have conducted the great military contest with wisdom and fortitude, invariably regarding the rights of the civil power through all disasters and changes. You have, by the love and confidence of your fellow-citizens, enabled them to display their martial genius, and transmit their fame to posterity. You have persevered, till these United States, aided by a magnanimous king and nation, have been enabled, under a just Providence, to close the war in freedom, safety and independence; on which happy event we sincerely join you in congratulations. Having defended the standard of liberty in this new world: having taught a lesson useful to those who indict and to those who feel oppression, you retire from the great theatre of action, with the blessings of your fellow-citizens, but the glory of your virtues will not terminate with your military command, it will continue to animate remotest ages. We feel with you our obligations to the army in general, and will particularly charge ourselves with the interests, of those confidential officers, who have attended your person to this affecting moment. We join you in commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts and minds of its citizens, to improve the opportunity afforded them, of becoming a happy and respectable nation. And for you we address to him our earnest prayers, that a life so beloved, may be fostered with all his care; that your days may be happy as they have been illustrious; and that he will finally give you that reward which this world cannot give. WEDNESDAY, December 24, 1783. Congress assembled: Present as before. Mr. Hand, a delegate for Pennsylvania, attended, and took his seat. Resolved, That the post-master-general be, and he is hereby directed to give orders to his deputy, at the place where Congress is sitting, to furnish an extra post or posts whenever required by the president. Pursuant to the order of the 10th of September last, the superintendent of finance and treasurer, laid before Congress an account of all the notes which have been issued by them on the credit of the United States, with an account of what part of those notes were in circulation, according to the state of the former on the 4th November, and of the latter on the 29th September, when their accounts are severally closed. FRIDAY, December 26, 1783. Congress assembled: Present as before. Pursuant to the order of the 5th September, 1783, the superintendent of finance, as agent of marine, having caused the ship Alliance to be surveyed, reported the state she is in, and an estimate of the expense necessary to give her a good repair. SATURDAY, December 27, 1783. Congress assembled: Present as before. MONDAY, December 29, 1783. Six states only attending, namely, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and North-Carolina; and from the state of NewHampshire, Mr. Foster, and from the state of Maryland, Mr. Chase, the president adjourned Congress to ten o'clock to-morrow. TUESDAY, December 30, 1783. Five states only attending, namely, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and North-Carolina; and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from Rhode-Island, Mr. Howell; from Maryland, Mr. Chase, and from South-Carolina, Mr. Read, the president adjourned Congress till to-morrow at ten o'clock. WEDNESDAY, December 31, 1783. Five states only attending, viz. Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina; and from the state of New-Hampshire, Mr. Foster; from Rhode-Island, Mr. Howell; from Maryland, Mr. Chase, and from South-Carolina, Mr. Read, the president adjourned Congress till ten o'clock to-morrow. THURSDAY, January 1, 1784. Six states only attending, namely, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and North-Carolina; and from the state of NewHampshire, Mr. Foster, and from the state of Maryland, Mr. Chase, the president adjourned Congress till ten o'clock to-morrow. FRIDAY, January 2, 1784. Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North-Carolina; and from the state of NewHampshire, Mr. Foster, and from the state of South-Carolina, Mr. Read. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Osgood, Mr. Lee and Mr. Morris, to whom was referred a memorial of Philip Moore: Resolved, That the following form of sea-letters be granted for the ship United States, belonging to the memorialist and others: Most serene, serene, most puissant, puissant, high, illustrious, noble, honorable, venerable, wise and prudent lords, emperors, kings, republics, princes, dukes, earls, barons, lords, burgo-masters, schepens, 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 of America in Congress assembled, make known that Mr. James Moore, supercargo of the ship called "The United States," of the burthen of 300 tons, or thereabouts, at present navigated by captain Thomas Bell, is of the United States of America and as we wish to see the said James Moore, supercargo, prosper in his lawful affairs, our prayer is to all the before mentioned, and to each of them separately, where the said James Moore shall arrive with his vessel and cargo, that they may please to receive the said supercargo with goodness, and to treat him in a becoming manner, 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. In testimony whereof, &c. SATURDAY, January 3, 1784. Congress assembled: Present the same as yesterday. A letter, of the 17th December last, from Mr. F. Dana, was read, informing Congress of his arrival at Boston, after a passage of 95 days from St. Petersburg; and desiring to know whether it is the expectation of the Congress, that he should come on to the place of their sessions, and, without loss of time, to render a more particular account of his late mission: Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Gerry, seconded by Mr. Read, Resolved, That the president inform Mr. Dana, it is the desire of Congress to receive his communication, relative to his mission to the court of Russia, and to the disposition of that court towards the United States, as soon as the circumstances of his affairs, and the season shall admit of his attending Congress MONDAY, January 5, 1784. Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North-Carolina; and from the state of NewHampshire, Mr. Foster, and from South-Carolina, Mr. Read. On motion of Mr. Ellery, seconded by Mr. Howell, Resolved, That the election of the five committees, directed to be appointed on this day, by the resolution of the 17th June, 1782, be postponed till the first Monday in February next. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Lee, Mr. Williamson and Mr. Ellery, to whom was referred a memorial from Gustavus Conyngham, praying for the renewal of a commission of captain in the navy of the United States, received from the commissioners in Paris, in 1777, and lost by him, or to be reinstated in his former situation. Resolved, That the prayer of the said memorialist cannot be granted, such commissions being intended for temporary expeditions only, and not to give rank in the navy. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Ellery, Mr. Lee, Mr. Izard, Mr. Peters and Mr. M'Henry, to whom was referred a letter from the commander in chief, of the 28th August, containing a proposal from the secretary of the Polish order of knights of Divine Providence, that Congress should nominate a number of suitable persons to be created knights of the said order. Resolved, That the late commander in chief, be requested to inform the chevalier Jean de Heintz, secretary of the order of Divine Providence, that Congress are sensible of the attention of that order, in proposing to them to nominate a number of suitable persons to be created knights of the order of Divine Providence; but that Congress cannot, consistently with the principles of the confederation, accept of their obliging proposal. TUESDAY, January 6, 1784. Congress assembled: Present the same as yesterday. The committee, consisting of Mr. Howell, Mr. Gerry and Mr. McComb, to whom was referred a letter of the 22d November, from the post-master-general, with sundry papers enclosed therein, respecting the robbery of the mail at Princeton, report the following state of facts: "That about nine o'clock in the evening of the 50th of October last, the mail for the eastward was closed and laid on the counter, in the post-office, that the post-rider came into the office, and passed into a room adjoining, with the postmaster, leaving the mail on the counter, and a lighted candle near it, without any one in the office, the door leading into the street and the room adjoining being open; that under these circumstances some person entered the office at the front door, extinguished the candle and carried off the mail; that some days after the robbery of the mail, it was found in a meadow near Princeton, and returned to the general post office; that the mail contained a large packet of notes, signed by Michael Hillegas, treasurer, and other valuable effects, none of which were missing; but that five or six letters were lost, and several franked by members of Congress were broke open. Upon which state of facts the committee conceive that the interests of individuals, the revenue of the post-office, and the national honor, are intimately concerned in the safety and preservation of the public mails, and of the letters, packets and despatches committed to the postoffice." Whereupon, Resolved, That a copy of the letters and papers referred to the committee, be transmitted to the supreme executive of the state of New-Jersey, who are requested to order a strict enquiry into the conduct of John Harrison, postmaster at Princeton, and James Martin, post-rider, relative to the premises; to ascertain whether and how far they were culpable in the loss of the mail; to discover, if possible, the perpetrators of the robbery, and to transmit the result of such enquiry to Congress. Resolved, That the post-master general be directed to inform Congress, to whom the mail was delivered when found, and whose hands it passed through till lodged in the general post-office; that he also be directed to give positive orders to the several post-masters, and post-riders, to take the most effectual care of the letters, packets, despatches and mails committed to them respectively, as any neglect or misconduct in that department will meet with no indulgence from Congress. WEDNESDAY, January 7, 1784. Congress assembled: Present as before. THURSDAY, January 8, 1784. Congress assembled: Present as before. On motion of Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Ellery, Resolved, That Monday next be assigned for the election of a chaplain to Congress. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Gerry, Mr. Lee and Mr. Chase, to whom was referred a memorial of Jan Hendrick Christian Heinekin, one of the agents of the Prussian ship Minerva, touching a decree of the court of appeals in cases of capture: Resolved, That the memorial of Jan Hendrick Christian Heinekin, with the papers accompanying it, be referred to the judges of the court of appeals in cases of capture, to report to Congress, as speedily as may be, the proceedings, proofs and judgment in the above-mentioned cause. On the report of the committee, consisting of Mr. Osgood, Mr. Lee and Mr. Tilton, to whom was referred a petition of Thomas Sudler, setting forth, that his dwelling-house was, on the sixth of February, 1781, plundered and robbed by the British; and that he lost several continental certificates to the amount of 2300 dollars, exclusive of interest, which were dated about the 2d of March, 1779, and praying that certificates of the same tenor and date may be issued to him. Resolved, That the certificates being made payable to the bearer, and probably at this time in circulation, the prayer of the petition cannot be granted. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Williamson, Mr. Tilton and Mr. Monroe, to whom were referred the memorial of capt Houdin, of the 2d Massachusetts regiment, and that of lieut. Thacher of the line, praying for promotion, Resolved, That the definitive treaty of peace being signed, nearly the whole VOL. IV. 41 |