Address to the states passed nem. con. It was drawn up by Mr. Madison. The address to Rhode Island, referred to as No. 2, had been drawn up by Mr. Hamilton. See Vol. I. p. 96, Elliot's Debates.
The writer of these notes absent till
Mr. BLAND and Mr. MERCER moved to erase from the Journal the resolution of Friday, the 2d instant, applying for an addition of three millions to the grant of six millions, by his Most Christian Majesty, as in part of the loan of four millions, requested by the resolution of September 14, 1782. As the resolution of the 2d had been passed by fewer than nine states, they contended that it was unconstitutional. The reply was, that as the three millions were to be part of a loan heretofore authorized, the sanction of nine states was not necessary. The motion was negatived, the two movers alone voting in the affirmative.34
A motion was made by Mr. LEE to recommend to the several states to pass laws indemnifying officers of the army for damages sustained by individuals from acts of such officers rendered necessary in the execution of their military functions. It was referred to Mr. Lee, Mr. Williamson, and Mr. Clark.
He proposed, also, that an equestrian statue should be erected to General Washington.35
A report, from the secretary of foreign affairs, of a treaty of commerce to be entered into with Great Britain, was referred to Mr. Fitzsimmons, Mr. Higginson, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Helmsley, and Mr. Madison.
The resolution moved yesterday, by Mr. Lee, for indemnifying military officers, being reported by the committee, was agreed to.
The committee, on a motion of Mr. DYER, reported that the states which had settled with their respective lines of the army for their pay since August 1, 1780, should receive the securities which would otherwise be due to such lines.
The report was opposed, on the ground that the settlements had not been discharged in the value due. The notes issued in payment, by Connecticut, were complained of, as being of little value.
The report was disagreed to.
See Journal.36
Mr. BLAND suggested, that the prisoners of war should be detained until an answer be given as to the delivery of slaves, represented, in a letter to Mr. Thomas Walke, to be refused on the part of Sir Guy Carleton.
On his motion, seconded by Mr. WILLIAMSON, it was ordered that the letter be sent to General Washington for his information, in carrying into effect the resolution of April 15, touching arrangements with the British commander for delivery of the post, negroes, &c.
A portrait of Don Galvez was presented to Congress by Oliver Pollock.37
A question on a report relating to the occupying the posts, when evacuated by the British, was postponed by Virginia, in right of a state.
Mr. DYER moved a recommendation to the states to restore confiscated property, conformably to the provisional articles. The motion produced a debate, which went off without any positive result.38
Adjourned to
See Journal.
No Congress.
Mr. HAMILTON and Mr. ELLSWORTH moved a call on the states to fulfil the recommendation relative to the tories. After some remarks on the subject, the House adjourned.39
