51Continental Congress Report on Army Memorial, 22 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Grand Committee having considered the contents of the Memorial presented by the army find that they comprehend five different articles. 1st. Present pay 2dly. A settlement of accounts of the arrearages of pay and security for what is due. 3dly. A commutation of the half pay allowed by different resolutions of Congress for an equivalent in gross. 4thly. A settlement of the accounts of...
52Continental Congress Remarks on the Redemption of Continental Currency, [26 November 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That Congress sd. renew their call on the States to execute the Acts of the 18th. of M. 1780 and leave it to the States to level the money by negotiations among themselves. This was Mr. Hamilton’s idea.… One consideration suggested by Mr. Hamilton in its favor was that it would multiply the advocates for federal funds for discharging the public debts, and tend to cement the Union. “Notes of...
53Committee of Continental Congress to Frederick A. Muhlenberg, [4 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 4, 1782. Letter not found. ] LS , in writing of H, sold at the Anderson Galleries, April 14, 1919. The committee consisted of H, John Rutledge, and James Madison.
54Continental Congress Resolutions on Measures to be Taken in Consequence of the Pennsylvania Mutiny, 21 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that the President and Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania be informed that the authority of the United States having been this day grossly insulted by the disorderly and menacing appearance of a body of armed soldiers about the place within which Congress were assembled, and the peace of this City being endangered by the mutinous disposition of the said troops now in the...
55Continental Congress Remarks on the Collection of Funds by Officers of the United States, [28 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton, in reply to Mr. Elseworth dwelt long on the inefficacy of State funds. He supposed too that greater obstacles would arise to the execution of the plan than to that of a general revenue. As an additional reason for the latter to be collected by officers under the appointment of Congress, he signified that as the energy of the fœderal Govt. was evidently short of the degree...
56Continental Congress Second Motion on Evaluation of State Lands for Carrying into Effect Article 8 of the Articles of … (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas the carrying into execution the 8th article of the confederation relative to a valuation of land for ascertaining the quotas of each state towards the general expence in a manner consistent with justice to all the members of the Union and with such accuracy as the importance of the subject demands will necessarily be attended with very considerable expence to which the present state of...
57Continental Congress Motion on Committee Reports, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 22, 1783 . On this date Hamilton offered a motion, seconded by Hugh Williamson, which reads as follows: “That the Secretary lay before Congress on every Monday a List of all the Committees which have been apointed at any time before the preceding Week and have not reported and that such Committees shall be then calld on to state the Reasons why they have not reported.” D...
58Continental Congress Report on Continuance in Office of the Superintendent of Finance, 23 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 23, 1783 . On this date a committee, consisting of Samuel Osgood, Theodorick Bland, Hamilton, James Madison, and Richard Peters, reported on plans to be adopted for paying and discharging the Army. It was recommended that Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, continue in office until funds could be procured for paying the officers and soldiers of the Army. To this...
59Continental Congress Motion on the Provisional Peace Treaty, 19 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that as Congress are desirous of manifesting at all times the most perfect confidence in their ally, the Secretary for foreign affairs be directed to Communicate to the Minister P. from the Court of France to these states the separate article of the provisional treaty between The United States and His Britannic Majesty and that he inform the Commissioners from these states for making...
60Continental Congress Report on the Memorials of Chevalier de Cambray-Digby and Captain Jacques Schreiber, 4 December … (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the memorials of Lt Col Cambray & Capt Schreiber beg leave to report That although they consider the situation of foreigners in the service of this country, remote from any resources which they may have in their own, and destitute of any competent provision here, as involving a peculiar hardship and requiring if possible some discrimination in their favour,...
61Continental Congress Report of a Committee Appointed to Confer with the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania on the … (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to confer with the Supreme Executive Council of Pensylvania on the practicability of taking effectual measures to support the public authority, in consequence of the disorderly and menacing appearance of a body of armed soldiers surrounding the place where Congress were assembled on Saturday the 21st instant beg leave to report: That they had a conference the morning...
62Continental Congress Motion that Major General Howe be Directed to March Troops to Philadelphia, 1 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That Major General Howe be directed to march such part of the force under his command as he shall judge necessary to the state of Pensylvania; in order that immediate measures may be taken to confine and bring to trial all such persons belonging to the army, as have been principally active in the late mutiny, to disarm the remainder and to examine fully into all the circumstances relating...
63Continental Congress Motion on the Establishment of Permanent Funds, [12 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
That it is the Opinion of Congress that complete justice cannot be done to the Creditors of the United States nor the restoration of public Credit be effected; nor the future exigencies of the war provided for, but by the establishment of [permanent & adequate funds to operate generally throughout the united States, to be collected by Congress]. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress,...
64Continental Congress Report on Brigadier General Moses Hazen’s Regiment, 29 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 29, 1783 . A committee of Thomas Mifflin, Hamilton, and Theodorick Bland, which had been appointed on April 17 “to enquire into the state of Hazen’s regiment, and the propriety of promotion of officers in that corps,” reported on this date. The report recommended that Hazen “be intitled to the pay and emoluments of his rank from the first day of January last” and “That...
65Continental Congress Report on Half Pay to the Army, 21 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas the officers of the several lines under the immediate command of His Excellency General Washington did, by their late memorial transmitted by their committee, represent to Congress that the half pay granted by sundry resolutions was regarded in an unfavourable light by the citizens of some of these states, who would prefer a compensation for a limited term of years, or by a sum in...
66Continental Congress Motion on Payment of Interest on the Domestic Debt and on Sending a Deputation to Rhode Island, 6 … (Hamilton Papers)
That the Superintendant of Finance be & he is hereby directed to represent to the Legislatures of the several States the indispensible Necessity for their complying with the requisitions of Congress for raising 1,200,000 dollars for paying a years Interest of the Domestick Debt of the U.S. & 2 Millions towards defraying the Expences of the Estimate for the ensuing year & the Inconveniences,...
67Continental Congress Motion that Congress Return to Philadelphia, 2 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Princeton, New Jersey ] July 2, 1783 . On this date, John Francis Mercer moved that Congress adjourn and return to Philadelphia. This motion was written and seconded by Hamilton. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
68Continental Congress Motion and Remarks Against Limiting the Duration of the Proposed Impost, [19 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
A motion was made by Mr. Hamilton seconded by Mr. Bland to postpone the clause of the report made by the Come. of the whole, for altering the Impost, viz. the clause limiting its duration to 25 years, in order to substitute a proposition declaring it to be inexpedient to limit the period of its duration; first because it ought to be commensurate to the duration of the debt, 2dly. because it...
69Continental Congress Report on the Corps of Invalids, 1 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that the corps of Invalids be reduced; such officers as have lost a limb or been equally disabled in service to retire on full pay for life, such officers as may not be included in this description to retire on the same principles with other officers of the army; such non commissioned officers and soldiers as being strangers in the country and having been disabled in service are...
70Continental Congress Report on Peace Arrangements for the Department of Foreign Affairs, 8 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed “to consider what arrangements it will be proper to make relatively to peace,” submit the following report on the department of foreign affairs: Resolved that the ordinances and resolutions heretofore passed relatively to the department of foreign affairs shall continue in force subject to the alterations and additions following: That the Secretary for that department...
71Continental Congress To William Greene, [11 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Congress are equally affected and alarmed by the information they have received that the Legislature of your state at their last meeting have refused their concurrence in the establishment of a duty on imports. They consider this measure as so indispensable to the prosecution of the war, that a sense of duty and regard to the common safety compel them to renew their efforts to engage a...
72Continental Congress Report on a Letter from the Speaker of the Rhode Island Assembly, 16 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from The Honorable William Bradford Esquire speaker of the lower house of Assembly of the state of Rhode Island containing under three heads the reasons of that state for refusing their compliance with the recommendation of Congress for a duty on imports and prize goods, after having maturely considered the same beg leave to report. That your...
73Continental Congress Motion that the States Settle the Accounts of Officers in the Mustering Department, 18 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That it be recommended to the several states to liquidate & settle the accounts of the depreciation of the officers employed in the Mustering department on the same principles as have been observed in liquidating & settling those of other officers of the army. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives; copy, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The...
74Continental Congress Motion on Abatements for States in Possession of the Enemy, 17 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is in the opinion of Congress essential to those principles of justice & liberality which ought to govern the intercourse between these states that equitable abatements shall be made in favour of such states, parts of which have been for different periods in the course of the war in possession of the enemy, in the application of the rule prescribed by the confederation and on which...
75Continental Congress Report on a Letter from the Commander in Chief, 20 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the letter from The Commander in Chief with its inclosures submit the following resolution Resolved that The Commander in Chief be informed that Congress always happy to receive his sentiments either on the political or military affairs of these states the utility of which they have upon so many occasions experienced have paid all the attention to his letter...
76Continental Congress Motion on Funds for Payment of the Army, 2 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is the desire of Congress when the reduction of the army shall take place to enable the officers and soldiers to return to their respective homes with convenience and satisfaction, for which purpose it will be indispensable to advance them a part of their pay before they leave the field: And Whereas at the present juncture, there are many other engagements, for which the public...
77Continental Congress Report on the Deputation to Rhode Island, [17 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That the deputation appointed to go to the state of Rhode Island to Urge the Necessity of a Compliance with the recommendation of Congress for laying an impost of 5 ⅌ Ct. delay their journey till the further order of Congress The Committee to whom was referred the foregoing motion beg leave to report it as their opinion that the deputation ought to proceed as soon as possible. D , in the...
78Continental Congress Unsubmitted Resolution Calling for a Convention to Amend the Articles of Confederation, [July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas in the opinion of this Congress the confederation of the United States is defective in the following essential points, to wit: First and generally in confining the power of the fœderal government within too narrow limits, withholding from it that efficacious authority and influence in all matters of general concern which are indispensable to the harmony and welfare of the...
79Continental Congress Remarks on the Calling of States Conventions, [1 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Madison & Mr. Hamilton disapproved of these partial conventions, not as absolute violations of the Confederacy, but as ultimately leading to them & in the mean time exciting pernicious jealousies; the latter observing that he wished instead of them to see a general Convention take place & that he sd. soon in pursuance of instructions from his Constituents propose to Congs. a plan for that...
80Continental Congress Remarks on the Utility of Permanent Funds, [21 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton enlarged on the general utility of permanent funds to the fœderal interests of this Country, & pointed out the difference between the nature of the Constitution of the British Executive, & that of the U.S. in answer to Mr. Lee’s reasoning from the case of Ship money. “Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress,” MS, James Madison Papers, Library of Congress. Congress on February...
81Continental Congress Motion on Prohibition of Naval Forces on Great Lakes, 20 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That the said Ministers also endeavour to stipulate that neither party shall keep any naval force on the lakes on the Northern & Western Frontier. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. H’s motion was one of several on this date suggesting provisions to be included in the final peace treaty. The motion was referred to John Francis Mercer, Thomas FitzSimons, and Theodorick...
82Continental Congress Resolution on the Conduct of Officers of the Army, [1 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the letters from The Commander in Chief submit the following resolut⟨ions⟩: Resolved That Congress consider the conduct of the Commander in Chief on the occasion of some late attempts to create disturbances in the army as a new proof of his prudence and zealous attachment to the welfare of the community. That he be informed, Congress also entertain a high...
83Continental Congress Motion that a Committee be Appointed on a Motion by David Howell, [18 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Congress having in respect to the articles of Confederation admitted on their journals an entry of a motion made by Mr Howell Seconded by Mr Arnold highly derogatory to the honor & dignity of the United States in Congress Assembled; Resolved that a Committee be appointed to report such measures as it will be proper for Congress to take thereupon. D , in the writings of Daniel Carroll and H,...
84Continental Congress Report on the Discharge of Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, 23 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee consisting of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Peters and Mr. Gorham to whom was referred a letter of the 9th. from the Superintendent of finance and Secretary at war, in order to confer with them on the resolutions of the 7th. & 28th. of April and 2d Inst report “that all the non commissioned officers and soldiers in the service of the United States, enlisted to serve during the war, be...
85Continental Congress Motion on the Evacuation of New York, 29 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that General Washington be informed in answer to his letter of the that it is the desire of Congress the evacuation of New York and its dependencies may not be retarded by a preference to that of any other place. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Space left blank in MS. On May 14, 1783, Washington wrote to the President of Congress: “I shall wait the...
86Continental Congress Motion on Instructions to be Given the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, [18 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
On motion of Mr Carroll seconded by Mr Ramsay Resolved That the Secy for foreign affairs be discharged from the instruction given him on the 12 instant Mr. Howel delegate from the State of R Island having acknowleged himself the author of the extract of the letter quoted in the report of the Committee of that day. D , in the writings of Charles Thomson and H, Papers of the Continental...
87Continental Congress Motion on Abatements for States in Possession of the Enemy, 4 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas in the opinion of Congress it is essential to those principles of justice and liberality which ought to govern the intercourse between these states that in the final adjustment of accounts for the supplies or contributions of the states respectively towards the common expences in the course of the war equitable allowances should be made in favour of those states parts of which have...
88Continental Congress Motion of Protest against British Practice of Carrying off American Negroes, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 26, 1783. ] A motion made by Hamilton on this date protested against the British seizure of Negroes belonging to citizens of the United States. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937). , XXIV, 363–64. The motion is in the writing of John Rutledge; D , in the handwriting of John Rutledge, Reel 42, Item 36, II, p. 129, Papers of the...
89Continental Congress Motion on Appointment of Committee to Consider Allowances of Land for the Army, 30 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That a Committee be appointed to consider of the best manner of carrying into execution the engagements of the United States for certain allowances of land to the army at the conclusion of the war. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. In September, 1776, Congress, to encourage enlistments in the Continental Army, had offered bounties of land to all officers and soldiers...
90Continental Congress Report on the Suspension of Acts Relating to State Militia, 31 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the 24th. instant from the Secretary at War with the inclosure from the Commander in Chief report that it will be expedient to suspend the operation of the resolution of the so far as relates to the lines of New Hampshire Rhode Island & New Jersey be suspended till the first day of March next and also as to the Pennsylvania Line so far as to...
91Continental Congress Report on the Ratification of the Provisional Peace Treaty, 15 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved a Committee be appointed to prepare and lay before Congress a draft of a ratification of the articles entered into between the Commissioners of the United States & the commissioner of His Britannic Majesty at Paris on the 30th day of November last. Resolved that the Commander in Chief be directed to enter into preparatory arrangements relative to the 7th. article of the said treaty...
92Continental Congress Report on Land for the Army, 4 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider of the best manner of carrying into execution the engagements of the United States for certain allowances of land to the army at the conclusion of the war submit the following resolution: Congress having by their resolution of the promised certain allowances of land to all officers, and to such soldiers of the United States engaged to serve during the war,...
93Continental Congress Report on the Memorials of Pelatiah Webster and William Judd, 6 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was committed the report of the Grand Committee on the memorial of Pelatiah Webster & William Judd in behalf of the deranged officers of the lines of Massachusettes & Connecticut submit the following resolution: That the accounts of the officers who have retired on half pay at different periods of the war [or their representatives] be settled on the same principles with...
94Continental Congress Report on American Participation in a European Neutral Confederacy, 12 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that the Ministers Plenipotentia[r]y be instructed in case they should comprise in the definitive treaty any stipulations amounting to a recognition of the rights of neutral nations, to avoid accompanying them by any engagements which shall oblige the contracting parties to support those stipulations by arms. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. This resolution...
95Continental Congress Resolution on the Services of Comte de Rochambeau, [1 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
That the President make the acknowlegements of Congress in a particular manner to His Excellency The Count De Rochambeau and signify to him the high sense they entertain of the distinguished talents displayed by him with so much advantage to these states in the most important conjunctures as well as of the strict and exemplary discipline which have been uniformly conspicuous in the troops...
96Continental Congress Report on the Quartermaster Department, 9 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Qr. Mr. General of the 4th. of December last have conferred with him find that there are several omissions in the plan adopted by Congress the 23d. of October last for regulating the Qr. Mrs. department and are of opinion that some of the salaries of particular officers therein are reduced too low. They therefore recommend that the...
97Continental Congress Motion on the Appointment of Collectors, [11 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
A motion was made by Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Wilson to strike out the clauses relative to the appointment of Collectors, and to provide that the Collectors shd. be inhabitants of the States within which they sd. collect should be nominated by Congs. and appointed by the States, and in case such nomination should not be accepted or rejected within days it should stand good. “Notes of Debates in the...
98Continental Congress Report on a Motion of the Rhode Island Delegate on the Communication of Information to His State … (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the motion of Mr. Arnold and those subsequent thereupon report that in their opinion it would be improper for Congress to concur in the object of that motion, as with respect to a part of the extracts specified relating merely to the general growing political importance of these states, the injunction of secrecy being taken off, any member who inclines to...
99Continental Congress Report on Peace with the Indians, 21 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Report of a Committee to whom was committed the letter from His Excelly The President of the State of Pensylvania respecting a peace with the Indians. Whereas by the 9th article of the confederation The United States in Congress assembled are vested with the sole and exclusive right and power among other things “of regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians not members of...
100Continental Congress Report on Proposal of Sir Guy Carleton, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter of the 14th instant from His Excellency Sir Guy Carelton submit the following resolution. Whereas His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton has proposed to Congress to empower one or more persons on behalf of The United States to be present at New York and to assist such persons as shall be appointed by him to inspect and superintend all embarkations which the evacuation of...