[ 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.
2Continental Congress Motion that States be Requested to Send Delegates to Congress, 2 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas by the Confederation the assent of nine states is requisite to the determination of matters of principal importance to the United States and the representation in Congress has for some time past generally consisted of less than that number of states in consequence whereof the public business at an interesting juncture has suffered and continues to suffer great delay and embarrassment:...
3Continental Congress. Motion on Votes Cast in the Congress by States Not Yet Having Ratified the Constitution, [7 August … (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas the Convention assembled at Philadelphia in the Commonwealth of Pensylvania did on the 17th day of September last past resolve as the opinion of that Convention that as soon as the Conventions of nine states should have ratified the Constitution then and there agreed upon by the said Convention the United States in Congress assembled should fix a day on which electors should be...
4Continental Congress Draft of a Proclamation by President of Congress, [24 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas a body of armed soldiers in the service of the United States quartered in the barracks of this city having mutinously renounced their obedience to their officers did on Saturday the twenty first instant proceed under the command of their sergeants in a hostile and threatening manner to the place in which Congress were assembled and did surround the same with guards, and Whereas...
Mr. Hamilton said that whilst he despised the man who wd. enslave himself to the policy even of our Friends, he could not but lament the overweening readiness which appeared in many, to suspect every thing on that side & to throw themselves into the bosom of our enemies. He urged the necessity of vindicating our public honor by renouncing that concealment to which it was the wish of so many to...
6Continental Congress Report on Power of Secretary at War to Discharge Soldiers, 13 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter from Col Stewart to the Secretary at War report the following resolution: Reso[l]ved that the Secretary at War have a power of discharging soldiers from the army of The United States similar to that given to the Commander in Chief. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The committee consisted of H, James Madison, and Samuel Osgood. Walter...
7Continental Congress Remarks on Appropriating the Impost Exclusively to the Army, [19 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton opposed the motion strenuously, declared that as a friend to the army as well as to the other Creditors & to the public at large he could never assent to such a partial dispensation of Justice; that the different States being differently attached to different branches of the public debt would never concur in establishg. a fund wch. was not extended to every branch; that it was...
8Continental Congress Motion on Officers Holding Brevet Commissions, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved That the officers at present holding brevet commissions in the army be intitled to the pay and emoluments of the ranks which they respectively hold. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The motion is undated, but it is printed in the Journals under date of May 26, 1783.
9Motion on Rules of Congress, [6 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XIX, 359). The bracketed names are in the JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). . On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [John] Mathews: Ordered , That...
10Continental Congress Report on Brigadier Generals James Clinton and Edward Hand, 31 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Secretary at War of the 22 instant report that it will be adviseable to promote B General Clinton to the rank of Major General and to continue Brigadier General Hand in the office of Adjutant General. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The committee was composed of Thomas FitzSimons, James Madison, and H. The...
11Committee 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.
12Continental 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...
13Continental 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...
14Continental 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...
15Continental 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...
16Continental 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...
17Continental 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...
18Continental Congress Report on the Memorial of Thomas Wiggins, 18 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] March 18, 1783 . A memorial of Thomas Wiggins, a Canadian merchant and Indian trader near Detroit during the American Revolution, was read in Congress on February 4, 1783, and referred to a committee consisting of Hamilton, Richard Peters, and Samuel Osgood. Wiggins, whose aid to the American cause had occasioned imprisonment and the seizure of his property by the British,...
19Continental Congress Motion that Major General Howe be Directed to March Troops to Philadelphia, 30 June 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; and that the Commanding Officer in the said state be instructed to apprehend and confine all such persons, belonging to the army, as there is reason to believe instigated the late mutiny; to disarm the remainder; to take, in conjunction with the civil...
20Continental Congress Remarks on Plans for Paying the Public Debt, [29 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton disliked every plan that made but partial provision for the public debts; as an inconsistent & dishonorable departure from the declaration made by Congs. on that subject. He said the domestic Creditors would take the alarm at any distinctions unfavorable to their claims; that they would withhold their influence from any such measures recommended by Congress; and that it must be...
21Continental Congress Report on the Memorial of Francis Cazeau, 6 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the Memorial from Mr. De Cazeau report: That it appears by Mr. Cazeaus representation that he was possessed of large property in Canada; that he took an early and decided part in favour of the American revolution; rendered services to our army in that Country by supplies of provisions & otherwise which were productive of immediate loss to him and attempted to...
22Continental Congress Report on Conference with the Superintendent of Finance, 28 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[The Committee appointed to confer with the superintendant of Finance respecting his Continuance in his Office have conferred with him accordingly] and report that [the Substance] of the conferrence [was on the Part of Mr. Morris as follows:] That his continuance in office was highly injurious to his private affairs and contrary to his private inclinations; but that he felt the importance of...
23Continental Congress Remarks on the Hiring Out of British Prisoners, [11 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secy. at War was authorized to permit the British prisoners to hire themselves out on condition of a bond from the Hirers for their return. The measure was not opposed, but was acquiesced in by some, only as conformable to antecedent principles established by Congress on this subject. Col. Hamilton in particular gave this explanation. “Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress,” MS,...
24Continental Congress Report on a Treaty of Commerce between the United States and Great Britain, 1 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Commitee to whom was referred the letter from Mr. Adams of the report: That they have examined the different instructions given to our Commissioners and Ministers abroad and find that the Commissioners for making peace have an implied power to comprehend commercial stipulations in a Treaty of peace; but that there is no direct subsisting power of entering into a treaty of commerce with...
3 November 1775. Dft not found. printed : JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 3:319. Based on a report (not found) from a committee appointed 26 October composed of John Rutledge, JA , Samuel Ward, Richard Henry Lee, and Roger Sherman, which reported on 3 November ( same Worthington C. Ford and others,...
26Continental Congress Nomination as Minister to Russia, 15 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 15, 1780. On this date John Mathews nominated Hamilton Minister to Russia. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937; Reprinted, New York, 1968). , XVIII, 1155–56. Mathews was a delegate to the Continental Congress from South Carolina. Francis Dana of Massachusetts and Arthur Lee of Virginia were the other nominees ( JCC Journals of the...
27Continental Congress Report on the Garrisoning of Frontier Posts by Continental Troops, 12 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The same Committee submit the following report on the letter of the 3d. instant from the Commander in Chief: That the Commander in Chief be directed whenever the posts within the United states shall be evacuated pursuant to the articles of peace to place within the same, composed of the troops under his command [who have inlisted for three years &] whose times of service may not then have...
28Continental Congress Report on Colonel Charles Armand, 26 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the letters from the Commander in Chief & from Col Armand submit the following resolution: Col Armand having entered at an early period of the war into the army of The United States with the rank of Colonel, and having served with distinction in that rank, so as to acquire the particular approbation of the Commander in Chief for his intelligence zeal and...
29Continental Congress Motion on the Promotion of Brigadiers, [16–19 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That the Secretary at War report to Congress on friday next the number of additional promotion of Brigadiers requisite to the service of the ensuing Campaign; and the names and dates of Commissions of such Cols & Lt Cols Command[an]ts as stand next in order of promotion; and that Congress then proceed to the election of the necessary Brigadiers. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress,...
30Continental Congress Motion to Extend the Time Allowed for Appeals from Maritime Courts, [6 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 6, 1783. Under this date the Register of Reports of Committees sent to Congress reads: “On Mr Hamilton’s Motion for extending the time allowed for appeals from maritime courts.—filed.” Motion not found. ] D , Reel 198, Item 191, p. 40, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. H’s motion concerned the Confederation Court of Appeals in Cases of Captures, also...
31Continental Congress Motion that Debates on the Establishment of Funds Be Public, 18 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is the desire of Congress that the motives of their deliberations and measures (as far as they can be disclosed consistently with the public safety) should be fully known to their constituents: Therefore Resolved that when the establishment of funds for paying the principal & interest of the public debts shall be under the consideration of this house the doors thereof shall be open....
32Continental Congress Remarks on the Revenue and the Situation of the Army, [20 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The conversation turned on the subject of revenue under the consideration of Congress, and on the situation of the army. The conversation on the first subject ended in a general concurrence (Mr. Hamilton excepted) in the impossibility of adding to the impost on trade any taxes that wd. operate equally throughout the States, or be adopted by them. On the second subject Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Peters...
33Continental Congress: Agreement of Secrecy, 9 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved That every member of this Congress considers himself under the ties of virtue, honor and love of his Country not to divulge directly or indirectly any matter or thing agitated or debated in Congress before the same shall have been determined, without leave of the Congress; nor any matter or thing determined in Congress which a majority of the Congress shall order to be kept secret,...
34Continental Congress Motion Censuring David Howell, [17 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Howel having avowed himself the author of the letter respecting foreign loans and other matters as published in the Boston Gazette of Nov 10 1782 mentioned in the report of the Committee thereupon, It is the sense of this house that the said letter contains a misrepresentation of facts of a tendency injurious to the public affairs and a disclosure of an important foreign transaction...
35Continental Congress Remarks on the Censure of David Howell, [18 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The day was chiefly spent on the case of Mr. Howel; whose behaviour … led to a determined opposition to him, those who were most inclined to spare his reputation. If the affair could have been closed without an insertion of his name on the Journal, He seemed willing to withdraw his protest; but the impropriety which appeared to some, & particularly to Mr. Hamilton, in suppressing the name of...
36Continental Congress Report on a Memorial of Lieutenant Colonel Jean Baptiste de Ternant, 23 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter from the Secretary at War respecting Lt Col Ternant submit the following [r]esolution: That Lt Col Ternant be informed that Congress in continuing General Armand in the command of his corps at the time of his promotion to his present rank had reasons of a peculiar nature without any intention derogatory to the merit of Lt. Col Ternant of whose useful and...
37Continental Congress Motion that Requisitions on the States Be Revised, [20 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That the Committee appointed to consider and report what further or different provision may be made for discharging the interest that is or may be due on loan office certificates & other liquidated debts of the United states be also directed to revise the requisitions for the service of the preceding and present year and to report whether the same ought to be continued or altered. AD , Papers...
38Continental Congress Report on Reduction of Expenses in the War Department, 7 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider and report such eoconomical measures as may be proper and necessary beg leave to report the following. Resolve That the Secretary at war in concert with the Commander in Chief be directed to consider and report to Congress as speedily as may be such measures as it will be proper to take in the present juncture for reducing the expences of The United States...
39Continental Congress Motion that Furloughs be Granted to Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 26, 1783. ] On this date Hamilton moved “That the Commander in Chief be instructed to grant Furlows to the noncommission’d Officers & Soldiers in the service of the U S inlisted to serve during the War, who shall be discharged as soon as the definitive Treaty of Peace is concluded.” D , in writing of Hugh Williamson, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. A...
40Continental Congress Report on Measures to be Taken for Carrying into Effect the Provisional Peace Treaty, 30 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] May 30, 1783 . On this date a committee, consisting of Hamilton, Oliver Ellsworth, Ralph Izard, James Madison, and Benjamin Hawkins, reported on “what further steps are proper to be taken … for carrying into effect the stipulations contained in the articles between the United States and Great Britain.” The committee recommended that the states execute the articles of the...
41Continental Congress Report on the Promotion of Colonels, 7 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was recommitted the letter of the 22d. of December from the Secretary at War submit the following resolution: Resolved that Cols John Greaton and Rufus Putnam of the Massachusettes line [and] Col Elias Dayton of the Jersey line be promoted to the rank of Brigadier Generals, agreeably to the resolution of Congress of the 12 Decr 1782. AD , Papers of the Continental...
42I. Resolution of Congress concerning a Commercial Clause, 31 December 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
In Congress, 31 Dec. 1782. “On the report of a Committee to whom was referred a letter of the 14th of October last from the Minister plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles, Resolved” that the American joint commissioners be instructed “to endeavour to obtain for the Citizens and inhabitants of the United States a direct Commerce to all parts of the British dominions and posessions in like...
43Continental Congress Remarks on Robert Morris, [5 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
This motion produced … lengthy & warm debates. Mr. Lee & Mr. Bland on one side disparaging the Administration of Mr. Morris, and throwing oblique censure on his character.… On the other side Mr. Wilson & Mr. Hamilton went into a copious defence & Panegyric of Mr. Morris, the ruin in which his resignation if it sd. take effect wd. involve public credit and all the operations dependent on it;...
44The Continental Congress: Letter of Credence for Franklin as Commissioner to Spain, [2 January 1777] (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society, Archivo Historico Nacional; draft: National Archives On December 30 Congress decided to offer a military alliance to France and to Spain, and to send commissioners to Madrid and other European courts. On January 1 Franklin was named the commissioner to Spain; the reason for choosing him, he believed, was nothing more than that many months earlier a son of...
45Continental Congress Motion Respecting the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, 4 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Livingston having signified to Congress his desire of relinquishing the exercise of the office of foreign affairs and his intention of returning to the state of New York: Resolved that the secretary of Congress be directed to receive the papers of the said office into his care, ’till a successor to Mr. Livingston can be appointed and that next Wednesday be assigned for the election of a...
46Continental Congress Remarks on the Valuation of Lands, [8 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
On the report for valuing the land conformably to the rule laid down in the fœderal articles, the delegates from Connecticut contended for postponing the subject during the war, alledging the impediments arising from the possession of N. Y., &c. by the enemy; but apprehending (as was supposed) that the flourishing state of Connecticut compared with the Southern States, would render a valuation...
47Continental Congress Motion that the Duties Imposed by the United States be Coexistent with the Public Debt, [11 March … (Hamilton Papers)
A motion was made by Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Wilson to strike out the limitation of 25 years and to make the revenue co-existent with the debts. “Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress,” MS, James Madison Papers, Library of Congress. On March 6, 1783, Congress took up a committee report on the means of restoring the public credit and securing from the several states adequate funds for...
48Continental Congress Report on Sale of Military Equipment, 17 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Secretary of war of the 14th. instant submit the following resolution Resolved that immediate measures be taken for the sale of all the dragoon horses belonging to the United States and of all such articles in the several military departments as may not be necessary for the use of the army previous to its reduction or for the formation of...
49Continental Congress Report on Subsistence for the Army in Lieu of Rations, 3 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Superintendant of Finance and the Secretary at War respecting the subsistence of the army for the ensuing year pray leave to report in favour of the following resolutions Resolved that after the last day of december Inst, in lieu of the rations hitherto allowed to the officers of the army including those for servants they shall be allowed...
50Continental Congress Report on Letter from George Washington Respecting Pay for the Army, 19 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter from General Washington report: Resolved that copies of the letter from the Commander in Chief of the 7th. instant with its inclosures be transmitted to the several states for their information and that their attention be recalled to the resolutions of the 2d of May last to facilitate the punctual payment of the notes issued to the army on account of their pay. That...