USA > Delaware > Minutes of the Council of the Delaware state from 1776 to 1792, V 2 > Part 3
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* These resolutions are not recorded.
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"contingent public services that may arise in the recess of the "present General Assembly, he to be accountable.
" Extract from the minutes. JAS. BOOTH, "Sent for concurrence. Cl'k of Assembly."
On motion, by order,
The resolutions of the House of Assembly for the pay and clothing of the Delaware Regiment, were read and concurred in, and are as follows, viz :
"IN THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, "TUESDAY, 13th November, 1781.
"On motion,
" Resolved, That the Speakers of the two Houses of the Gen- "eral Assembly draw their order in favor of George Craghead, "Esq., the Clothier of the State, on the State Treasurer, for four "hundred and seventy-five pounds, in specie, for the purpose of "an immediate supply of two hundred shirts, one hundred woolen "waistcoats, one hundred pair of woolen overalls, one hundred "pair of socks, one hundred pair of shoes, fifteen coats and fifty "blankets, for the use of the detachment under the command "of Capt. McKennan."
"That the Speakers, aforesaid, draw their order on the State "Treasurer, in favor of the Clothier-General, aforesaid, for eight "hundred and twenty-five pounds, like money, for the purpose "of a supply of one hundred and fifty coats, one hundred and "fifty woolen waistcoats, one hundred and fifty woolen overalls. "three hundred shirts, one hundred and fifty hats, one hundred "and fifty pair of socks, and three hundred pair of shoes, for the "use of the Delaware troops in the Southern army, under the "command of General Green."
" That the Clothier-General make application to the Board of "War, in order to obtain the above articles of clothing, or as "many of them as may be procured in that way, and that the "said George Craghead make exact and particular returns of the "articles he may so procure, and also render his account of the "expenditure of the money he may receive, to the General As- "sembly, at their next meeting."
"That orders be drawn, in manner aforesaid, in favor of the
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THE DELAWARE STATE, 1781.
"officers of the Delaware Regiment, for the following sums of "money, in specie, on account of their pay, to wit: to Colonel "David Hall, one hundred pounds ; Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph "Vaughan, one hundred pounds ; Major John Patten, seventy- "five pounds ; Captains Robert Kirkwood and Peter Jaquet, "each, one hundred pounds ; Captains John Learmouth, John "Wilson, Daniel Powel Cox and George Parvis, sixty pounds, "each ; Captain James Moore, ten pounds in addition to the fifty "pounds ordered to be paid to him by this present General As- "sembly ; Reuben Gilder, Surgeon, sixty pounds ; Lieutenants "Henry Duff, James Campbell, Joseph Horsman, Elijah Skil- "lington, Charles Kidd, Edward Roche and Thomas Anderson, "forty pounds each; Ensign Stephen McWilliam, thirty pounds ; "and John Vaughn and John Platt, volunteers in the said regi- "ment, thirty pounds each."
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"That an order be drawn, in the same manner, for the pay- "ment of one month's pay for the non-commissioned officers and "privates of the Delaware troops in the Southern army, afore- "said, to such person as shall be appointed by the President of "the State to receive the same, and to be by such person im- "mediatly remitted to them.
"That it be recommended to the President to issue his orders "to the officers of the Delaware Regiment now in the State (Cap- "tain Moore excepted), and not prisoners of war, that as soon as "they may severally receive the sum directed to be drawn on "their behalf, as above mentioned, they do repair to their regi- "ment so that the officers thereof, now with General Green may, "if they think proper, apply for leave of absence for a time, and "their places supplied by such as are within the intent of this " resolution.
"Extract from the minutes. JAS. BOOTH, "Sent for concurrence. Cl' k of Assembly."
On motion, by order,
The resolution of the House of Assembly for the payment of one hundred pounds to William Millan, was read, considered, and rejected.
Ordered, That the order in favor of George Craghead, Esq., for thirteen hundred pounds, be signed by the Speaker.
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Ordered, That the several bills and resolutions before men- tioned, respectively signed by the Speaker of the Council, be returned to the House of Assembly by Mr. Cook ;
Who, being returned, reported the delivery thereof according to order.
Adjourned till 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
WEDNESDAY, November 14th, 1781.
The Council met. Present the same members as on yesterday.
The Speaker of the Council now waited on Mr. President, and being returned, reported to the General Assembly that he had administered as well the qualification of allegiance and declara- tion of faith, prescribed by the twenty second article of the Con- stitution of this State, as the oath (or affirmation) of office, to his Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the Delaware State, in pursuance of certain resolutions of the General Assem- bly of yesterday.
Thereupon
Ordered, That the Speaker issue a writ to the Sheriff of New Castle County, directing him to hold an election on Thursday, the 20th day of December next, agreeable to the Constitution and Laws of this State, for the choosing of one new member of the Legislative Council for the said county, in the room of John Dickinson, Esquire, whose seat became vacant by his acceptance of the office of President of this State.
Which was accordingly done.
Then the Council proceeded to the settlement of the per diem wages and mileage of their members at their present meeting, and the following accounts were allowed, viz :
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THE DELAWARE STATE, 1781.
To the Honorable Thomas Collins, Esq., for 23 days' attendance in Council, . £ 25 7 6 To John Baning, Esq., for 20 days' attendance, 17 10 O To Peter Hyatt, Esq., for 23 days' attendance and mileage, . 21 12 6 To William Conwell, Esq., for 16 days' attendance and mileage, . 15 16 0 To John Polk, Esq., for 20 days' attendance and To John Cook, Esq., for 17 days' attendance and mileage, . 2Ọ o mileage, . . 15 8 6 To William Polk, Esq., for 21 days' attendance and mileage, 19 9 6 To John Dickinson, Esq., for 21 days' attendance and mileage, . 20 9 6 To Benjamin Vining, Esq., for 20 days' attendance
as Clerk, &c., 23 10 0 -
£ 179 36
Ordered, That the Speaker draw orders on the State Trea- surer for the payment of the aforesaid several sums.
Which was accordingly done.
Then the Council adjourned till the 2d day of January next, to meet at the Town of Dover.
£
VEFIES AN ALFREDINES
MINUTES OF COUNCIL.
JANUARY, 1782.
87
10/100 10 23TTIM
OK, 1. 691
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE DELAWARE STATE.
ADJOURNED SESSION, JANUARY, 1782.
At a meeting of the Legislative Council of the Delaware State, at the Town of Dover, on Wednesday, the 2d day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty- two, a sufficient number of the members to form an House not attending, the Council adjourned from day to day until Wednes- day, the 9th instant.
WEDNESDAY, January 9th, 1782.
The Council met. Present the following members, viz :
For New Castle County-Mr. McDonough, Mr. Hyatt.
For Kent County-The Hon. Thomas Collins, Mr. Baning. For Sussex County-Mr. John Polk.
On motion,
Resolved, That the Council adjourn till Tuesday next, at three o'clock in the afternoon.
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TUESDAY, P. M., January 15, 1782.
The Council met, but a quorum of the members not attending, the Council adjourned from day to day until Tuesday, the 22d instant.
TUESDAY, January 22d, 1782.
The Council met. Present the same members as on Tuesday last, and also Mr. Cook and Mr. William Polk.
The return of the Sheriff and Inspectors for the County of New Castle, of the election of a Councillor to fill the seat of John Dickinson, Esq., which became vacant by his acceptance of the office of the President of this State, being laid on the table, it appears that Isaac Grantham, Esq., was elected a meniber of the Council, on the twentieth day of December last, agreeable to the Constitution and Laws of the State.
Mr. Grantham appeared, took the oath and subscribed the declaration prescribed by the twenty-second article of the Con- stitution of this State, and then took his seat in the Council. [See note on page 10.]
On motion,
Ordered, That Mr. McDonough and Mr. Cook be a com- mittee to wait on his Excellency, the President, and acquaint him that the Council, having met, are ready to receive any busi- ness lie may have to lay before then.
The committee, being returned, reported that they had waited on the President with the message committed to them, according to order, and that he was pleased, in answer, to say that he had laid some business of great importance before the House of As- sembly, which, in due course, would come before this House.
The committee appointed to view the premises mentioned in
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THE DELAWARE STATE, 1782.
the petition of John Leuden, now reported that they had viewed the same, and are of opinion that the prayer of the said petition, as therein set forth, may be granted ; whereupon,
On motion of Mr. McDonough, that a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill founded on the said petition, the same was granted.
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The gentlemen chosen : Mr. Hyatt, Mr. McDonough, and Mr. William Polk.
Adjourned till 3 o'clock, P. M.
EODEM DIE, P. M.
The Council met and adjourned till to-morrow morning.
WEDNESDAY, A. M., January 23d, 1782.
The Council met. Present the same members as on yesterday.
The committee appointed to prepare and bring in a bill found- ed on the petition of John Leuden, now laid on the table a bill for that purpose entitled "A further supplementary act to the act en- titled 'An act for the better regulation of the roads in New Castle County ;'" which, by order, was read the first time.
Adjourned till 3 o'clock, P. M.
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EODEM DIE, P. M.
The Council met.
On motion, by order, the bill entitled "A further supplemen- tary act to the act entitled 'An act for the better regulation of the roads in New Castle County,' " was read the second time.
By special order, the same was read a third time, by para- graphs, and will pass.
Ordered, That the said bill, together with the foregoing peti- tion, be sent to the House of Assembly, for their concurrence, by Mr. Cook ;
Who, being returned, reported the delivery thereof according to order.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.
THURSDAY, January 24th, 1782.
The Council met. Present the same members as on yesterday. Adjourned till tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.
FRIDAY, A. M., January 25, 1782.
The Council met. Present all the members, except Mr. Con- well, Mr. Cook, and Mr. Polk.
Adjourned till 3 o'clock, P. M.
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THE DELAWARE STATE, 1782.
EODEM DIE, P. M.
The Council met.
Mr. Latimer, a member of Assembly, was admitted and deliv- ered to the Chair a message from the President to the General Assembly, of the 19th instant, with its inclosures.
The same member also delivered to the Chair a new map of the western parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina, with several reports and papers relative to the claims of Virginia, &c.
The same member also delivered to the Chair the supplement to the act entitled "An act for regulating and establishing fees," with an amendment proposed thereto by the House of Assembly.
On motion, by order,
The President's Message, and its inclosures, were severally read, and the said message is in these words, viz :
" Gentlemen of the General Assembly :
"The Secretary will lay before you several acts of Congress, "dated October the 30th, November the 2d, 12th, and 23d, "December the 4th, ioth, 11th, and 17th, and January the 2d, " with letters from the President of that honorable body, and the "Financier, relative to the subject of those acts.
"Some of these are of so important a nature, that our utmost "exertions to comply with the requisitions founded upon them "will be the best measures we can possibly pursue to attain and "secure the blessings for which we are contending.
" The successes of the last campaign, obtained, under the favour "of Divine Providence, by the distinguished abilities of the "Commander-in-Chief, the generous aid of the monarch who "does honour to the exalted station he holds, the gallantry and "good conduct of his troops, and of the American officers and "soldiers, in every scene of action-the unparalleled harmony "between the combined forces, promising all the fruits of a perfect "and permanent amity, the militia rivaling veterans in bravery
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"and discipline-our recovery from the distresses of a depre- " ciated currency-the resources open to our view-the vigorous "and economical administration taking place in our finances- "the enterprising and public spirit of the mercantile part of "the community, giving motion to so many springs in the "system of government-the unanimity of the people, in assert- "ing and defending their independence, are circumstances of "such moment as to present a prospect of the most prosperous "events, if the opportunities they offer are seized with decision "and improved with wisdom.
"They are, however, but steps in our progress to political "happiness, and by looking back too earnestly upon them, we "may yet forfeit the inestimable prize we wish to crown our "labours with at the conclusion of the course.
" In a contest. so deeply interesting to us and our posterity, "we ought to think nothing done while anything remains to be "done. Our conduct should be regulated by the temper, ability, "and even the errors of our enemies. Confiding in their wealth "and strength, animated by the remembrance of former victories, "and irritated by a resistance subverting the foundations laid by " their wise ancestors, for more than Roman grandeur, they "discover a fixed resolution to persist, in defiance of every " difficulty and danger, in their attempts to recover their immense "losses, aggravated, as they must be, by a consciousness of "their own imprudence. Thus stimulated they dare a compli- "cation of wars, face their foes on every side, and combat in "every quarter of the Globe ; demonstrating the prodigious "supplies of hostility accumulated by a great and long establish- "ed commercial power, exhibiting a memorable instance of the "destructive diligence and obdurate perseverance excited by "the rage of ambition.
"If all this profusion of blood and treasure cannot obtain the " principally desired and dreadful end of subjugating these States, " we should remember it has been declared, in a manifesto pub- "lished by the commissioners appointed under the Great Seal " of Britain, and of which no disapprobation could be obtained "from either House of Parliament, a secondary end may be an- "swered-that of rendering, by the EXTREMES of war and deso- "lation, our connection with France of as LITTLE AVAIL to her "as POSSIBLE.
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THE DELAWARE STATE, 1782.
"How far this avowed principle has heretofore influenced the "military operations on this Continent, it is needless to say : how "far it is to influence the future, let the past determine ; but " whatever our sufferings have been, it is worthy of consideration, "whether part of them may not be imputed to our mistakes.
"We, knowing that a vast majority of the inhabitants of these "States will, at every hazard, maintain their independence, now "indispensably necessary for supporting their honour and hap- "piness, and desire no peace but upon this ground, and that "not one in an hundred would risk life or property for recon- "ciliation on any other terms, have relied too much on this solid "mass of opposition. Relaxation ensued, and has been followed "by its natural consequences. Happily for us, indeed, virtue has "frequently paid the arrears of prudence.
"On the other hand, our enemies, viewing the same object " through the deceiving mediums of passion and prejudice, believe "that the thinness of our battalions, and the dilatoriness of our "supplies, are, in a great degree, occasioned by the disaffec- "tion of large numbers to our cause. This error produces an- "other, and leads them to expect a dissolution of public credit, "from dissatisfaction at the burthens imposed, and a flattering "comparison between their funds, supposed by them to be al- "most inexhaustible, and the scantiness of our revenues.
"Inattentive to the smallness of the debt-we have contracted "during the war, and the heavy load it has laid upon them, they "seem not to advert to the difference of effects such national "incumbrances must produce in a country prospering by manu- "factures, and another that little depends on such employments ; " and while an increase of our burthens only adds to the odium "against the original unprovoked authors of them, they will not "duly estimate the calm and steady resentment of injured and "insulted innocence, and never reflect how much of their pro- "perty they cheerfully spare, who are ready to part with the " whole, for preserving their freedom.
"Another error of our enemies, if they really believe it, or an "artful insinuation, if they do not, deserves notice, as their dis- "guised emissaries endeavor to disseminate it among us. They "suppose, or surmise, that such a cordial friendship can never be "formed between us and the subjects of our ally, as with them-
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"selves, because of the dissimilarity of government, laws, man- "ners, customs, religion and language. There was a time when " hereditary habits of thinking would easily have admitted this "doctrine. It is past. The hard-hearted policy of Great Britain, "and the just and wise magnanimity of France, have restored "to us the impartial exercise of our judgment ; and stating the " case of a connection between us and each of those kingdoms, "the very line of distinction, that has been drawn, will remove "apprehensions with respect to the latter that must exist as "reasonable for want of it, and on account of the late separation, "as peculiarly forcible against the former. Mutual interests, " liberal sentiments, and fair dealing, are better promoters of con- "cord between nations than resemblances that may prompt and "cause deceptions, and which we feel to have given edge and "extension to the fury of those, who now, with preposterous "ingenuity, urge them as sources of affection.
" If America now rises to a full display of her temper and "ability, correspondent to the desires and efforts of our illustrious "ally, she will dispel the errors that have been so fertile of evil, "and may, in a short time, realize the proposed reward of her "toils, not otherwise perhaps to be obtained but by a tedious "struggle, great expense, and renewed losses.
"When such a measure is recommended by the Council that "presides over the common interests of the Union, and whose "comprehensive survey of affairs must certainly have suggested "to them cogent reasons for recommending it in the manner "they have done, I am perfectly convinced, from my knowledge "of your zeal, that every possible exertion will be made on your "part. Permit me only to add, that I cannot but ardently wish "this State may have the merit of being distinguished by the "earliest punctuality of compliance.
" Gentlemen-The Secretary will also present to you two let- "ters from the Commander-in-Chief to me, dated the 3d and "15th of December, concerning the establishment of a tempor- "ary hospital, at Wilmington, for sick soldiers returning from " Virginia, with several papers relative to that business.
"Humanity, and a just respect for his Excellency's senti- "ments, induce me to pursue every measure within my power "that appeared likely to save the lives and alleviate the distresses "of the brave and good men whose relief was intended. I am
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THE DELAWARE STATE, 1782.
"informed that these measures have been of use, and hope they "will meet your approbation.
" I have directed a letter from General Greene, of October the "24th, one from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, of November "the 12th, and another from the Board of War, of the 19th of "the same month, to be delivered to you, as they contain mat- "ters that will require your consideration.
"Immediately after my going to Philadelphia, as I was well "acquainted with your solicitude to have the execution of your "late resolutions respecting the clothing of our regiment expe- "dited, I applied to the Secretary of War. His letters, of the 3d "and 4th of December, are now sent. By the information "I received from him, and afterward from the Financier, I "thought it improper that any further steps should be taken "until your pleasure could be known on the new circumstances "that have occurred; but there are deficiencies as to the clothing "of the officers that deserve, and therefore, I am assured, will "engage your early and effectual attention. I have desired the "Clothier to lay his accounts before you.
"The Legislature has not yet acted upon a resolution of Con- "gress dated the thirteenth of last June, respecting the officers "of the Hospital and Medical Department.
"The greatest dispatch was made in getting the schooner be- "longing to the State ready, in pursuance- of your directions. "She sailed on the 20th day of November, and protected our " trade to advantage, until she was driven into port by a vessel "from New York, of superior force. I have reason to believe "that there will be a cooperation in Pennsylvania, next spring, "with a similar measure. If it is not disagreeable to you, I will "endeavour to procure the concurrence of the State of New Jer- "sey.
"The recruiting service has been begun, and promises the "happiest success. The gentleman appointed to superintend it "will soon report his proceedings.
"On the 20th of November, I wrote to all the Receivers of "Supplies, desiring them to make returns of the supplies deliv- "ered, mentioning the articles, quantities, condition, and dis- "tances from landings. I have had no answer but from the " Receiver for New Castle County.
العلة الحصرية
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"As we shall be charged with an interest on the deficiencies of "those supplies, the collection of them should be enforced, or "else, they should be changed into taxes, in specie, and I should "be glad if the Legislature would consider whether this is not "the most eligible mode. There are other deficiencies of taxes "that require a like adjustment.
"I have the pleasure of informing you, that our quota of the "Continental Bills, except a very inconsiderable balance, is trans- "mitted to the Treasurer of the United States.
"The supplies that you so prudently ordered to be provided "at the post of Christiana Bridge, for the army on its return " from York, have been furnished at a less expense than was ex- "pected, as appears by the account of the Commissioners. It "is with particular satisfaction I can say that the service has been "performed in a manner very acceptable to the troops, and repu- " table to the State.
" Gentlemen-As delegates in Congress are now to be appoint- "ed, and a representation cannot consist of less than two, an "addition to the usual number appears to be necessary. Many "questions of the first magnitude will very shortly be agitated in "that assembly. The interest and dignity of the State are con- "cerned in its regular representation. It is to be observed, that "this is a very proper time to give instruction; to those who "may be appointed, to use the strictest diligence in procuring. "the claims of boundaries to be immediatly settled upon just " principles.
"I esteemed it my duty to obtain all the information I could "on this momentous business, and the Secretary will deliver "some important documents and papers on that head, as also on " the right to the islands in the Delaware.
" The Militia laws should be explained, amended, and reduced "into one act. The public welfare requires that this mode of " defence should be put upon a more respectable footing.
"I beg leave, also, to recommend the passing of laws for more "effectually preventing insults to the State, by taking vessels "out of its harbors ; for establishing a Court of Admiralty and "defining its jurisdiction ; for establishing a Naval Office ; for " regulating trade and navigation ; for establishing one Judge of
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"the Supreme Court and of Oyer and Terminer, when he alone "attends to do any judicial act except the trying of causes, and "for the award of tales de circumstantibus in such manner that "the administration of justice may not be delayed ; for the revi- "val of proceedings in the Court of Oyer and Terminer for Sus- "sex County ; and for better securing and escorting prisoners of " war and deserters, upon which occasions a contract for the "rations that may be necessary appears to be the cheapest "method of providing them.
"JOHN DICKINSON."
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