USA > New Jersey > A civil and political history of New Jersey: embracing a compendious history of the state, from its early discover and settlement by Europeans, brought down to the present time > Part 45
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the restoration of harmony between Great Britain and her revolted colonies, so essential to the prosperity of both." Very soon after- wards a new administration was formed, composed of persons who were favorable to measures of peace, and at an early period an envoy was sent to France, to open a communication with the French Court, and the American Minister.
But the Americans did not fail in the meanwhile to pursue the advantages they had gained .. Congress proceeded to adopt measures for the prosecution of a new campaign; calling upon the States for their respective quotas of men and money.9 The Superintendent of Finances had brought the affairs of his depart- ment into order, and had reduced the public expenditures. In the course of the season he had projected a National Bank as a further means of relief; the plan he proposed was approved by Congress, and in. December, 1781, an act of incorporation was granted, the body to take the name of " The President and Directors of the Bank of North America." The bills of the bank were to be receivable in payment of all taxes, duties, and debts due to the United States. A trade which had yielded considerable profits, was now carried on with the West Indies, and capitalists came forward and invested their means in the new stock; the bank was established and di- rectly went into operation. Important and most seasonable aid was thus afforded.
A new legislature was chosen in New Jersey in October, and the bodies convened at the usual period. The long tried Gover- nor was continued in his place. The requisition of Congress for the payment of the quota of eight millions of dollars required of the State, was received, together with a resolution of Congress that no certificates could be taken in the amount. 10 In the de-
' Eight millions of dollars in specie was required from the States.
" Continental certificates had been received in the State in payment of taxes, and the amount thus taken together with such sums as might still remain in certificates in the hands of individuals, formed a debt due from the Continental treasury. But this debt was not allowed as any offset at this time, Congress requiring the payment of specie, a requisition which though necessary under the circumstances of the time, was by no means easily complied with. A new re- presentation earnestly requesting that provision should be made for the settle- ment of these certificates, had just been made by the legislature.
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pressed situation of affairs which then existed, it was not deemed advisable entirely to exclude certificates in the payment of taxes, and a bill was passed for raising one hundred and fifty thousand -- pounds in money and certificates.11
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Beside the appropriation of means according to the utmost abili- ty of the State, the authorities contributed also by their declara- tions, to sustain the position and efforts of the country. On the 4th of May, 1782, they adopted resolutions noticing the bill which had been brought into Parliament to enable the King to conclude a peace or truce with the United States, under the description of - the revolted colonies. They declared, "that we, the legislature of this State, are determined to exert the power of the State to en- able Congress to support the National Independence of America, and that whoever shall attempt any pacification between these States and Great Britain, expressing or implying the least subor- dination or dependence of the United States to or upon Great Britain, or shall presume to make any separate or partial conven- tion or agreement with any person acting under the Crown of Great Britain, ought to be treated as an open and avowed enemy. That although peace upon honorable terms is an object truly de- sirable, yet that war, with all the calamities attending it, is incom- parably preferable to national dishonor and vassalage, and that no event, however disastrous, ought to induce us to violate in the least degree our connexion with our great and generous ally. That the legislature will maintain, support, and defend the so- vereignty and independence of this State with their lives and fortunes, and will exert the power thereof to enable Congress to prosecute war until Great Britain shall remove all claim of so- vereignty over these United States, and until their independence shall be formally or tacitly assured by a treaty with Great Britain, France, and the United States, which alone can terminate the war."
It was fortunate both in view of the interests of humanity, and also of the necessities of the country, that the struggle to secure
" The houses resolved that the Treasurer should pay to the order of the Superintendant of Finance so much of the specie directed to be raised by this act, as should be called for from time to time, so that the whole amount paid, should not exceed the sum of fifty thousand pounds.
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the object in view, was not much longer protracted. No hostile operations of importance were afterwards entered upon. Nego- tiations in Europe on the subject of a treaty of peace were active- ly commenced, which were conducted on the part of the Americans by Franklin, Adams, Jay, and Laurens. Difficulties were ex- perienced by the American negotiators on account of the rela- tions in which they were placed by the alliance with France, and the instructions they had received relating to a concert of action with that government. But finally (without the perfect concur- rence of his Majesty of France,) a provisional treaty was made between Great Britain and the United States, and was signed on the 30th of November, 1782. This however, was not to take effect until peace should be concluded between Great Britain and France. But on the 20th of January preliminary treaties between Great Britain, France, and Spain were settled and signed. The restoration of peace being thus ensured, Congress on the 11th of April, 1783, proclaimed a cessation of hostilities, and on the 15th of the same month formally ratified the treaty.12
The conclusion of the war was the cause of the greatest rejoic- ing throughout America. The event was communicated to the legislature of New Jersey by Governor Livingston on the 19th of May, 1783. He said that "Providence having been pleased to terminate the late war in a manner so honorable and advantageous to America, I most heartily congratulate you on the auspicious event; but let us not flatter ourselves that because the war is over our difficulties are at an end. The advantages to be expected from the establishment of our independence will greatly depend upon our public measures, and a conduct suitable to so important a blessing. Perhaps at no particular moment during our conflict with Great Britain, has there been a greater necessity than at the present juncture for unanimity, vigilence and exertion. The glory we have acquired in the war will be resounded through the uni- verse. God forbid that we should ever tarnish it by any un-
: " The definitive treaties between Great Britain, France. and Spain were signed on the 3d of September, 1783, and at the same time the definitive treaty between Great Britain and the United States, and the latter was ratified by Congress on the 14th of January, 1784.
Pitkin, vol. 2, p. 153.
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worthy conduct in times of peace. We have established our character as a brave people, and exhibited to the world the most incontestible proofs that we are determined to sacrifice both life and fortune in defence of our liberties. Heaven has crowned our victories and heroic struggles with the most signal success, and our military exploits have astonished the world. Let us now show ourselves worthy of the inestimable blessings of freedom by an inflexible attachment to public faith and national honor. Let us establish our character as a sovereign State, on the only dura- ble basis of impartial and universal justice ; for whatever plausible sophistry the artful may contrive, or the avaricious be ready from self interested motives to adopt, we may depend upon it, that the observation of the wise man will, through all ages be found an in- controvertible truth, that righteousness exalteth a nation, but that sin (of which injustice is one of the most aggravated,) is the re- proach of any people."
The long contest now concluded had been conducted under great disadvantages and difficulties. At the commencement, no Continental government existed, and consequently no general pro- vision had been made, and the government afterwards formed, was so imperfect in its character that proper regulations and provisions if adopted, were frequently not observed. Beside this, the in- experience of the government and of the people, together with the pressing necessities of the time, led.to an extension of engage- ments beyond the resources of the country; hence extreme pecu- niary embarrassment and great pecuniary loss, were added to the . numerous evils always incident to a state of war. By the depre- ciation and final sinking of the currency, not only was the action of the government impeded, but thousands of the people were injured, and many were entirely ruined.
To meet existing obligations and make adequate provison for the future, were now the objects to be mainly regarded. The whole expense of the war was estimated at one hundred and thirty-five millions of dollars, including the specie value of the bills advanced from the Continental treasury, reduced according to an established scale of depreciation. The whole amount of the debt of the United States in 1783, was estimated at forty-two millions, eight millions of which arose from foreign loans, and the remainder
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CLOSE OF THE WAR. 479
was due to American citizens. Obligations of a special character had also been formed in making provision for the officers and soldiers who had been engaged in the war. These classes had suffered the greatest hardships, not merely in their particular services, but from the want of proper supplies, and the tardy and imperfect compensation they had received. To satisfy in some degree the complaints that were made to Congress and the Com- mander-in-Chief, the latter recommended a half pay establishment. Accordingly, in May, 1778, Congress granted half pay for seven years to all who should continue in service during the war, and a similar grant was afterwards made to the widows or orphans of such as had, or should die in the service. In 1780, a grant of half pay for life was granted to the officers; but this was finally changed to five years full pay.
Measures were taken by Congress to meet the present exigen- cies of the time. On the 18th of April, 1783, they declared that it was indispensably necessary to the restoration of public credit and to the discharge of the public debts, to vest Congress with power to levy certain specified duties on wines, teas, pepper, sugar, molasses, cocoa, and coffee, and a duty of five per cent. ad valorum on all other imported goods.13 The States were also required to establish revenues in such manner as they should judge convenient for supplying their respective quotas of one million and a half of dollars annually, exclusive of imports. Con- gress urged, in the strongest manner, a compliance with these de- mands, appealing to the gratitude and pride, as well as the justice and plighted faith of the nation. The legislature of New Jersey resolved, that the address and recommendation of Congress should be printed and distributed throughout the State. On the 11th of June an act was passed "to authorize the United States in Con- gress assembled, to levy a duty on certain goods and merchandize imported into this State from any foreign port, island, or planta- tion," and nearly at the same time, an enactment was made for raising the sum of ninety thousand pounds by taxation for the
" It was proposed that these duties should continue for twenty-five years, and to be applied solely to the payment of the principal and interest of the public debt.
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exigencies of the year 1783. But the same degree of regard to the recommendations of Congress was not every where exhibited. Some of the States assented to the resolution respecting imports without hesitation, but others lingered or only acceded upon condi- tion that similar acts should be generally passed. The repeated and earnest representations of Congress finally prevailed with all the States except New York ; but she persisted in refusal, and by her single negative, finally defeated the measure. This failure was most prejudicial in its effects ; it not only tended in a great degree to rentler nugatory the efforts of Congress for the restoration and maintenance of the National credit, but was also a cause of dis- sension among the States themselves. New Jersey complained that the refusal of other States to make the grant to Congress, and their separate enactments upon the subject, were unjust to the country, and operated injuriously upon her, rendering her unable to . meet the demands of Congress, and particularly, the demand for specie. A strong representation was made in consequence.14
14 By resolution of the 20th of February, 1786, it was said, "that the requi- sitions of Congress of April, 1783, for a general impost and revenue hath not been complied with by all the States, especially by the States of New York and Georgia, (Georgia afterwards acceded,) though the requisition is founded upon the most just and equal principles, and being a measure, in the general opinion, absolutely necessary to the existence of the United States in their confederated capacity, while our neighbouring States, by their State imposts, are draining this State of sums annually, to a much larger amount, as we have reason to suppose, than our quota of specie called for by the late requisition of Congress. That this House cannot, consistently with the duty they owe to their constitu- ents, comply with the requisition of Congress of the 27th of September last, or any other, requiring specie, until all the States in the Union shall comply with the requisition of Congress for an impost and revenue; or at least until the several States having the advantage of commerce which they now enjoy solely by the joint exertions of the United States, shall forbear exacting duties or im- posts upon goods and merchandize for the particular benefits of their respective States, thus drawing revenues from those whose local circumstances will not admit of their enjoying similar advantages."
In instructions to the representatives in Congress, given March 2d, 1786, it was said, "when the revenue system of the Isth of April, 1783, was passed in Congress, we were in hopes that our situation between two commercial States would no longer operate to our detriment; and that those States, and others in their predicament, were at length convinced of the selfish and palpable injustice
CLOSE OF THE WAR. 481
Beside this failure, the requisitions of Congress for direct contri- butions from the States, were but partially complied with; the government was compelled to resort to loans to pay even the in- terest on the foreign debt, and the interest on the domestic debt remained wholly unpaid.
The western territory, or " Crown lands" were viewed by the people of the States as a fund to aid in the payment of the public debt. The expectations and wishes of New Jersey in reference to these lands, have already been noticed. In October, 1780, a resolution was adopted by Congress recommending the States to make liberal cessions of their territorial claims. In 1781, this was complied with by Virginia so far as to cede all lands north- west of the river Ohio, upon the condition however, that Congress should guaranty all the other lands she claimed. This cession was not satisfactory to other States. New Jersey presented a remonstrance stating " the just and incontrovertible claim of this State to its full proportion of all vacant territory," and requesting
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of subjecting others to their exactions, and then applying those exactions to the augmentation of their respective private revenues. As we are convinced that neither public credit can be supported, the public debts paid, or the existence of the Union maintained, without the impost revenue in some form, you are in- structed to vote against each and every ordinance, resolution, and proceeding whatever, which shall produce any expense to New Jersey, for the promotion or security of the commerce of those States, or any of them, from which the Union in general, nor this State in particular, derives any advantage, until all the States shall adopt and carry into execution the impost above mentioned.
· To vote against each and every ordinance, resolution, or proceeding which shall ' · tend to charge this State with any expense for gaining possession of, or defend- ing such territory claimed by, or which is to accrue to, the exclusive benefit of any particular State or States, and not to the Union at large."
The resolution of the House declining to comply with the requisition for the payment of specie, was noticed by Congress, and was a source of so much em- barrassment that a committee consisting of Charles Pinckney, Nathaniel Gor- han, and William Grayson were appointed to remonstrate with the Assembly of New Jersey upon the subject. The committee were heard. The House then resolved, "that being willing to remove as far as in their power every em- barrassment from the counsels of the Union, and that the failure of supplies from temporary demands, though clearly evinced from experience, may not be imputed to the State of New Jersey only, that the resolution of the 20th of February last, be, and hereby is rescinded."
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THE . FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
Congress not to accept of the offer. The proposal of Virginia was rejected by Congress with the annexed condition; but this condi- tion being given up, the cession was afterwards accepted. Congress urged also upon other States the necessity of early and full com- pliance, and accordingly cessions were made by all the States hav- ing claims to these lands, so that the whole territory northwest of the Ohio came to be possessed by the United States. But the advantages to be derived from this possession, were chiefly pro- spective, this fund could not be made available to meet the imme- diate wants of the country.
The situation of affairs at this period was such as to excite a doubt whether the United States would be able to maintain their nationality. The general government was found to be entirely destitute of all authority to carry its measures into effect. During the continuance of the war, the pressure of common danger had enforced a general concurrence of action, though even then, the measures of Congress were often defeated by the objections or the inaction of the States ; now, the power of Congress was scarcely more than a nominal thing ; as was aptly said, " they may de- clare every thing but do nothing." There seemed to be an in- creasing jealousy of the general government, and a desire to establish the interests and power of the States. The obligations arising out of the treaty of peace were not enforced without the greatest difficulty, and loud complaints of infractions were made by Great Britain ; there was no authority to regulate commerce, no national judiciary, nor any general provision for mutual sup- port in cases of insurrection within the States ; and this latter de- fect was brought more strongly into view by actual and serious disturbances.15 These circumstances were the cause of extreme uneasiness ; the wisest as well as the strongest spirits of the time, were oppressed with a feeling of apprehension. Washington de- clared, in reference to the disinclination of the States to yield competent powers to the general government, that " we have op- posed the British in vain, and have arrived at the present state of peace and independency to very little purpose, if we cannot con-
15 An insurrection of a truly formidable character took place in Massachusetts in the year 1786.
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quer our own prejudices." Jay said, in March, 1786, "I think we are in a delicate situation, and a variety of considerations give me uneasiness ; our affairs are drawing to some crisis, some revo- lution, something I cannot foresee or conjecture ; I am anxious and uneasy, more so than during the war." " Your views," said Washington in reply, " accord with my own ; what the event will be, is also beyond my foresight ; I do not conceive we can exist long as a Nation, without lodging somewhere a power which will pervade the whole Union in as energetic a manner as the autho- - rity of the State governments extend over the several States." Governor Livingston said, in February, 1787, " I am really more distressed by the posture of our public affairs than I ever was by the most gloomy appearances during the war, and without the utmost exertions of the more patriotic part of the community, and the blessing of God upon their exertions, I fear we shall not be able for ten years from the date of this letter, to support the in- dependence which has cost us so much blood and treasure to acquire."
. Fortunately, or providentially, the proper and the only remedy for the evils and disorders of the time was perceived and applied. The foresight of Washington, though distrusted by himself, had not failed ; and measures were soon taken to establish the power which should " pervade the whole Union." In January, 1786, the legislature of Virginia appointed persons to meet Commis- sioners from the other States, to take into consideration the state of the country, and to devise measures for the common interest. 16 . The other States were notified of this movement, and on the 20th · of March a resolution was adopted by the legislature of New Jer- sey, that Commissioners should be appointed in joint meeting to meet Commissioners from the other States for the purposes
16 They were "to meet such other Commissioners as were, or should be, ap- pointed by the other States in the Union, at such time and place as might be agreed upon, to take into consideration the trade and commerce of the country, to consider how far an uniform system in their commercial intercourse and regulations might be necessary to their common interests and permanent har- mony, and to report to the several States such an act relative to this great ob- ject, as, when unanimously ratified by them, would enable the United States, in Congress assembled, effectually to provide for the same."
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mentioned. Abraham Clark, William C. Houston, and James Schureman were appointed. The Commissioners met at Anna- polis, in September, 1786, but five States only were represented.17 After some consideration of the subject of the meeting, the dele- gates agreed that their powers, as well as their numbers, were too limited to warrant a final decision, but they agreed to a report to be submitted to Congress, and to the several States. In this report they recommended the appointment of Commissioners from all the States " to meet in Philadelphia on the 2d Monday in May next, to take into consideration the situation of the United States ; and to devise such further provisions as shall appear to them ne- cessary to render the constitution of the federal government ade- quate to the exigencies of the Union." Congress approved of the measures taken, and recommended to the States that the Conven- tion should be held as proposed. Virginia first appointed delegates to this meeting, at the session of the legislature held in October, 1786. New Jersey followed next: on the 24th of November, David Brearly, William C. Houston, William Paterson, and John Neilson were appointed. On the 19th of May, 1787, his Excel- lency William Livingston and Abraham Clark were added to the delegation, (the name of John Neilson being omitted,) and on the 7th of June it was further increased by the appointment of Jona- than Dayton.
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The meeting and the proceedings of this Convention, which met at the appointed time, mark a most important era in the history of the United States. A form of government was con- structed to take the place of the Confederation, (which was already alinost dissolved,) and the work was devised with the highest degree of wisdom and skill. Separate and apparently opposing interests and elements were brought together and joined in an harmonious union. The Constitution was formed. In this work the representatives of New Jersey were active and useful partici- pants. Their influence and efforts were partly directed to pre- serve to the smaller States, New Jersey being one, a proper degree of power and weight in the Union ; whilst they wished the general authority to be sufficient for the purposes in view, they
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