in Congress Assembled
United States of America
Charles Thomson, Secretary
Chronology
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions
USCA | Session Dates | USCA Convene Date | President(s) |
First | 03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781* | 03-02-1781 | |
Second | 11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782 | 11-05-1781 | |
Third | 11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783 | 11-04-1782 | |
Fourth | 11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784 | 11-03-1783 | |
Fifth | 11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785 | 11-29-1784 | |
Sixth | 11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786 | 11-23-1785 | |
Seventh | 11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787 | 02-02-1787 | |
Eighth | 11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788 | 01-21-1788 | |
Ninth | 11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789** | None | None |
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation, passed by the Continental
Congress on November 15, 1777, required unanimous ratification by all 13 states
to take effect. This process, however, faced significant delays due to disputes
over the equitable distribution and governance of western territorial land
claims.
Maryland’s Delay and Western Land Disputes
Maryland delayed its ratification of the Articles for three
years, largely due to concerns about the vast western land claims held by
larger states. At the core of Maryland's objections was the issue of fairness
and equity in how the western territories, particularly the uncharted lands
beyond the Appalachian Mountains, would be managed. Several states, including
Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts, based their extensive land claims on
colonial charters granted by the British crown. These claims encompassed
regions that would later form the Northwest Territory, including the future
states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. [1]
These land-rich states stood to gain enormous financial and
political advantages through the sale and settlement of these territories,
increasing their wealth, population, and influence. Conversely, smaller states
such as Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, which had no western
land claims, feared this imbalance would consolidate disproportionate power in
favor of the larger states. Maryland’s refusal to ratify the Articles was
driven by the concern that such inequality would undermine the unity and
stability of the fledgling nation. [2]
Compromise and Ratification
Maryland’s resistance eventually prompted key compromises,
orchestrated by influential figures such as John Hanson, Daniel Carroll, James
Madison, and Continental Congress President Samuel Huntington. These
negotiations led to agreements requiring states with large land claims to cede
their territories to the federal government. This decision ensured that the
lands would benefit the entire nation rather than individual states. [3]
On January 30, 1781, Maryland passed an act empowering its
delegates to ratify the Articles of Confederation, with Governor Thomas Sim Lee
signing the act into law on February 2, 1781. [4] Shortly thereafter, on
February 20, 1781, Maryland delegate Daniel Carroll formally presented the
state’s ratification to Congress. [5] Carroll expressed pride in delivering
this pivotal act, as noted in a letter to his cousin, Charles Carroll of
Carrollton. Two days later, John Hanson, another Maryland delegate, arrived in
Philadelphia to officially ratify the Articles on behalf of Maryland. [6]
Adoption of the Articles of Confederation
With Maryland’s ratification, the Articles of Confederation
were officially adopted on March 1, 1781. This adoption marked a crucial
distinction in the governance of the United States: the transition from the
Continental Congress to the "United States in Congress Assembled"
(USCA). These two entities, while often conflated, were legally and
structurally different.
The Continental Congress, which had existed since 1774, was
an ad hoc assembly convened to address the colonies’ grievances with Britain.
It operated without a formalized legal framework and derived its authority
primarily from necessity and consent. The USCA, on the other hand, was a legal
entity created by the Articles of Confederation. Unlike its predecessor, it
operated under a defined constitutional framework, granting it formal
legitimacy as the first national government of the United States. [7]
The common use of “Continental Congress” to describe the
USCA is a historical inaccuracy stemming from the continuity of many members
and practices between the two bodies. However, the legal transition on March 1,
1781, marked the official end of the Continental Congress and the establishment
of a new government under the Articles of Confederation. [8]
Establishing the United States in Congress Assembled
To ensure a smooth transition, Congress set March 1, 1781,
as the official date for implementing the Articles and forming the new
government. On that day, the USCA convened for the first time, and on March 2,
1781, the newly established governing body held its inaugural session. [9]
Significance of the Articles of Confederation
The adoption of the Articles of Confederation represented a
significant milestone in American history, as it established the third
iteration of the American Republic. The USCA would govern the United States
until March 1789, when the Constitution was adopted. The Articles resolved
longstanding disputes over western territories by placing them under federal
control, ensuring equitable benefit to all states.
Article V of the Articles allowed for the annual appointment
of state delegates to Congress and granted state legislatures the authority to
recall them at any time. [10] This provision reinforced the balance of power
between state and national authorities, a hallmark of the confederal system.
The USCA oversaw key developments during its tenure,
including the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris (1783), which ended the
Revolutionary War, and the passage of the Northwest Ordinance (1787), which
established the framework for western expansion and statehood. The journals of
the USCA detail the legislative and executive actions of this government,
providing valuable insights into the evolution of the American Republic.
Conclusion
The ratification of the Articles of Confederation and the
establishment of the USCA marked a critical transition in American governance.
It formalized the union of the states under a defined constitutional framework
and resolved contentious issues surrounding territorial disputes. While the
Continental Congress and USCA are often mistakenly conflated, their legal and
structural differences highlight the evolving nature of the United States'
early governance.
The events of March 1, 1781, represent the culmination of
years of negotiation and compromise, resulting in the creation of a new
government that would guide the nation through its formative years and set the
stage for the Constitution that would follow.
Footnotes
[1] Journals of the Continental Congress, November 15, 1777.
[2] Merrill Jensen, The Articles of Confederation: An Interpretation of the
Social-Constitutional History of the American Revolution 1774–1781
(University of Wisconsin Press, 1940).
[3] Ibid.
[4] Act of Maryland, January 30, 1781. Maryland State Archives.
[5] Journals of the Continental Congress, February 20, 1781.
[6] Daniel Carroll to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, February 21, 1781.
Manuscript, Maryland Historical Society.
[7] Articles of Confederation, Article V, 1777.
[8] John E. Ferling, A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American
Republic (Oxford University Press, 2003).
[9] Journals of the United States in Congress Assembled, March 1–2, 1781.
[10] Articles of Confederation, Article V, 1777.
First USCA: March 2, 1781
Samuel Huntington, USCA President
USCA Journals – United States of America
- 1781
March 1781
March 1, 1781 (Thursday):
- New
York’s Cession of Western Land Claims: Congress receives New York’s
formal cession of its western land claims. This was a significant step in
addressing the contentious issue of state claims to western territories,
which had delayed the ratification of the Articles of Confederation.
- Maryland
Delegates Sign the Articles of Confederation: Maryland, the final
state to ratify the Articles, formally signs the document, marking the
completion of the Confederation. This ended years of debate and
negotiation over the structure of the new government.
- Celebration
of the Confederation’s Completion: The ratification of the Articles
was celebrated as a major achievement, officially bringing all 13 states
into a union under a central government, albeit with limited powers.
March 2, 1781 (Friday):
- First
Session of the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA): Congress
convenes its first session under the newly ratified Articles of
Confederation. Samuel Huntington continues to serve as President of
Congress.
- Debates
on Representation Rules: Congress begins debating the rules for state
representation in the new Confederation Congress. This involved questions
about how voting would be structured and how to balance the interests of
large and small states.
- Committee
to Revise the Rules of Congress: A committee is appointed to revise
the rules under which Congress would operate, now that it was functioning
under the Articles of Confederation.
March 3, 1781 (Saturday):
- Removal
of the Convention Army Prisoners: Congress orders the removal of the
"Convention Army" (British and German troops captured at
Saratoga in 1777) from Virginia. This was part of efforts to relocate
prisoners of war to safer and more secure locations.
March 6, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Plan
for Executing Congressional Acts: Congress orders the preparation of a
comprehensive plan for “carrying into execution” all acts and resolutions
passed by Congress. This directive sought to ensure that the new
government under the Articles of Confederation had the administrative
capacity to implement its decisions effectively.
March 7, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Depreciation
Allowances: Congress orders depreciation allowances for staff
department officers. This move was aimed at addressing the financial
strain caused by rampant inflation and the declining value of Continental
currency, which affected the salaries and morale of government officials
and military officers.
March 9, 1781 (Friday):
- Commendation
for Victory at the Battle of Cowpens: Congress commends the
Continental Army troops for their victory at the Battle of Cowpens in
South Carolina on January 17, 1781. This decisive American victory, led by
General Daniel Morgan, was a turning point in the southern campaign of the
Revolutionary War.
March 10-14, 1781:
- Debates
on Continental Finances: Congress holds debates on the dire state of
Continental finances, trying to find solutions to fund the war effort and
stabilize the economy. These discussions were driven by the ongoing fiscal
crisis caused by inflation, currency depreciation, and the lack of
reliable revenue sources.
March 15, 1781 (Thursday):
- Connecticut
Act on Continental Imposts: Congress receives an act from Connecticut
authorizing Congress to levy imposts (taxes on imports) for a limited
time. This was part of broader efforts to give Congress the authority to
raise revenue directly, rather than relying solely on state contributions.
March 16, 1781 (Friday):
- Continental
Bills as Legal Tender: Congress urges the states to pass laws making
Continental bills legal tender. This was an attempt to ensure that the
Continental currency remained in circulation and to combat the refusal of
businesses and individuals to accept the increasingly devalued paper
money.
- Appeals
to Meet Fiscal Quotas: Congress appeals to the states to meet their
fiscal quotas, urging them to provide the necessary funds to support the
war effort.
March 19, 1781 (Monday):
- Bills
of Exchange on Benjamin Franklin: Congress authorizes the drawing of
bills of exchange on Benjamin Franklin in France, using him as a financial
intermediary to secure loans and manage the flow of money from America’s
European allies.
March 20, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Fast
Day Proclamation: Congress adopts a proclamation for a day of fasting,
humiliation, and prayer. Such proclamations were common during moments of
national crisis and were intended to seek divine guidance and bolster
public morale during the hardships of the war.
- Robert
Morris’s Conditions for Finance Position Accepted: Congress accepts
Robert Morris’s conditions for serving as Superintendent of Finance.
Morris, a prominent merchant and financier, had demanded significant
authority to manage the nation’s finances effectively.
March 22, 1781 (Thursday):
- Connecticut’s
Impost Repeal Request: Congress urges Connecticut to repeal the time
limitation from its approval of a Continental impost, pushing for broader
and longer-lasting authority to levy taxes on imports.
March 24, 1781 (Saturday):
- French
Military Support Pledge: Congress receives a pledge of continued
French military support but is also warned of the impending end of French
financial aid. This highlighted the precarious nature of America’s
reliance on its European allies.
March 27, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Ordinance
on Prize Capture: Congress adopts an ordinance regulating the capture
and condemnation of prizes, outlining the procedures for dealing with
enemy ships captured by American privateers.
March 28, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Board
of Admiralty Report: Congress receives a report from the Board of
Admiralty on the delay of supplies from France, highlighting logistical
challenges and the need for better coordination with America’s allies.
March 30, 1781 (Friday):
- Rejection
of McDougall’s Terms: Congress rejects the terms set by General
Alexander McDougall for accepting the appointment as Secretary of Marine,
which included requests for greater authority than Congress was willing to
grant.
March 31, 1781 (Saturday):
- Morris’s
Authority in Finance Office: Congress rejects a motion to grant Robert
Morris removal authority in the Office of Finance, indicating reluctance
to give him complete control over personnel decisions.
April 1781
April 2, 1781 (Monday):
- New
York Militia Regiments: Congress authorizes New York to raise two
militia regiments at Continental expense to strengthen its defenses,
particularly in the face of British military threats in the region.
April 3, 1781 (Tuesday):
- General
Burgoyne’s Recall: Congress orders the recall of British General John
Burgoyne from his parole, likely in response to his role as a British
commander during the Saratoga campaign and his subsequent capture.
- Condemnation
of British Treatment of Henry Laurens: Congress prepares a manifesto
condemning the British treatment of Henry Laurens, a former president of
Congress, who had been captured by the British and imprisoned in the Tower
of London.
April 4, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Interest
on New Emission Bills: Congress resolves against paying interest on
bills of new emission, part of the broader efforts to stabilize the
nation’s finances and reduce the fiscal strain caused by currency
depreciation.
April 5, 1781 (Thursday):
- Courts
of Admiralty Ordinance: Congress adopts an ordinance for establishing
courts of admiralty, which would handle legal cases related to maritime
law, prize captures, and other naval matters.
April 7, 1781 (Saturday):
- Privateer
Regulations: Congress adopts new instructions regulating privateers,
ensuring that American privateers acted within the bounds of the law and
contributed to the war effort without overstepping their authority.
April 8, 1781 (Sunday):
- Sunday
Session on Delmarva Invasion Threat: In a rare Sunday session,
Congress convenes to prepare against a threatened British invasion of the
Delmarva Peninsula (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia). This reflects the
urgency of military threats on the home front.
April 10, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Limitation
on Bills of Exchange: Congress orders a limitation on bills of
exchange drawn on American ministers abroad, particularly to manage the
financial commitments being made in Europe.
April 11, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Magazines
for French Forces: Congress orders the establishment of magazines for
provisioning French forces, including efforts to defray a credit of
$400,000 that had been drawn for Benjamin Franklin in France to support
the war effort.
April 14, 1781 (Saturday):
- Commendation
for John Paul Jones: Congress commends John Paul Jones, the naval hero
who had led daring raids against British ships, including his famous
victory over the Serapis.
April 16, 1781 (Monday):
- Continental
Officers and Civil Appointments: Congress reaffirms its prohibition
against Continental officers holding civil appointments, seeking to
maintain a separation between military and civil responsibilities.
April 18, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Public
Debt Report Circulation: Congress orders the circulation of a report
on the public debt to the states, urging them to take action to address
the growing financial crisis facing the new nation.
April 21, 1781 (Saturday):
- Morris’s
Removal Authority Granted: Congress grants Robert Morris the authority
to remove personnel in the Office of Finance, giving him greater control
over the department he was tasked with managing.
April 23, 1781 (Monday):
- Impost
Ordinance Preparation: Congress appoints a committee to prepare an
ordinance on the impost, aiming to secure a stable source of revenue by
taxing imports, which would help fund the war effort.
April 27, 1781 (Friday):
- Actions
on Bills of Exchange: Congress orders immediate steps to prevent the
drawing of further bills of exchange on John Jay and Henry Laurens abroad,
recognizing the risks posed by overextending the nation’s financial
commitments.
May 1781
May 1, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Failure
to Convene Quorum: Congress fails to convene a quorum, delaying its
ability to conduct official business. This reflects ongoing challenges
with attendance, as delegates struggled to meet their obligations amidst
the war.
May 3, 1781 (Thursday):
- Fast
Day Observance: Congress observes a national Fast Day, a tradition
calling for prayer, fasting, and reflection during times of crisis.
May 4, 1781 (Friday):
- Revised
Congressional Rules Adopted: Congress adopts revised rules for its
proceedings, likely aimed at improving efficiency and addressing the
procedural challenges that had emerged during the war.
May 8, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Inauguration
of “Committee of the Week” Reports: Congress receives a report from
the “Committee of the Week,” inaugurating a new procedure designed to
expedite the consideration of business. This innovation was intended to
streamline congressional decision-making.
May 14, 1781 (Monday):
- Robert
Morris Accepts Finance Position: Congress receives Robert Morris’s
formal acceptance of the position of Superintendent of Finance. Morris
would play a crucial role in stabilizing the nation’s finances and
organizing funding for the war effort.
- “Ways
and Means” Measures Adopted: Congress adopts new “ways and means”
measures for defraying the costs of the upcoming campaign, continuing
efforts to secure the necessary financial resources for the war.
May 16, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Authorization
to Sell the America: Congress authorizes John Jay to sell the America,
a 74-gun ship of the line still under construction in Portsmouth, to
Spain. This sale was intended to raise funds and build stronger ties with
Spain, a key ally.
May 18, 1781 (Friday):
- Authorization
for General Wayne to Impress Provisions: Congress authorizes General
Anthony Wayne, known for his aggressive military tactics, to impress
provisions (forcibly requisition supplies) to support the army in the
southern theater of the war.
May 21, 1781 (Monday):
- Proposal
for a National Bank: Congress receives a proposal from Robert Morris
to establish a national bank. Morris believed that a stable banking system
would provide the financial support needed to win the war and stabilize
the economy.
May 26, 1781 (Saturday):
- Approval
of Plan for a National Bank: Congress approves Morris’s plan for
establishing a national bank in the United States. This would lead to the
creation of the Bank of North America, the first commercial bank in the
U.S., designed to stabilize currency and facilitate government borrowing.
May 28, 1781 (Monday):
- Navigation
of the Mississippi River: Congress authorizes John Jay to recede from
the demand for free navigation of the Mississippi River, a key issue in
negotiations with Spain. This concession was part of efforts to secure
Spain’s support for the war.
- Austro-Russian
Mediation Offer: Congress considers a report on a conference with the
French minister, La Luzerne, regarding an offer by Austria and Russia to
mediate peace between the United States and Britain.
May 31, 1781 (Thursday):
- Emergency
Call for Troops: Congress issues an emergency call for additional
troops to reinforce the southern department, where the British were still
conducting aggressive campaigns.
June 1781
June 1, 1781 (Friday):
- Appeals
to States to Meet Quotas: Congress appeals to the states to meet their
fiscal and manpower quotas, emphasizing the urgency of maintaining the
Continental Army’s strength and securing funding for the war.
June 4, 1781 (Monday):
- Allocation
of French Financial Aid: Congress authorizes the Superintendent of
Finance, Robert Morris, to allocate financial aid received from France.
This aid was essential for continuing the war effort and keeping the
Continental Army supplied.
June 7-9, 1781:
- Revised
Peace Negotiation Instructions: Congress adopts revised instructions
for the minister plenipotentiary, outlining the terms and strategy for
negotiating peace with Britain. The instructions were updated to reflect
the changing geopolitical situation and America’s relationship with its European
allies.
- Rejection
of Additional Peace Commissioners: A motion to appoint additional
peace commissioners is rejected, reflecting Congress’s desire to keep the
negotiations streamlined and focused.
June 11, 1781 (Monday):
- Appointment
of Additional Peace Commissioners: Congress resolves to appoint two
additional peace commissioners to assist in negotiating the eventual peace
treaty with Britain. This decision was likely influenced by the complexity
of the negotiations and the need to balance multiple diplomatic priorities.
June 13, 1781 (Wednesday):
- John
Jay Appointed Peace Commissioner: John Jay, already serving as the
U.S. minister to Spain, is appointed as an additional commissioner to
negotiate peace. Jay’s experience and diplomatic skills made him a
valuable asset to the negotiating team.
- Letter
of Thanks to King of France: Congress adopts a formal letter of thanks
to the King of France, Louis XVI, acknowledging France’s continued
military and financial support during the war.
June 14, 1781 (Thursday):
- Exchange
of John Burgoyne for Henry Laurens: Congress authorizes the exchange
of British General John Burgoyne for Henry Laurens, the American diplomat
and former president of Congress who had been imprisoned by the British.
This exchange was seen as a significant diplomatic victory.
- Appointment
of Additional Peace Commissioners: Congress resolves to appoint
Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson to negotiate peace
with Britain, assembling a highly skilled diplomatic team to secure a
favorable treaty.
June 15, 1781 (Friday):
- Instructions
for Minister Plenipotentiary: Congress adopts new instructions for the
minister plenipotentiary, updating diplomatic guidelines for negotiations
with foreign powers, particularly concerning peace talks and alliances.
This was part of Congress’s ongoing efforts to manage relations with
European nations.
June 16, 1781 (Saturday):
- Corporal
Punishment for Troops: A motion is introduced to increase the severity
of corporal punishment for Continental troops, but Congress rejects the
proposal. The rejection reflects concerns over maintaining troop morale
and discipline in a way that did not overly rely on harsh punishment.
June 18, 1781 (Monday):
- Regulations
for the Clothier General's Department: Congress adopts new regulations
for the office of the clothier general, the official responsible for
supplying clothing to the Continental Army. These reforms were necessary
to address the ongoing supply shortages affecting the army.
June 19, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Instructions
for Benjamin Franklin: Congress adopts further instructions for
Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. minister to France. The instructions likely
pertain to ongoing diplomatic and financial negotiations with the French
government.
- Franklin's
Resignation Request Rejected: Congress rejects Franklin’s request to
resign from his diplomatic post. Franklin had previously indicated a
desire to retire due to health and age, but his importance to the American
diplomatic mission was too great for Congress to accept his resignation.
June 23, 1781 (Saturday):
- Launch
of the America: Congress directs Robert Morris, Superintendent of
Finance, to expedite the launch of the America, a 74-gun ship of
the line under construction for the Continental Navy. This ship was seen
as critical to bolstering American naval power.
June 25, 1781 (Monday):
- Appointment
of Appeals Judges Rejected: Congress rejects a motion to appoint
judges for appeals cases “during good behaviour,” which would have meant
lifetime appointments. The decision reflects Congress’s wariness about
concentrating too much power in unelected officials during the war.
June 26, 1781 (Tuesday):
- John
Paul Jones Appointed to Command the America: Congress appoints
the famed naval commander John Paul Jones to take command of the America.
Jones was a celebrated hero for his victories at sea, and this command
represented a major responsibility for him.
- Francis
Dana Appointed Secretary to the Peace Commissioners: Francis Dana is
appointed as the Secretary to the Peace Commissioners, further
strengthening the team involved in negotiating the peace with Britain.
June 27, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Appointment
of Robert Smith as Agent at Havana: Congress appoints Robert Smith as
the American agent in Havana, Cuba. His role was likely related to
diplomatic and commercial activities, as well as coordinating with Spanish
authorities and ensuring aid flowed through Havana.
July 1781
July 2, 1781 (Monday):
- Approval
of 300 Pennsylvania Riflemen for Washington: Congress approves General
George Washington’s request for the deployment of 300 riflemen from
Pennsylvania. These troops were likely intended to reinforce Washington’s
forces as he prepared for major military operations.
July 4, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Independence
Day Observance: Congress observes Independence Day, marking the fifth
anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrations of this day
took on special significance in the midst of ongoing military campaigns.
July 6, 1781 (Friday):
- Samuel
Huntington’s Resignation: President of Congress Samuel Huntington
formally submits his resignation. Huntington had served as president since
1779, but he was stepping down due to health concerns.
July 9, 1781 (Monday):
- Election
of Samuel Johnston as President of Congress: Congress elects Samuel
Johnston, a delegate from North Carolina, as the new president of
Congress. However, Johnston declines the position, citing personal
reasons.
Thomas McKean, USCA President
July 10, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Election
of Thomas McKean as President of Congress: After Johnston’s
declination, Congress elects Thomas McKean of Delaware as the new
president of Congress. McKean, a veteran statesman and legal scholar,
accepts the position.
- Instructs
Thomas Barclay: Congress instructs Thomas Barclay, the U.S.
vice-consul to France, on diplomatic and financial matters, particularly
concerning the interests of American merchants and shipowners.
July 11, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Authorization
for Robert Morris to Negotiate Loans: Congress authorizes Robert
Morris, the Superintendent of Finance, to negotiate loans in Spain and
Portugal, aiming to secure much-needed funds for the war effort.
July 12, 1781 (Thursday):
- Revocation
of John Adams' Commercial Treaty Commission: Congress revokes John
Adams' commission to negotiate a commercial treaty with Britain. The move
reflects shifting priorities in light of the ongoing war and changing
diplomatic dynamics.
July 16, 1781 (Monday):
- Reinstatement
of General Lachlan McIntosh: General Lachlan McIntosh, a prominent
officer in the Continental Army who had been sidelined after a personal
conflict with another officer, is reinstated to active duty.
July 20, 1781 (Friday):
- Report
on New Hampshire Grants Claims: Congress receives a report on the
competing claims to the New Hampshire Grants (the area that would become
Vermont). These claims involved a territorial dispute between New York and
New Hampshire, as well as local settlers seeking to form a separate state.
July 23, 1781 (Monday):
- Relief
Fund for South Carolina and Georgia Refugees: Congress endorses the
creation of a relief fund for refugees from South Carolina and Georgia,
two states that had been particularly hard hit by British occupation and
military campaigns.
July 25, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Commendation
of General Nathanael Greene: Congress officially commends General
Nathanael Greene for his leadership and successes in the southern campaign
against British forces. Greene had played a pivotal role in turning the
tide in the South.
July 26, 1781 (Thursday):
- Committee
to Confer with Washington on Troop Arrangements: Congress appoints a
committee to confer with General Washington on troop arrangements for the
next year, indicating early planning for the 1782 campaign, as well as
managing resources for the remainder of 1781.
July 27, 1781 (Friday):
- Consular
Convention Plan from France: Congress receives a plan for a consular
convention from the French minister. This would have outlined regulations
and guidelines for French consuls operating in the United States,
reflecting the deepening alliance between France and America.
July 31, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Superintendent
of Finance and War Board to Confer with Washington: Congress orders
that Robert Morris, the Superintendent of Finance, and a member of the
Board of War confer with General Washington at his headquarters to discuss
military financing and logistics.
- Support
for Delaware Indian Youths: Congress approves financial support for
three Delaware Indian youths to attend Princeton College, indicating
efforts to build relationships with Native American communities through
education.
August 1781
August 1, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Plan
for Post Office Reform: Congress orders the preparation of a plan to
reform the Post Office, reflecting concerns about the efficiency and
financial sustainability of the postal system during wartime.
August 3, 1781 (Friday):
- New
York Memorial on New Hampshire Grants: Congress reads a memorial from
New York regarding the contentious issue of the New Hampshire Grants, with
New York reaffirming its claims over the disputed territory.
August 7, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Request
for Connecticut to Revoke Property Seizure Commissions: Congress
requests that Connecticut revoke commissions it had issued authorizing the
seizure of property on Long Island, likely reflecting concerns about legal
overreach and property rights during the war.
- Conference
with Vermont Agents on Independence: Congress authorizes a committee
to confer with agents from Vermont regarding their claim to independence,
despite ongoing disputes over the legitimacy of their credentials.
August 10, 1781 (Friday):
- Election
of Robert R. Livingston as Secretary for Foreign Affairs: Congress
elects Robert R. Livingston as Secretary for Foreign Affairs, a critical
role overseeing diplomatic relations and negotiations during the war.
- Mississippi
Navigation Claim Rejected: Congress rejects a motion to cede the U.S.
claim to the navigation of the Mississippi River, reflecting the
importance of this issue in future negotiations with Spain and western
expansion.
August 14, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Authorization
for Salt Importation: Congress authorizes the importation of salt, a
vital resource for food preservation and the war effort.
August 16, 1781 (Thursday):
- Instructions
to John Adams for Dutch Alliance Negotiations: Congress adopts
instructions for John Adams, who was negotiating with the Dutch Republic
to secure an alliance and financial support for the United States.
August 17, 1781 (Friday):
- Conference
with Vermont Agents: Congress instructs its committee to continue
conferring with agents from Vermont, despite the ongoing dispute over the
legitimacy of Vermont's independence claims and the credentials of its
agents.
August 20-21, 1781 (Monday-Tuesday):
- Conditions
for Vermont Independence: Congress declares that Vermont’s acceptance
of prescribed boundaries would be a condition for Congress’s acceptance of
its independence. Vermont's claims were controversial due to territorial
disputes with New York.
August 21, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Expansion
of Washington’s Prisoner Exchange Authority: Congress enlarges General
Washington’s authority to negotiate prisoner exchanges with the British.
This was crucial as prisoner exchanges were an important issue for both
sides during the war.
August 23, 1781 (Thursday):
- Appeal
for State Representation in Congress: Congress exhorts the states to
maintain their representation in Congress. Ensuring full representation
was essential for quorum and the efficient functioning of the legislative
body.
August 24, 1781 (Friday):
- Provision
for Civil List: Congress directs the superintendent of finance, Robert
Morris, to make provisions for the support of the civil list, referring to
salaries for government officials, as financial pressures were mounting.
August 29, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Debate
on Retaliation for Col. Isaac Hayne’s Execution: Congress debates
whether to retaliate for the British execution of Colonel Isaac Hayne, a
controversial act that inflamed American public opinion. Retaliation was
considered, but no final decision was made at this time.
- Appointment
of Agent of Marine: Congress resolves to appoint an agent of marine,
tasked with overseeing naval affairs in the absence of a formal secretary
of marine.
August 31, 1781 (Friday):
- Recognition
of French Consul to New England: Congress authorizes the recognition
of Philippe de L’Etombe as French consul to the New England states,
further strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties with France.
September 1781
September 3, 1781 (Monday):
- John
Laurens’ Mission to France: Congress receives a detailed account of
John Laurens’ mission to France. Laurens had been instrumental in securing
further financial and military aid from France for the American war
effort.
September 4, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Investigation
of British Treatment of Prisoners: Congress directs General Washington
to investigate British treatment of American prisoners. Reports of
mistreatment were common, and retaliatory measures were frequently
discussed by Congress.
September 5, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Inquiry
into General Robert Howe’s Command: Congress orders an inquiry into
General Robert Howe’s performance as a commander in the southern
department, where American forces had struggled against British troops.
September 7, 1781 (Friday):
- Recognition
of French Consul to New England: Congress formally recognizes Philippe
Letombe’s appointment as the French consul to New England, continuing the
process of establishing formal diplomatic representatives from France in
various regions.
- Robert
Morris Appointed Agent of Marine: Congress appoints Robert Morris as
the agent of marine, consolidating his role as the key financial and
administrative figure in charge of the war effort and naval affairs.
September 10, 1781 (Monday):
- Recognition
of French Consul to Mid-Atlantic: Congress recognizes Jean Holker’s
appointment as the French consul to the mid-Atlantic states, extending
formal diplomatic relations with France.
- Militia
Call in New Jersey and Pennsylvania: Congress orders a call for
militia in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, reflecting the continued need for
local forces to defend against British incursions.
September 11, 1781 (Tuesday):
- New
Treasury Ordinance Adopted: Congress adopts a new ordinance for
managing the treasury, which was an essential part of the ongoing efforts
to stabilize and improve the nation’s finances during the war.
September 12, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Navy
Placed Under Agent of Marine’s Control: Congress places control of the
U.S. navy under the newly appointed agent of marine, Robert Morris. This
move centralized authority and was intended to improve the efficiency of
naval operations.
September 13, 1781 (Thursday):
- Day
of Thanksgiving Set: Congress sets a day of thanksgiving in
recognition of the recent successes of the American forces and the ongoing
support of France.
September 18, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Orders
Retaliation for Isaac Hayne's Execution: Congress orders plans for retaliation
against the British for the execution of Colonel Isaac Hayne. The
retaliatory measures reflect the emotional response to this event, which
had become a symbol of British cruelty.
- Retaliation
for Prisoner Mistreatment: Congress also plans retaliation for any
further mistreatment of American prisoners by British forces, continuing
to monitor and respond to reports of British violations of wartime
agreements.
September 19, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Delaware
Militia Call: Congress orders a call for Delaware militia to support
the ongoing war effort, reinforcing local defense capabilities.
- Appointment
of Treasury Officers: New officers are appointed to manage the
treasury, part of the broader effort to stabilize finances and improve the
efficiency of financial operations.
September 20, 1781 (Thursday):
- Reorganization
of the Hospital Department: Congress adopts a reorganization plan for
the hospital department, which had been criticized for inefficiencies and
shortages. The goal was to improve medical care for Continental troops.
September 21, 1781 (Friday):
- French
Minister's Report on Peace Offers: Congress receives a report from the
French minister concerning peace overtures and mediation offers from
Britain and its allies. These offers were becoming more frequent as the
tide of war began to turn in favor of the Americans.
September 24, 1781 (Monday):
- William
Irvine Appointed to Fort Pitt Command: Congress appoints General
William Irvine to command Fort Pitt, a crucial position for defending the
western frontier and coordinating with Native American allies.
September 25, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Memorial
from Spanish Agent Rendon: Congress receives a memorial from Spanish
agent Francisco Rendon. Spain was a key ally, and such communications were
important for maintaining coordination between the two nations.
- Reassurance
to Northern Indians: Congress issues a statement of reassurance to
northern Native American tribes, reaffirming commitments to peace and
cooperation in the midst of British efforts to win over these communities.
October 1781
October 1, 1781 (Monday):
- Salaries
for War and Marine Secretaries Set: Congress sets the salaries for the
secretaries of war and marine, reflecting the importance of these two
positions in the overall management of the military and naval operations.
October 5, 1781 (Friday):
- Thomas
Barclay Appointed Consul to France: Congress appoints Thomas Barclay
as consul to France, a key diplomatic position aimed at managing American
interests in the country that had become its most important ally.
- Discharge
of Delaware and Pennsylvania Militias: Congress orders the discharge
of Delaware and Pennsylvania militia forces, likely reflecting changes in
the immediate military needs in those regions.
October 11-12, 1781 (Thursday-Friday):
- Debates
on Yorktown Campaign Plans: Congress holds debates on plans for the
Yorktown campaign, signaling the importance of this decisive moment in the
war. The planning involved coordination between American and French forces
for what would become the climactic victory of the war.
October 16-17, 1781 (Tuesday-Wednesday):
- Debates
on Continental Jurisdiction over Virginia Lands: Congress debates the
exercise of Continental jurisdiction over claims within Virginia’s western
lands, an issue tied to the broader debate over western expansion and
state versus federal authority.
October 19, 1781 (Friday):
- Post
Office Department Reform: Congress reforms the Post Office department,
aiming to improve communication and efficiency during the war, especially
as military campaigns intensified.
October 23, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Thomas
McKean’s Resignation Accepted: Congress accepts the resignation of
Thomas McKean as president of Congress, though he agrees to remain in
office until the new Congress convenes in November.
October 24, 1781 (Wednesday):
- News
of the Yorktown Victory Received: Congress receives the momentous news
of the American and French victory at Yorktown. The victory effectively
sealed the fate of the British war effort in North America. In response,
Congress observes “divine service” conducted by Chaplain George Duffield
to commemorate the occasion.
October 26, 1781 (Friday):
- Thanksgiving
Proclamation Adopted: Congress adopts a proclamation declaring a day
of thanksgiving to celebrate the victory at Yorktown.
- Virginia's
Motion to Curtail Land Investigations Rejected: Congress rejects a
motion from Virginia to curtail a committee investigation of land
companies' claims to western lands. This reflects ongoing tensions over
western expansion and land ownership.
October 29, 1781 (Monday):
- Thanks
to Yorktown Victors: Congress officially thanks the American and
French forces for their victory at Yorktown, recognizing the efforts of
both nations in bringing about this critical victory.
- Thanks
to Nathanael Greene and the Southern Army: Congress also thanks
General Nathanael Greene and his southern army for their perseverance and
successes against British forces in the southern theater of the war.
October 30, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Gen.
Benjamin Lincoln Appointed Secretary at War: Congress appoints General
Benjamin Lincoln as the new secretary at war. Lincoln had played a
prominent role in the war and was seen as a capable administrator.
- Fiscal
Quota for 1782 Set: Congress sets an $8 million fiscal quota for the
upcoming year, reflecting the need for continued funding even as the war
was drawing to a close.
November 1781
November 1, 1781 (Thursday):
- Endorsement
of General Greene's Plans with Cherokee and Chickasaw: Congress
endorses General Nathanael Greene’s plans to negotiate with the Cherokee
and Chickasaw tribes. These negotiations aimed to secure peace and prevent
these Native American nations from siding with the British, which was
crucial for maintaining stability in the southern frontier after the
Yorktown victory.
November 2, 1781 (Friday):
- Apportioning
of 1782 Fiscal Quotas: Congress apportions the fiscal quotas for 1782
among the states, setting the amount each state was responsible for
contributing to the war effort. This action was critical as Congress
sought to meet financial obligations and fund military operations in the
final stages of the war.
- Quartermaster Certificates Authorized as Payment for Quotas: Congress authorizes the acceptance of quartermaster certificates (essentially IOUs issued to suppliers) as payment for the states' fiscal quotas. This was a measure to address liquidity issues, as many states were struggling to raise funds in hard currency.
John Hanson USCA President
November 5, 1781 (Monday):
- New
Congress Convenes: The newly formed United States in Congress
Assembled convenes for the first time under the Articles of Confederation.
This marks a transition to a formal confederation government, as the
Articles had only been ratified in March.
- Election
of John Hanson as President: Congress elects John Hanson of Maryland
as the new president of Congress. Though often considered a ceremonial
role, the position of president was important for overseeing congressional
proceedings and managing correspondence.
November 8, 1781 (Thursday):
- Prosecution
of Spies: Congress authorizes the Board of War to prosecute spies
under the Articles of War. This action reflects the importance of
safeguarding military secrets and protecting the Continental Army from
espionage, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Britain.
November 9, 1781 (Friday):
- Restriction
on Yorktown Prisoners: Congress restricts the travel of British
prisoners from the Battle of Yorktown who were out on parole. These
parolees, including high-ranking officers, were typically granted limited
freedom in exchange for promises not to rejoin the war, but Congress took
precautions to prevent abuses of this privilege.
November 12, 1781 (Monday):
- Repeal
of Quartermaster Certificates as Payment: Congress repeals the
previous resolve allowing quartermaster certificates to be used as payment
for state quotas. The reversal suggests concerns about the practicality or
misuse of this system in meeting fiscal responsibilities.
November 14, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Call
for States to Maintain Representation: Congress urges the states to
maintain consistent representation in Congress, which had been a recurring
issue throughout the war. Full representation was essential for making
decisions, achieving quorums, and managing the war effort effectively.
- Date
Set for Connecticut-Pennsylvania Boundary Dispute: Congress schedules
a date to hear the long-standing boundary dispute between Connecticut and
Pennsylvania over claims to lands in the Wyoming Valley. Such territorial
disputes were common in the newly independent states.
November 20, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Augmentation
of Secretary of Marine's Authority: Congress increases the authority
of the Secretary of Marine, tasked with overseeing naval operations. This
action reflects the growing importance of naval affairs and maritime
strategy in the war, especially in light of the French alliance.
November 23, 1781 (Friday):
- Recommendation
for States to Punish Violations of International Law: Congress
recommends that the states pass legislation to punish violations of
international law, particularly concerning privateers and the treatment of
foreign nationals. This move was likely part of Congress’s effort to
maintain good relations with European allies and avoid conflicts stemming
from unlawful behavior by American citizens or privateers.
November 28, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Audience
with General Washington: Congress holds an audience with General
George Washington, who had recently led the American and French forces to
victory at Yorktown. Washington’s presence signified his continued
leadership and the critical role of the Continental Army as peace negotiations
were beginning to take shape.
December 1781
December 4, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Ordinance
on "Captures on Water": Congress adopts an ordinance
concerning the capture of enemy vessels at sea. This ordinance outlined
rules and procedures for handling naval captures, including the
distribution of prizes, which was important for regulating privateering
and maintaining order in naval operations.
December 5, 1781 (Wednesday):
- New
York Protest Against Vermont Resolves: Congress receives a formal
protest from New York against its earlier resolves concerning Vermont’s
status. Vermont had declared independence from New York, but Congress’s
handling of the situation was controversial, and New York’s opposition
reflected ongoing tensions over Vermont’s legitimacy as a separate entity.
December 10, 1781 (Monday):
- Call
for States to Complete Troop Quotas: Congress exhorts the states to
complete their troop quotas for the Continental Army. Even though major
victories like Yorktown had been achieved, Congress still needed
sufficient manpower to maintain military readiness and pressure on British
forces.
December 11, 1781 (Tuesday):
- Call
for Census of White Inhabitants: Congress calls on the states to
conduct a census of "the white inhabitants thereof." This census
would provide vital information for apportioning taxes and representation,
as well as assessing the population size and distribution across the newly
formed nation.
December 13, 1781 (Thursday):
- Day
of Thanksgiving Observed: Congress observes a national day of
thanksgiving, celebrating the victory at Yorktown and the ongoing alliance
with France. Such proclamations were intended to unify the nation and
acknowledge divine support for the American cause.
December 17, 1781 (Monday):
- Appeal
to States for Men and Money: Congress issues an appeal to the states
for both manpower and financial contributions, underlining the continued
need for resources to sustain the war effort and secure the gains made
through recent military victories.
December 19, 1781 (Wednesday):
- Supernumerary
Generals on Half Pay: Congress orders that supernumerary (extra)
generals be placed on half pay, reflecting an effort to reduce military
expenses as the war wound down. This move was part of a broader attempt to
rationalize the structure and costs of the Continental Army.
December 20, 1781 (Thursday):
- Exchange
of Governor Thomas Burke Authorized: Congress authorizes the exchange
of Governor Thomas Burke of North Carolina, who had been captured by the
British. The exchange of high-ranking prisoners was a common practice, and
Burke’s release was important for his state.
December 31, 1781 (Monday):
- Incorporation
of the Bank of North America: Congress adopts an ordinance formally
incorporating the Bank of North America. Established by Robert Morris, the
Superintendent of Finance, this institution was the first national bank of
the United States, designed to stabilize the nation's finances, facilitate
loans, and manage public credit.
USCA Journals – United States of America
- 1782
January 1782
January 2, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Exhorts
States to Suppress Trade with the Enemy: Congress urges the states to
crack down on illicit trade with British forces and loyalists, which was a
significant issue as certain regions engaged in commerce with the enemy
despite the ongoing war. This measure sought to enforce unity and prevent
any undermining of the Continental cause.
January 3, 1782 (Thursday):
- Reforms
Medical Department: Congress enacts reforms to improve the management
and efficiency of the Continental Army's medical department, including the
system for treating the wounded and preventing disease among the troops.
This action was in response to longstanding challenges in providing
adequate medical care during the war.
January 8, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Amends
Ordinance on Captures on Water: Congress revises regulations governing
the capture of enemy vessels at sea, refining procedures related to naval
operations and the division of prizes taken from British ships.
- Rejects
Motion to Enlarge Peace Ultimata: A motion to expand the terms
Congress was willing to accept in peace negotiations was rejected,
signaling that Congress remained focused on key issues like independence
and territorial boundaries without broadening the scope of demands.
January 9, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Authorizes
Negotiation of Consular Convention with France: Congress approves the
negotiation of a consular convention with France, aiming to formalize
diplomatic relations and regulate trade and legal matters between the two
nations.
January 10, 1782 (Thursday):
- Reforms
Inspector General's Department: Congress introduces reforms to the
Inspector General's Department, which was responsible for maintaining
discipline and enforcing regulations within the Continental Army. These
reforms likely aimed to streamline operations and enhance military
efficiency.
January 17, 1782 (Thursday):
- Investigates
Silas Deane's Letters: Congress launches an investigation into letters
written by Silas Deane, a former American diplomat, which appeared to
advocate conciliation with Britain. Deane’s correspondence had caused
controversy, as some viewed it as sympathetic to British interests.
January 22, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Instructs
Peace Commissioners on Fisheries and Boundaries: Congress instructs
American peace commissioners, including John Jay and Benjamin Franklin, to
communicate informal demands on fisheries and boundaries during
negotiations with Britain. These issues were critical in defining U.S.
territorial and economic rights after the war.
January 25, 1782 (Friday):
- Amends
Consular Convention: Congress revises the terms of the consular
convention under negotiation with France, refining the diplomatic
agreement intended to manage commercial and legal affairs between the two
nations.
January 28, 1782 (Monday):
- Enlarges
Duties of Secretary Charles Thomson: To relieve the president of
Congress from an overwhelming workload, Congress expands the
responsibilities of Charles Thomson, the long-serving secretary, enabling
him to handle more administrative tasks.
January 29, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Advised
of Diminution of French Aid: Congress receives notice that French
financial aid would be reduced. This development added to the ongoing
financial strain on the United States, which was heavily reliant on French
support to continue the war effort.
February 1782
February 1, 1782 (Friday):
- Instructs
Benjamin Franklin on Repayment of Dutch Loan: Congress instructs
Benjamin Franklin, serving as a diplomat in France, on the repayment of a
loan the United States had obtained from the Dutch through French
intermediaries.
February 8, 1782 (Friday):
- Authorizes
Franklin to Borrow Additional 12 Million Livres from France: Congress
authorizes Franklin to negotiate an additional loan of 12 million livres
from France to help finance the war and address the fiscal shortfall
caused by the reduction in direct aid.
February 11, 1782 (Monday):
- Authorizes
Export of Tobacco by Yorktown "Capitulants": Congress allows
tobacco exports from Yorktown prisoners of war ("capitulants")
under controlled conditions. This decision addressed economic issues
related to the southern colonies and the post-surrender handling of
British prisoners.
- Rejects
Appeal to Allow States to Clothe Their Own Continental Troops: A
proposal to allow individual states to provide clothing for their troops
instead of relying on centralized provisioning was rejected, maintaining
uniformity in supply operations.
February 18, 1782 (Monday):
- Authorizes
Washington to Negotiate General Prisoner Exchange: Congress empowers
General Washington to negotiate a general exchange of prisoners with the
British. The fair treatment and return of prisoners had become a
significant issue during the war, as both sides had suffered from delays
in exchanges.
February 20, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Seeks
Authorization to Apportion War Expenses Outside Articles of Confederation
Quota Formula: Congress seeks authority to apportion war expenses in a
manner that deviates from the rigid formula established by the Articles of
Confederation, likely to address disparities in states' ability to
contribute financially.
February 21, 1782 (Thursday):
- Authorizes
Establishment of a Mint: Congress authorizes the creation of a
national mint to produce a stable currency for the United States. This was
an important step toward financial independence and stability.
February 22, 1782 (Friday):
- Reorganizes
Department of Foreign Affairs: Congress reorganizes the Department of
Foreign Affairs to improve the management of U.S. diplomacy and
international relations, a sign of the increasing complexity of America's
role on the global stage.
February 23, 1782 (Saturday):
- Authorizes
Exchange of Cornwallis for Henry Laurens: Congress authorizes the
exchange of British General Lord Cornwallis for Henry Laurens, the former
American president of Congress who had been captured and held by the
British. This was a significant development in prisoner exchanges
following Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown.
February 26, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Amends
Ordinance on Captures on Water: Congress once again refines
regulations regarding naval captures, reflecting ongoing adjustments to
how privateers and naval forces were authorized to seize enemy vessels.
February 27, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Adopts
Plan for Settlement of State Accounts: Congress adopts a plan to
settle financial accounts with the states, addressing issues related to
war expenses, contributions, and reimbursements. This was part of a
broader effort to bring financial order to the war effort.
March 1782
March 1, 1782 (Friday):
- Sets
Conditions for Recognizing Vermont Independence: Congress outlines
specific conditions under which Vermont could be recognized as an
independent state, reflecting ongoing tensions over Vermont's break from
New York and other territorial disputes.
March 7, 1782 (Thursday):
- Revises
Rules of Court of Appeals: Congress revises the rules governing the
Court of Appeals in cases of admiralty and prize claims, ensuring a fair
and consistent legal framework for dealing with captured vessels and
goods.
March 11, 1782 (Monday):
- Orders
Settlement of Bonhomme Richard Prize Claims: Congress orders the
settlement of claims related to the Bonhomme Richard, the famous
ship commanded by John Paul Jones. This was an important step in resolving
financial matters related to naval victories.
- Refers
Indian Petition to New York: Congress refers a petition from Native
American tribes regarding territorial disputes to New York, reflecting the
complexity of land issues involving Native populations.
March 15, 1782 (Friday):
- Drafts
Fiscal Appeal to the States: Congress drafts a new appeal to the
states for financial contributions, addressing the persistent issue of
underfunding and the need to meet military and other national expenses.
March 19, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Adopts
Fast Day Proclamation: Congress adopts a proclamation for a day of
fasting, prayer, and reflection, a common practice during the war to unite
the nation in solemn observance and to seek divine favor.
March 21, 1782 (Thursday):
- Holds
Audience with General Washington: Congress meets with General George
Washington to discuss the state of the war and military strategy,
reaffirming Washington's leadership as the war approached its final
stages.
March 27, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Orders
Study of Continental Army Staffing Needs: Congress orders a study to
assess the staffing needs of the Continental Army, a reflection of the
desire to streamline the military and reduce unnecessary expenditures as
the war drew closer to its end.
March 30, 1782 (Saturday):
- Adopts
Measures to Curtail Prisoner-of-War Escapes: Congress adopts measures
aimed at preventing the escape of prisoners of war, likely in response to
security concerns related to British POWs held by American forces.
April 1782
April 1, 1782 (Monday):
- Rejects
Fiscal Quota Reduction Appeal: Congress rejects an appeal from states
seeking to reduce their fiscal quotas, reinforcing the need for all states
to meet their financial obligations to fund the war effort.
April 3-4, 1782:
- Debates
Vermont's Compliance with Independent Statehood Conditions: Congress
engages in a debate over whether Vermont had met the conditions set for
its recognition as an independent state, continuing the complicated
discussions over Vermont’s political status.
April 8, 1782 (Monday):
- Revises
Paymaster Regulations: Congress revises the regulations governing the
paymaster's office to improve the management of troop payments, an
essential issue for maintaining morale in the Continental Army.
April 9, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Orders
Submission of Comprehensive Army Returns: Congress orders the
submission of comprehensive reports on troop numbers, equipment, and
readiness from all Continental Army units, ensuring accurate records for
military planning.
April 15, 1782 (Monday):
- Elects
Daniel Carroll as Chairman: Due to the illness of President John
Hanson, Congress elects Daniel Carroll to serve as "chairman" of
congressional proceedings, effectively acting in Hanson's place until his
recovery.
- Rejects
Motion to Elect Vice-President: Congress rejects a motion to create a
new position of vice-president to assume the duties of the president
during times of disability.
April 18, 1782 (Thursday):
- Rejects
Motion to Disclose Conflicts of Interest on Land Claim Issues:
Congress votes down a motion that would have required delegates to
disclose conflicts of interest in matters involving land claims,
reflecting the contentious and politically charged nature of territorial
disputes.
April 20, 1782 (Saturday):
- Debates
Vermont's Compliance with Independent Statehood Conditions: The debate
over Vermont’s status continues, as Congress deliberates whether Vermont
has fully met the requirements for recognition as a separate state.
April 23, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Recommends
Pensions for Disabled Troops: Congress recommends that pensions be
provided to soldiers who were disabled in the war, recognizing the
sacrifices made by those who could no longer serve.
- Orders
Reduction of Supernumerary Officers: Congress orders a reduction in
the number of supernumerary officers (those in excess of need) in an
effort to streamline the military and reduce costs.
April 29, 1782 (Monday):
- Endorses
Washington's Proposals for Retaliation Against Death of Joshua Huddy:
Congress approves General Washington's plan to retaliate against the
British for the execution of Captain Joshua Huddy, a New Jersey militia
officer hanged by British forces. This retaliation was intended as a
deterrent against further British atrocities.
April 30, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Endorses
John Jay's Conduct of Negotiations with Madrid: Congress expresses its
approval of John Jay's handling of negotiations with the Spanish court in
Madrid, particularly regarding territorial and diplomatic issues.
May 1782
May 1, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Warns
States of British Attempts to Divide Allies with Separate Peace Proposals:
Congress alerts the states to British attempts to divide the United States
and its allies by offering separate peace agreements. This warning
underscored the need for unity in the ongoing negotiations and the
importance of the Franco-American alliance.
- Debates
Western Land Cessions and Delegates' Conflicts of Interest: Congress
continues to debate western land cessions, as well as whether delegates
should be required to disclose potential conflicts of interest when
discussing land claims.
May 4, 1782 (Saturday):
- Orders
Measures for Protection of American Shipping: Congress implements
measures to protect American shipping from British naval harassment,
particularly through the use of privateers and the protection of trade
routes.
May 8, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Opposes
Sending William Carmichael to Portugal: Congress rejects the proposal
to send William Carmichael, the U.S. diplomat in Spain, to the court of
Portugal, likely due to concerns over diplomatic relations and
Carmichael's effectiveness in Madrid.
May 13, 1782 (Monday):
- Audience
with French Minister to Celebrate Birth of a Dauphin: Congress holds
an audience with the French minister to celebrate the birth of a dauphin,
the heir to the French throne. This occasion was symbolic of the continued
strength of the Franco-American alliance.
May 14, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Denies
Sir Guy Carleton's Emissary a Passport to Philadelphia: Congress
denies a request from Sir Guy Carleton, the British commander in North
America, for an emissary to travel to Philadelphia. This move reflects the
tensions surrounding peace negotiations and concerns over British
intentions.
May 21, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Authorizes
States to Curb Trade with the Enemy: Congress authorizes state
authorities to take action against trade with the British, reinforcing the
earlier exhortation to suppress illegal trade that undermined the war
effort.
May 22, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Sends
Delegations to States to Solicit Compliance with Requisitions:
Congress sends delegations to various states to press for compliance with
requisitions, particularly concerning fiscal contributions and troop
quotas. This action highlights the difficulties Congress faced in securing
cooperation from the states.
May 24, 1782 (Friday):
- Reviews
Report on U.S. Credit Abroad: Congress reviews a report from the
superintendent of finance, Robert Morris, on the status of U.S. credit in
Europe. Maintaining international credit was crucial for securing loans
and supplies to continue the war.
May 27, 1782 (Monday):
- Exhorts
States to Maintain Representation in Congress: Congress again urges
the states to ensure consistent representation, as the lack of full
participation by state delegates often hampered the decision-making
process.
- Instructs
Francis Dana to Delay Presenting Credentials to Russia: Congress
instructs Francis Dana, the U.S. minister to Russia, to delay presenting
his diplomatic credentials, likely reflecting uncertainty over Russia’s
role in the ongoing peace negotiations.
May 28, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Receives
French Report on Peace Overtures: Congress receives a report from its
French allies regarding ongoing peace overtures from Britain. The French
were heavily involved in shaping the terms of any potential peace
agreement.
May 31, 1782 (Friday):
- Reaffirms
Opposition to Separate Peace Negotiations: Congress reiterates its
opposition to any separate peace negotiations with Britain that would
exclude its European allies, particularly France. This stance reinforced
the need for unity among the allied powers in order to secure favorable
terms in the peace process.
June 1782
June 5, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Orders
Study of Proposal to Enlist German Prisoners of War: Congress directs
a study to explore the possibility of enlisting German prisoners of war
into the Continental Army. This move likely sought to address manpower
shortages by utilizing prisoners who might be persuaded to switch sides
and fight for the American cause.
June 7, 1782 (Friday):
- Rescinds
Work-Release Program for British Prisoners of War: Congress reverses
an earlier decision that allowed British prisoners of war to work while in
captivity, signaling a shift in the treatment of prisoners as the war
approached its conclusion.
June 12, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Revises
Regulations for Naval Courts-Martial: Congress adopts revisions to the
procedures governing naval courts-martial, ensuring greater clarity and
consistency in handling military justice for Continental Navy personnel.
June 14, 1782 (Friday):
- Endorses
Proposals for the Return of South Carolina Exiles: Congress supports
proposals that would allow exiled citizens of South Carolina, many of whom
had fled due to British occupation, to return home. This endorsement was
part of efforts to restore stability to the southern states as British
forces retreated.
June 17, 1782 (Monday):
- Calls
for Biannual Inspection of Executive Departments: To ensure
accountability and efficiency, Congress orders biannual inspections of the
operation of the executive departments, signaling a commitment to regular
oversight of governmental functions.
June 20, 1782 (Thursday):
- Adopts
Great Seal for the United States in Congress Assembled: Congress
formally adopts the design for the Great Seal of the United States, an
important symbol of the nation's sovereignty and authority.
June 21, 1782 (Friday):
- Exhorts
States to Curb Trade with the Enemy: Continuing efforts to prevent
illicit trade with British forces, Congress urges the states to strictly
enforce restrictions on commerce with the enemy, which threatened the
unity and strength of the war effort.
June 24-27, 1782:
- Debates
Proposals for Resolving the Connecticut-Pennsylvania Boundary Dispute:
Congress engages in extended discussions on how to settle the
long-standing territorial dispute between Connecticut and Pennsylvania
over land in the Wyoming Valley. The issue had sparked violent
confrontations between settlers from both states.
June 27, 1782 (Thursday):
- Receives
Report from Congressional Delegation to the Southern States: Congress
receives a report from its delegation that had visited the southern states
to assess the situation there, particularly the recovery efforts after the
British withdrawal from the region.
June 28, 1782 (Friday):
- Endorses
General Nathanael Greene’s Rejection of Truce Proposal in South Carolina:
Congress supports General Greene's decision to reject a British truce
proposal in South Carolina, reinforcing the Continental Army's commitment
to pursuing military victory rather than accepting partial peace terms.
July 1782
July 2, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Endorses
Superintendent of Finance's Recommendation Against Appointing Consuls in
the West Indies: Congress agrees with Robert Morris, the
superintendent of finance, that appointing consuls in the West Indies was
unnecessary at this time. This decision likely reflected concerns about
financial strain and the complexity of international trade relations
during the war.
July 3, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Complains
About Spanish Release of British Prisoners of War: Congress expresses
dissatisfaction with Spain’s decision to release British prisoners of war,
likely seeing this as an action that undermined the overall war effort
against Britain.
July 10, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Adopts
Ordinance Regulating Distribution of Prizes: Congress passes an
ordinance that sets rules for distributing the spoils of captured enemy
ships (prizes). This regulation provided a legal framework for how
privateers and naval forces could share the profits of their captures.
July 11, 1782 (Thursday):
- Places
Moratorium on Promotion or Appointment of Continental Officers: In an
effort to manage military personnel more effectively and reduce expenses,
Congress imposes a temporary halt on promoting or appointing new officers
in the Continental Army.
July 17, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Adopts
Ordinance to Prevent Illicit Trade with the Enemy: To further curb
illegal trade with the British, Congress passes a new ordinance designed
to crack down on such activities, signaling continued concern over the
economic war being waged alongside military operations.
July 18, 1782 (Thursday):
- Receives
Report from Congressional Delegation to the Northern States: Congress
receives a report from its delegation that had traveled to the northern
states to assess the political and military situation, as well as economic
conditions in the region.
- Orders
Measures to Stop Mail Robberies: Congress directs new measures to
address the problem of mail robberies, which threatened the security of
communication and supply lines between different parts of the country.
July 23, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Revises
Hospital Department Regulations: Congress revises the regulations
governing the hospital department, aiming to improve medical care and
efficiency in the treatment of wounded and ill soldiers.
July 31, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Debates
Recommendation for Acceptance of Western Land Cessions to Restore Public
Credit: Congress discusses a recommendation to accept land cessions
from states with western claims, such as Virginia, as a way to restore
public credit and resolve disputes over territorial expansion. This was
seen as a key step in stabilizing the nation’s finances and reducing
inter-state tensions.
August 1782
August 1, 1782 (Thursday):
- Reorganizes
Adjutant General's Department: Congress approves the reorganization of
the Adjutant General's Department, likely to improve the efficiency of
military administration and ensure better coordination within the
Continental Army.
August 5, 1782 (Monday):
- Receives
Robert Morris' Funding Plan: Congress receives a comprehensive funding
plan from Robert Morris, the superintendent of finance. Morris’s plan was
crucial for addressing the financial challenges facing the United States
as it continued the war and prepared for post-war economic realities.
August 6, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Revises
John Jay's Diplomatic Instructions: Congress makes revisions to the
instructions given to John Jay, one of the peace commissioners, as he
engaged in delicate negotiations with Spain and other European powers
regarding post-war territorial and economic issues.
August 7, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Reorganizes
Continental Army: Congress enacts a reorganization of the Continental
Army, likely aimed at streamlining operations and preparing for potential
peace, while also ensuring readiness in case the war continued.
August 9, 1782 (Friday):
- Receives
British Commissioners' Announcement of Peace Negotiations in Paris:
Congress is informed that formal peace negotiations between the British
and American commissioners have begun in Paris. This was a major
development signaling that the end of the war could be near.
August 12, 1782 (Monday):
- Authorizes
Washington to Negotiate Prisoner Exchange: Congress empowers General
George Washington to negotiate the exchange of prisoners with the British,
continuing efforts to ensure the fair treatment and repatriation of
soldiers held by both sides.
August 14, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Suspends
Inquiry into General Gates' Conduct at Camden: Congress decides to
halt the inquiry into General Horatio Gates' controversial conduct at the
Battle of Camden, South Carolina, in 1780, which had been a significant
defeat for the Continental forces.
August 15, 1782 (Thursday):
- Rejects
Move to Repeal Peace Commissioners' Instructions to Be Guided by French
Court: A motion to repeal the instructions directing American peace
commissioners to be guided by the French court in negotiations with
Britain is rejected, reaffirming the importance of the Franco-American
alliance in securing favorable peace terms.
August 16-20, 1782:
- Debates
Massachusetts' Petition to Include Fisheries Claim in Peace Ultimata:
Congress debates Massachusetts' demand that American fishing rights in the
North Atlantic be included as a key issue in the peace negotiations.
Fisheries were critical to the economy of New England, and ensuring access
to them was a major concern for the region’s representatives.
August 23, 1782 (Friday):
- Appoints
Judges to Hear Connecticut-Pennsylvania Boundary Dispute: Congress
appoints a panel of judges to adjudicate the long-running boundary dispute
between Connecticut and Pennsylvania, showing a commitment to resolving
inter-state conflicts peacefully.
August 27, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Debates
Kentucky Statehood Petition: Congress discusses a petition from
settlers in the western part of Virginia (modern-day Kentucky) seeking
statehood. The debate highlights the ongoing challenges of managing
western expansion and the push for new states.
August 29, 1782 (Thursday):
- Orders
Purchase of Ship for Packet Service to Europe: Congress authorizes the
purchase of a ship to be used for transatlantic communications, ensuring
faster and more reliable mail service between the United States and its
diplomatic representatives in Europe.
September 1782
September 3, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Orders
Resumption of Postal Service to the Carolinas and Georgia: Congress
orders the resumption of postal services to the Carolinas and Georgia,
restoring communication with these southern states that had been disrupted
by British occupation and military actions.
- Presents
Ship America to France: In a symbolic gesture of thanks and
friendship, Congress presents the ship America to the French
government, recognizing France’s critical support during the war.
September 4, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Sets
Fiscal Quota for Immediate Payment of Public Debt Interest: Congress
establishes a fiscal quota for the states, specifically to pay the
interest on the national debt. This was part of ongoing efforts to
stabilize the U.S. economy and honor financial commitments.
September 6, 1782 (Friday):
- Debates
Proposal to Appeal to the States to Cede Western Lands: Congress
debates a proposal calling on states with claims to western lands to cede
those claims to the federal government, a crucial issue in managing
national unity and public finance.
September 9, 1782 (Monday):
- Suspends
Issuance of Bills of Exchange for Loan Office Certificate Interest:
Congress suspends the issuance of bills of exchange to pay interest on
loan office certificates, reflecting difficulties in managing the nation’s
complex financial obligations.
- Instructs
Washington on Prisoner Cartel: Congress provides General Washington
with updated instructions regarding the ongoing exchange of prisoners with
the British.
September 10, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Sets
State Fiscal Quotas: Congress finalizes the fiscal quotas that each
state must meet, continuing the delicate balancing act of managing state
contributions to the national war effort.
September 12, 1782 (Thursday):
- Endorses
Robert Aitken's Proposal to Print an American Edition of the Bible:
Congress supports printer Robert Aitken’s proposal to produce the first
American edition of the Bible. This move was significant both for
religious freedom and for reducing dependence on British-printed Bibles.
September 14, 1782 (Saturday):
- Authorizes
Solicitation of $4 Million in Foreign Loans: Congress authorizes
efforts to secure an additional $4 million in loans from foreign allies to
continue financing the war and stabilizing the economy.
September 16, 1782 (Monday):
- Commissions
Washington to Negotiate Prisoner Exchange: Congress again commissions
General Washington to lead negotiations on the exchange of prisoners of
war, emphasizing the importance of humane treatment for captives on both
sides.
September 17, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Refuses
to Accept Henry Laurens' Resignation as Peace Commissioner: Congress
rejects peace commissioner Henry Laurens’ offer to resign from his
diplomatic post, reflecting their continued confidence in his abilities to
negotiate favorable terms with Britain.
September 19-20, 1782:
- Debates
Report That Henry Laurens Improperly Petitioned British Parliament While
Imprisoned: Congress discusses a report alleging that Henry Laurens
improperly petitioned the British Parliament during his imprisonment in
London, raising concerns about his conduct while in captivity.
September 24, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Receives
Information from Chevalier de La Luzerne on Peace Maneuvers in Europe:
Congress receives an important update from French minister Chevalier de La
Luzerne regarding the latest diplomatic developments and peace maneuvers
in Europe, underscoring the close coordination between the U.S. and
France.
September 28, 1782 (Saturday):
- Adopts
Plan for Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Sweden: Congress approves a
plan to negotiate a treaty of amity and commerce with Sweden, expanding
the young nation’s diplomatic and economic relations with European powers.
October 1782
October 1, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Rejects
New Jersey Plan to Retain Continental Revenues for Payment of State's
Continental Troops: Congress dismisses New Jersey’s proposal to retain
funds earmarked for Continental expenses, underscoring the federal
government's need for central control over military financing to ensure
uniform support across all the states.
October 3, 1782 (Thursday):
- Reassures
France on U.S. Commitment to Military Preparedness and No Separate Peace
Pledge: Congress reiterates its dedication to military readiness and
reinforces its pledge not to seek a separate peace with Britain,
reaffirming the strength of the Franco-American alliance during the
ongoing peace negotiations.
October 10, 1782 (Thursday):
- Appeals
to Rhode Island and Georgia to Adopt Impost Amendment: Congress makes
a renewed effort to persuade Rhode Island and Georgia to adopt the
proposed impost amendment, which would allow the federal government to
collect customs duties to help pay off the national debt.
October 11, 1782 (Friday):
- Sets
Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer: Congress designates a national day of
thanksgiving and prayer, reflecting a tradition of offering gratitude for
progress in the war and divine support during times of hardship.
October 14-15, 1782:
- Debates
Promotion of General Officers: Congress discusses the issue of
promoting general officers within the Continental Army, which was a
sensitive matter as the army adjusted to changing conditions and prepared
for peace.
October 16, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Sets
Fiscal Quota for 1783; Instructs Washington on Prisoner Exchange
Negotiations: Congress establishes the fiscal quotas that the states
would need to meet for 1783. Additionally, Washington is instructed on how
to proceed with ongoing prisoner exchange negotiations with the British,
as humane treatment of prisoners remained a priority for the Continental
Army.
October 18, 1782 (Friday):
- Requests
Washington to Decide Fate of Wyoming Garrison; Sets State Fiscal Quotas;
Adopts Post Office Ordinance: Congress asks General Washington to
determine the future of the garrison at Wyoming (in present-day
Pennsylvania), a strategic location. Additionally, new fiscal quotas for
the states are set, and Congress passes an ordinance regulating the Post
Office, further organizing the nation's communications system.
October 23, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Reorganizes
Quartermaster Department: Congress undertakes a reorganization of the
Quartermaster Department, a key logistical body responsible for supplying
the Continental Army. This reorganization was essential for improving
efficiency and cutting costs.
October 28, 1782 (Monday):
- Adopts
Supplemental Post Office Ordinance; Recommends Suspension of Plans to
Execute Charles Asgill: A supplemental ordinance is passed to further
refine the Post Office regulations. Congress also advises suspending the
execution of British officer Charles Asgill, who had been condemned in
retaliation for the killing of Joshua Huddy, a controversial case that had
international implications.
October 29, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Accepts
New York's Western Land Cession: Congress formally accepts New York’s
cession of its western land claims. This was an important development in
resolving territorial disputes and moving towards the creation of new
states from western lands.
November 1782
November 1, 1782 (Friday):
- Refers
Investigation of Alexander Gillon to Superintendent of Finance:
Congress refers the investigation of Alexander Gillon, a naval officer who
had been accused of financial mismanagement, to Robert Morris, the
superintendent of finance, highlighting the need for accountability in
financial matters.
November 2, 1782 (Saturday):
- Committee
on Indian Affairs Confers with Catawba Indian Delegation: Congress’s
Committee on Indian Affairs holds discussions with a delegation from the
Catawba Nation, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage relations with Native
American tribes during and after the war.
Elias Boudinot, USCA President
November 4, 1782 (Monday):
- Convenes
New Congress; Elects Elias Boudinot President: A new session of
Congress begins, and Elias Boudinot is elected president of the Congress,
succeeding John Hanson. Boudinot would oversee important post-war
developments.
November 7, 1782 (Thursday):
- Orders
Washington to Free Charles Asgill: Following international pressure,
particularly from France, Congress orders General Washington to release
Charles Asgill, the British officer whose execution had been postponed,
resolving a sensitive diplomatic situation.
November 8, 1782 (Friday):
- Requests
British Officials to Continue Investigation of Joshua Huddy’s Death:
Congress asks British authorities to further investigate the circumstances
surrounding the death of American patriot Joshua Huddy, whose killing had
sparked outrage and led to the threatened execution of Asgill.
November 12, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Renews
Appointment of Thomas Jefferson as Peace Commissioner: Congress
reappoints Thomas Jefferson as a commissioner for peace negotiations,
reaffirming its confidence in his abilities to help secure a favorable
treaty with Britain.
November 14, 1782 (Thursday):
- Debates
Report on Vermont’s Seizure of New York Citizens: Congress debates a
report concerning Vermont’s contentious actions in seizing citizens of New
York, part of an ongoing border dispute between the two regions.
November 18, 1782 (Monday):
- Appoints
Thomas Barclay Commissioner to Settle Accounts of Continental Officials
Abroad: Congress assigns Thomas Barclay the task of settling the
financial accounts of U.S. officials stationed in Europe, a crucial step
in managing the nation’s foreign expenditures and obligations.
November 19, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Adopts
New Rules for Reorganization of Continental Army: Congress approves
new rules to guide the reorganization of the Continental Army, laying the
groundwork for the army's transition to peacetime and addressing the need
to reduce its size.
November 20, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Debates
Pennsylvania Petitions on Providing for Public Creditors: Congress
discusses petitions from Pennsylvania regarding how the state should
handle its obligations to public creditors, reflecting broader financial
challenges facing the country in paying off war debts.
November 21, 1782 (Thursday):
- Debates
Salaries of Officials Abroad: Congress holds a debate on how much to
pay American diplomats and officials stationed abroad, recognizing the
importance of their roles while balancing the need for fiscal restraint.
November 25-26, 1782:
- Debates
Propriety of Exchanging Henry Laurens for Earl Cornwallis: Congress
debates whether it would be appropriate to exchange the captured American
diplomat Henry Laurens for British General Lord Cornwallis, who had been
captured after the Siege of Yorktown.
November 27, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Orders
Seizure of Two Vermonters Reported to Be in Correspondence with the Enemy:
Congress orders the arrest of two Vermonters who were suspected of
engaging in treasonous correspondence with the British, highlighting the
ongoing tensions in Vermont’s relations with both New York and the
Continental Congress.
December 1782
December 3, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Accepts
Resignation of Secretary for Foreign Affairs: Congress accepts the
resignation of Robert R. Livingston, the secretary for foreign affairs.
Livingston had played a key role in managing U.S. diplomacy during the
war.
December 4, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Grants
John Paul Jones’ Request to Serve with French Navy: Congress approves
a request from the famous naval commander John Paul Jones to serve with
the French navy, continuing his military career in Europe.
December 5, 1782 (Thursday):
- Censures
Vermont Officials; Appoints Appeals Court Judges: Congress formally
censures officials in Vermont for their unauthorized actions and appoints
judges to the appeals court, further addressing the ongoing tensions
surrounding Vermont’s quest for statehood and its disputes with
neighboring states.
December 6, 1782 (Friday):
- Directs
Superintendent of Finance to Exhort States to Comply with Fiscal Quotas;
Appoints Deputation to Rhode Island to Secure Ratification of Impost
Amendment: Congress instructs Robert Morris to press the states to
meet their fiscal quotas and sends a deputation to Rhode Island in an
attempt to secure its ratification of the proposed impost amendment, which
remained critical to resolving the nation’s financial problems.
December 11, 1782 (Wednesday):
- Authorizes
Hiring Out of Prisoners of War: In an effort to manage the economic
burden of holding prisoners, Congress authorizes the hiring out of
prisoners of war, allowing them to work under controlled conditions.
December 12, 1782 (Thursday):
- Receives
Rhode Island Explanation of Rejection of Impost Amendment: Congress
receives an official explanation from Rhode Island detailing its reasons
for rejecting the impost amendment, which had been a critical financial
reform aimed at giving Congress more direct control over revenue.
December 13, 1782 (Friday):
- David
Howell Acknowledges Authors of Published Letter Violating Congressional
Secrecy Rules: David Howell, a delegate from Rhode Island, admits to
authoring a letter that had violated congressional secrecy rules,
revealing the tension between maintaining transparency and protecting
sensitive deliberations.
December 16, 1782 (Monday):
- Adopts
Response to Rhode Island’s Rejection of Impost Amendment: In response
to Rhode Island’s rejection of the impost amendment, Congress adopts a
formal reply, further urging the state to reconsider its position for the
sake of national fiscal stability.
December 17, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Reaffirms
Determination to Send Deputation to Rhode Island: Congress confirms
its decision to send a deputation to Rhode Island, continuing its efforts
to secure the state's crucial support for the impost amendment.
December 21, 1782 (Saturday):
- Postpones
Resignation of Secretary for Foreign Affairs; Grants Secretary Leave of
Absence: While Livingston’s resignation as secretary for foreign
affairs was accepted earlier, Congress postpones the finalization of his
resignation and grants him a temporary leave of absence.
December 24, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Amends
Post Office Ordinance to Extend Franking Privilege: Congress passes an
amendment to the Post Office ordinance, extending the franking privilege,
which allowed certain officials to send mail free of charge.
December 25-26, 1782:
- Observes
Christmas: Congress pauses its proceedings to observe Christmas,
reflecting the Christian heritage and traditions of the time.
December 31, 1782 (Tuesday):
- Instructs
Peace Commissioners to Seek Commercial Reciprocity with Britain: As
the year comes to a close, Congress instructs its peace commissioners to
prioritize the goal of achieving commercial reciprocity with Britain in
the ongoing peace negotiations, a key objective for the post-war economic
relationship between the two nations.
USCA Journals – United States of America
- 1783
January 1783
January 1 & 2 (Wednesday-Thursday):
- Thanks
France for Military Aid and Naval Protection: Congress expresses
gratitude to France for its continued military and naval support,
recognizing France's significant contributions to the American cause
during the Revolutionary War.
January 3 (Friday):
- Records
Trenton Trial Decree in Connecticut-Pennsylvania Boundary Dispute: The
decree from the trial held in Trenton settles the boundary dispute between
Connecticut and Pennsylvania. This marks the first resolution of an
interstate dispute under the Articles of Confederation, setting an
important precedent for the peaceful settlement of territorial conflicts.
January 6 (Monday):
- Receives
Army Petition on Pay Arrears; Appoints Committees to Inquire into
Executive Departments: Congress receives a petition from the
Continental Army concerning long-overdue pay, reflecting growing unrest in
the army. In response, Congress appoints committees to investigate the
management of the executive departments, likely to address issues of administrative
inefficiency and mismanagement contributing to financial woes.
January 7 (Tuesday):
- Debates
Setting Exchange Rate for Redeeming Old Continental Emissions:
Congress discusses the practicalities of setting an exchange rate to
redeem old Continental currency emissions, which had suffered significant
depreciation throughout the war.
January 10 (Friday):
- Learns
Superintendent of Finance Overdrew Bills of Exchange on European Funds:
Congress is informed that Robert Morris, the superintendent of finance,
has overdrawn bills of exchange on known funds secured in Europe,
exacerbating the fiscal crisis. That same day, a deputation from the army
meets with the grand committee of Congress to address grievances over pay
and conditions.
January 13 (Monday):
- Debates
Expediency of Negotiating Additional Foreign Loans: Congress engages
in a debate over whether seeking further loans from foreign nations is a
viable solution to the nation’s financial difficulties.
January 14 (Tuesday):
- Acquiesces
in Rhode Island’s Request to Share Intelligence from Abroad with State
Officials; Debates Land Valuation Formula in Grand Committee: Congress
agrees to allow the Rhode Island delegation to share sensitive
intelligence from abroad with the state's officials. At the same time, the
grand committee debates a formula for land valuation, crucial for
determining state contributions to the federal government.
January 17 (Friday):
- Thanks
General Greene and the Southern Army; Declares Inexpediency of Seeking
Additional Foreign Loans: Congress officially thanks General Nathanael
Greene and his southern army for their efforts in securing American
victories in the South. It also declares that it would not be expedient to
pursue additional foreign loans at the moment, emphasizing the need for
internal fiscal reform.
January 21 (Tuesday):
- Receives
U.S.-Dutch Treaty Negotiated by John Adams: Congress receives the
treaty of amity and commerce that John Adams successfully negotiated with
the Dutch, a major diplomatic achievement that opened important trade
relations with the Netherlands.
January 22 (Wednesday):
- Ratifies
Franco-American Contract Negotiated by Benjamin Franklin: Congress
ratifies a contract negotiated by Benjamin Franklin, further strengthening
Franco-American relations.
January 23 (Thursday):
- Ratifies
Dutch Treaty: Congress officially ratifies the treaty with the Dutch
Republic, cementing the new commercial ties and international support.
January 24 (Friday):
- Orders
Investigation of Abuses of Flag of Truce by the Amazon; Rejects
Establishment of Congressional Library: Congress orders an
investigation into allegations that the ship Amazon abused the flag
of truce. At the same time, a proposal to establish a library for Congress
is rejected.
January 25 (Saturday):
- Directs
Superintendent of Finance to Pay Continental Army: Congress orders
Robert Morris to ensure that the Continental Army receives the pay it is
due, reflecting the urgent need to resolve tensions within the military
over unpaid wages.
January 27-31 (Monday-Friday):
- Debates
Proposals for Funding the Public Debt: Congress dedicates the week to
discussing how best to manage and fund the growing public debt accumulated
over the course of the war.
January 30 (Thursday):
- Rejects
Pennsylvania Proposal to Pay Interest on Continental Securities Owned by
Its Own Citizens: Congress declines a proposal from Pennsylvania to
pay interest on Continental securities held by Pennsylvanians, reinforcing
the idea that such payments must be handled on a national level rather
than by individual states.
February 1783
February 4-8 (Tuesday-Saturday):
- Receives
Vermont Remonstrance Against Threatened Continental Intervention; Debates
Proposals for Funding the Public Debt and Setting State Quotas:
Vermont submits a formal remonstrance opposing any potential Continental
intervention in its affairs. Congress also spends the week continuing
discussions on how to fund the public debt and set state quotas for
contributions to the national budget.
February 10-14 (Monday-Friday):
- Continues
Debating Proposals for Funding the Public Debt and Setting State Quotas:
Congress remains focused on finding a sustainable plan to address the
public debt and apportion the financial responsibilities among the states.
February 17 (Monday):
- Adopts
Plan to Appoint Commissioners for Estimating Land Values and Setting State
Quotas: Congress moves forward by adopting a plan to appoint
commissioners who will estimate the value of land in each state, a key
element in determining state quotas for contributing to the national debt.
February 18 (Tuesday):
- Orders
Superintendent of Finance to Estimate Public Debt; Each Executive
Department to Report Civil List: Congress orders Robert Morris to
calculate the total public debt. Additionally, it instructs each executive
department to report its comprehensive civil list, the roster of
government officials and their salaries.
February 21 (Friday):
- Exhorts
States to Maintain Representation in Congress: Concerned about
frequent absences, Congress urges the states to ensure that their
delegates are consistently present, as many states had failed to maintain
a full delegation, which hampered decision-making.
February 25-28 (Tuesday-Friday):
- Debates
Proposals for Commutation of Continental Officers' Half Pay: Congress
spends these days debating various proposals on how to handle the half-pay
promised to Continental Army officers, a key issue in resolving the
military’s grievances.
March 1783
March 4 (Tuesday):
- Amends
Ordinance for Establishing Courts for the Trial of Piracies: Congress
revises the ordinance governing the creation of courts to try piracy
cases, an important matter given the increased incidence of piracy in
American waters.
March 6-7 (Thursday-Friday):
- Receives
Report on Funding the Public Debt: Congress reviews a report on how to
address the issue of the growing national debt.
March 10 (Monday):
- Debates
Commutation of Continental Officers' Half Pay: Congress continues
discussing the contentious issue of whether to commute the promised
lifetime half-pay for officers into a lump sum, reflecting the need to
balance the nation's financial obligations with the limited funds
available.
March 11 (Tuesday):
- Debates
Revenue Proposals: Congress debates proposals for generating revenue,
considering the need to raise funds for the repayment of the public debt
and other post-war expenses.
March 12 (Wednesday):
- Receives
Preliminary Treaty of Peace: Congress is formally presented with the
preliminary terms of the Treaty of Paris, which signals the near-end of
the Revolutionary War.
March 12-15 (Wednesday-Saturday):
- Reads
Treaty and Foreign Dispatches: Congress devotes time to reading and
discussing the details of the preliminary treaty and various dispatches
from American diplomats abroad, assessing the implications for the future
of the young republic.
March 17 (Monday):
- Receives
Washington’s Report on Army Crisis at Newburgh: Congress receives a
report from General George Washington on the brewing discontent in the
Continental Army, particularly regarding pay arrears and unresolved
grievances, known as the Newburgh Crisis.
March 18-21 (Tuesday-Friday):
- Debates
Report on Public Credit; Debates Proposal to Censure Ministers for
Ignoring Negotiating Instructions: Congress discusses public credit
and whether American diplomats ignored instructions during peace
negotiations. This indicates growing concern about financial stability and
the integrity of foreign negotiations.
March 22 (Saturday):
- Adopts
Resolution to Commute Continental Officers' Half Pay for Life to Full Pay
for Five Years: Congress resolves the issue of half pay by commuting
it from lifetime payments to full pay for five years, a compromise meant
to alleviate tensions within the army while also addressing financial
constraints.
March 24 (Monday):
- Recalls
All Continental Ships on Cruise: With peace on the horizon, Congress
recalls all Continental naval ships still on cruise, signaling the winding
down of military operations.
March 27-31 (Thursday-Monday):
- Debates
Report on Public Credit; Renews Committee for Overseeing Office of
Finance: Congress continues its debate on public credit and renews a
committee tasked with overseeing the activities of the office of finance,
ensuring that fiscal policies are properly implemented.
April 1783
April 1 (Tuesday):
- Recommends
States Revise Formula for Setting Continental Quotas; Learns of Call for
Economic Convention at Hartford; Receives Invitation to Locate Continental
Capital in Kingston, N.Y.: Congress recommends that the states revise
the formula used to set their financial quotas, discusses an economic
convention called for in Hartford, and receives an invitation to consider
Kingston, New York, as the site of the nation’s capital.
April 4 (Friday):
- Orders
Suspension of Enlistments in Continental Army: With the war
effectively over, Congress orders a halt to further enlistments in the
Continental Army.
April 7 (Monday):
- Revises
Continental Quotas: Congress makes adjustments to the quotas assigned
to the states, reflecting the ongoing fiscal recalibrations necessary in
the post-war period.
April 11 (Friday):
- Adopts
Cease-Fire Proclamation: Congress officially adopts a proclamation for
a cease-fire, marking a crucial step toward the formal end of hostilities
between the United States and Great Britain.
April 15 (Tuesday):
- Ratifies
Preliminary Treaty of Peace: Congress ratifies the preliminary Treaty
of Paris, formally acknowledging the agreement that would lead to the
official end of the Revolutionary War.
April 17 (Thursday):
- Orders
Sale of Continental Horses: Reflecting the demobilization of the
Continental Army, Congress orders the sale of surplus horses.
April 18 (Friday):
- Asks
States for Authority to Levy Revenue Duties: Congress issues an appeal
to the states, asking for the authority to impose revenue duties, a
critical step toward ensuring a steady income for the new government.
April 23 (Wednesday):
- Authorizes
Washington to Discharge Continental Troops: Congress authorizes
General Washington to begin discharging Continental troops, as peace is
now all but certain.
April 24 (Thursday):
- Directs
Washington to Confer with Gen. Guy Carleton on the Evacuation of New York:
Congress directs General Washington to consult with the British commander,
General Guy Carleton, regarding the evacuation of British forces from New
York, one of the final steps in securing American independence.
April 26 (Saturday):
- Adopts
Address to the States on New Revenue Plan: Congress adopts an address
to the states, outlining a new plan for raising revenue, vital for
stabilizing the nation's finances.
April 28 (Monday):
- Requests
Robert Morris to Continue as Superintendent of Finance Until Reduction of
the Continental Army: Congress asks Robert Morris to continue in his
role as superintendent of finance until the planned reduction of the
Continental Army is complete.
April 30 (Wednesday):
- Rejects
Motion to Hold Debates in Public: Congress debates the idea of holding
its sessions in public but ultimately rejects the motion, opting to
maintain the tradition of closed-door discussions.
May 1, 1783 (Thursday):
- Directs
Secretary at War to Negotiate Cease-Fire with Hostile Indian Nations:
Congress orders Secretary at War, Benjamin Lincoln, to initiate
negotiations with Native American tribes hostile to the United States to
ensure peace on the frontier.
- Authorizes
American Ministers to Negotiate Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain:
Congress empowers its ministers abroad to open negotiations with Britain
regarding future commercial relations between the two countries, signaling
a shift to post-war diplomacy.
May 2 (Friday):
- Appeals
to States for Collection of Taxes for Payment of Discharged Troops:
With soldiers returning home, Congress appeals to the states to expedite
the collection of taxes to fund payment for discharged Continental Army
troops.
- Recommends
that States Adopt Copyright Laws: Congress advises states to pass laws
protecting the intellectual property rights of authors, marking an early
instance of federal involvement in copyright issues.
May 9 (Friday):
- Asks
States to Convene Assemblies to Adopt Fiscal Recommendations: Congress
calls on state legislatures to convene special sessions to address urgent
fiscal matters, particularly related to war debt and military
compensation.
May 15 (Thursday):
- Revises
Rules to Appoint Committees by Secret Ballot: Congress amends its
rules to ensure that committee appointments are made through a secret
ballot, adding a layer of confidentiality to its proceedings.
May 19-20 (Monday - Tuesday):
- Debates
Treaty Article on Restitution of Confiscated Loyalist Property:
Congress engages in intense debates over provisions in the peace treaty
that call for the restitution of property confiscated from loyalists
during the war, a contentious issue given the deep divisions between
patriots and loyalists.
May 22 (Thursday):
- Instructs
Francis Dana on Negotiating Treaty with Russia: Congress provides
detailed instructions to its envoy, Francis Dana, for negotiating a treaty
with Russia, expanding diplomatic efforts beyond Western Europe.
May 26 (Monday):
- Instructs
American Ministers on Peace Terms Concerning Evacuation of American Posts
and Carrying Off of American Slaves: Congress clarifies its position
regarding the evacuation of British posts on American soil and the
protection of American slaves, many of whom were being taken by the
British.
- Instructs
Washington on Furloughing Continental Troops: General Washington is
authorized to furlough remaining Continental troops, signaling further
demobilization of the wartime military.
May 29-30 (Thursday - Friday):
- Debates
Treaty Articles on British Debts and Loyalist Property: Discussions
continue over how to handle British claims for repayment of pre-war debts
and the restoration of confiscated loyalist property, key sticking points
in treaty negotiations.
June 2 (Monday):
- Appoints
Oliver Pollock Commercial Agent to Cuba: Congress assigns Oliver
Pollock the task of managing trade relations with Cuba, recognizing the
island's strategic importance for commerce in the Caribbean.
June 4 (Wednesday):
- Debates
Virginia Cession of Western Land Claims: Congress resumes discussions
over Virginia's cession of western land claims, an issue critical to
resolving disputes over territorial governance and future state
boundaries.
June 10 (Tuesday):
- Receives
Report of the Mutiny of a Troop of Virginia Dragoons: Congress
receives alarming news of unrest among Continental troops, highlighting
continuing dissatisfaction in the military over unpaid wages and
unfulfilled promises.
June 11 (Wednesday):
- Directs
Furlough of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia Troops: In
line with its efforts to demobilize, Congress orders the furlough of
troops from several states, allowing them to return home.
June 12 (Thursday):
- Instructs
American Ministers on Avoiding Treaties of Armed Neutrality: Congress
advises its diplomatic corps to steer clear of treaties involving armed
neutrality, reflecting concerns about entangling alliances with European
powers.
June 13 (Friday):
- Receives
"Mutinous Memorial" from Continental Army Sergeants:
Congress is presented with a formal complaint from Continental Army
sergeants expressing grievances over unpaid wages and delayed discharges.
June 17 (Tuesday):
- Commends
the Conduct of Business in the Office of Finance: Congress
acknowledges the efficient work of Robert Morris and his Office of
Finance, which had been critical in managing the nation’s fiscal
challenges during and after the war.
June 19 (Thursday):
- Receives
Notice of the Mutiny of Continental Troops at Carlisle: Further unrest
erupts among Continental troops, this time at Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
raising alarm about the potential for widespread mutinies.
- Appoints
Committee to Confer with Pennsylvania Officials on the Mutiny: Congress
forms a special committee to work with Pennsylvania officials in an
attempt to quell the rebellion.
June 21 (Saturday):
- Confronts
Mutineers of the Pennsylvania Line: Congress directly confronts
mutineers from the Pennsylvania Line, addressing their grievances and
working to restore order.
- Authorizes
President to Reconvene Congress at Trenton or Princeton, NJ: Fearing
for its security, Congress authorizes its president, Elias Boudinot, to
move the body to a safer location.
- President
Boudinot Issues Proclamation Reconvening Congress at Princeton: In
response to the mutiny, Boudinot officially moves Congress to Princeton,
New Jersey, to ensure the safety of its members.
June 30 (Monday):
- Reconvenes
at Princeton, NJ: Congress officially resumes its sessions in
Princeton, after fleeing from Philadelphia due to security concerns
related to the mutinies.
July 1 (Tuesday):
- Directs
General Robert Howe to Suppress Mutiny: Congress orders General Robert
Howe to take command and suppress the ongoing mutiny, signaling a stern
response to military unrest.
- Adopts
Report Explaining Congressional Response to the Mutiny: A formal
explanation is issued outlining the actions taken by Congress to address
the mutiny and restore discipline within the military.
July 2 (Wednesday):
- Thanks
New Jersey Officials for Their Reception of Congress: Congress
formally thanks New Jersey authorities for their hospitality in
accommodating Congress’s emergency relocation to Princeton.
July 9-11 (Wednesday-Friday):
- Debates
Proposals for Paying Arrears Due to Continental Troops: Congress
continues to struggle with how to meet its obligations to unpaid soldiers,
a key source of unrest.
July 16 (Wednesday):
- Orders
Recall of Commissioners Investigating British Embarkations from New York:
With the war’s end, Congress recalls commissioners who had been monitoring
British evacuations from New York.
- Directs
Secretary Thomson to Maintain Record of Unrepresented States: Congress
instructs Secretary Charles Thomson to keep detailed records of any states
that fail to send delegates to congressional sessions.
July 23 (Wednesday):
- Receives
Philadelphia Address Inviting Congress' Return: Philadelphia officials
formally invite Congress to return to the city, hoping to restore the
nation's capital after the recent mutiny-induced exodus.
July 28 (Monday):
- Returns
Noncommittal Response to Philadelphia Address: Congress issues a
cautious and noncommittal reply to Philadelphia's invitation, reflecting
ongoing concerns about security and stability.
- Directs
General Washington to Attend Congress: Congress calls on General
Washington to make a personal appearance to address matters related to the
disbandment of the army and the security of the nation.
- Relieves
General Howe's Detachment Ordered to Suppress Pennsylvania Mutiny: Congress
formally releases General Howe's troops from their duties after quelling
the Pennsylvania mutiny.
July 29 (Tuesday):
- Ratifies
Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Sweden: Congress ratifies the
treaty, expanding diplomatic and commercial ties with Sweden.
July 30 (Wednesday):
- Directs
Superintendent of Finance to Publish Regulations for Receiving
"Morris Notes" in Payment of Taxes: Congress authorizes
Robert Morris to issue financial notes that could be used for tax
payments, an effort to stabilize the nation’s finances.
August 1 (Friday):
- Rejects
Motion to Adjourn to Philadelphia: Despite ongoing discussions,
Congress decides against moving back to Philadelphia, reflecting concerns
over security.
August 6 (Wednesday):
- Authorizes
Distribution of "Necessities" to Delaware Indians and Friendly
"Northern Nations": Congress approves aid to Native American
tribes allied with the United States, part of its ongoing diplomacy with
indigenous groups.
August 7 (Thursday):
- Orders
Preparation of "an Equestrian Statue of the Commander in Chief":
Congress commissions a statue of General Washington, recognizing his
pivotal role in securing independence.
August 9 (Saturday):
- Authorizes
Furloughing Additional Continental Troops: As demobilization
continues, Congress orders more troops to be sent home on furlough.
- Continues
Subsistence for Hazen's Canadian Regiment: Congress agrees to continue
financial support for the remaining soldiers of Colonel Moses Hazen’s
Canadian regiment.
August 13-14 (Wednesday-Thursday):
- Debates
Motion for Returning to Philadelphia: Discussions continue on whether
Congress should return to Philadelphia, with no final decision made.
August 15 (Friday):
- Receives
Proceedings of the Court-Martial of the Philadelphia Mutineers:
Congress reviews the legal proceedings related to the mutiny, further
highlighting the unrest within the army.
August 18 (Monday):
- Directs
Superintendent of Finance to Report Estimate of the Continental Debt:
Robert Morris is tasked with delivering a comprehensive assessment of the
nation's war debts.
August 26 (Tuesday):
- Conducts
Audience with General Washington: General Washington appears before
Congress to discuss the disbanding of the army and other military matters.
August 28 (Thursday):
- Debates
Ordinance for Prohibiting Settlement of Indian Lands: Congress debates
a crucial ordinance designed to prevent unauthorized settlement on lands
belonging to Native American tribes, reflecting ongoing tension over
westward expansion.
September 1 (Monday):
- Receives
Pennsylvania Assembly Resolves for Returning to Philadelphia: Congress
receives another formal request from Pennsylvania to return to its
previous capital in Philadelphia.
September 10 (Wednesday):
- Orders
Renewal of Committees to Oversee the Executive Departments: Congress
renews its various oversight committees tasked with ensuring the efficient
operation of the nation's executive departments.
September 13 (Saturday):
- Adopts
Stipulations Concerning the Cession of Virginia's Western Land Claims:
Congress agrees to terms under which Virginia will cede its vast western
land claims to the federal government, a critical step in managing
post-war expansion.
- Confirms
Acquittal of Leaders of the Philadelphia Mutiny: Congress formally
clears the leaders of the Philadelphia mutiny of wrongdoing, offering some
resolution to the crisis.
September 16-19 (Tuesday-Friday):
- Debates
Massachusetts' Call for Retrenchment of Continental Expenses:
Massachusetts calls for significant cuts to the national budget, leading
to intense debates within Congress over the country's finances.
September 22 (Monday):
- Adopts
Proclamation Regulating the Purchase of Indian Lands: Congress adopts
a measure designed to regulate the sale and purchase of Native American
lands, aiming to prevent fraudulent transactions.
September 24 (Wednesday):
- Adopts
Secret Order Authorizing Washington to Discharge Continental Troops
"as He Shall Deem Proper and Expedient": Congress grants
Washington full authority to discharge troops from the army as he sees
fit, reflecting continued trust in his leadership.
September 25 (Thursday):
- Reaffirms
Commitment to Commutation of Half Pay Claims: Congress reasserts its
commitment to honoring the financial claims of officers who had been
promised half-pay pensions.
- Proclaims
Treaty with Sweden: Congress formally announces its ratification of
the treaty with Sweden, solidifying diplomatic relations.
September 29 (Monday):
- Lifts
Injunction of Secrecy on Most Foreign Dispatches: Congress agrees to
make many of its previously secret foreign communications public,
promoting transparency.
September 30 (Tuesday):
- Promotes
Continental Officers Not Promoted Since 1777: Congress takes action to
promote officers who had been overlooked for advancement during the war,
addressing long-standing grievances within the military.
October 1, 1783 (Wednesday):
- Debates
Instructions for Ministers Abroad: Congress focuses on refining
instructions for its diplomatic representatives in Europe, addressing
ongoing negotiations concerning trade and the implementation of the peace
treaty.
October 3 (Friday):
- Debates
Indian Affairs: Congress engages in discussions about policies related
to Native American tribes, specifically addressing frontier security,
trade, and territorial rights in the post-war period.
October 6-9 (Monday-Thursday):
- Debates
Location of the Continental Capital: For four days, Congress debates
where the permanent seat of the federal government should be located.
Various states propose sites, each seeking to host the nation’s capital.
October 8 (Wednesday):
- Receives
Quaker Petition for Suppression of the Slave Trade: A petition from
the Quaker community, urging Congress to take action to suppress the
transatlantic slave trade, is formally received. This reflects growing
antislavery sentiment in some circles of the new republic.
October 10 (Friday):
- Resolves
to Leave Princeton; Debates Location of the Capital: Congress
officially resolves to move from Princeton and continues debating where
the future capital should be located.
October 15 (Wednesday):
- Adopts
Resolves Regulating Indian Affairs: Congress passes a set of
resolutions concerning the regulation of Indian affairs, establishing
guidelines for trade and territorial relations with Native American tribes
as the United States expands westward.
October 17 (Friday):
- Debates
Location of the Capital: Further discussions take place about where to
establish a permanent national capital, reflecting regional tensions and
competing interests among the states.
October 18 (Saturday):
- Adopts
Thanksgiving Proclamation: Congress issues a proclamation calling for
a national day of thanksgiving, marking the peace and independence
achieved after the Revolutionary War.
October 21 (Tuesday):
- Adopts
Two Capital Locations - Congress to Meet Alternately "on the Banks of
the Delaware and Potomac": In an effort to satisfy regional
interests, Congress votes to establish the national capital at two
alternating locations—one along the Delaware River and the other on the
Potomac River.
October 22 (Wednesday):
- Orders
Distribution of the Peace Treaty to the States: Congress instructs
that the Treaty of Paris, which officially ends the Revolutionary War, be
distributed to all states for their review and implementation.
October 23-24 (Thursday-Friday):
- Debates
Peacetime Military Arrangements: With the war over, Congress
deliberates the size and structure of a peacetime military, considering
how best to maintain security with reduced forces while addressing the
concerns of the states.
October 27-28 (Monday-Tuesday):
- Fails
to Convene Quorum: On both days, Congress is unable to assemble the
necessary number of delegates to conduct official business.
October 29 (Wednesday):
- Adopts
Instructions for Negotiating Commercial Treaties: Congress approves
guidelines for its diplomats engaged in negotiating trade agreements with
foreign nations, focusing on securing favorable terms for American
commerce in the post-war economy.
October 30 (Thursday):
- Authorizes
Pennsylvania to Negotiate Indian Lands Purchase: Congress grants
Pennsylvania the authority to negotiate the purchase of Native American
lands within its borders, part of the ongoing efforts to manage westward
expansion.
October 31 (Friday):
- Ratifies
Fiscal Contract with France; Holds Audience with Dutch Minister Van
Berckel: Congress ratifies a financial agreement with France,
acknowledging debts owed from wartime support. Later, Congress formally
receives Dutch diplomat Peter Johan Van Berckel, the Netherlands having
been an important ally during the war.
November 1, 1783 (Saturday):
- Orders
Post Office Theft Inquiry; Adopts Rules to Improve Congressional
Attendance: Concerned about mail theft, Congress orders an inquiry
into the security of the Post Office and adopts rules aimed at improving
attendance in Congress, reflecting frustration with frequent lack of
quorum.
Thomas Mifflin, USCA President
November 3, 1783 (Monday):
- Convenes
New Congress; Elects Thomas Mifflin President (Elects Daniel Carroll
Chairman in the President's Absence): A new session of Congress is
convened, and Thomas Mifflin is elected as its president. In his absence,
Daniel Carroll is chosen to serve as chairman.
November 4, 1783 (Tuesday):
- Authorizes
Discharge of the Continental Army - "Except 500 Men, with Proper
Officers": Congress formally orders the disbandment of the
Continental Army, retaining only 500 men to serve as a small standing
force. This marks the end of the revolutionary army's active service.
- Adjourns
to Annapolis, to Reconvene on the 26th: Congress decides to move to
Annapolis, Maryland, and adjourns, planning to reconvene later in the
month.
December 13, 1783 (Saturday):
- Reconvenes
at Annapolis: Congress resumes its session at the new location in
Annapolis, Maryland, following its adjournment in early November.
December 15, 1783 (Monday):
- Fails
to Convene Quorum: For the second time, Congress fails to gather
enough members to meet the quorum necessary for conducting official
business.
December 16, 1783 (Tuesday):
- Reads
Foreign Dispatches: Congress receives and reviews foreign dispatches,
likely concerning the state of diplomatic relations and ongoing
negotiations with European powers following the end of the war.
December 17 (Wednesday):
- Fails
to Convene Quorum: For a second day in a row, Congress is unable to
assemble a quorum.
December 22, 1783 (Monday):
- Holds
Public Entertainment for General Washington: Congress hosts a public
reception for General George Washington, honoring his leadership in the
war and preparing for his resignation from military command.
December 23, 1783 (Tuesday):
- Appeals
to Unrepresented States to Maintain Congressional Attendance:
Frustrated by continued absences, Congress issues a formal appeal to the
states to ensure they send delegates to maintain representation.
- Receives
Washington and Accepts His Resignation as Commander-in-Chief: In a
historic moment, General Washington appears before Congress and formally
resigns his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army,
symbolizing the peaceful transfer of military power to civilian authority.
December 27 (Saturday):
- Receives
Report on Capital Location: Congress receives a report concerning the
future permanent location of the nation's capital, an issue that had
sparked much debate throughout the year.
December 29, 1783 (Monday):
- Fails
to Convene Quorum: Congress fails to gather enough members to conduct
official business for the remainder of the year.
USCA Journals – United States of America
- 1784
January 1784
January 3, 1784 (Saturday):
- Resolves
to Receive Francis Dana Regarding His Mission to Russia: Congress
agrees to hear Francis Dana, the U.S. envoy to Russia, concerning his
diplomatic efforts to secure Russian recognition and establish formal
relations.
January 5, 1784 (Monday):
- Rejects
Proposal to Nominate Knights to the Polish Order of Divine Providence:
Congress votes against the proposal to nominate individuals for a Polish
chivalric order, demonstrating its reluctance to engage in European-style
aristocratic practices.
January 8, 1784 (Thursday):
- Debates
Quaker Petition for Suppression of the Slave Trade: Congress considers
the petition submitted by Quakers, who call for the suppression of the
transatlantic slave trade, highlighting the emerging abolitionist
sentiment in certain states.
January 10, 1784 (Saturday):
- Fails
to Convene Quorum: Congress is unable to assemble the required number
of delegates to proceed with business, a recurring issue due to low
attendance.
January 14, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Ratifies
Definitive Treaty of Peace, "Nine States Being Present";
Recommends That the States "Provide for the Restitution of"
Confiscated Loyalist Property: Congress officially ratifies the Treaty
of Paris, which ends the Revolutionary War, and recommends that the states
restore property confiscated from Loyalists during the conflict as a
condition of the treaty.
January 15 (Thursday):
- Acquiesces
in Public Creditor Demand That Loan Office Certificate Interest Not Be
Subject to Depreciation: Congress agrees to a demand from creditors
that the interest on loan office certificates should not be subject to
depreciation, aiming to protect the value of these wartime securities.
January 17-20, 1784:
- Fails
to Convene Quorum: Congress once again fails to gather enough members
to meet quorum and conduct official business.
January 21, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Rejects
Motion Denying Continental Jurisdiction in Lusannah Admiralty Appeal:
Congress rules that it has jurisdiction in the Lusannah case, an
admiralty dispute, asserting its authority over maritime matters.
January 22, 1784 (Thursday):
- Halts
Plan to Dispose of Military Stores: Congress postpones the sale of
remaining military supplies, possibly to ensure these resources were
adequately managed in the post-war transition.
January 23, 1784 (Friday):
- Sets
Date for Selecting Judges to Determine "the Private Right of
Soil" in the Wyoming Valley: A date is set to appoint judges to
resolve land ownership disputes in the contested Wyoming Valley between
Pennsylvania and Connecticut settlers.
January 26, 1784 (Monday):
- Narrows
Half-Pay Eligibility Rules: Congress refines the rules on who is
eligible for the half-pay pension promised to Continental Army officers,
making the program more selective.
January 27-28, 1784:
- Fails
to Convene Quorum: Congress is again unable to convene enough members
to meet quorum requirements.
January 30, 1784 (Friday):
- Grants
Sea-Letters for The Empress of China Voyage to Canton: Congress
issues sea-letters, which are permissions to sail, for The Empress of
China, the first American ship to embark on a commercial voyage to
China, marking the beginning of U.S. trade with Asia.
February 3, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Creates
Post of Undersecretary to Revive Office for Foreign Affairs: Congress
establishes the position of undersecretary to assist in reviving the
Office for Foreign Affairs, which had been dormant due to a lack of
direction and leadership.
February 4-5, 1784:
- Fails
to Convene Quorum.
February 6, 1784 (Friday):
- Issues
Brevet Promotions for Departing Foreign Officers: Congress promotes
several foreign officers who had served in the Continental Army, giving
them brevet (honorary) ranks as they prepare to return to Europe.
February 7-9, 1784:
- Fails
to Convene Quorum.
February 10, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Plans
General Treaty with Indian Nations of the Northern Department:
Congress begins planning a treaty with the Native American tribes in the
northern frontier, seeking to stabilize relations and secure U.S.
territorial claims.
February 11, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Registers
Commissions of Five French Consuls and Five Vice-Consuls: Congress
officially registers the commissions of French consuls, formalizing
diplomatic and commercial relationships with France at the regional level.
February 12, 1784 (Thursday):
- Fails
to Convene Quorum.
February 16-23, 1784:
- Fails
to Convene Quorum.
February 24, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Postpones
Debate on Garrisoning Frontier Posts Due to Failure of Nine-State
Representation: Congress delays discussion on how to manage military
garrisons on the western frontier, as it lacks the quorum necessary to
make significant decisions.
February 27, 1784 (Friday):
- Commends
Marquis de la Rouerie; Deadlocks Over Appointment of a Secretary for
Foreign Affairs: Congress praises the service of French officer
Armand, Marquis de la Rouerie, but fails to reach consensus on appointing
a new secretary for foreign affairs.
March 1, 1784 (Monday):
- Receives
Indiana Company Petition; Accepts Virginia Cession of Western Land Claims;
Reads Western Land Ordinance Report: Congress receives a petition from
the Indiana Company concerning land claims in the west. Virginia’s cession
of its western land claims is accepted, and the report on the western land
ordinance is read, marking significant steps toward managing western expansion.
March 2, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Elects
Henry Remsen Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs; Deadlocks Over
Appointment of a Secretary: Henry Remsen is appointed to assist in
managing foreign affairs, but Congress remains divided on who should lead
the office.
March 4, 1784 (Thursday):
- Elects
Commissioners to Negotiate with the Indians: Congress selects
commissioners to represent the United States in upcoming treaty
negotiations with Native American tribes, essential for securing peace and
territorial boundaries.
March 5, 1784 (Friday):
- Debates
Plans for Holding Treaty with the Indians: Congress discusses how to
best organize and execute negotiations with Native American tribes in the
northern department, reflecting the complexities of post-war diplomacy on
the frontier.
March 10, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Fails
to Convene Quorum.
March 12, 1784 (Friday):
- Rejects
Connecticut Protest Against Half-Pay Plan: Congress dismisses
Connecticut’s objection to the half-pay plan for Continental officers,
reaffirming its commitment to fulfilling this promise.
March 13, 1784 (Saturday):
- Rejects
Delaware Delegate Credentials, Exceeding Three-Year Limitation:
Delaware’s delegate is rejected for exceeding the three-year service limit
imposed by the Articles of Confederation.
March 16, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Bars
Appointment of Aliens to Consular and Other Foreign Posts: Congress
establishes a rule that only U.S. citizens can be appointed to consular or
other foreign posts, reflecting concerns about loyalty and national
identity.
March 19, 1784 (Friday):
- Adopts
Instructions for Indian Commissioners: Congress finalizes instructions
for the commissioners tasked with negotiating treaties with Native
American tribes.
March 22-25, 1784:
- Postpones
Debate on Lusannah Admiralty Appeal: Congress continues to delay its
decision on this admiralty case due to ongoing challenges in assembling
enough delegates for key votes.
March 23, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Rejects
Credentials of Massachusetts Delegate Samuel Osgood: Congress refuses
to seat Samuel Osgood as a Massachusetts delegate, likely due to
procedural or eligibility concerns.
March 26, 1784 (Friday):
- Affirms
That in Negotiating Commercial Treaties These United States Be Considered
"As One Nation, Upon the Principles of the Federal
Constitution": Congress asserts that the United States must be
treated as a single entity when negotiating trade agreements, emphasizing
national unity in foreign policy.
March 30, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Sets
Quotas and Adopts Fiscal Appeal to the States; Rejects Motion Denying
Continental Jurisdiction in Lusannah Appeal: Congress sets financial
quotas for the states and appeals to them to meet their fiscal
obligations. It also rejects the motion to deny jurisdiction over the Lusannah
case.
April 1-2, 1784:
- Debates
Report on Negotiating Commercial Treaties: Congress continues its
discussions on how to approach international trade negotiations in the
aftermath of the war.
April 5, 1784 (Monday):
- Adopts
Appeal to the States on Arrears of Interest Payments on the Public Debt:
Congress urges the states to address overdue interest payments on the
public debt, highlighting the ongoing financial crisis facing the new
nation.
April 6, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Reads
Report on Maintaining Frontier Garrisons: Congress considers a report
on the need to maintain garrisons in the western frontier to protect
settlements and enforce territorial claims.
April 8, 1784 (Thursday):
- Instructs
Agent of Marine on Sale of Continental Ships: Congress directs the
agent of marine to proceed with selling off some of the Continental Navy’s
ships, a reflection of the post-war downsizing.
April 12, 1784 (Monday):
- Debates
Public Debt: Congress continues to grapple with the issue of public
debt and how to address the nation’s financial obligations, a central
challenge in the early years of independence.
April 14, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Debates
Motion to Adjourn from Annapolis to Various Proposed Sites: With
continued dissatisfaction over the location of Congress, delegates discuss
moving the national legislature to other cities.
April 16, 1784 (Friday):
- Instructs
"Commissioners for Treating with the Indian Nations":
Congress provides further instructions to the commissioners tasked with
negotiating with Native American tribes, a critical element of frontier
policy.
April 19, 1784 (Monday):
- Debates
Western Land Ordinance; Deletes Anti-Slavery Paragraph: Congress
debates the land ordinance governing the western territories and
controversially removes a clause that would have prohibited slavery in the
new territories.
April 20-23, 1784:
- Debates
Western Land Ordinance: Further debate ensues over how to manage and
distribute western lands, which will become the foundation for future
states.
April 24, 1784 (Saturday):
- Receives
New York Memorial Concerning the Vermont Dispute: Congress hears a
memorial from New York regarding its territorial dispute with the
self-proclaimed Republic of Vermont, which seeks recognition as an
independent state.
April 26, 1784 (Monday):
- Resolves
to Adjourn June 3, to Reconvene at Trenton October 30; Debates Capital's
Location: Congress decides to adjourn in early June and reconvene in
Trenton, New Jersey, while continuing the debate over where the permanent
national capital should be located.
April 27-28, 1784:
- Debates
Public Debt: Discussion continues on how to manage the burgeoning
public debt, a pressing issue for the survival of the new republic’s
creditworthiness.
April 28, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Orders
Arrest of Henry Carbery, Leader of Pennsylvania Mutiny: Congress
orders the arrest of Henry Carbery, who led a mutiny of Pennsylvania
soldiers, signaling its concern about maintaining military discipline.
April 29, 1784 (Thursday):
- Exhorts
States to Complete Western Land Cessions: Congress urges the states to
finalize the cession of their western land claims, a crucial step for
organizing and governing these territories under federal authority.
April 30, 1784 (Friday):
- Requests
States to Vest Congress with Power to Regulate Trade "for the Term of
Fifteen Years": Congress appeals to the states to grant it the
authority to regulate trade for a limited period, seeking to manage
commerce more effectively in the early years of the republic.
May 3, 1784 (Monday):
- Reaffirms
Secrecy Rule on Foreign Dispatches; Receives French Announcement on
Opening Free Ports to U.S. Trade: Congress emphasizes the need to
maintain secrecy in diplomatic communications and receives notice from
France about the opening of free ports to American commerce.
May 5, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Debates
Retrenchment of the Civil List: Congress discusses reducing the civil
list, which includes the salaries of government officials, in an effort to
cut expenses and address the financial crisis.
May 7, 1784 (Friday):
- Sets
Diplomatic Salaries; Appoints John Jay Secretary for Foreign Affairs:
Congress establishes salaries for diplomats and officially appoints John
Jay as secretary for foreign affairs, a key position in managing the young
nation's foreign relations.
May 11, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Adopts
Instructions for Negotiation of Commercial Treaties: Congress provides
its diplomats with specific instructions for negotiating trade agreements
with foreign nations, prioritizing U.S. economic interests.
May 12, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Resolves
to Request Delivery of Frontier Posts to U.S. Troops: Congress
formally requests that British forces relinquish control of frontier posts
in accordance with the peace treaty.
May 15, 1784 (Saturday):
- Debates
Disqualification of Rhode Island Delegates: Congress discusses whether
to disqualify Rhode Island’s delegates due to procedural issues,
reflecting the ongoing political tensions among the states.
May 17, 1784 (Monday):
- Receives
Announcement of French Minister La Luzerne's Intention to Return to
France: Congress is informed that the French minister, La Luzerne,
will be returning to France, marking a diplomatic transition.
May 18, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Orders
Troops for the Protection of Indian Commissioners: Congress authorizes
military protection for commissioners tasked with negotiating treaties
with Native American tribes.
May 19-24, 1784:
- Debates
Disqualification of Rhode Island Delegates: Further debate ensues over
the status of Rhode Island’s delegates, with Congress struggling to
maintain consistent attendance and representation from all states.
May 21-22, 1784:
- Fails
to Convene Quorum.
May 25-27, 1784:
- Debates
Garrisoning Frontier Posts: Congress continues its discussion on how
to best manage and garrison military posts along the western frontier,
vital for protecting settlers and enforcing U.S. territorial claims.
May 28, 1784 (Friday):
- Adopts
"Ordinance for Putting the Department of Finance into
Commission"; Reads Proposed Land Ordinance and Report on Indian
Affairs: Congress establishes a new structure for managing federal
finances and reviews important proposals concerning land distribution and
Indian relations.
May 29, 1784 (Saturday):
- Appoints
Committee of the States "to Sit in the Recess of Congress," and
Adopts Resolutions Defining Its Powers and Rules; Offers Reward for Arrest
of Chevalier de Longchamps for Assault on the French Consul General, the
Marquis de Barbe-Marbois: Congress appoints a Committee of the States
to manage government affairs during its recess and offers a reward for the
capture of Longchamps, who had assaulted a French official, highlighting
diplomatic tensions.
May 31, 1784 (Monday):
- Debates
Garrisoning Frontier Posts: Congress continues its debate on the
strategic importance of maintaining a military presence in the western
frontier.
June 1, 1784 (Tuesday):
- Resolves
to Meet Thrice Daily Until Adjournment: To expedite business before
the upcoming adjournment, Congress agrees to hold three daily sessions.
June 2, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Orders
Discharge of Continental Troops "Except 25 Privates to Guard the
Stores at Fort Pitt, and 55 to Guard the Stores at West Point":
Congress orders the demobilization of most of the remaining Continental
Army, leaving only small garrisons at Fort Pitt and West Point to
safeguard military supplies.
June 3, 1784 (Thursday):
- Instructs
Ministers Plenipotentiary Not to Relinquish Navigation of the Mississippi;
Authorizes Call of 700 Militiamen to Protect the Northwestern Frontiers;
Elects Three Treasury Commissioners; Adjourns "to Meet at Trenton on
the 30th Day of October": Congress provides further diplomatic
instructions regarding the Mississippi River, authorizes militia to
protect the frontier, and appoints commissioners to oversee federal
finances. The session is adjourned until October 30 in Trenton.
June 4, 1784 (Friday):
- Convenes
Committee of the States: The Committee of the States, tasked with
managing affairs during Congress’s recess, convenes to begin its duties.
June 26, 1784 (Saturday):
- Fails
to Convene Quorum to July 5: The Committee of the States fails to
gather a quorum, stalling business until early July.
Chronology of the Committee of the States from
July 5 – August 3, 1784
Background: The Committee of the States was a
body created by the Continental Congress to manage governmental affairs during
the recess of Congress. The committee was to function with a quorum of nine
states, but throughout its session in the summer of 1784, it faced significant
challenges, including the inability to meet quorum frequently. Below is a
chronology of the activities of the committee during this period.
July 5, 1784 (Monday):
- The
Committee of the States Reconvenes: After failing to convene on
multiple previous dates in June, the Committee of the States
finally assembles. It adopts rules to guide its operations and meets in
session. The committee begins its business, which includes managing
governmental affairs, overseeing the execution of congressional decisions,
and handling financial and military matters.
July 6-20, 1784:
- Sessions
Continue Regularly: Over the next two weeks, the Committee of the
States holds daily or near-daily sessions. The committee works on a
range of issues, including:
- Reviewing
the state of federal finances.
- Overseeing
the execution of treaties and instructions to diplomats.
- Managing
military affairs, including garrisoning frontier posts and ensuring the
protection of western settlements.
- Continuing
debates on the disposition of federal lands, particularly concerning the
western territories ceded by states like Virginia.
- Addressing
the ongoing issue of maintaining a standing military force, especially in
the context of garrisoning military forts such as West Point and Fort
Pitt.
- Discussing
the trade relationships with foreign nations, especially in light of the
recent peace with Britain and the need to establish new commercial
treaties.
July 16, 1784 (Friday):
- Orders
Recall of Commissioners Investigating British Embarkations from New York:
The committee directs the recall of commissioners who had been overseeing
the British evacuation from New York after the Revolutionary War, now that
the process was largely complete.
July 23, 1784 (Friday):
- Receives
Address from Philadelphia Inviting Congress to Return: The committee
receives an official address from the city of Philadelphia, inviting
Congress to return to the city after its adjournment to Princeton, NJ.
Philadelphia, seeking to restore its status as the national capital, makes
the case for hosting the government again.
July 28, 1784 (Wednesday):
- Committee
Sends Noncommittal Response to Philadelphia's Invitation: The
committee sends a carefully worded response to the Philadelphia address,
avoiding a firm commitment on whether Congress or the government will
relocate to the city, as the debate over the permanent location of the
capital continued to loom large in national politics.
July 29, 1784 (Thursday):
- Ratifies
Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Sweden: The committee approves and
ratifies a treaty of amity and commerce with Sweden, further solidifying
the United States’ diplomatic and trade relationships with European
powers.
July 30, 1784 (Friday):
- Directs
Superintendent of Finance to Publish Regulations for "Morris
Notes": The committee orders the Superintendent of Finance,
Robert Morris, to publish official regulations regarding the use of
"Morris Notes"—a form of promissory note issued by Morris’s
office to help manage the federal government’s chronic shortage of funds.
These notes were intended to stabilize the economy and provide liquidity
in the face of wartime debt.
August 1, 1784 (Sunday):
- Committee
Rejects Motion to Adjourn to Philadelphia: A motion is brought forward
to adjourn the committee’s proceedings to Philadelphia, but it is
rejected. Philadelphia's attempt to regain its status as the nation's
capital is thus delayed.
August 3, 1784 (Tuesday):
- The
Committee Dissolves Amid Controversy: On this day, the Committee of
the States effectively dissolves. Having faced mounting challenges,
including consistent difficulties in maintaining a quorum, the committee
was unable to continue its work effectively. The inability to achieve a
quorum regularly crippled its functionality, and by this point, the
committee’s sessions came to an end, leaving its intended work unfinished.
Outcome and Consequences: The failure of the Committee of the States to function effectively exposed significant weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation. Its inability to maintain consistent participation from the states, coupled with its limited powers, underscored the need for a stronger central government—one of the many factors that would eventually lead to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
November 1, 1784 – Monday – Congress Convenes at Trenton
- Congress was scheduled to reconvene in Trenton, New Jersey. However, only two states were represented, which fell well short of the nine-state quorum required under the Articles of Confederation to officially convene. As a result, Congress could not conduct any legislative business, reflecting the ongoing challenge of securing consistent state participation.
November 29, 1784 – Monday – Quorum Achieved
- After almost a month of delay, Congress finally achieved a quorum with seven states represented. Although this was still not the full nine-state quorum required for more substantive legislative actions, Congress was now able to officially convene and begin addressing important issues, though significant decisions would still require additional state participation.
Fifth USCA: November 29, 1784
Richard Henry Lee USCA President
November 30, 1784 – Tuesday – Richard Henry Lee Elected President of Congress
- Following the establishment of a quorum, Congress moved to elect a new president. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, a well-known statesman and advocate of independence, was elected. Lee’s experience and leadership were expected to help guide Congress through the legislative and diplomatic challenges ahead, especially as the new United States sought to navigate its post-war governance.
December 3, 1784 – Friday – Swedish Consul Registered; Troop Redeployment Ordered
- Congress formally registered the commission of Charles Hellstedt as the Swedish consul. This marked a continuation of efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with European powers, in this case, Sweden.
- On the same day, Congress ordered the redeployment of troops stationed at Fort Stanwix to West Point, a key military post along the Hudson River. This decision reflected shifting military priorities as the new nation sought to secure its remaining military outposts.
December 7, 1784 – Tuesday – Redeployment Countermanded
- Only days after ordering the redeployment of Fort Stanwix troops, Congress reversed its decision. The troops were instead ordered to move to Fort Rensselaer, another strategic location that was deemed important for securing the frontier. This highlights the fluidity of military planning during this post-war period.
December 8, 1784 – Wednesday – Massachusetts and New York Land Dispute
- Congress received agents from Massachusetts and New York who had assembled to select judges for the resolution of their ongoing land dispute. This conflict involved overlapping territorial claims in the area that would later become western New York. The involvement of Congress in mediating such disputes was one of the key functions envisioned by the Articles of Confederation, ensuring a federal role in resolving interstate conflicts.
December 11, 1784 – Saturday – Motion to Adjourn from Trenton Rejected; Marquis de Lafayette Commended
- A motion was introduced to adjourn Congress from Trenton, possibly due to logistical challenges, but it was rejected, signaling the members' determination to continue their work at the current location.
- Congress also passed a resolution commending the marquis de Lafayette, a French ally who played a significant role in securing American independence. This act of recognition reflected ongoing efforts to maintain strong relations with France and honor key figures in the Revolutionary War.
December 14, 1784 – Tuesday – Election of Treasury Commissioners Postponed; Franklin’s Consular Convention Delayed
- Congress postponed the election of new commissioners for the treasury, a critical delay given the ongoing financial difficulties the country faced. The Confederation government was struggling to manage its debts and secure adequate revenue from the states.
- Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. Minister to France, was instructed to delay signing a consular convention with France. This postponement highlights the delicate nature of negotiations and diplomatic agreements in the post-war period, as the new government sought to carefully navigate international relations.
December 15, 1784 – Wednesday – Spain Closes the Mississippi River
- Congress received official notification from Spain that it had closed the Mississippi River to American navigation. This was a significant blow to western settlers and traders who relied on the river for transporting goods. The closure of the river was a critical issue in U.S.-Spanish relations and underscored ongoing tensions regarding territorial boundaries and access to trade routes.
December 17, 1784 – Friday – Chaplain Elected; Decision to Appoint Minister to Spain
- Congress elected a new chaplain, a customary practice during its sessions, reflecting the continued importance of religion in the public and political life of the time.
- Congress also resolved to appoint a minister to Spain in response to the tensions over the Mississippi River. The appointment of a minister was an important step in addressing the diplomatic challenges with Spain, especially as American settlers moved westward and sought access to key trading routes.
December 20, 1784 – Monday – Overturning of Dual Capital Decision; Capital Buildings Appropriated
- Congress overturned a previous decision to establish two capital locations—one on the banks of the Delaware River and one on the Potomac River. The idea of having alternating capitals was deemed impractical, likely due to logistical and political concerns.
- Instead, Congress appropriated $100,000 for the construction of permanent capital buildings, signifying the commitment to establish a central and stable seat of government for the new nation.
December 23, 1784 – Thursday – Ordinance for Fixing Congressional Residence Adopted
- Congress adopted an ordinance that outlined the process for selecting a permanent residence for the national government. The issue of where to locate the federal capital had been a source of ongoing debate, with various regions and states lobbying to host the seat of government. The ordinance was an attempt to bring clarity to this contentious issue.
December 24, 1784 – Friday – Judges Certified for Massachusetts-New York Land Dispute; Congress Adjourns to New York City
- Congress officially certified the selection of judges to hear the land dispute between Massachusetts and New York. This was a crucial step in resolving the conflict over land claims in western New York, which had become a pressing issue.
- With business for the year concluded, Congress adjourned from Trenton and announced its plan to reconvene in New York City, marking a significant move in the ongoing debate over the permanent location of the federal capital.
USCA Journals – United States of America
- 1785
January 1785
The January 11, 1785 – Tuesday – Congress Reconvenes
- Congress
reconvenes with five states represented, marking the beginning of the new
session after its adjournment in late December 1784.
January 13, 1785 – Thursday – Quorum Achieved
- Seven
states were represented, providing the quorum needed to conduct official
business under the Articles of Confederation.
January 18, 1785 – Tuesday – New York City Hall Offered
for Use of Congress
- Congress
accepted New York City’s offer to use City Hall for its meetings, which
was part of the ongoing debate about where the permanent capital of the
United States should be located.
January 20, 1785 – Thursday – Communication to the States
on U.S. Credit Abroad
- Congress
sent a message to the states, alerting them to the precariousness of U.S.
credit abroad, emphasizing the need for states to meet fiscal obligations
to preserve the nation's international reputation.
January 24, 1785 – Monday – Requisition Preparation for
1785 Ordered
- Congress
ordered the preparation of a requisition on the states to fund the
national government for 1785.
January 25, 1785 – Tuesday – Treasury Commissioners
Elected
- Congress
elected commissioners to oversee the treasury and tabled a plan proposed
by Major Pierre L'Enfant for establishing a corps of engineers.
January 27, 1785 – Thursday – Secretary at War's Powers
and Duties Ordinance
- Congress
adopted an ordinance that clarified the powers and duties of the Secretary
at War, helping to formalize the administration of the military.
January 31, 1785 – Monday – Decision to Appoint a
Minister to Great Britain
- Congress
resolved to appoint a minister to Great Britain, a significant step in
formalizing diplomatic relations between the two nations after the
Revolutionary War.
February 1785
February 1, 1785 – Tuesday – Dutch Loan Ratified
- Congress
ratified the terms of a two-million-guilder loan from the Netherlands,
providing much-needed financial support for the young nation.
February 2, 1785 – Wednesday – Proclamation Against
Counterfeiting
- A
proclamation was issued urging the states to penalize counterfeiters, a
crucial step in stabilizing the nation’s currency.
February 7, 1785 – Monday – Lease of Public Buildings to
Dickinson College Approved
- Congress
approved the lease of public buildings in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to
Dickinson College and ordered the relocation of the War Office, Post
Office, and Treasury offices to New York.
February 10, 1785 – Thursday – Philip Schuyler Appointed
Commissioner for Federal Capital Planning
- Philip
Schuyler was appointed to oversee planning for a permanent federal
capital.
February 11, 1785 – Friday – Office for Foreign Affairs
Regulations Adopted
- Congress
adopted regulations for the office of foreign affairs, conceding to the
demands of Secretary John Jay, further solidifying the structure of the
nation's diplomacy.
February 18, 1785 – Friday – Limits Imposed on Terms of
Ministers Abroad
- Congress
imposed limits on how long ministers could serve abroad, an effort to keep
diplomatic missions within the control of the central government.
February 21, 1785 – Monday – Commissioners to Illinois
Settlements Appointed
- Congress
resolved to send commissioners to the Illinois Settlements, demonstrating
a growing interest in managing western territories.
February 24, 1785 – Thursday – John Adams Appointed
Minister to Great Britain
- John
Adams was officially appointed as the U.S. minister to Great Britain,
tasked with negotiating post-war issues between the two countries.
March 1785
March 4, 1785 – Friday – Debate on Western Land Ordinance
Begins
- Congress
began debating the ordinance for managing western lands, a key issue in
expanding and regulating the new territories.
March 7, 1785 – Monday – Benjamin Franklin Authorized to
Return to America
- Congress
authorized Benjamin Franklin’s return to America, recognizing his long
service as the U.S. minister to France.
March 8, 1785 – Tuesday – Henry Knox Elected Secretary at
War
- General
Henry Knox, a trusted military figure from the Revolutionary War, was
elected Secretary at War.
March 10, 1785 – Thursday – Thomas Jefferson Elected
Minister to France
- Thomas
Jefferson was appointed to succeed Benjamin Franklin as the U.S. minister
to France, marking a key diplomatic transition.
March 11, 1785 – Friday – Barbary States Negotiations
Instructions Adopted
- Congress
adopted instructions for negotiating with the Barbary States to address
the ongoing threat of piracy against American shipping.
March 15, 1785 – Tuesday – Instructions for Southern
Indian Commissioners Adopted
- Congress
approved instructions for commissioners responsible for managing relations
with Native American nations in the southern territories.
March 16, 1785 – Wednesday – Slavery Limitation Motion
Rejected
- Congress
rejected a motion to limit slavery in the territories, a decision that
would have long-term consequences for the nation’s expansion and political
development.
March 17, 1785 – Thursday – Claims Against U.S. Deadline
Set
- A
12-month limit was imposed for the submission of claims against the United
States, streamlining the process for handling debts and financial
obligations.
March 18, 1785 – Friday – Instructions for Western Indian
Commissioners Adopted
- Instructions
for commissioners handling relations with Native American nations in the
western territories were adopted.
March 21, 1785 – Monday – Southern Indian Commissioners
Elected
- Congress
elected commissioners to manage relations with Native Americans in the
southern regions and thanked the King of Denmark for his offer to ordain
American candidates for holy orders.
March 28, 1785 – Monday – Congress Receives Commerce
Powers Report
- Congress
received a report on granting commerce powers, part of an ongoing debate
about how much authority the central government should have over trade and
economic policies.
March 31, 1785 – Thursday – Secretary of Congress
Ordinance Adopted
- Congress
adopted an ordinance regulating the office of the Secretary of Congress
and received the report on the requisition for 1785.
April 1785
April 1, 1785 – Friday – Debate on Continental Military
Needs Begins
- Congress
began debating the military needs of the Continental Army in light of the
nation’s security concerns and financial constraints.
April 7, 1785 – Thursday – Military Establishment of 700
Troops Authorized
- Congress
authorized a military force of 700 troops to ensure national security and
maintain order in the territories.
April 14, 1785 – Thursday – Revised Western Land
Ordinance Read
- Congress
read a revised version of the western land ordinance, setting the stage
for further debate on how to manage and sell the new western lands.
April 18, 1785 – Monday – Massachusetts Cession of
Western Lands Accepted
- Congress
accepted Massachusetts’ cession of its western land claims, further
consolidating federal control over western territories.
April 22-28, 1785 – Friday to Thursday – Debate on
Western Land Ordinance
- Congress
engaged in extensive debate over the western land ordinance, a key piece
of legislation that would shape the expansion and settlement of the
western territories.
April 29, 1785 – Friday – Appeal to States for
Maintaining Representation
- Congress
issued an appeal to the states, urging them to maintain full
representation in the national legislature to ensure that important
business could proceed.
May 1785
May 2-6, 1785 – Monday to Friday – Further Debate on
Western Land Ordinance
- Congress
continued to debate the western land ordinance, working to finalize the
details of how western lands would be surveyed and sold.
May 9-12, 1785 – Monday to Thursday – Quorum Fails
- Congress
was unable to achieve a quorum, with only five states represented,
preventing any official business from being conducted.
May 13, 1785 – Friday – Coinage Report Received
- Congress
received a report on the establishment of a national coinage system, a key
step in developing a unified monetary policy.
May 18-19, 1785 – Wednesday to Thursday – Western Land
Ordinance Debated
- Further
debate occurred on the western land ordinance, which was a top priority as
the nation expanded westward.
May 20, 1785 – Friday – Western Land Ordinance Adopted
- Congress
formally adopted the western land ordinance, which laid the foundation for
the systematic survey and sale of western lands. It also appealed to North
Carolina to repeat its cession of western land claims.
May 24, 1785 – Tuesday – Quorum Fails (Four States)
- Once
again, Congress failed to achieve a quorum, with only four states
represented, preventing the continuation of business.
May 27, 1785 – Friday – U.S. Geographer Appointment
Renewed; Continental Surveyors Appointed
- Congress
renewed the appointment of the geographer of the United States and
appointed 13 surveyors to oversee the implementation of the western land
ordinance.
June 1785
June 1, 1785 – Wednesday – Court Authorized for South
Carolina-Georgia Boundary Dispute
- Congress
authorized the creation of a federal court to settle the boundary dispute
between South Carolina and Georgia, demonstrating the federal government’s
role in resolving interstate conflicts.
June 3, 1785 – Friday – Treaties Published from Fort
Stanwix and Fort McIntosh
- Congress
published treaties that had been negotiated with Native American tribes at
Fort Stanwix and Fort McIntosh, formalizing relations and territorial
agreements.
June 6, 1785 – Monday – Indian Treaty at Vincennes
Authorized
- Congress
authorized negotiations for a treaty with Native American tribes at
Vincennes, continuing the effort to manage relations with western tribes.
June 7, 1785 – Tuesday – Fort Pitt Garrison Discharged
- Congress
discharged the garrison at Fort Pitt, reflecting changing military
priorities in the post-war period.
June 14, 1785 – Tuesday – Response to French Birth
Announcement
- Congress
responded to France’s announcement of the birth of a second heir to the
throne, reaffirming the close diplomatic relationship between the United
States and France.
June 17, 1785 – Friday – John Jay to Plan Audience for
Spanish Plenipotentiary
- Congress
instructed John Jay to plan an audience for Diego de Gardoqui, the Spanish
plenipotentiary, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts with Spain.
June 20, 1785 – Monday – Inquiry into Late Superintendent
of Finance Ordered
- Congress
ordered an inquiry into the administration of the late superintendent of
finance, part of ongoing efforts to manage the nation’s financial affairs.
June 21, 1785 – Tuesday – Annual Treasury Administration
Inquiry Ordered
- Congress
mandated an annual inquiry into the administration of the treasury,
ensuring accountability in the nation’s financial operations.
June 23, 1785 – Thursday – William Livingston Appointed
Minister to Netherlands (Declines)
- Congress
appointed William Livingston as the minister to the Netherlands, but he
declined the post, highlighting the difficulty of filling key diplomatic
positions.
June 29, 1785 – Wednesday – Virginia Asked for Military
Support for Indian Commissioners
- Congress
requested Virginia provide military support for Indian commissioners as
they negotiated treaties with Native American tribes.
June 30, 1785 – Thursday – Study of Mail Transportation
Ordered
- Congress
ordered a study on the transportation of mail, part of the ongoing effort
to improve communication and postal services across the country.
July 1785
July 1, 1785 – Friday – Motion to Abolish Court of
Appeals Rejected
- Congress
rejected a motion to abolish the Court of Appeals, but it terminated the
salaries of the judges, indicating ongoing fiscal concerns.
July 2, 1785 – Saturday – Diego de Gardoqui Receives
Congress
- Congress
officially received the Spanish plenipotentiary, Diego de Gardoqui,
furthering diplomatic efforts between the United States and Spain.
July 4, 1785 – Monday – Independence Day Celebrated
- Congress
celebrated the nation’s Independence Day, marking the anniversary of the
Declaration of Independence.
July 5, 1785 – Tuesday – John Rutledge Appointed Minister
to the Netherlands (Declines)
- John
Rutledge was appointed as the minister to the Netherlands, but he also
declined the post, continuing the challenge of securing diplomatic
personnel.
July 6, 1785 – Wednesday – U.S. Dollar Adopted as Money
Unit
- Congress
adopted the dollar as the official money unit of the United States, a
significant step in establishing a national currency.
July 11, 1785 – Monday – Rations Continued for Canadian
Refugees
- Congress
resolved to continue providing rations to Canadian refugees, reflecting
the ongoing responsibility for displaced persons after the war.
July 12, 1785 – Tuesday – Post Office Report Received
- Congress
received a report on the status of the Post Office, an essential
institution for communication in the growing nation.
July 13-14, 1785 – Wednesday-Thursday – Debate on
Commerce Power for Congress
- Congress
debated whether it should be granted the power to regulate commerce, a key
issue in strengthening the central government’s control over trade.
July 18, 1785 – Monday – Debate on 1785 Requisition
- Congress
resumed debate on the requisition for 1785, an ongoing effort to secure
funding from the states to meet national financial obligations.
July 20, 1785 – Wednesday – Commissary of Military Stores
Abolished
- Congress
abolished the commissary of military stores, continuing its efforts to
reduce expenses and streamline the military.
July 22, 1785 – Friday – Further Debate on 1785
Requisition
- Congress
continued its debate on the 1785 requisition, reflecting the difficulty of
securing adequate funding from the states.
July 25, 1785 – Monday – Quartermaster Department
Abolished
- Congress
abolished the quartermaster department, another cost-cutting measure as
the nation sought to reduce its military expenditures.
July 28-29, 1785 – Thursday-Friday – Further Debate on
1785 Requisition
- The
debate on the requisition for 1785 continued, reflecting the ongoing
challenge of securing state contributions to the national budget.
August 1785
August 1-3, 1785 – Monday-Wednesday – Requisition Debate
Continues
- The
discussion on the 1785 requisition persisted as Congress sought to
finalize its financial plans.
August 5, 1785 – Friday – Treasurer’s Office Relocated to
New York
- Congress
ordered the relocation of the treasurer’s office to New York City by
October 1, continuing the consolidation of government functions in one
location.
August 10-13, 1785 – Wednesday-Saturday – Congress in
Recess
- Congress
went into recess, taking a break from legislative business.
August 15, 1785 – Monday – Thanks to King of Spain
- Congress
officially thanked the King of Spain for sending Diego de Gardoqui as a
diplomatic envoy, reinforcing the importance of Spanish relations.
August 17, 1785 – Wednesday – Samuel Holten Appointed
Acting Chairman
- With
President Richard Henry Lee absent for health reasons, Samuel Holten was
appointed as acting chairman through September 29.
August 18, 1785 – Thursday – Massachusetts Governor
Bowdoin’s Conduct Endorsed
- Congress
endorsed the conduct of Massachusetts Governor James Bowdoin in his
controversy with British naval Captain Henry Stanhope.
August 25, 1785 – Thursday – John Jay Given Greater
Authority in Spanish Negotiations
- Congress
granted John Jay additional latitude in his negotiations with Diego de
Gardoqui, particularly in discussions over the Mississippi River and
trade.
August 29, 1785 – Monday – Committee of the Week
Abolished
- Congress
abolished the committee of the week, transferring its duties to the
Secretary of Congress to streamline the legislative process.
September 1785
September 2-3, 1785 – Friday-Saturday – Quorum Fails
- Congress
failed to achieve a quorum, with only five states represented on September
2 and two states on September 3.
September 5, 1785 – Monday – John Jay Report on British
Occupation of Northwest Posts
- Congress
received a report from John Jay on the continued British occupation of
northwest posts, an ongoing source of tension between the U.S. and
Britain.
September 7, 1785 – Wednesday – John Jay Authorized to
Inspect Mails
- Congress
authorized John Jay to inspect the mails when deemed necessary for the
safety or interest of the United States and approved the conveyance of
mails by stage carriages.
September 13-17, 1785 – Tuesday-Saturday – Debate on 1785
Requisition
- Congress
resumed debate on the requisition for 1785, as the need for state
contributions to the national budget remained pressing.
September 19-21, 1785 – Monday-Wednesday – Connecticut
Settlers’ Appeal Debated
- Congress
debated an appeal by Connecticut settlers in the Wyoming Valley, part of
an ongoing land dispute with Pennsylvania.
September 22-26, 1785 – Thursday-Monday – Further Debate
on 1785 Requisition
- The
requisition for 1785 continued to dominate the discussion as Congress
worked to finalize its financial plans.
September 27, 1785 – Tuesday – 1785 Requisition Adopted
- After
months of debate, Congress finally adopted the requisition for 1785,
formalizing the contributions required from the states to fund the
national government.
September 29, 1785 – Thursday – Commission Authorized for
Massachusetts-New York Boundary
- Congress
authorized a commission to settle the eastern boundary dispute between
Massachusetts and New York.
October 1785
October 5, 1785 – Wednesday – Postmaster General Ordered
to Extend Postal System
- Congress
directed the Postmaster General to extend the system of posts, reflecting
the ongoing expansion of communication networks in the new nation.
October 7, 1785 – Friday – Western Separatism Threat
Debated
- Congress
debated the growing threat of western separatism, as settlers in the
western territories expressed dissatisfaction with their treatment by the
eastern states.
October 12, 1785 – Wednesday – Troops Authorized for
Western Indian Negotiations
- Congress
authorized the deployment of troops to attend the negotiations with
western Native American nations and exhorted the states to meet their
fiscal quotas.
October 17-18, 1785 – Monday-Tuesday – Death of Samuel
Hardy Mourned
- Congress
mourned the death of Samuel Hardy, a 27-year-old Virginia delegate who had
served with distinction in the Continental Congress.
October 20, 1785 – Thursday – Report on Barbary States
Naval Threat Received
- Congress
received a report from John Jay on the growing naval threat posed by the
Barbary States, a persistent problem for American shipping in the
Mediterranean.
October 21-22, 1785 – Friday-Saturday – Quorum Fails
- Congress
failed to achieve a quorum, with six states represented on October 21 and
only one state present on October 22.
October 25, 1785 – Tuesday – Quorum Fails Again
- Once
again, Congress failed to achieve a quorum, with only four states
represented.
October 27, 1785 – Thursday – Proposal to Create Consular
Establishment Rejected
- Congress
rejected a proposal to create a consular establishment, choosing instead
to confer consular powers on ministers abroad.
October 28, 1785 – Friday – Consular Powers Conferred on
Ministers Abroad
- Congress
formally conferred consular powers on American ministers stationed abroad,
part of its effort to improve diplomatic and trade relations.
November 1785
November 2, 1785 – Wednesday – Massachusetts-New York
Land Claim Court Postponed
- Congress
postponed the convening of a federal court to determine the disputed
western land claims between Massachusetts and New York.
November 4, 1785 – Friday – Congressional Session Expires
- The
session of Congress expired, concluding the legislative business for the
year until the next session convened.
November 7, 1785 – Monday – Congress Convenes in New York
City (Fails to Achieve Quorum)
- Congress
reconvened at New York City, but with only three states represented, it
failed to achieve the quorum required by the Articles of Confederation to
conduct official business. This reflected the ongoing challenge of
maintaining consistent representation and attendance from the states.
Sixth USCA: November 23, 1785
John Hancock USCA President
November 23, 1785 – Wednesday – Quorum Achieved, John
Hancock Elected President
- After
a delay of more than two weeks, Congress finally achieved a quorum with
seven states represented. In the absence of John Hancock, who was elected
president of Congress in absentia, David Ramsay was appointed as chairman
to preside over the session. Hancock's election reflected his stature, but
his absence would prove to be a recurring issue.
November 24, 1785 – Thursday – Congressional Chaplains
Elected
- Congress
elected two chaplains to serve during the session, a customary practice to
provide religious services and invocations during congressional
proceedings. The chaplains played a symbolic role in grounding Congress’s
proceedings in a sense of moral and religious duty.
November 25, 1785 – Friday – Report on British Consul
John Temple Received
- Congress
received a report concerning John Temple, the British consul stationed in
the United States. Temple had been a controversial figure, particularly
because of lingering distrust towards Britain following the Revolutionary
War. His role as consul required delicate diplomacy between the United
States and Britain, as relations were still fragile.
November 28-29, 1785 – Monday-Tuesday – Congress Fails to
Achieve Quorum Again
- Despite
having achieved a quorum just days earlier, Congress again failed to
maintain the necessary representation to conduct business on both November
28 and 29, highlighting the persistent difficulties with state attendance
and engagement.
December 1785
December 2, 1785 – Friday – John Temple Recognized as
British Consul
- After
receiving the necessary reports and deliberating, Congress formally
recognized John Temple as the British consul to the United States. This
marked a significant step in stabilizing diplomatic relations between the
two nations, although tensions and skepticism towards Britain remained
high among some American leaders.
December 5-26, 1785 – Monday-Monday – Congress Fails to
Achieve Quorum
- For
much of December, Congress was again unable to maintain a quorum, with no
official business conducted during this period. The lack of a quorum
underscored the structural issues within the Articles of Confederation,
where the lack of a centralized authority made it difficult to compel
states to send and maintain delegations consistently.
December 27, 1785 – Tuesday – Secretary at War Reports
Received
- Congress
reconvened briefly on December 27 and received reports from the Secretary
at War. These reports likely dealt with military affairs, including the
management of forts and relations with Native American tribes, as the new
nation still faced security concerns on its frontiers.
USCA Journals – United States of America
- 1786
January 1786
January 2, 1786 – Monday – Receives British Complaint on
Loyalists
- Congress
received a formal complaint from Britain regarding the treatment of
loyalists in the United States. The issue of how to handle loyalists had
remained contentious since the end of the Revolutionary War, as many had
been ostracized or faced property confiscations.
January 4, 1786 – Wednesday – Receives Reports on States'
Fiscal Response
- Congress
was presented with reports detailing the states' responses to prior
congressional appeals for authority to raise revenue and regulate trade.
This highlighted the ongoing struggle for financial stability and
centralized control under the Articles of Confederation.
January 5, 1786 – Thursday – Report on Algerian Capture
of American Seamen
- A
report was submitted detailing the capture of American seamen by Algerian
pirates. This marked another instance of the young nation's challenges in
protecting its citizens and engaging in international diplomacy without a
strong navy or the power to levy taxes to fund one.
January 12, 1786 – Thursday – Receives Report on
Continental Accounts
- A
report on the settlement of the Continental Army's accounts was presented,
addressing concerns about fiscal responsibility and ongoing issues of
soldier compensation.
January 18, 1786 – Wednesday – Refers Connecticut Cession
to Committee
- The
Connecticut land cession, where the state was expected to relinquish its
western land claims, was referred to a committee for further deliberation.
This was part of an effort to resolve disputes over western land claims
and use the land for federal purposes.
January 19, 1786 – Thursday – Orders Report on 1786
Fiscal Estimates
- Congress
requested a detailed report on the fiscal estimates for 1786, recognizing
the importance of establishing a budget amid ongoing financial
difficulties.
January 27, 1786 – Friday – Samuel Shaw Elected Consul to
Canton
- Samuel
Shaw was elected as the first American consul to Canton, China, reflecting
the United States' growing interest in international trade, particularly
with East Asia.
January 30, 1786 – Monday – Appeals to Unrepresented
States
- Congress
made a formal appeal to six states that had not sent delegates to the
session, urging them to do so in order to maintain quorum and ensure that
federal matters could be addressed efficiently.
February 1786
February 1, 1786 – Wednesday – Secrecy Lifted on Barbary
Powers Correspondence
- The
injunction of secrecy was removed from correspondence regarding the
appointment of commissioners to negotiate with the Barbary powers, part of
an effort to address the ongoing issue of piracy in the Mediterranean.
February 3, 1786 – Friday – Debates States' Fiscal
Responses
- Congress
debated the various fiscal responses from the states, highlighting the
difficulties in securing adequate financial support from the states under
the Articles of Confederation.
February 8, 1786 – Wednesday – Report on French Loan
Interest
- A
report was presented on the interest payments required for a loan secured
from France during the Revolutionary War. These loans were a major
financial burden for the fledgling nation.
February 9, 1786 – Thursday – Justifies Abolishing Court
of Appeals Judges' Salaries
- Congress
justified its decision to abolish the salaries of the judges on the Court
of Appeals, citing fiscal austerity measures. The court had become less
active following the resolution of many wartime legal disputes.
February 16-24, 1786 – Thursday-Friday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- For
over a week, Congress failed to achieve quorum, once again demonstrating
the inefficiencies and challenges in governance under the Articles of
Confederation.
February 25, 1786 – Saturday – Receives Reports on Postal
Plan and Fiscal Estimates
- Reports
were submitted on a proposed postal plan in cooperation with France, as
well as on the fiscal estimates for the year, highlighting Congress's
focus on establishing efficient postal and financial systems.
March 1786
March 3, 1786 – Friday – Repeats Call for Trade
Regulation
- Congress
renewed its call for the states to grant it the authority to regulate
trade, recognizing that individual states' trade policies were harming the
overall economic stability of the nation.
March 7, 1786 – Tuesday – Appoints Committee on New
Jersey Fiscal Refusal
- A
committee was appointed to meet with the New Jersey Assembly, which had
refused to comply with the 1786 Continental requisition. This was part of
a broader issue where many states were not contributing their required
financial support to Congress.
March 10, 1786 – Friday – Rejects New York Appeal for
Extension of Claims Period
- Congress
rejected an appeal from New York to extend the time allowed for state
citizens to submit Continental claims, reflecting Congress’s need to
adhere to strict deadlines.
March 14, 1786 – Tuesday – Clarifies Oaths for
Continental Officeholders
- Congress
clarified the form of oaths that would be required for those holding
Continental offices, ensuring that all officers were held to a uniform
standard of loyalty and duty.
March 17-18, 1786 – Friday-Saturday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Once
again, Congress failed to achieve a quorum, stalling legislative progress.
March 21, 1786 – Tuesday – Receives Report on Military
Court-Martial Punishments
- A
report was presented on the use of capital punishment in military
courts-martial, reflecting Congress’s attention to military discipline and
justice.
March 22, 1786 – Wednesday – New Jersey Reverses
Opposition to Requisition
- It
was reported that New Jersey had reversed its opposition to the 1786
Continental requisition, marking a victory for Congress in its efforts to
secure financial support from the states.
March 24, 1786 – Friday – Appoints Commissioner for
Settling Department Accounts
- Congress
appointed a single commissioner to consolidate the settlement of accounts
for the five great departments: the clothier, commissary, hospital,
marine, and quartermaster departments.
March 27, 1786 – Monday – Orders Arrest of Maj. John
Wyllis
- Major
John Wyllis was ordered to be arrested for his role in the execution of
army deserters, indicating Congress's concern with maintaining proper
military justice procedures.
March 29, 1786 – Wednesday – Foreign Affairs Report on
British Frontier Posts
- The
Secretary of Foreign Affairs was directed to provide a report on the
ongoing negotiations with Britain regarding their evacuation of frontier
posts, an unresolved issue from the Treaty of Paris (1783).
April 1786
April 5, 1786 – Wednesday – Report on Barbary
Negotiations
- Congress
received a report detailing negotiations and other measures being
considered to deal with the Barbary powers, who were continuing to capture
American ships and sailors in the Mediterranean. This reflected the
ongoing challenge the U.S. faced without a strong navy.
April 10, 1786 – Monday – Connecticut Land Cession
- A
report was presented concerning Connecticut’s land cession, part of the
ongoing process of resolving state land claims in the western territories.
This was critical for organizing the newly acquired western lands and
establishing federal control.
April 12, 1786 – Wednesday – Treasury Report on Coinage
- The
Board of Treasury submitted a report on the development of a standardized
system of coinage. This was a key step in establishing a stable national
currency, which was necessary to stabilize the economy.
April 19, 1786 – Wednesday – Rejects Massachusetts
Request
- Congress
rejected a request from Massachusetts for Continental ordnance, reflecting
the tensions between states and the central government over the
distribution of military supplies and resources.
April 27, 1786 – Thursday – French Decree on Fisheries
Bounties
- Congress
received and translated a French decree on fisheries bounties, which
likely impacted American fisheries and trade, further highlighting the
importance of U.S.-French relations in trade matters.
May 1786
May 2, 1786 – Tuesday – Audience with Cornplanter
- Cornplanter,
a chief of the Seneca tribe, and other Seneca leaders met with Congress to
discuss the situation of the Seneca and other Iroquois nations,
highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts with Native American tribes.
May 5, 1786 – Friday – Second Audience with Seneca Chiefs
- A
second audience was held with Cornplanter and the Seneca delegation,
likely continuing discussions on territorial disputes and peace agreements
between the U.S. government and Native American tribes.
May 6, 1786 – Saturday – Quorum Not Met
- Congress
failed to achieve quorum, stalling legislative action. This continued to
be a recurring issue under the Articles of Confederation, hindering
Congress's ability to address pressing national concerns.
May 8, 1786 – Monday – Appointment of Second Commissioner
- A
second commissioner was appointed to assist in the settlement of accounts
for the five major departments: clothier, commissary, hospital, marine,
and quartermaster, ensuring greater oversight of military-related
finances.
May 9, 1786 – Tuesday – Western Territory Survey
- The
Continental Geographer was directed to continue the survey of the western
territory, a vital step in organizing the land for settlement and federal
control under the Northwest Ordinance.
May 11, 1786 – Thursday – Debates Connecticut Cession
- Congress
began debating the specifics of Connecticut's cession of its western
lands, a critical issue in resolving state claims and organizing federal
land in the west.
May 12, 1786 – Friday – Declares Navigable Waters Free
- Congress
declared that all navigable waters within the territories would be
"forever free" to inhabitants and U.S. citizens, ensuring that
the federal government maintained control over these crucial waterways for
commerce and transportation.
May 15, 1786 – Monday – Nathaniel Gorham Elected Chairman
- Nathaniel
Gorham was elected as chairman of Congress, succeeding David Ramsay. As
chairman, Gorham presided over the session in the absence of John Hancock,
who had resigned.
May 17, 1786 – Wednesday – Ratifies Prussian-American
Treaty
- Congress
ratified the Prussian-American treaty of commerce, marking another
important step in securing international trade agreements for the United
States.
May 18, 1786 – Thursday – Georgia-South Carolina Boundary
Dispute
- The
decision on the boundary dispute between Georgia and South Carolina was
postponed to September, reflecting ongoing interstate territorial
conflicts.
May 22-25, 1786 – Monday-Thursday – Debates Connecticut
Cession
- Congress
continued to debate the terms and conditions of Connecticut's cession of
its western land claims, a key issue in organizing federal land.
May 26, 1786 – Friday – Conditional Acceptance of
Connecticut Cession
- Congress
declared its conditional acceptance of Connecticut’s land cession, paving
the way for further organization and settlement of western lands.
May 29, 1786 – Monday – Quorum Not Met
- Congress
failed to achieve quorum once again, stalling further legislative actions.
May 31, 1786 – Wednesday – Amends Rules to War
- Congress
amended the rules governing the conduct of war and received a request from
John Jay for a committee to meet with him concerning ongoing negotiations
with Diego de Gardoqui, Spain’s representative.
June 1786
June 5, 1786 – Monday – John Hancock Resigns
- John
Hancock formally resigned as President of Congress, and Congress received
a report on the state of the military establishment.
Sixth USCA: November 23, 1785
Nathaniel Gorham, USCA President
June 6, 1786 – Tuesday – Nathaniel Gorham Elected
President
- Nathaniel
Gorham, previously serving as chairman, was formally elected President of
Congress following Hancock’s resignation.
June 13-14, 1786 – Tuesday-Wednesday – Quorum Not Met
- Once
again, Congress failed to meet quorum, delaying progress on key issues.
June 15, 1786 – Thursday – Reports on Indian Hostilities
- Congress
received reports on the possibility of hostilities with Native American
tribes and on the state of Continental arsenals and military supplies,
reflecting concerns over frontier defense.
June 16, 1786 – Friday – Indian Commissioners' Report
- Indian
commissioners were ordered to provide a detailed report on the likelihood
of hostilities with Native American tribes in the western territories.
June 19-20, 1786 – Monday-Tuesday – Quorum Not Met
- No
quorum was achieved, continuing the trend of inactivity due to poor
delegate attendance.
June 21, 1786 – Wednesday – Post Office Ban on Paper
Money
- Congress
banned the acceptance of paper money by post offices, reflecting ongoing
concerns about the instability of paper currency.
June 22, 1786 – Thursday – Troop Reinforcements Ordered
- Troop
reinforcements were ordered to the "rapids of the Ohio" to
bolster defenses in the western territories amid rising concerns about
Native American hostilities.
June 27, 1786 – Tuesday – Court of Appeals Judges to
Reconvene
- Congress
directed the judges of the Court of Appeals to reconvene on November 6,
and reinstated their salaries on a per diem basis to ensure that their
work would continue.
June 28, 1786 – Wednesday – Draft Ordinance for Indian
Department
- Congress
received a draft ordinance aimed at organizing the Indian department, part
of ongoing efforts to regulate relations with Native American tribes.
June 30, 1786 – Friday – Responds to Virginia Appeal
- In
response to an appeal from Virginia for protection against Native American
threats in the west, Congress began considering measures to assist the
state.
July 4, 1786 – Tuesday – Independence Day Celebration
- Congress
celebrated the tenth anniversary of American independence with ceremonies
and events.
July 7, 1786 – Friday – Request for Revision of Virginia
Cession
- Congress
requested that Virginia revise its land cession to allow for the creation
of "not more than five nor less than three" states from the
northwest territory, a key issue in organizing the new territories.
July 12, 1786 – Wednesday – Indian Treaty Commissions
Revoked
- The
commissions of those appointed to negotiate treaties with Native American
tribes were revoked, marking a shift in Congress’s approach to relations
with the tribes.
July 13, 1786 – Thursday – Territorial Government Plan
Recommitted
- The
draft plan for governing the western territories was recommitted for
further revision, reflecting ongoing debates over how to structure
governance in the new territories.
July 21, 1786 – Friday – Indian Affairs Ordinance Debated
- Congress
debated the Indian affairs ordinance, which aimed to organize and regulate
relations with Native American tribes.
July 24, 1786 – Monday – Second Reading of Indian Affairs
Ordinance
- Congress
ordered a second reading of the Indian affairs ordinance, moving closer to
finalizing this key piece of legislation.
July 27, 1786 – Thursday – New York Impost Act Revision
Sought
- Congress
sought revisions to New York’s act authorizing the Continental impost, a
key revenue-raising measure.
August 1786
August 1, 1786 – Tuesday – Arsenals and Ordnance Report
- A
report on Continental arsenals and military ordnance was presented to
Congress, reflecting ongoing concerns about military preparedness.
August 2, 1786 – Wednesday – 1786 Requisition Adopted
- Congress
adopted the 1786 requisition, setting the financial contributions expected
from each state for the year.
August 3, 1786 – Thursday – West Point Purchase
Authorized
- Congress
authorized the purchase of West Point, an important military stronghold.
They also conferred with the Secretary for Foreign Affairs regarding
negotiations with Spain.
August 7, 1786 – Monday – Indian Affairs Ordinance
Adopted
- The
Indian affairs ordinance was formally adopted, marking a significant step
in regulating relations with Native American tribes.
August 8, 1786 – Tuesday – Coinage Standards Adopted
- Congress
adopted new standards for coinage and ordered the Board of Treasury to
prepare an ordinance for the establishment of a national mint.
August 9, 1786 – Wednesday – Appeal for Southern Land
Cessions
- Congress
made an appeal to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia to cede
their western lands to the federal government.
August 10, 1786 – Thursday – John Jay’s Spanish Treaty
Instructions
- Congress
began debating the instructions for John Jay’s negotiations with Spain,
particularly concerning the navigation rights on the Mississippi River.
August 14, 1786 – Monday – Pennsylvania Impost Act
Revision
- A
committee was appointed to meet with the Pennsylvania Assembly to discuss
revisions to their act authorizing the Continental impost.
August 16-23, 1786 – Wednesday-Wednesday – Debates on
Jay’s Spanish Treaty Instructions
- Congress
continued to debate John Jay’s instructions for negotiating the Spanish
treaty, which had become a major point of contention due to conflicting
national interests.
August 24, 1786 – Thursday – Relief for Moravian Indians
Ordered
- Congress
ordered relief measures for displaced Moravian Indians, reflecting the
humanitarian concerns related to Native American displacement during this
period.
August 28, 1786 – Monday – Debates on Jay’s Negotiating
Instructions
- Debates
over John Jay’s instructions for negotiating with Spain continued, with no
resolution in sight.
August 29, 1786 – Tuesday – Repeal of Jay’s Instructions
Contested
- By a
seven-to-five vote, Congress repealed John Jay’s negotiating instructions,
though the decision was contested on the grounds that a nine-vote majority
was constitutionally required.
August 30-31, 1786 – Wednesday-Thursday – Further Debates
on Repeal of Jay’s Instructions
- Congress
continued to debate the controversial repeal of John Jay’s instructions,
underscoring the deep divisions within the government over foreign policy
and western expansion.
September 1786
September 1-2, 1786 – Friday-Saturday – Debates on John
Jay’s Negotiating Instructions
- Congress
resumed its debate on the repeal of John Jay's instructions for
negotiating a treaty with Spain. These negotiations were contentious
because they involved critical issues like navigation rights on the
Mississippi River. Some members favored a compromise with Spain, while
others believed such a concession would hurt western expansion and the new
nation's sovereignty.
September 4, 1786 – Monday – South Carolina-Georgia
Boundary Dispute
- Congress
convened agents to appoint a court that would hear the boundary dispute
between South Carolina and Georgia. This was a significant interstate
conflict, typical of the territorial disagreements during the early years
of the republic.
September 5, 1786 – Tuesday – Settlement of Pennsylvania
Fiscal Claim
- Congress
authorized the settlement of a fiscal claim made by Pennsylvania, marking
an effort to resolve financial disputes and maintain harmony between the
states.
September 11, 1786 – Monday – South Carolina Appeals for
Congressional Intervention
- South
Carolina formally appealed to Congress to intervene in its boundary
dispute with Georgia. This reflected the persistent interstate territorial
tensions and the need for federal arbitration under the Articles of
Confederation.
September 12, 1786 – Tuesday – John Jay's Consular
Convention Report
- Congress
received a report from Secretary for Foreign Affairs John Jay concerning
the consular convention with France. This report dealt with the regulation
of consular activities between the two nations and highlighted the
importance of formalizing diplomatic and trade relations with European
powers.
September 13, 1786 – Wednesday – Judges Selected for
South Carolina-Georgia Boundary Dispute
- Judges
were selected to hear the boundary dispute between South Carolina and
Georgia. This step was essential in providing a legal resolution to the
territorial disagreement.
September 14, 1786 – Thursday – Connecticut Land Cession
Accepted
- Congress
accepted Connecticut’s land cession. This was part of the broader movement
by several states to cede their western land claims to the federal
government, which was critical for organizing the newly acquired
territories and ensuring federal authority.
September 18, 1786 – Monday – Continental Requisitions in
Paper Money Barred
- Congress
decided to bar the payment of Continental requisitions in paper money,
reflecting the distrust of paper currency, which was subject to
significant inflation and instability during this period. This decision
reinforced the push for a more stable monetary system based on specie
(gold and silver).
September 20, 1786 – Wednesday – Report on Annapolis
Convention
- Congress
received the report from the Annapolis Convention, where delegates from
several states had gathered to discuss revising the Articles of
Confederation, particularly in regard to trade and commerce. The
convention ultimately called for a broader Constitutional Convention to be
held in Philadelphia the following year.
- Congress
also ordered postmasters to accept only specie (gold and silver) for
payment of postage, further rejecting the use of unstable paper currency.
September 25, 1786 – Monday – Report on Pennsylvania
Assembly Conference
- Congress
received a report on the conference between its committee and the
Pennsylvania Assembly regarding the state's compliance with Congressional
requisitions. This reflected ongoing financial struggles and disputes
between the national government and individual states.
September 28, 1786 – Thursday – Continued Debates on John
Jay's Instructions
- The
debate over John Jay’s instructions for negotiating with Spain continued.
The issue remained unresolved as Congress was deeply divided on whether to
concede navigation rights on the Mississippi River.
September 29, 1786 – Friday – Territorial Government
Ordinance Debates
- Congress
debated an ordinance for the government of the western territories. This
was a precursor to the eventual Northwest Ordinance, which would be
crucial for the organized settlement and governance of the territories
west of the Appalachian Mountains.
October 1786
October 3, 1786 – Tuesday – Thomas Jefferson’s
Instructions on French Consular Convention
- Congress
provided instructions to Thomas Jefferson, the U.S. minister to France,
regarding the renegotiation of the consular convention with France. These
instructions aimed to clarify and improve the agreement regulating
consular activities between the two nations.
October 4, 1786 – Wednesday – Northwest Ordinance Debates
- The
debates over the Northwest Ordinance continued, as Congress worked to
finalize a plan for governing the territories. The Northwest Ordinance
would later become one of the most significant pieces of legislation
passed under the Articles of Confederation.
October 6, 1786 – Friday – James White Elected Indian
Superintendent
- Congress
elected James White as the superintendent of Indian affairs for the
southern region. This role was vital in managing relations with Native
American tribes and negotiating treaties as settlers expanded into their
lands.
October 10, 1786 – Tuesday – Indian Superintendent’s
Instructions
- James
White was instructed to confer with the southern states regarding
relations with Native American tribes, further illustrating the
complexities of frontier expansion and Native American diplomacy.
October 13, 1786 – Friday – Continental Accounts and
British Evacuation
- Congress
adopted an ordinance for the settlement of the states' Continental
accounts and received a report concerning the British response to U.S.
requests for the evacuation of frontier posts. The British had been
reluctant to abandon certain forts, which created ongoing tensions between
the two nations.
October 16, 1786 – Monday – Establishment of a Mint
- Congress
adopted an ordinance for establishing a mint, a crucial step toward
creating a stable and uniform national currency. This measure was intended
to strengthen the economy and replace the chaotic system of state-issued
paper money.
October 18, 1786 – Wednesday – Report on Shays’ Rebellion
- Congress
received a report from the secretary at war regarding Shays' Rebellion in
Massachusetts. The uprising, driven by economic hardship and government
debt, highlighted the weaknesses of the national government under the
Articles of Confederation in maintaining internal order.
October 21, 1786 – Saturday – Military Expansion in
Response to Shays’ Rebellion
- Congress
voted to increase the size of the military establishment. Although the
official reason was Indian defense, the decision was influenced by
concerns over Shays’ Rebellion and the broader unrest in Massachusetts.
October 23, 1786 – Monday – Trade Regulation and Mail
Inspection
- Congress
issued a new appeal to the states for the authority to regulate trade, a
long-standing issue that the Articles of Confederation failed to
adequately address. Additionally, Congress authorized the secretary for
foreign affairs to inspect the mail for reasons of national security,
though members of Congress were exempted from this surveillance.
October 26, 1786 – Thursday – Postal Service Inquiry
- Congress
ordered an inquiry into the functioning of the postal service, reflecting
the challenges in maintaining communication across the vast new nation.
October 30, 1786 – Monday – Rhode Island Interest
Suspension
- Congress
authorized the suspension of interest credits on debts held by Rhode
Island as a form of retaliation for the state's use of paper money, which
had caused financial instability.
November 1786
November 1-2, 1786 – Wednesday-Thursday – Postal Reform
Debates
- Congress
debated proposals for reforming the postal system to improve efficiency
and reduce costs.
November 3, 1786 – Friday – Adjournment
- Congress
adjourned, referring the matters still before them to the new Congress,
which was scheduled to convene on the following Monday.
November 6-December 31, 1786 – New Congress Fails to
Achieve Quorum
- The
new Congress, set to convene under the Articles of Confederation, failed
to achieve quorum for the remainder of 1786. This reflected the ongoing
governance crisis and the challenges of maintaining effective national
leadership under the Articles.
USCA Journals – United States of America
- 1787
January 1787
January 1-16, 1787 – Monday-Tuesday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- For
the first half of January, Congress was unable to conduct business as it
failed to meet the quorum requirements set by the Articles of
Confederation. This period highlighted the ongoing difficulty of gathering
enough representatives to carry out federal legislative duties.
January 17, 1787 – Wednesday – Achieves Quorum, Seven
States Represented
- Congress
finally achieved a quorum, with seven states represented, allowing them to
officially conduct business.
January 18-31, 1787 – Thursday-Wednesday – Fails to
Achieve Quorum
- Following
the brief success of gathering enough delegates on January 17, Congress
again struggled to maintain a quorum, stalling any further legislative
actions for the rest of the month.
February 1787
February 2, 1787 – Friday – Elects Arthur St. Clair as
President
- After
failing to conduct business for the previous few weeks, Congress elected
Arthur St. Clair as the new president of Congress, along with Samuel
Provost and John Rodgers as chaplains, marking a new phase of leadership.
February 3, 1787 – Saturday – Reads Correspondence
- Congress
resumed the reading of important correspondence that had been accumulating
since early November 1786, enabling the body to catch up on official
communications.
February 5, 1787 – Monday – Orders Fiscal Report
- A
report was ordered on the fiscal estimates for 1787, a necessary step for
planning the federal budget and determining how to meet the government’s
financial obligations.
February 6-9, 1787 – Tuesday-Friday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Once
again, Congress was unable to achieve quorum, demonstrating the persistent
challenges of maintaining effective representation under the Articles of
Confederation.
February 12, 1787 – Monday – Committee on Qualifications
- Congress
adopted the report of the committee on qualifications, ensuring that the
credentials of delegates were in order. Accumulated reports from the
Treasury and War Office were also read, addressing ongoing financial and
military matters.
February 14, 1787 – Wednesday – Nine States Represented
- For
the first time in a long while, nine states were represented, allowing
Congress to make significant progress. The draft ordinance for the Post
Office was read, and key issues were debated.
February 15, 1787 – Thursday – Mail Delivery Contracts
- Congress
authorized the postmaster general to contract for mail delivery services,
an important step in improving communication throughout the new nation.
February 19, 1787 – Monday – Lambert Cadwalader Elected
Chairman
- With
President St. Clair absent, Lambert Cadwalader was elected chairman to
ensure the continuity of Congress’s operations.
February 21, 1787 – Wednesday – Call for Philadelphia
Convention
- Congress
received the report on the Annapolis Convention, which had met the
previous year to discuss interstate commerce. Congress responded by
resolving to call for a Philadelphia convention to "render the
federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of Government and the
preservation of the Union." This would set the stage for the drafting
of the U.S. Constitution.
February 22-23, 1787 – Thursday-Friday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Despite
the progress made earlier in the month, Congress again struggled to gather
enough delegates to continue its work.
February 26, 1787 – Monday – Virginia Call for Interstate
Commercial Convention
- Congress
received a formal call from Virginia for an interstate commercial
convention, reflecting the states' desire for federal reform regarding
commerce and trade regulation.
March 1787
March 5-7, 1787 – Monday-Wednesday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- The
struggle to maintain quorum continued into March, delaying important
decisions.
March 8, 1787 – Thursday – Reaffirms Specie Requirement
- Congress
reaffirmed its decision that payments of state quotas to the federal
government must be made in specie (gold and silver), a reflection of the
economic instability and distrust of paper money.
March 9, 1787 – Friday – Shays' Rebellion and Western
Posts
- Congress
received a report from Massachusetts on the ongoing Shays' Rebellion and
adopted a report concerning the Western posts, underscoring both domestic
unrest and ongoing issues with British occupation of American frontier
forts.
March 13, 1787 – Tuesday – Military Stores and Commercial
Agent in Lisbon
- Congress
received a report on military stores and authorized the appointment of an
unsalaried commercial agent in Lisbon, demonstrating continued efforts to
secure international trade partnerships.
March 23, 1787 – Friday – Reduces Continental Civil List
- In
an effort to reduce costs, Congress adopted a measure to reduce the
Continental civil list, cutting down on government personnel and expenses.
March 28, 1787 – Wednesday – Debates Continental Property
- Congress
debated motions regarding the loan or sale of Continental property as part
of ongoing discussions on how to manage national assets and raise revenue.
March 30, 1787 – Friday – Seizure of American Property at
Natchez
- Congress
received a report on the seizure of American property at Natchez by
Spanish forces, reflecting ongoing tensions over territorial control in
the Mississippi River region.
April 1787
April 2, 1787 – Monday – 1787 Fiscal Estimates
- The
fiscal estimates for 1787 were submitted, giving Congress a clearer
picture of the nation’s financial situation.
April 4, 1787 – Wednesday – Spanish Negotiations
- John
Jay was ordered to report on the ongoing negotiations with Spain,
particularly concerning issues like navigation rights on the Mississippi
River, which was critical for western expansion and trade.
April 5, 1787 – Thursday – Land Sales Plan
- Congress
received a report on a plan for land sales, an essential component of
federal revenue generation, particularly in light of the recent land
cessions by states.
April 9, 1787 – Monday – Troops Discharged Post-Shays’
Rebellion
- Congress
ordered the discharge of troops enlisted to suppress Shays’ Rebellion,
except for two artillery companies, signaling the end of the federal
government’s response to the crisis in Massachusetts.
April 10, 1787 – Tuesday – Federal Capital Location
Debate
- Congress
debated the location of the federal capital, a contentious issue that
would continue for years as various states vied for the prestige and
economic benefits of hosting the seat of government.
April 13, 1787 – Friday – Repeal of State Acts Repugnant
to Treaty of Peace
- Congress
adopted a letter to the states recommending the repeal of all state laws
that were repugnant to the treaty of peace with Britain, emphasizing the
importance of adhering to international agreements.
April 16-17, 1787 – Monday-Tuesday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Congress
again failed to achieve quorum, delaying further legislative action.
April 18, 1787 – Wednesday – Debates Commissioner to
Spain
- Congress
debated the possibility of sending a commissioner to Spain to resolve
ongoing disputes over the Mississippi River and other territorial issues.
April 20, 1787 – Friday – Reports on Spain and Copper
Coinage
- John
Jay submitted another report on the negotiations with Spain, and Congress
also received a committee report on the copper coinage, highlighting
ongoing efforts to stabilize the national currency.
April 21, 1787 – Saturday – Copper Coinage and Western
Land Sales
- Congress
adopted the plan for copper coinage and a plan for the sale of western
lands, crucial steps in stabilizing the nation’s economy and encouraging
settlement in the new territories.
April 23, 1787 – Monday – Franking Privilege for
Convention Delegates
- Congress
extended franking privileges (the right to send mail without paying
postage) to delegates attending the Philadelphia Convention, showing
federal support for the upcoming Constitutional Convention.
April 24, 1787 – Tuesday – Recapture of Fort Vincennes
- Congress
ordered the recapture of Fort Vincennes, underscoring ongoing military
concerns in the western territories. They also received notification of
the peaceful resolution of the Massachusetts-New York land dispute.
April 25, 1787 – Wednesday – North Carolina Protest
Against Indian Treaties
- Congress
received a protest from North Carolina against federal treaties with
Native American tribes, reflecting the tension between state and federal
authority over Indian affairs.
April 27, 1787 – Friday – Fails to Achieve Quorum
- Once
again, Congress failed to achieve quorum, halting further action.
May 1787
May 1, 1787 – Tuesday – Fails to Achieve Quorum
- The
difficulty of maintaining quorum persisted, further delaying important
decisions.
May 2, 1787 – Wednesday – Surplus Continental Arms
- Congress
authorized the sale of surplus Continental arms, a measure to raise funds
and reduce unnecessary military stores.
May 3, 1787 – Thursday – British Consul Phineas Bond
- Congress
received Phineas Bond, the British consul, reflecting ongoing diplomatic
relations with Britain despite unresolved tensions from the Revolutionary
War.
May 7, 1787 – Monday – Departmental Accounts
- Congress
appointed commissioners to settle the accounts of the various departments,
continuing efforts to resolve outstanding financial matters.
May 8-10, 1787 – Tuesday-Thursday – Debates and Northwest
Ordinance
- Congress
debated proposals concerning interstate commercial conventions and the
Northwest Ordinance, laying the groundwork for the organization and
governance of new territories.
May 11, 1787 – Friday – Mississippi Negotiations with
Spain
- Congress
debated the negotiations with Spain concerning the navigation of the
Mississippi River, a vital issue for western expansion and trade.
May 12-31, 1787 – Saturday-Thursday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Despite
the importance of the issues at hand, Congress failed to achieve quorum
for the rest of May, stalling progress on critical matters like the
Northwest Ordinance.
June 1-29, 1787 – Friday-Friday – Fails to Achieve Quorum
- The
quorum issues continued into June, with Congress unable to gather enough
delegates to proceed with its legislative agenda.
July 2-3, 1787 – Monday-Tuesday – Fails to Achieve Quorum
- Congress
was unable to achieve a quorum during the first few days of July, a
continuation of the struggles that had plagued its sessions for much of
the year.
July 1787
July 4, 1787 – Wednesday – Achieves Quorum; Elects
William Grayson Chairman
- On
Independence Day, Congress achieved quorum and elected William Grayson as
chairman in the absence of President Arthur St. Clair. They also received
a report concerning negotiations with Spain.
July 5, 1787 – Thursday – Fails to Achieve Quorum
- Congress
quickly reverted to its earlier issues, failing to maintain quorum the day
after Independence Day.
July 10, 1787 – Tuesday – Receives Report on Western
Lands
- A
report was received on the sale of western lands to various land
companies, an important issue for the expansion and financial stability of
the fledgling United States.
July 11, 1787 – Wednesday – Reads the Northwest Ordinance
- Congress
read the Northwest Ordinance, which laid out the process for governing the
Northwest Territory. This document would prove to be one of the most
significant pieces of legislation passed under the Articles of
Confederation. Congress also received reports on the issuance of indents
for Continental quotas and on hostilities with Native American tribes.
July 13, 1787 – Friday – Adopts the Northwest Ordinance
- Congress
officially adopted the Northwest Ordinance, which provided a
framework for the governance and eventual statehood of territories in the
Northwest. This ordinance prohibited slavery in the new territories and
set a precedent for westward expansion. It remains one of the most
significant achievements of Congress under the Articles of Confederation.
July 14, 1787 – Saturday – Orders Report on 1787
Requisition
- Congress
requested a report on the 1787 requisition, which was the mechanism for
collecting funds from the states to support the national government.
July 18, 1787 – Wednesday – Ratifies Commercial Treaty
with Morocco
- A
commercial treaty with Morocco was ratified, expanding U.S. trade
relationships with foreign nations. Congress also received a report
concerning land claims made by southern Native American tribes.
July 19-21, 1787 – Thursday-Saturday – Debates Indian
Pacification
- Congress
spent several days debating measures to pacify Native American tribes in
the southern and western regions of the United States, as hostilities with
Indigenous peoples remained a pressing concern for national security and
western expansion.
July 20, 1787 – Friday – Instructions for John Adams
- John
Adams, the U.S. minister to Britain, was instructed to engage in a
convention with Britain regarding violations of the treaty of peace that
ended the Revolutionary War. These violations, particularly regarding
British occupation of western forts, had continued to strain relations
between the two nations.
July 23, 1787 – Monday – Approves Commercial Agents to
Morocco
- Congress
approved the appointments of commercial agents to Morocco, further
solidifying trade relations with the North African state.
July 25, 1787 – Wednesday – Debates Pacification of
Western Indians
- Congress
debated further measures for the pacification of Native American tribes in
the western territories, recognizing that peace with Indigenous peoples
was essential for the nation's westward expansion and security.
July 26, 1787 – Thursday – Postal Contracts and Foreign
Loans
- Congress
authorized the Post Office to sign new postal contracts and received a
report on foreign loans, indicating ongoing efforts to stabilize the
nation’s finances and improve communication infrastructure.
July 27, 1787 – Friday – Confederacy Against Barbary
States
- Congress
ordered a report on forming "a Confederacy with the powers of
Europe" to combat the threat posed by the Barbary States, who were
notorious for their piracy and attacks on American shipping in the
Mediterranean. They also instructed Thomas Jefferson on the consular
convention with France.
August 1787
August 3, 1787 – Friday – Debates Southern Indian Affairs
- Congress
continued to debate matters related to southern Native American tribes,
focusing on how to establish peaceful relations and prevent further
conflict.
August 6-8, 1787 – Monday-Wednesday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Congress
again struggled to maintain quorum, halting progress on important matters.
August 9, 1787 – Thursday – South Carolina Land Cession
- Congress
accepted South Carolina’s cession of land to the federal government, which
was crucial for the organization and eventual sale of western lands. A
report on northern Native American affairs was also received.
August 10-31, 1787 – Friday-Friday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- For
the remainder of August, Congress again failed to achieve quorum, stalling
progress on numerous legislative issues.
September 1787
September 3-19, 1787 – Monday-Wednesday – Fails to
Achieve Quorum
- Continuing
from August, Congress remained unable to achieve quorum for much of
September, delaying any formal actions.
September 20, 1787 – Thursday – Receives Report of
Philadelphia Constitutional Convention
- Congress
received the final report from the Philadelphia Convention, which had
drafted the new U.S. Constitution. This marked the beginning of the formal
process of submitting the Constitution to the states for ratification.
September 21, 1787 – Friday – Reelects Treasury
Commissioners
- Congress
reelected Arthur Lee, Walter Livingston, and Samuel Osgood as treasury
commissioners, a sign of continuity in the federal government’s financial
oversight. They also reduced the civil list, cutting government
expenditures.
September 24, 1787 – Monday – Accepts John Adams'
Retirement
- Congress
accepted the impending retirement of John Adams as U.S. minister to
Britain, effective after February 24, 1788. They also received a report on
protests from the Netherlands regarding U.S. diplomatic actions.
September 26-27, 1787 – Wednesday-Thursday – Debates
Constitution
- Congress
began formal debates on the Constitution submitted by the Philadelphia
Convention, signaling the start of the ratification process.
- The
delegates were now faced with the prospect of either discarding, revising
or sending the new constitution with no changes to the States for
ratification. Critics of the Constitution wanted it transmitted to the
state legislatures with an indication that the Convention had violated
Article XIII of the Articles of Confederation and the congressional
resolution of 21 February 1787.
· Supporters
of the “Plan of The New Federal Government,”[i]
such as Rufus King, James Madison, and Nathaniel Gorham, contended that
Congress should approve the Constitution without alterations before submitting
it to the state legislatures. They also recommended that the legislatures
convene special conventions specifically to review and deliberate on the
Constitution.
- Richard
Henry Lee proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution, on September 27,
1787, which were aimed to address concerns regarding individual liberties
and the distribution of governmental power. He emphasized that the
Constitution should include a Bill of Rights, explicitly safeguarding
essential freedoms and ensuring a fair administration of justice.
· Congress
refused to debate the substance of Lee’s amendments and rejected his proposal.
Nor were Lee’s motion and amendments even recorded in the Journals.
September 28, 1787 – Friday – Submits Constitution to the
States
· On
the 28th of September Congress reached a unanimous compromise. The resolution, strongly shaped by George
Washington's influence and preferences, fully adhered to the Convention's
recommendation and was recorded in the Journals as follows:
· “Congress
having received the report of the Convention lately assembled in Philadelphia:
Resolved Unanimously that the said Report with the resolutions and letter
accompanying the same be transmitted to the several legislatures in Order to be
submitted to a convention of Delegates chosen in each state by the people
thereof in conformity to the resolves of the Convention made and provided in
that case.”
September 29, 1787 – Saturday – Report on John Paul
Jones' Prize Money
- Congress
received a report on prize money earned by John Paul Jones, the famous
naval commander, for his victories during the Revolutionary War. They also
reviewed the requisition for 1787, continuing efforts to finance the
government.
October 1787
October 2, 1787 – Tuesday – Report on Foreign Debt
- Congress
received a report detailing the status of the foreign debt owed by the
United States, a pressing issue that continued to burden the nation’s
finances.
October 3, 1787 – Wednesday – Civil List and Military for
Northwest Territory
- Congress
set the civil list and the military establishment for the newly organized
Northwest Territory, ensuring that the region would have the necessary
governance and defense.
October 5, 1787 – Friday – Arthur St. Clair Elected
Governor of Northwest Territory
- Arthur
St. Clair was elected governor of the Northwest Territory, while Winthrop
Sargent was appointed as secretary. Congress also resolved to hold a
treaty with the western Native American tribes to secure peace and
stability in the region.
October 8, 1787 – Monday – Massachusetts-New York Land
Dispute
- Congress
terminated federal proceedings in the Massachusetts-New York land dispute,
ending an ongoing conflict between the two states over territorial claims.
October 11, 1787 – Thursday – Dutch Loan and John Paul
Jones
- Congress
ratified John Adams' contract for a Dutch loan and authorized the use of
indents for loan office interest in payment of Continental quotas. They
also directed the payment of prize money received by John Paul Jones.
October 12, 1787 – Friday – Ransom of Captives at Algiers
- Congress
authorized the payment of ransom for American captives held by Barbary
pirates in Algiers, reflecting ongoing challenges with the Barbary States.
Thomas Jefferson was reelected as minister to France.
October 13, 1787 – Saturday – Arrest of Lt. John Sullivan
- Congress
ordered the arrest of Lt. John Sullivan for actions that jeopardized U.S.
relations with Spain. They also debated Virginia's infringement of U.S.
treaty obligations.
October 15, 1787 – Monday – Postal Contracts
- Postal
contracts were authorized, ensuring continued communication infrastructure
across the new nation.
October 16, 1787 – Tuesday – Northwest Territory Judges
- John
Armstrong, Jr., Samuel Holden Parsons, and James Mitchell Varnum were
elected as judges of the Northwest Territory. Congress also commended John
Paul Jones for his naval service.
October 17, 1787 – Wednesday – Sale of Carlisle Barracks
- Congress
authorized the sale of the Carlisle barracks, a military facility, to
raise funds.
October 18-19, 1787 – Thursday-Friday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Once
again, quorum issues halted Congress’s progress.
October 20, 1787 – Saturday – North Carolina and Georgia
Land Cessions
- Congress
issued appeals for North Carolina and Georgia to cede western lands to the
federal government. They also reduced postal rates to facilitate
communication.
October 21, 1787 – Sunday – Ohio Company Land Purchase
- Congress
authorized the sale of one million acres of land to the Ohio Company,
which was a key step in encouraging settlement of the Northwest Territory.
October 22, 1787 – Monday – Military Bounty Lands
- Congress
set aside lands for military bounties, providing land grants to soldiers
in return for their service.
October 26, 1787 – Friday – Indian Treaty Negotiations
- Congress
adopted instructions for holding negotiations with western Native American
tribes, as the need for peaceful relations remained a priority.
October 29-31, 1787 – Monday-Wednesday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Quorum
issues again plagued Congress, preventing further legislative action.
November 1-2, 1787 – Thursday-Friday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Congress
continued to struggle to convene a quorum.
November 5, 1787 – Monday – New Congress Assembles
- A
new Congress assembled, with only five delegates from two states
represented. This new session failed to achieve quorum to convene as
required by the Articles of Confederation.
November 6-30, 1787 – Tuesday-Friday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- For
the remainder of November, Congress was unable to achieve quorum,
effectively stalling government operations.
December 3-31, 1787 – Monday-Monday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
·
Congress failed to achieve quorum throughout
December, marking the end of a challenging year in which quorum issues
consistently hampered legislative progress.
·
December 7, 1787, Delaware ratifies the
Constitution of 1787
·
December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania ratifies the
Constitution of 1787
·
December 18, 1787, New Jersey ratifies the
Constitution of 1787
[i] Smith,
Robert a Philadelphia, issued a hastily typeset broadside dated September 17,
with spelling and punctuation errors, titled " Plan for The New Federal
Government" that included the text of the proposed new Constitution. The printer, Robert Smith Jr., established
himself in Philadelphia in 1783 (see Brown and Brown, A Directory of the
Book-Arts and Book Trade in Philadelphia to 1820, p.111). In February 1787,
Smith launched the tri-weekly Evening Chronicle, which became a semi-weekly
with the issue of 7 August (Brigham, 2:904). According to Brigham, Smith took
on a partner, James Prange, and from November 1, the firm operated as Robert
Smith and James Prange. This effectively narrows the possible date of the
present edition to between 17 September and 1 November 1787. But it is a
virtual certainty that Smith's edition was issued very close to 17 September.
Logically, Smith would have gone to press with the historic document as soon as
the new plan was available to be set in type. Even a week later, the new plan
would have been cold, essentially unsaleable news to Philadelphians.
USCA Journals – United States of America
- 1788
January 1788
January 1-16, 1788 – Monday-Tuesday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- For
the first half of January, Congress was unable to conduct business as it
failed to meet the quorum requirements set by the Articles of
Confederation. This period highlighted the ongoing difficulty of gathering
enough representatives to carry out federal legislative duties.
January 1-19, 1788 – Tuesday-Saturday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Congress
struggled to convene a quorum at the start of the year, continuing a trend
that had plagued the legislative body under the Articles of Confederation.
- January
2, 1788 Georgia ratifies the Constitution of 1787
- January
9, 1788 Connecticut ratifies the Constitution of 1787
January 21, 1788 – Monday – Convenes Seven States
Represented
- Finally,
after weeks of inactivity, Congress convened with representatives from
seven states, allowing it to resume official business.
Eighth USCA:
January 21, 1788
CyrusGriffin, USCA President
January 22, 1788 – Tuesday – Elects Cyrus Griffin
President
- Cyrus
Griffin was elected president of the Congress, succeeding Arthur St. Clair
in the role.
January 23-31, 1788 – Wednesday-Thursday – Fails to
Achieve Quorum
- Despite
the election of a new president, Congress again failed to maintain quorum
for the remainder of January, halting progress on legislative matters.
February 1788
February 1, 1788 – Friday – Reviews Backlog of Reports
- Congress
began reviewing a backlog of reports and correspondence accumulated during
the extended periods without quorum.
February 5, 1788 – Tuesday – Receives Massachusetts-New
York Boundary Report
- Congress
received a report on the survey of the boundary between Massachusetts and
New York, a matter of ongoing territorial dispute between the two states.
February 6-9, 1788 – Wednesday-Saturday – Fails to
Achieve Quorum
- Once
again, quorum was not maintained, stalling further legislative action.
- February
6, 1788, Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution of 1787
February 12, 1788 – Tuesday – Authorizes Issuance of Sea
Letters
- Congress
authorized the Secretary for Foreign Affairs to issue sea letters,
documents allowing American ships safe passage and recognition under
international law.
February 14, 1788 – Thursday – Sets Date for Reception of
New French Minister
- Congress
scheduled a date to formally receive the new French minister, Comte de
Moustier, signaling the ongoing importance of diplomatic relations
with France.
February 19, 1788 – Tuesday – Elects John Cleves Symmes
Judge of Northwest Territory
- John
Cleves Symmes was elected as a judge for the Northwest Territory,
part of the governance structure established by the Northwest Ordinance
of 1787.
February 25, 1788 – Monday – Debates Appointment of
Superintendent of Indian Affairs
- Congress
engaged in a debate over the appointment of a superintendent for Indian
affairs in the southern department, reflecting the ongoing need to manage
relations with Native American tribes.
February 26, 1788 – Tuesday – Audience for Comte de
Moustier
- Congress
held a formal audience to welcome Comte de Moustier, the newly
appointed French minister to the United States, furthering diplomatic ties
with America's primary ally.
February 28, 1788 – Thursday – Receives Treasury Report
on Foreign Debt
- A
report from the Treasury was presented, outlining the state of the foreign
debt owed by the United States, a continuing concern for the young
nation's financial stability.
February 29, 1788 – Friday – Appoints Chaplains and
Superintendent of Indian Affairs
- Samuel
Provost and John Rodgers were appointed as chaplains of Congress. Richard
Winn was appointed superintendent of Indian affairs for the southern
department. Congress also debated a motion regarding Kentucky statehood.
March 1788
March 4, 1788 – Tuesday – Debates Kentucky Statehood
- Congress
began debating Kentucky’s petition for statehood in committee of the
whole. This marked a significant moment as the expansion of the Union was
considered.
March 6, 1788 – Thursday – Receives Reports on Western
Land Issues
- Reports
on the claims of French settlers in the Illinois country and surveys of
western lands were presented, highlighting the complexity of land disputes
and western expansion.
March 10-11, 1788 – Monday-Tuesday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Congress
was once again unable to achieve quorum, stalling further discussion on
key issues.
March 12, 1788 – Wednesday – Receives Report on Military
Bounty Lands
- Congress
received a report on military bounty lands, which involved land grants
promised to soldiers in exchange for their service during the
Revolutionary War.
March 18, 1788 – Tuesday – Communications on Indian
Affairs
- Congress
received communications concerning ongoing Indian affairs, an issue that
required careful management as the United States expanded into Native
American territories.
March 19-27, 1788 – Wednesday-Thursday – Debates Western
Land Ordinance Amendment
- Congress
debated amendments to the Western Land Ordinance, focusing on how to
manage and organize the vast western territories for settlement and
statehood.
April 30, 1788
March 31-April 30, 1788 – Monday-Wednesday – Fails to
Achieve Quorum
- Congress
again struggled to achieve quorum for the entire month of April,
preventing any substantial progress on legislative matters.
- April
28, 1788, Maryland ratifies the Constitution of 1787
May 1788
May 1, 1788 – Thursday – Fails to Achieve Quorum
- Quorum
issues persisted into the beginning of May, continuing to delay important
decisions.
May 2, 1788 – Friday – Receives Treasury and War Office
Reports
- Congress
received a Treasury report on a proposed Dutch loan, as well as three War
Office reports on Indian affairs, emphasizing the ongoing fiscal and
security concerns facing the government.
May 5, 1788 – Monday – Receives Reports on Western Land
Issues
- Reports
on various issues related to western lands were presented to Congress,
continuing the focus on the organization and settlement of these
territories.
May 8, 1788 – Thursday – Elects Commissioners for Wartime
Accounts
- Congress
elected Jonathan Burrall and Benjamin Walker as commissioners responsible
for settling the accounts of the five wartime departments, ensuring that
financial records from the Revolutionary War were properly reconciled.
May 20, 1788 – Tuesday – Authorizes Fortnightly Posts
- Congress
authorized the establishment of a fortnightly postal service
between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, an important step in improving
communication across the growing nation.
May 21, 1788 – Wednesday – Receives Treasury Report on
Coinage
- A
Treasury report on coinage was presented, addressing the nation’s need for
a stable and uniform currency.
May 22, 1788 – Thursday – Orders Suits for Outstanding
Continental Accounts
- Congress
directed the initiation of legal proceedings to collect outstanding
accounts owed to the Continental government, an essential step in
addressing the ongoing fiscal shortfall.
- May
23, 1788, South Carolina ratifies the Constitution of 1787
May 26, 1788 – Monday – Reports on Cherokee Treaty
Violations
- Congress
received a report from the War Department on settlers violating the treaty
rights of the Cherokee Nation, highlighting the tensions between settlers
and Native American tribes in the southern territories.
May 27-29, 1788 – Tuesday-Thursday – Debates Western Land
Ordinance Amendment
- Further
debates occurred on amending the Western Land Ordinance, focusing on the
administration and settlement of these vast territories.
May 30, 1788 – Friday – Debates Kentucky Statehood
- Congress
resumed its debate on Kentucky statehood in committee of the whole.
June 1788
June 2, 1788 – Monday – Report Recommending Kentucky
Statehood
- The
committee of the whole presented a report recommending the admission of
Kentucky as a state.
June 3, 1788 – Tuesday – Elects Grand Committee on
Kentucky Statehood
- A grand
committee was elected to deliberate further on Kentucky's statehood
petition, moving the issue closer to resolution.
June 5, 1788 – Thursday – Fails to Achieve Quorum
- Congress
was unable to maintain quorum once again, delaying progress on Kentucky’s
statehood and other matters.
June 6, 1788 – Friday – Survey of New York-Pennsylvania
Boundary
- Congress
authorized a survey of the New York-Pennsylvania boundary,
preparing for the possibility of granting Pennsylvania greater access to Lake
Erie.
June 9, 1788 – Monday – Orders Treasury to Submit Fiscal
Estimates
- The
Treasury Department was directed to submit fiscal estimates for the
1788-1789 fiscal year, crucial for the budgeting process.
June 12, 1788 – Thursday – Report on Illinois French
Settlers
- A
report was presented regarding the land reserve for French settlers
in the Illinois country, addressing their claims and integration into the
broader territorial framework.
June 13, 1788 – Friday – French Protest Virginia
Harboring Pirate
- Congress
responded to a French protest concerning Virginia’s harboring of a
French pirate, signaling ongoing diplomatic challenges.
June 17, 1788 – Tuesday – Report on Manpower and
Recruitment
- The
War Office submitted a report concerning manpower and recruitment,
underscoring the ongoing need for defense personnel in the western
territories.
June 18, 1788 – Wednesday – Report Opposes State
Inspection of Mails
- A
report opposing state inspection of the mails was received, defending the
integrity of the federal postal system.
June 19, 1788 – Thursday – Debates Western Land Ordinance
Amendment
- Further
debates were held regarding amendments to the Western Land Ordinance.
June 20, 1788 – Friday – Elects Joseph Martin Agent to
the Cherokees
- Joseph
Martin was elected as the Continental agent to the Cherokee Nation, an
important role in maintaining relations with Native American tribes in the
South.
- June
21, 1788, New Hampshire ratifies the Constitution of 1787
June 24, 1788 – Tuesday – Extension for Continental
Claims
- Congress
authorized a three-month extension for the submission of Continental
claims, providing additional time for individuals and states to settle
outstanding accounts.
June 25, 1788 – Wednesday – Abolishes Inspector of
Continental Troops
- Congress
abolished the office of inspector of Continental troops, signaling a
reduction in the federal military establishment as tensions decreased.
- June
25, 1788, Virginia ratifies the Constitution of 1787
June 27, 1788 – Friday – Debates Georgia-Creek Indian
Affairs
- Congress
debated a report on the tense situation between Georgia and the Creek
Nation, highlighting ongoing conflicts in the southern territories.
July 1788
July 2, 1788 – Wednesday – Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
and Debates Western Land Ordinance
- Congress
received notification of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution
by New Hampshire, the ninth state to do so, effectively ensuring the new
government framework would take effect.
- Congress
resumed debates on the Western Land Ordinance
July 3, 1788 – Thursday – Postpones Kentucky Statehood
- In
light of the new Constitution, Congress postponed further action on
Kentucky statehood until the government established under the new
Constitution could begin proceedings.
July 7-8, 1788 – Monday-Tuesday – Debates Western Land
Ordinance
- Congress
continued debating the Western Land Ordinance, working out the
complexities of managing western expansion.
July 9, 1788 – Wednesday – Refers Fiscal Estimates to
Committee
- Fiscal
estimates were referred to a committee, and Congress adopted a
“supplement” to the Western Land Ordinance, further refining the
legislation guiding western settlement.
July 14, 1788 – Monday – Debates Report on Implementing
the Constitution
- Congress
began debating a report on how to implement the newly ratified
Constitution, setting the stage for the transition to a stronger federal
government.
July 15, 1788 – Tuesday – Rejects Georgia Land Cession
Terms
- Congress
rejected the terms of Georgia's land cession but accepted responsibility
for defending the southwestern frontier.
July 17, 1788 – Thursday – Resumes Western Land Surveys
- Congress
directed the resumption of western land surveys and rejected a proposed Virginia
land reserve for military bounties.
July 21, 1788 – Monday – Receives Report on Army Manpower
Needs
- A
report was received detailing the manpower needs of the Continental Army,
reflecting the ongoing requirement for a standing force.
July 25, 1788 – Friday – Deploys Troops to Pacify Luzerne
County, Pa.
- Congress
ordered the deployment of Continental troops to pacify Luzerne County,
Pennsylvania, where unrest had broken out.
July 28, 1788 – Monday – Debates Constitution
Implementation
- Congress
resumed debate on the report concerning the implementation of the U.S.
Constitution, including the establishment of the new government framework.
- July
26, 1788, New York ratifies the Constitution of 1787
July 30, 1788 – Wednesday – Rejects Capital in New York
- A
motion to establish the national capital in New York was rejected, with
Congress still undecided on a permanent seat for the federal government.
August 1788
August 1, 1788 – Friday – Extends Term of Northern
Superintendent of Indian Affairs
- Congress
extended the term of the northern superintendent of Indian affairs,
highlighting the ongoing efforts to manage relations with Native American
tribes in the northern territories.
August 4, 1788 – Monday – Extends Term of Southern
Superintendent of Indian Affairs
- Similar
to the northern office, the term of the southern superintendent of Indian
affairs was also extended, reflecting the importance of maintaining
diplomatic ties and managing conflicts with southern tribes.
August 5-6, 1788 – Tuesday-Wednesday – Debates Motions on
the Location of the Capital
- Congress
resumed debate on the issue of where the national capital should be
located, a contentious topic that had significant political implications
as different states and regions vied for this distinction.
August 7, 1788 – Thursday – Debates Status of Delegates
from States That Have Not Ratified the Constitution
- Congress
discussed the status of delegates from states that had yet to ratify the U.S.
Constitution, raising questions about their role and participation in the
legislative process under the new government framework.
August 12, 1788 – Tuesday – Plans Mobilization of
Frontier Militia Against Western Indians
- In
response to ongoing conflicts, Congress planned the mobilization of
frontier militia to defend against attacks from Western Indian tribes,
underscoring the instability on the frontier.
August 13, 1788 – Wednesday – Debates Report on
Implementing the Constitution
- Congress
continued to debate the implementation of the U.S. Constitution, focusing
on how to transition from the Articles of Confederation to the new
constitutional government.
August 20, 1788 – Wednesday – Adopts 1788 Requisition
- Congress
formally adopted the 1788 requisition, an annual call for funds from the
states to support the operations of the federal government.
August 26, 1788 – Tuesday – Debates Constitution
Implementation; Seeks Spanish Cooperation for Apprehending Fugitive Slaves
- While
continuing to debate the implementation of the Constitution, Congress also
sought Spanish cooperation in apprehending fugitive slaves fleeing
to Spanish-controlled Florida, an early instance of diplomatic engagement
regarding slavery.
August 28, 1788 – Thursday – Revises George Morgan
Associates Western Land Contract
- Congress
revised the western land contract with George Morgan and associates, a
significant move in managing the sale and settlement of land in the
western territories.
August 29, 1788 – Friday – Confirms Land Titles of French
Settlers in the Illinois Country
- Congress
confirmed the land titles of French settlers in the Illinois country,
further formalizing the rights of those who had settled the western
territories under French rule before the U.S. took control.
September 1788
September 1, 1788 – Monday – Condemns Settler
Encroachments on Cherokee Lands
- Congress
issued a condemnation of settler encroachments on Cherokee lands,
reflecting ongoing tensions between American settlers and Native American
tribes over land rights.
September 2, 1788 – Tuesday – Debates Constitution
Implementation
- Congress
resumed debate on the implementation of the U.S. Constitution, continuing
the critical work of transitioning to the new government framework.
September 3, 1788 – Wednesday – Reserves Ohio Lands for
Christian Delaware Indians; Rejects Capital at Annapolis
- Congress
reserved certain lands in Ohio for Christian Delaware Indians as part of
its policies towards Native American tribes. Additionally, a motion to
establish the capital at Annapolis was rejected.
September 4, 1788 – Thursday – Debates Constitution
Implementation; Confirms Pennsylvania Land Contract
- Congress
continued to discuss how to implement the Constitution while confirming a land
contract that gave Pennsylvania a large tract of land bordering Lake Erie.
September 8, 1788 – Monday – Receives John Jay's Report
on Mississippi Negotiations
- John
Jay, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, presented a report on the ongoing
negotiations with Spain concerning the Mississippi River, a critical issue
for western settlement and trade.
September 13, 1788 – Saturday – Adopts Plan for
Implementing the Constitution
- Congress
officially adopted a plan for implementing the U.S. Constitution, setting
the stage for the transition to the new government.
- “Whereas
the Convention assembled in Philadelphia pursuant to the resolution of
Congress of the 21st of Feby 1787 did on the 17th of Sept in the same year
report to the United States in Congress assembled a constitution for the
people of the United States, Whereupon Congress on the 28 of the same Sept
did resolve unanimously " That the said report with the resolutions
& letter accompanying the same be transmitted to the several
legislatures in order to be submitted to a convention of Delegates chosen
in each state by the people thereof in conformity to the resolves of the
convention made and provided in that case " And whereas the
constitution so reported by the Convention and by Congress transmitted to
the several legislatures has been ratified in the manner therein declared
to be sufficient for the establishment of the same and such ratifications
duly authenticated have been received by Congress and are filed in the
Office of the Secretary therefore Resolved That the first Wednesday in
Jany next be the day for appointing Electors in the several states, which
before the said day shall have ratified the said Constitution; that the
first Wednesday in feby next be the day for the electors to assemble in
their respective states and vote for a president; And that the first
Wednesday in March next be the time and the present seat of Congress the
place for commencing proceedings under the said constitution”
September 16, 1788 – Tuesday – Recommends States Ban
Importation of Felons
- Congress
recommended that states ban the importation of convicted felons as
part of efforts to regulate immigration and maintain public order.
September 18-29, 1788 – Thursday-Monday – Fails to
Achieve Quorum
- Congress
repeatedly failed to achieve a quorum during this period, hampering its
ability to conduct official business.
September 30, 1788 – Tuesday – Receives Treasury
Department Inquiry Report
- Congress
received a report on an inquiry into the Treasury Department,
reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain oversight of federal finances.
October 1788
October 1, 1788 – Wednesday – Rejects Silas Deane
Settlement of Beaumarchais' Accounts
- Congress
rejected a proposed settlement of the accounts of Silas Deane with Beaumarchais,
a French arms supplier during the Revolutionary War, citing concerns over
the financial arrangements.
October 2, 1788 – Thursday – Receives Report on War
Department Inquiry
- A
report on an inquiry into the War Department was received,
underscoring the need for accountability in military expenditures and
operations.
On Monday, October 6th, 1788, the USCA vacated the old New York City Hall and six States assembled in the Department of Foreign Affairs former offices at 95 Broadway. The USCA Journals report:
October 6-7, 1788 – Monday-Tuesday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- Congress
again failed to achieve quorum, delaying further legislative action.
October 8, 1788 – Wednesday – Communications on Indian
Relations in Western Territory
- Congress
received communications regarding ongoing issues with Native American
relations in the western territories, which were critical as
settlers continued to push westward.
October 10, 1788 – Friday – Suspends Work of
Commissioners on Continental Accounts; Final Session Under Articles of
Confederation
- Congress
suspended the work of the commissioners tasked with settling state
Continental accounts, and adjourned what would become the final
session under the Articles of Confederation, marking the end of an
era.
October 13-31, 1788 – Monday-Friday – Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- From
October 13 to the end of the month, Congress failed to achieve quorum,
reflecting the challenges of the Articles of Confederation's decentralized
system as the nation prepared to transition to the new Constitution.
Ninth USCA: Fails
to Achieve Quorum
November 1788
November 3, 1788 – Monday – New Congress Fails to Achieve
Quorum
- A
new Congress attempted to convene as prescribed by the Articles of
Confederation, but only two delegates, Benjamin Contee from Maryland and Hugh
Williamson from North Carolina, attended, resulting in the failure to form
a quorum.
November 15, 1788 – Saturday – Cyrus Griffin Attends
- Cyrus
Griffin of Virginia attended, but a quorum was still not achieved,
continuing the legislative deadlock.
December 1788
December 1, 1788 – Monday – John Dawson from Virginia
Attends
- John
Dawson from Virginia attended Congress, joining the small number of
delegates present, but quorum was still not achieved.
December 6, 1788 – Saturday – Nicholas Eveleigh from
South Carolina Attends
- Nicholas
Eveleigh from South Carolina joined the assembled delegates, but Congress
remained unable to form a quorum.
December 11, 1788 – Thursday – Jonathan Dayton from New
Jersey Attends
- Jonathan
Dayton from New Jersey attended, but quorum continued to elude Congress,
stalling any significant progress.
December 15, 1788 – Monday – Thomas Tudor Tucker from
South Carolina Attends
- Thomas
Tudor Tucker from South Carolina attended, but with too few delegates
present, Congress again failed to achieve quorum.
December 30, 1788 – Tuesday – Samuel A. Otis from
Massachusetts Attends
- Samuel
A. Otis from Massachusetts joined the assembly, but Congress once again
failed to achieve a quorum, closing out the year with little to no
legislative activity.
USCA Journals – United States of America - 1788/1789
January 1789
January 1, 1789 – Thursday – James R. Reid from
Pennsylvania and Robert Barnwell from South Carolina Attend
- James
R. Reid from Pennsylvania and Robert Barnwell from South
Carolina attended Congress, marking the continued attempt to keep Congress
functional as the new Constitution was set to take effect.
January 8, 1789 – Thursday – Mr. A. Clarke from New
Jersey Attends
- A.
Clarke from New Jersey joined the assembly, but with the impending
transition to the new government under the Constitution, the Continental
Congress struggled to maintain quorum.
January 10, 1789 – Saturday – Mr. T. Coxe from
Pennsylvania Attends
- T.
Coxe from Pennsylvania attended, contributing to the diminishing activity
of the Congress as it approached its final days under the Articles of
Confederation.
January 26, 1789 – Monday – Mr. Nathaniel Gorham from
Massachusetts Attends
- Nathaniel
Gorham, a former President of Congress, joined the assembly, but with the
impending shift to the new federal government, little significant business
was conducted.
January 29, 1789 – Thursday – Mr. George Thatcher from
Massachusetts Attends
- George
Thatcher from Massachusetts attended, further attempting to maintain the
appearance of a functioning Congress despite the dwindling numbers of
delegates.
February 1789
February 6, 1789 – Friday – Mr. D. Ross from Maryland Attends
- D.
Ross from Maryland attended Congress, continuing the slow wind-down of the
Confederation government.
February 12, 1789 – Thursday – Mr. J. Gardner from Rhode
Island Attends
- J.
Gardner from Rhode Island attended, but quorum was still not achieved as
the Continental Congress neared the end of its existence.
February 18, 1789 – Wednesday – Mr. D. Gelston from New
York Attends
- D.
Gelston from New York joined Congress, with little official business
taking place as attention increasingly shifted to the preparations for the
new government under the Constitution.
February 19, 1789 – Thursday – Mr. Nicholas Gilman from
New Hampshire Attends
- Nicholas
Gilman from New Hampshire attended, but as the end of the Confederation
period approached, the Congress remained largely inactive.
March 1789
March 2, 1789 – Monday – Mr. Philip Pell from New York
Attends
- Philip
Pell from New York attended, marking one of the final days of activity for
the Confederation Congress before the Constitution took full effect.
March 3, 1789 – Tuesday – Articles of Confederation
Expire
- At
sunset on March 3, 1789, a cannon was fired thirteen times from Federal
Fort, opposite Bowling Green in New York, symbolizing the end
of the Articles of Confederation. This was the last official day of
the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA).
- Charles
Thomson, who had served as the Secretary of the Continental
Congress and later the USCA for 15 years, concluded his service
on this day. The Articles of Confederation formally expired, giving way to
the new government framework established under the Constitution.
March 4, 1789 – Wednesday – Constitution of 1787 Comes
Into Effect
- On March
4, 1789, the Constitution of the United States, drafted in
1787, officially took effect. A new era of American governance began, with
the Articles of Confederation replaced by a stronger federal system
under the Constitution.
- Guns
were fired eleven times in honor of the eleven states that had
adopted the Constitution by this time. Rhode Island and North Carolina had
not yet ratified the Constitution and were, for the moment, considered
independent entities, akin to separate nations like England and France.
July 25, 1789 – Saturday – Secretary Charles Thomson
Delivers Papers to New Federal Government
- On July
25, 1789, Secretary Charles Thomson formally delivered the papers
and records of the Confederation Congress to the new federal government.
This act marked the final administrative transition from the old Congress
under the Articles of Confederation to the new constitutional government.
This period marks the conclusion of the USCA under the Articles
of Confederation and the historic transition to the U.S. Constitution, which
brought about a new system of governance. The final months of the Confederation
were characterized by dwindling participation and the anticipation of the new
federal government. The ceremonial end on March 3, 1789, and the ushering in of
the new government on March 4, 1789, symbolized the formal end of one era and
the beginning of another in American history.
- November
21, 1789, North Carolina ratifies the Constitution of 1787
- May
29, 1790 Rhode Island ratifies the Constitution of 1787
For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features Stanley and Christopher Klos presenting America's Four United Republics Curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum, [download it here].
September 5, 1774 | October 22, 1774 | |
October 22, 1774 | October 26, 1774 | |
May 20, 1775 | May 24, 1775 | |
May 25, 1775 | July 1, 1776 |
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
July 2, 1776 | October 29, 1777 | |
November 1, 1777 | December 9, 1778 | |
December 10, 1778 | September 28, 1779 | |
September 29, 1779 | February 28, 1781 |
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781 | July 6, 1781 | |
July 10, 1781 | Declined Office | |
July 10, 1781 | November 4, 1781 | |
November 5, 1781 | November 3, 1782 | |
November 4, 1782 | November 2, 1783 | |
November 3, 1783 | June 3, 1784 | |
November 30, 1784 | November 22, 1785 | |
November 23, 1785 | June 5, 1786 | |
June 6, 1786 | February 1, 1787 | |
February 2, 1787 | January 21, 1788 | |
January 22, 1788 | January 21, 1789 |
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions
USCA | Session Dates | USCA Convene Date | President(s) |
First | 03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781* | 03-02-1781 | |
Second | 11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782 | 11-05-1781 | |
Third | 11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783 | 11-04-1782 | |
Fourth | 11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784 | 11-03-1783 | |
Fifth | 11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785 | 11-29-1784 | |
Sixth | 11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786 | 11-23-1785 | |
Seventh | 11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787 | 02-02-1787 | |
Eighth | 11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788 | 01-21-1788 | |
Ninth | 11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789** | None | None |
* The Articles of Confederation was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781. The USCA convened under the Articles of Confederation Constitution on March 2, 1781.** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the Constitution of 1787's federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.
Philadelphia | Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774 | |
Philadelphia | May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776 | |
Baltimore | Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777 | |
Philadelphia | March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777 | |
Lancaster | September 27, 1777 | |
York | Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778 | |
Philadelphia | July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783 | |
Princeton | June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783 | |
Annapolis | Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784 | |
Trenton | Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784 | |
New York City | Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788 | |
New York City | October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789 | |
New York City | March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790 | |
Philadelphia | Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800 | |
Washington DC | November 17,1800 to Present |
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202-239-1774 | Office
Dr. Naomi and Stanley Yavneh Klos, Principals
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