dit given for cash deposited, and undertake if required to vouch the particular payments which are entered to Mr. Lee's debt, as commissioner of the United States : and where no vouchers under the foregoing descriptions are produced, that the accounts be left open in order to give an opportunity for completing the vouchers. That the accounts for expenses be stated so as to distinguish between ordinary and extraordinary; that the latter be stated particularly for the consideration of Congress, giving credit for the articles delivered up to the publick at first cost, and that the former be stated generally, and that no other voucher be required for either, than the word of honour of the said A. Lee, late minister. That with respect to the charge for moneys disbursed on account of the state of Virginia, it be admitted to Mr. Lee's credit, whenever the state of Virginia shall signify that they admit themselves to be debited therewith. In page 414, line 14, between the words "that" and "would,” the words [the enemy] though not in the original record, are necessary. In page 423, lines 9 and 10, for "consideration," read “confedera. “tion." JUNE 4, 1781. To follow proceedings of May 29, 1781. Page 423. Resolved, That the disposition and management of that part of the money, granted by his most christian majesty to these United States, which is to be employed in America, be committed to the superintendent of finance, that it may be applied to the purposes for which it was granted, namely, a vigorous prosecution of the present campaign. That what remains unsold of the bills of exchange drawn by order of Congress on the ministers plenipotentiary of these United States respectively at Versailles, Madrid and the Hague, be also committed to the superintendent of finance, to be by him disposed of for the purpose abovementioned: provided, that none of the bills drawn upon the ministers at Madrid and the Hague, be sold until he shall have assurances that funds are provided for paying them. JUNE 14, 1781. To follow proceedings of June 14, 1781. Page 443. On motion of Mr. Matthews, seconded by Mr. Sharpe, Resolved, That the minister plenipotentiary of these United States at the court of Versailles, be authorized and empowered to offer lieutenant-general Burgoyne in exchange for the honourable Henry Laurens. JUNE 21, 1781. To follow proceedings of June 19, 1781. Page 457. On motion of Mr. Montgomery, seconded by Mr. Sherman, Resolved, That a vice consul be appointed to reside in France, who shall exercise all the powers, and per form the services required of William Palfrey, during his absence from that kingdom, or during the pleasure of Congress; and be allowed a salary of 1000 dollars per annum, in lieu of all commissions for business done on account of the United States of America. Ordered, That Monday next be assigned for electing a vice consul. JUNE 26, 1781. To follow proceedings of June 26, 1781. Page 458. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Clymer, Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Matthews, to whom were referred two letters of the 22d, from Mr. R. Morris, Resolved, That an agent for the United States of America be appointed to reside at the Havana. Ordered, That tomorrow be assigned for electing the said agent; and that the committee who brought in this report prepare the draft of a commission and instructions for the said agent. Congress proceeded to the election of a vice consul, conformable to the resolution of the 21st of this month; and, the ballots being taken, Thomas Barclay was elected, having been previously nominated by Mr. Clymer. JUNE 27, 1781. Congress proceeded to the election of an agent to reside at Havana; and, the ballots being taken, Mr. Robert Smith was elected. Resolved, That it be the duty of the agent appointed to reside at Havana, to manage the occasional concerns of Congress, to assist the American traders with his advice, and to solicit their affairs with the Spanish government, and to govern himself according to the orders he may, from time to time, receive from the United States in Congress assembled, or their superintendent of finance. AUGUST 10, 1781. To follow proceedings of August 10, 1781. Page 469. Congress proceeded to the election of a secretary for foreign affairs; and, the ballots being taken, Mr. Robert R. Livingston was elected, having been previously nominated by Mr. Floyd. AUGUST 24, 1781. To follow proceedings of August 16, 1781. Page 474. On a report of the board of admiralty, Resolved, That Joshua Johnson, esquire, be, and he is hereby authorized to examine, audit and settle the accounts of T. D. Schweighhauser, against the frigate Alliance; and that the minister plenipotentiary of these United States at the court of Versailles be, and he is hereby empowered and directed to pay the balance that may be found due to the said T. D. Schweighhauser, upon the liquidation and settlement of the said J. Johnson. END OF VOL. II. |