for them, do not bear arms prior to the first day of May next. That general Washington be informed it is not the sense of Congress to make this last article an ultimatum, unless from the present state of our army, the improbability of his being joined by the French troops, or other circumstances, he shall be convinced that the convention troops will, by the exchange, be put in a situation to act with the British army at the southward prior to our having an equal force in readiness to oppose them. On passing this last clause, the yeas and nays having been required by Mr. Willie Jones Massachusetts Bay, Mr. S. Adams, Ay.} Ax. So it was resolved in the affirmative. Resolved, That the commander in chief be directed to insist upon the exchange of those persons, prisoners of war under the capitulation of Charleston, alluded to in the order of the 23d day of September last. NOVEMBER 9, 1780. A circular letter to the states, accompanying the resolutions and requisitions of 4th November: SIR, Fully convinced of our inability to obtain the grand object of the federal union without the vigorous exertions of the several states, we have thought it our duty to make the requisitions contained in the enclosed resolutions; and we wish our constituents to be impressed with the necessity of a speedy and punctual compliance. For although, by the blessing of Providence, we have been conducted thus far in the war with a powerful and enraged enemy, yet the events of the present year have not enabled us to speak the language of triumph. This indeed may be attributed to a variety of causes; but we cannot refrain from observing, that the unpunctuality of the states in their supplies of men, money, and provisions, is not one of the least. It is unnecessary to point out the publick wants and distresses. They are too well known, too generally felt. Hitherto the war has been carried on principally by emissions of paper money. This being depreciated, and Congress having, in compliance with the general inclination and voice of their constituents, resolved to stop further emissions, we are compelled to call upon the states for taxes and specifick supplies. An opinion seems to prevail, that foreign loans can be obtained; and we perceive with regret that some are disposed to place too great reliance on this source. Duty compels us to be explicit with our constituents on a subject of such interesting importance. Every effort has been made for the purpose of procuring loans, but without sufficient success to justify a relaxation of our own most vigorous exertions. It is to be observed, that a powerful armed neutrality appears to be formed in Europe, determined to support the freedom of commerce. Should overtures of peace be the result of a convention of the neutral powers, is it not our interest, is it not our indispensable duty, to be prepared for such an event? Our object is of the greatest magnitude-the security, freedom and independence of the United States; and experience evinces that no nation can promise itself a safe and honourable peace which is not in condition to maintain a war with vigour. We are confident there is no want of ability in the states to do this. Can arguments then be necessary to call forth every internal resource, which may contribute to put a happy period to the war? Is it not high time to expel from our country an enemy, whose progress is marked with blood and desolation, and whose successes inspire them only with redoubled vengeance. The estimates may appear large, but we conceive them to be absolutely necessary. To the utmost of our power we have endeavoured to correct abuses in the publick expenditures. We have called for the aid of the respective executives. Again we recommend this essential object to their attention. Nothing on our part shall be wanting which may contribute to promote the strictest economy in dispensing the supplies now required. We have only to add our earnest desire that no time may be lost; and should the legislature of your state not be in session on the receipt of this letter, that it may be immediately convened. By order, and on behalf of the United States in Congress assembled. JANUARY 1, 1781. A report on a letter of 23d August last, from Mr. J. Adams, being read and recommitted A motion was made by Mr. Madison, seconded by Mr. Bee, That so much of the letter from Mr. Adams as relates to the probable operations of the enemy against the southern states be transmitted to the commander in chief. And that he be informed it is the desire of Congress, that he should immediately make such distribution of the forces under his command, including those of our allies under the count Rochambeau, as will most ef fectually counteract the views of the enemy, and sup port the southern states. Mr. Varnum, A motion was made by Mr. Sharpe, seconded by Mr. Varnum, to strike out the latter clause, " And that "he be informed," &c. And on the question, Shall that clause stand, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Howly New Hampshire, Mr. Sullivan, Massachusetts Bay,Mr. Ward, Rhode Island, No. >No. No. XX No. >No. So it passed in the negative, and the clause was struck out. |