It was then moved by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. Sharpe, in lieu of the words struck out to insert

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"And that he be desired to give his opinion to Con

gress on the expediency of ordering the forces of "his most christian majesty now at Newport, in Rhode "Island, to take post in Virginia”—

Which was agreed to. And on the question

Ordered, 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 desired to give his opinion to Congress on the expediency of ordering the forces of his most christian majesty now at Newport, in Rhode Island, to take post in Virginia.

JANUARY 4, 1781.

On the report of a committee to whom was referred a memorial of Peter January

Resolved, That a passport be given to Peter January to enable him to go to Ireland, and to bring his property from thence to America; he finding security to engage in no trade further than what is necessary to the transportation of his property now in that kingdom.

JANUARY 5, 1781.

On the report of a committee to whom was referred a letter from J. M'Combe

Resolved, That bills of exchange on the minister plenipotentiary of these United States at the court of

Versailles for twelve hundred pounds sterling, payable at ninety days sight, be prepared by the board of treasury, and delivered to the board of war, and negotiated, for purchasing under their direction, clothing for the New Jersey line.

JANUARY 16, 1781.

It being represented to Congress by the delegates of South Carolina and Georgia, that all the treasury and publick papers belonging to those states were deposited some time since in Virginia; and they have reason to apprehend they may be in danger of falling into the enemy's hands: Therefore,

Ordered, That on the application of the delegates aforesaid, a warrant issue in their favour on Thomas Smith, commissioner of the continental loan office for the state of Pennsylvania, for twenty thousand dollars. of the old emissions, to enable them to remove the said publick papers to some place of greater security; and for which sum the said states are respectively to be accountable-South Carolina for two thirds, and Georgia for one third of the said sum.

JANUARY 18, 1781.

A report from the board of war was read. Ordered, That it be recommitted to the board; and that they take order for having imported from France with all convenient speed the brass howitzers mentioned in brigadier general Knox's letter of 27th December.

JANUARY 29, 1781.

Resolved, That the clause in the act of Congress of the 5th, which directs "that the board of admiralty "issue orders not to exchange any British sea officers

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or seamen, until the enemy shall have returned to "some of their garrisons in America, such seamen as "they have taken upon the American coasts and sent "to Great Britain, or other parts beyond sea," be and is hereby repealed.

FEBRUARY 19, 1781.

On motion of the delegates of Virginia

Ordered, That the quartermaster general transport to fort Pitt four tons of powder, to be delivered to the order of the state of Virginia; and for which the said state is to be accountable. That the expense of such transportation be charged to the said state; and that a warrant be issued by the board of treasury in favour of the said quartermaster general, on the treasury of Virginia, for twelve hundred dollars, in bills emitted pursuant to the resolution of 18th March last, for which the said state is to be credited.

FEBRUARY 20, 1781.

Ordered, That a committee of three be appointed to draft a letter to the commander in chief, informing him of the arrival of the enemy's reinforcement in North Carolina; and requesting him to confer with

the naval and land commanders of his most christian majesty's forces at Rhode Island; and if it shall appear, that the loss sustained by the British navy in the late storm has rendered the French naval force superiour, that he urge the necessity of sending the French forces to the southward.

FEBRUARY 28, 1781.

On motion of Mr. M'Dougall, seconded by Mr. Bland

Whereas it is the policy of all wise nations to discourage extravagance and promote economy in their publick officers, and an attention to this policy is indispensably necessary in republicks; and whereas it is improper for the officers of the army or navy of these states to manifest the least disposition to imitate the enemy in any respect which will not promote the service of these states, especially to wear the uniform of the enemy's army or navy:

Resolved, That after the first day of January next, no officer whatsoever, in the service of the United States, shall in any of them wear on his clothes any gold or silver lace, embroidery, or vellum, other than such as Congress or the commander in chief of the army or navy shall direct for the uniform of the corps, and badges to distinguish officers.

Resolved, That after the said first day of January next, no officer of any description in the army or nayy of the United States, or any other officer in their service, shall wear any uniform usually worn by the British army or navy.

MARCH 8, 1781.

IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.

On the subject of finance.

Papers read. The letter of T. Pickering, quarter

master general, March, 3, 1781,

on the subject of salary and certificates, payable in specie or other money equivalent.

Resolution, August 23, 1780, respect

IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.

Resolved, That all debts now due from the United States, which have been liquidated in specie value, and all debts which have been or shall be made payable in specie, or other money equivalent, shall be actually paid, either in specie, or in other money equal thereto, according to the current exchange between such money and specie.

That it be and is hereby earnestly recommended to the several states, to amend all laws making the bills of credit emitted under the authority of Congress, a legal tender, so that such bills shall not be a tender in any