So it passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the Motion of Mr. [David] Howell, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [David]

Howell,

New Hampshire,

Massachusetts,

Maryland,

[Report of M: Hugh Williamson, M: Thomas Stone, and Mr Roger Sherman, on letter 17 May, 1784, from Co'. J. Beatty late Commissy; Gen' of prisoners]

The Committee to whom was referred a memorial of Colonel Beatty requesting that his travelling expences may be allowed while he discharged the office of Commissary General of prisoners beg leave to report that the Act of May 21st, 1778, allowing the Commissary General of prisoners to charge his contingent expences seems to have had a reference to the depretiated state of money whence the real pay was greatly reduced. This reason however ceases when the account is settled in specie. Wherefore your Committee submit the following resolve,

That in settling the accounts of Colonel Jn°. Beatty late Commissary General of prisoners he shall be credited for his pay as hard money but his travelling expences are not to be allowed.1

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1784.

Congress assembled: Present, as yesterday.

The report of the committee, "appointed to consider of the measures proper to be adopted in order to take possession of the frontier posts," being under debate,

A motion was made by Mr. [Jacob] Read, seconded by Mr. [John Francis] Mercer.

1 This report, in the writing of Hugh Williamson, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, I, folio 249. Apparently it was read on this or an approximate date:

On this day, as the indorsement indicates, a petition of William Smith, Nicholas Way and Archibald Pateson, dated May 21, 1784, was read and ordered to be filed. It is in No. 42, VII, folio 200.

Also, was referred to Mr. [Hugh] Williamson, Mr. [Francis] Dana and Mr. [Roger] Sherman a petition dated Annapolis May 23, 1784, of Robert Sewell It is in No. 42, VII, folio 204.

Also, a petition of Dan Waters and others, dated Boston, May 3, 1784, which was referred to the Agent of Marine to report. It is in No. 42, VIII, folio 290297.

Also, a copy of the Act of the General Assembly of Connecticut, ceding western lands to the United States. It was referred to Mr. [Hugh] Williamson, Mr. [Jacob] Read, Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, Mr. [James] Monroe and Mr. [Thomas] Stone. It is in No. 75, folio 81.

That there be inlisted as soon as possible, to serve for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged, 896 men, to give protection to the commissioners appointed to negotiate treaties of peace with the Indians, and to defend the northwestern frontiers of the United States, and that the different states furnish their quotas, &c.

A motion was made by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, seconded by Mr. [Francis] Dana, to postpone the consideration of the said motion, in order to take up the following:

Whereas different opinions exist in Congress respecting their authority to make requisitions on the several states for land forces in time of peace: and whereas such a construction of the Confederation as will enable Congress to make requisitions for a small number of land forces for a short period, must admit an unlimited power to extend their requisitions, both with respect to numbers and time of service, and must preclude the states from a right of deliberating, and leave them only an executive authority on the subject. And whereas Congress being authorised to make foreign and domestic loans, and to issue bills of credit, if permitted to raise land forces as aforesaid in time of peace, will be furnished with such coercive means as must be very alarming to the several states: and whereas standing armies in time of peace are inconsistent with the principles of republican governments, dangerous to the liberties of a free people, and generally converted into destructive engines for establishing despotism. And whereas the United States, being remote from nations that have peace establishments, may avoid the heavy expences thereof by providing a small number of troops for garrisoning their posts and guarding their magazines, and by being always in a state of defence, on the plan of the Confederation, which provides that, "every State shall always keep up a well regulated and dis

ciplined Militia, sufficiently armed and accoutred; and shall provide and have constantly ready for use, in public stores, a due number of field pieces and tents, and a proper quantity of arms, ammunition and camp equipage." And whereas in a matter so doubtful, as it respects the authority of Congress, and of such high importance to the Union, it is expedient that the delegates should take the sense of their Constituents on the subject; and it is the duty of Congress in the interim to suspend the exercise of the powers aforesaid for that purpose.

It is therefore Resolved, That recommendations in lieu of requisitions shall be sent to the several states for raising the troops which may be immediately necessary for garrisoning the western posts, and guarding the magazines of the United States, unless Congress should think it expedient to employ the Continental troops now at West Point, in the service aforesaid.

On this motion the previous question was moved by the State of South Carolina, seconded by the State of North Carolina:

And on the question to agree to the previous question, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry,

So it was resolved in the affirmative.

The motion of Mr. [Jacob] Read being amended, by striking out the words, "to give protection to the Commissioners appointed to negotiate treaties of peace with the Indians, and" so as to read, that there be inlisted as soon as possible, to serve for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged, 896 men, to defend the northwestern frontiers of the United States, &c.

On the question to agree to the motion as amended, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Jacob] Read,