On March 6th President Griffin was faced with the claims of French settlers in
the Northwest Territory in what is now known as Illinois. Congress also took
up the matter of surveying more of the western lands and the following day
they received a report on the lands set aside for the military. Congress did
not meet again until the 18th but on the preceding day the President wrote
James Madison.
Neither the
French nor the English packets have yet arrived, which is not a little
extraordinary. Not a syllable of domestic news but what the enclosed papers
will exhibit to you. The Marchioness is a good deal better, and wants
exceedingly to be present at the Indian Treaty; I think the Governor General
[Arthur St. Clair] can do nothing less than take so sweet a companion in his
Train; but he seems to be averse from the plan. I think the French Minister
confines himself at home too much; I am sorry he does not mix more with the
Inhabitants.
My dear friend; I
have been very sick for 4 or 5 days past, but I hope to attend Congress on
Wednesday. I have sent forward your letter to G. L. Turberville esq. I thank
you for calling upon my little people in Philadelphia.
The rest of March
was spent debating amendments to the land ordinance of the Northwest
Territory. From March 31st until May 2nd the United States in Congress
Assembled failed to achieve a quorum. Cyrus Griffin wrote again to James
Madison on April 7th to update him on the business of Congress, the
ratification process and congratulate him on his election to the Virginia
State ratification Convention of the Constitution:
Colonel Wadsworth
has thought proper to leave us; and his state being unrepresented we are again
reduced to six only; and probably may continue in that situation a week or two
longer. The N. York delegates do not attend; it seems to me the period is
fully arrived to close the Confederation.
As no French
packet has yet appeared or been heard of the minister is inclined to think
that a prohibition was made to their sailing during the winter months; or
perhaps some change in that department may have occasioned it.
Rhode Island has
in fact rejected the constitution; so that only eight states can have adopted
the system before the Session of Virginia. We all much rejoiced to hear of
your election, especially as your being present, we are told, was absolutely
necessary to counter act some unwarrantable proceedings.
I do not know
whether you are acquainted with a Mr. Paradise from London who came to
Virginia in October last with the strongest recommendations as a man of
understanding and a good American; he is now in this City and will embark for
Paris in the first French packet; if you have any confidential letters to Mr.
Jefferson I am sure he will take the best charge of them; he is very intimate
with that Minister and will go immediately to his house.
At some
convenient hour I hope you will give me your opinion upon the prospect of the
new Constitution.
During this hiatus,
war was raging once again in Europe between the Turks and the Austrians along
with rebellions in the Netherlands. Catherine the Great of Russia was joining
into the struggle against the Turks and President Griffin's office was the
clearing house for all the diplomatic reports on the conflict. On April the
14th President Griffin wrote to Samuel Johnston, the Governor of North
Carolina (the only man to refuse the election of President of the United
States) this brief letter:
The
Congratulations of so kind a friend I receive with the utmost pleasure. Accept
my thankful acknowledgements for your Excellencies very Obliging Letter and
very polite Attention.
By the last
Vessels from Europe we are told that the Netherlands are Still in Great
Confusion; that Russia is Carrying on the war against the Turks with uncommon
Vigour, and perhaps will be powerfully assisted by the Emperor; that in all
probability the horrid flame may be extended much further; and that in truth
the Peace between France & England will not continue any considerable time.
This being the Appearance of things abroad, I hope the United States at home
will adopt a Constitution beautiful in theory and which will be found a
Government of Safety, and of Energy.
Also on this date
Griffin, once again, wrote his friend and colleague James Madison an
outstanding letter:
The French packet
has at length arrived; but after a passage so long nothing new
and material
could be expected. Mr. Jefferson writes a very short letter, but not a word of
Intelligence; perhaps the enclosed to you may contain somewhat more
satisfactory. He has also sent a letter to your attention for Ben. Lewis near
Richmond, and George Clymer of Philadelphia; five French pamphlets for Mr.
Bannister of Virginia, and a small package for yourself containing something
valuable perhaps; what shall be done with them be kind enough to direct.
The Captain of a
vessel from some port of France has just told me of three or four large boxes
on board of him, for you, George Wythe, and other gentlemen, directed to your
care. I shall have them brought to my house, and shall pay the freight, port
duties etc. Give directions about those also.
Mr. Adams has
written a letter by the British packet of December 16th. He is preparing to
leave England and seems to regret that Colonel Smith could not be honored with
some appointment from Congress; he tells us that the Netherlands are still in
great confusion; that the Russians are carrying on the war against the Turks
with great vigor, and perhaps will soon be assisted by the Emperor; and that
in all probability the war may extend a good deal farther, that the peace
between France and Britain may not continue a long time, & that our essential
business will be neutrality. He approves highly the proposed Constitution.
Publius has not appeared since my last enclosure.
I thank you for
the favor of March 25th. We all rejoice greatly at your election; indeed, my
dear sir, we consider you as the main pillar of the business on the right
side; but from the elections hitherto sent to us there is certainly a majority
against the system, but the western members will preponderate the scale. In
point of virtues and real abilities the federal members are much superior.
Henry is weighty and powerful but too interested; Mason too passionate; the
Governor [Edmund Randolf] by nature timid and undecided; and Grayson too
blustering. Brown begs his best respects to you; nothing yet done with
Kentucky, or the Illinois matters.
Cyrus Griffin also
wrote to Thomas Fitzsimons on the 14th
At present I
discover no probability that Congress will adjourn to Philadelphia; the
southern states not being fully represented; and as my family, when separate
from me are very expensive, money difficult to be gotten, and their situation
in a boarding house not the most agreeable, I think they had better conclude
and come to this place, to set out about the last day of April in order to
reach N. York, on the first Friday or Saturday in May. The horses will remain
in Bristol, fed upon grain etc until about the 28th but I wished to know if
any Gentleman was coming this way and would take charge of the family some
distance upon the road. I fear Mr. Obrien cannot wait so long; and whether
decent postilions could be hired for the Journey. As to the woman I shall
write lady C.
The chariot would
be too much crowded & she not wanting upon the Journey. But, my dear sir, how
does the money hold forth; and if not, can you negotiate a Bill upon me. Be so
kind to answer this letter and I will trouble you upon the subject with only
one more letter.
By the last
vessels from Europe we are told that the Netherlands are still in great
confusion; that Russia is carrying on the war against the Turks with uncommon
vigor, and perhaps will be powerfully assisted by the Emperor; that in all
probability the horrid flame may be extended much farther; and that in Truth
the peace between France and England will not continue any considerable length
of time; and say our ministers the conduct of the united states should be a
system of neutrality.
Griffin would write
Fitzsimmons again on April 27 about finally collecting his family from
Philadelphia and driving them to New York. He writes:
I now send a Boy
under your friendly direction as one postilion to drive my family to this
place; another I must beg to be hired in Philadelphia. The President's Coach
was demolished before I came to the house or I would send it; and the Chariot
is still less than my own, and indeed cannot be spared at present. If my kind
friend Mr. Obrien should think it convenient to come on about the time, and
can venture on horseback or sulkey I beg that Mr. Heilzimer will furnish the
best he can get; the return Boy may carry them back; and all expenses I will
pay most gladly. I shall be rejoiced to know by post when the family set out,
and other circumstances. The bearer of this letter will carry the horses from
Bristol. I have not the smallest objection to the Girl's coming.
For some days I
have endeavored to get a good Bill at sight upon Philadelphia; but cannot; but
some bank notes are promised in a day or two; they shall instantly be
remitted. I beg leave to thank you, my dear sir, and your very kind lady for
so much goodness to a very helpless family; we seem to have been united to
give trouble to others; and when it will finish heaven only knows. I hope you
intend to pay us a visit this summer; such a Journey would do service to the
health of Mrs. Fitzsimons, and how greatly would it contribute to our
happiness. I shall have a room prepared, and shall insist that Mr. Obrien
continue with us during his stay at N. York.
The Emperor has
declared war against the Turks, and probably the rest of Europe will soon be
engaged, or the greater part of it. His Majesty of Britain is sending
additional troops to the West Indies, and to Canada; for what purpose?
Two days later
Griffin sent along $200 to Fitzsimmons for his family's journey to New York
under a separate cover. On the 28th Griffin replied to James Madison's letters
of the 10th and commented on the challenges facing ratification:
How it happened
that No. 69 of Publius [The Federalist No. 69, written by Alexander Hamilton,
had appeared in the New York Independent Journal on March 15 and was reprinted
in the New York Packet of March 18.] should have been omitted I can hardly
imagine; the neglect shall be done away if any acquaintance or the printer are
in possession of that paper. … I am very sorry to hear that your calculations
render the adoption of the constitution so uncertain; I did once think that my
conclusion upon the matter was erroneous; but alas! my dear sir, without a
change of opinion when the members assemble I fear the system will be lost;
however if it shall depend upon Kentucky Brown is determined to exert all his
Influence in favor of it. This morning your letter is sent to Charleston by a
proper conveyance. My two last packets to you contained letters from Europe;
by this post I do myself the pleasure to enclose others, and the paper of
today.
The Emperor
having declared war against the Turks; and being determined to act with vigor;
in all probability the flames will extend farther. His Ottoman Majesty does
not discover the least Inclination for peace upon the Conditions offered by
Russia, and France being in strict union with the Porte cannot remain idle.
Colonel
Carrington has gotten among us again; but does not seem to be in good spirits;
whether from love matters, or from the loss of his election in Virginia, or
from what other Cause I do not know [Edward Carrington's loss to Thomas
Turpin, Jr by sevenvotes, as a delegate to Virginia's ratifying convention].
We expect to make nine states in the course of this week; tho at present the
weather is very bad. What am I to do with the boxes and packages under your
direction.
Congress reconvened
on May the 2nd but all focus remained on the ratification process and very
little was accomplished. On May 5th Griffin wrote Madison concerning more good
news on the Constitution and a prediction of ratification:
"Maryland has
acceded to the proposed Constitution by a great majority. Chase, Paca, Martin,
and Mercer opposed it with their utmost vigor and abilities, but with decency.
South Carolina will adopt the system very soon. The opposition in Virginia is
much to be lamented and in N. York also; however from the present appearance
of things I rather incline to believe that in the course of 12 months we shall
have the Government in operation; yet I am not so sanguine as Hamilton or
General Knox.
From the aspect
of matters abroad I fancy the war in Europe will be conducted with great
energy and desolation; Russia and the Emperor would wish to demolish his
Ottoman Majesty. A whisper circulates in Paris that all the French officers in
the Turkish service are ordered to quit those dominions, which does not carry
the appearance of aid; but if France should think proper to take a decided
part in the Contest Mr. Neckar will be brought again into the finances, of
course the united states will not profit by the war, for that great man is
unquestionably; not our best friend.
Once more we are
going on with the business of Congress; but have finished nothing of
consequence.
[P.S.] With
respect to Mr. Paca I had my Information from the honble Colo Howard at
Baltimore, but I am told this moment that Paca advocated the system upon the
general question tho he did not consider it as the best that could be devised"
On May 8th, still
struggling with representation in Congress Griffin wrote the States who were
delinquent in their U. S. Congress representation:
"I do myself the
honor of transmitting to your Excellency a Resolution of Congress upon the
subject of the Delegation. Most ardently do I wish and request that the
Gentlemen from your State would attend upon the national business, and
particularly at this interesting period."
Connecticut's
Governor, Samuel Huntington, whose state was delinquent in its representation
wrote the President later that month:
"I have been
honored with your letter after 8th Instant, & Communicate the same to the
legislature now sitting in this place, which orders have been given in
Consequence, that I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Excellency Two
Gentleman from this State will attend in Congress after a few Days."
Samuel Huntington's May 24th draft letter to Cyrus Griffin
courtesy of the Klos Family
Also on May 8th
Congress Elected Jonathan Burrall and Benjamin Walker commissioners for
settling the accounts of the five wartime departments and adjourned until the
20th anticipating South Carolina to be the 8th State of the required 9 to
ratify the new Federal Constitution. On May 20th Congress enacted regular mail
service to the doorstep of the Northwest Territory:
"That the
postmaster general be and he is hereby directed to employ posts for the
regular transportation of the mail between the city of Philadelphia and the
town of Pittsburg in the state of Pennsylvania by the rout of Lancaster, York
town, Carlisle, Chamberstown and Bedford and that the mail be dispatched once
in each fortnight from the post Offices respectively."
On the 22nd Congress
heard Mr. Hamilton's committee's report on the delinquent and outstanding debt
owed by private citizens and businesses to the United States. The resolved:
"That on
carefully examining the subject referred to them they find that during the
late war, and especially in the early periods of it, many millions of dollars
were advanced by the United States to sundry persons, of the expenditures
whereof proper accounts have not been rendered; and though the persons who
have been entrusted with public monies have been frequently called upon to
settle their accounts by the Acts and officers of Congress yet in many cases
they have not produced or exhibited to the proper Officers any documents or
vouchers on which regular settlements can be made. That several accounts of
very considerable extent have been taken up and so far passed on that balances
appear to be stated generally and in some cases payments made, though it does
not appear that the proper statements were made of the articles which composed
those accounts, or that the regular vouchers were produced to support the
charges in them. Accounts thus imperfectly stated and unsupported the
committee conceive are justly liable to revision and particularly so as it
does not appear that the parties have at any time considered them as being
finally settled. That from a general view of this subject the Committee are
induced to think and believe that the United States have already suffered very
great inconveniences by inexcusable negligence and unauthorised delays in
persons entrusted with public monies in not rendering and settling their
Accounts and that it is become highly expedient that decisive measures be
speedily adopted for closing all the unsettled accounts of the late war
Whereupon Resolved and therefore the Comee . are of Opinion That the board of
treasury be and they are hereby directed to cause suits to be commenced in
behalf of the United States against all persons, who stand charged with public
monies or other property and that they cause the same to be commenced within
three months from this date against all those persons who have been already
specially required to settle their accounts by the proper Officers and who
shall not within that time adopt and pursue measures effectual in the opinion
of the said board for settling the same; and within five months from this date
against all other persons so charged and who shall not within that time adopt
and pursue like measures. Resolved And That when any material questions shall
arise concerning any doubtful or partial settlements of accounts which may
have been made or concerning the operation of any particular snits, the said
board be and they are hereby directed to state to Congress particularly the
circumstances of the case with their Opinion thereon".
Congress adjourned
until the 26th and Griffin, once again wrote James Madison who unlike the
President had learned of South Carolina's ratification of the Constitution on
the 23rd:
I have the
pleasure to write you by this post to make a thousand enquiries concerning
your health from the marchioness etc to enclose you the debates of the
Massachusetts convention under separate covers. Contrary to expectation it so
happens that we cannot bring nine states to act upon the floor of Congress,
and this day one of the Maryland Gentlemen is going away which will throw us
aback probably for some weeks.
Messrs. Jefferson
and Adams have lately met at Amsterdam, and have been able to borrow for the
United States another million of florins from the Dutch, upon the prospect of
the New constitution being established, but Congress have not yet ratified the
contract yet certainly will do it without a single objection.
They seem to
think that the war in Europe will be general, but confess that no positive
Judgment can be formed from such a chaos of politics as that part of the world
now exhibits.
Colonel Smith is
just arrived from England, but has told us nothing of a secret or interesting
nature. The Courtiers are ridiculing our situation very much, and say upon all
occasions in a laughing manner that when the United States shall assume some
sort of Government then England will speak out.
Gentlemen are
perpetually calling to know what will be the event of the Constitution in
Virginia; do, my kind friend, at this particular crisis write to me from time
to time that I may give the best information upon the subject.
Virginia would not
call enact its ratification of 2nd U.S. Constitution in time to be the 9th
State. It was to be, instead, New Hampshire that reported their ratification
to congress on Independence Day, July 2nd that the New Plan for the Federal
Government was now passed by the required States and the new law of land. The
Journals of the United States in Congress Assembled reported on the 2nd:
Ordered, that it
be read a second time on Monday next. The State of New Hampshire having
ratified the constitution transmitted to them by the Act of the 28 of
September last and transmitted to Congress their ratification and the same
being read, the president reminded Congress that this was the ninth
ratification transmitted and laid before them.
Ordered, that the
ratifications of the constitution of the United States transmitted to Congress
be referred to a committee to examine the same and report an Act to Congress
for putting the said constitution into operation in pursuance of the
resolutions of the late federal Convention.
On that same day,
July 2nd in 1776 the Colonies had passed another monumental resolution:
`Resolved, That
these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent
states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and
that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is,
and ought to be, totally dissolved.
Virginia,
unbeknownst to the other Delegates had ratified the Constitution on June 24th
and Governor Randolph's cover letter of the 28th arrived also on the 2nd but
was not entered into the records of Congress until the 14th. July 2nd is, from
a scholarly perspective, the most important “Forgotten Date” in U.S.
History.
The postponement of
celebration was probably due to fact that New York was still in Convention and
had not voted on the new Constitution. Governor Clinton of New York was
actually opposing ratification and his delegate, Abraham Yates, in Congress
wrote him this cryptic message on July 2 upon receiving news of the
ratification:
A description of
the Reception of the News of New Hampshire you have had in my former which I
Directed to Mr. D Witt as I supposed that Letters between us (tho I have no
reason but Apprehension only) Would be liable to at Least observations if not
to other Abuse. L Hommedieu last Monday mentioned that he had from A Strong
federal (Dr Tillotson) that the anties went upon A supposition that Virginia
and NH both would Adopt: and that they were Determined that they would not
adopt without Previous Amendments. The federalists notwithstanding had hopes
that the News from N Hampshire Would have Struck a damp on the Spirits if not
thrown the Majority on the federal side [The NY Ratifying Convention was
meeting in Poughkeepsie]; but Mr. Euger (the Member from South Carolina)
Informs that he was at Poughkeepsie when the News arrived And that it made no
impression on the Convention at all; So that they recur to their old hopes to
get the Members Divided or to an adjournment. They seem to be Confident that
the anties will not agree among themselves. Colonel Lewis told me that he knew
of two principal members that were of opinion that they by the Resolution of
the Legislator of last February had no other powers but to Adopt or Reject. I
tell him the federal Gentlemen had the Most Extraordinary Talents of
Swallowing Camels themselves and recommending others to stick at nats.
New York would
finally ratify the Constitution on July 26th but North Carolina and Rhode
Island would hold off until after the Inauguration of George Washington in May
of 1789. Cyrus Griffin was now, truly, the President of the United States of
a "Lame Duck" confederation.
Griffin's Congress
pressed on until its final session on October 10th completing and conducting
the business of the United States. On August 56th they debated motions on the
location of the capital finally rejecting Annapolis in October. They also
debated the delegate status of states that had not ratified the Constitution
and the plan to implement the Constitution. In an act of friendship with
France Congress conferred land titles on the French settlers in the Illinois
country but condemned citizen encroachments on Cherokee lands. Finally on
September 13th they adopted a plan for implementing the new Constitution:
Resolution to
approve the 1787 Constitution and how to implement the transfer of power
JOURNALS OF THE UNITED STATES IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED containing the
proceedings from the 5th day of November, 1787 to the 3rd day of November
1788, Volume XIII, Published by order of the United States in Congress
Assembled, [Philadelphia] Printed by John Dunlap, 1788.
–
Courtesy of the
Author
Whereas the
Convention assembled in Philadelphia pursuant to the resolution of Congress of
the 21st of February 1787 did on the 17th of Sept of 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 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'
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 January 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
February 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.
Click
Here to Purchase Cyrus Griffin and Fraunces Tavern Coin
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The artwork is not to be copied by anyone by any means
without first receiving permission from Stanley
L. Klos.
In his last act as
President, Griffin presided over the United States in Congress Assembled's
last breath, on October 10th, when it suspended the work of the commissioners
appointed to settle the States' Continental accounts and adjourned. Despite
this adjournment, it was necessary for some delegates to serve in New York and
conduct the nation's business until the new government took office on March 4,
1789. Cyrus Griffin, John Brown, John Dawson, James Madison, and Mann Page
were elected on October 31st from Virginia. Griffin wrote in November:
"Be so obliging
to inform the House of Delegates that I shall continue in New York to execute
the important Trust with which the general Assembly is pleased to honor me. I
receive this further Mark of their Confidence with gratitude and pleasure &
will endeavor to answer the expectations of my Country."
The Chronology of
his presidency is as follows:
January 21 Convenes seven
states represented. January 22
Elects Cyrus Griffin president. January
23-31 Fails to achieve quorum
February 1 Reviews backlog of reports
and letters. February 5 Receives report on
Massachusetts-New York boundary survey. February
6-9 Fails to achieve quorum. February 12
Authorizes secretary for foreign affairs to issue sea letters.
February 14 Sets date for reception of new
French minister, comte de Moustier. February 19
Elects John Cleves Symmes judge of the Northwest territory.
February 25 Debates appointment job
superintendent of Indian affairs for the southern department.
February 26 Holds audience for comte de
Moustier. February 28 Receives treasury
report on foreign debt. February 29 Appoints
Samuel Provost and John Rodgers chaplains of Congress, and Richard Winn
superintendent of Indian affairs for the southern department; debates
Kentucky statehood motion.
March 4 Debates
Kentucky statehood in committee of the whole.
March 6
Receives reports on the claims of French settlers in the Illinois country
and on the survey of western lands.
March 10-11
Fails to achieve quorum. March
12
Receives report on military bounty lands.
March 18
Receives communications on Indian affairs.
March 19
Debates western land ordinance amendment.
March 24-27
Debates western land ordinance amendment.
March 31
Fails to achieve quorum.
April
1-30
Fails to achieve quorum.
May
1
Fails to achieve
quorum. May 2
Receives treasury report on proposed new Dutch loan, three war office
reports on Indian affairs, and ten communications from the secretary for
foreign affairs. May 5
Receives reports on western land issues.
May 8
Elects Jonathan Burrall and Benjamin Walker commissioners for settling the
accounts of the five wartime departments.
May 20
Authorizes fortnightly posts between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
May 21
Receives treasury report on coinage.
May 22
Orders institution of suits to collect outstanding Continental accounts.
May 26
Receives treasury report on western land contracts and war department report
on settler violations of Cherokee treaty rights.
May 27-29
Debates western land ordinance amendment.
May 30
Debates
Kentucky statehood in committee of the whole.
June 2 Receives
committee of the whole report recommending Kentucky statehood.
June 3
Elects grand committee on Kentucky statehood.
June 5
Fails to achieve quorum. June 6
Authorizes survey of New York; Pennsylvania boundary preparatory to granting
Pennsylvania greater access to Lake Erie.
June 9
Directs treasury to submit 1788--;89 fiscal estimates.
June 12
Receives report on land reserve for French settlers in the Illinois country.
June 13
Responds to French protest against Virginia's harboring a French pirate.
June 17
Receives war office report on manpower and recruitment.
June 18
Receives report opposing state inspection of the mails.
June 19
Debates western land ordinance amendment.
June 20
Elects Joseph Martin Continental agent to the Cherokees; authorizes
negotiation of western land contract with George Morgan associates.
June 24
Authorizes three-month extension of Continental claims. June 25 Abolishes
office of inspector of Continental troops.
June 27
Debates report on
Georgia--;Creek Indian affairs.
July 2
Debates
western land ordinance amendment; receives notification of the ratification
of the Constitution by the ninth state (New Hampshire); appoints committee
"for putting the said constitution into operation."
July 3
Postpones action on Kentucky statehood until proceedings shall commence
under the new Constitution. July
7-8
Debates western land ordinance amendment.
July 9
Refers fiscal estimates to committee; adopts "supplement" to western land
ordinance. July 14
Debates report on implementing the Constitution.
July 15
Rejects terms of Georgia's western land cession, but accepts responsibility
for southwestern frontier defense.
July 17
Directs resumption of western land surveys; rejects proposed Virginia
western land reserve for military bounties.
July 21
Receives report on Continental Army manpower needs.
July 25
Orders deployment of Continental troops to pacify Luzerne County, Pa.
July 28
Debates report on implementing the Constitution; rejects motion to establish
capital at Philadelphia. July 30
Rejects motion to establish capital at New York.
August 1
Extends term of
northern superintendent of Indian affairs.
August 4
Extends term of southern superintendent of Indian affairs.
August 5-6
Debates motions on the location of the capital.
August 7
Debates status of delegates from states that have not ratified the
Constitution. August 12
Plans mobilization of frontier militia against western Indians.
August 13
Debates report on implementing the Constitution.
August 20
Adopts 1788 requisition. August
26
Debates report on implementing the Constitution; seeks Spanish cooperation
for apprehending fugitive slaves fleeing to Florida.
August 28
Revises George Morgan associates western land contract.
August 29
Confirms land titles of French settlers in the
Illinois
country.
September 1
Condemns settler encroachments on Cherokee lands.
September 2
Debates report on implementing the Constitution.
September 3
Reserves Ohio lands of Christian Delaware Indians; rejects motion to
establish capital at Annapolis.
September 4
Debates report on implementing the Constitution; confirms land contract
giving Pennsylvania large tract bordering Lake Erie.
September 8
Receives John Jay report on negotiations with Spain concerning the
Mississippi question. September
13
Adopts plan for implementing the Constitution.
September 16
Recommends that states ban importation of felons; directs suspension of
negotiations concerning the Mississippi question.
September 18-24
Fails to achieve quorum.
September 26-29
Fails to achieve quorum.
September 30
Receives report on treasury department inquiry. October 1 Rejects Silas
Deane settlement of Beaumarchais' accounts.
October 2
Receives report on war department inquiry.
October 6-7
Fails to achieve quorum. October
8
Receives communications on Indian relations in the western territory.
October 10
Suspends the work of the commissioners appointed to settle the states'
Continental accounts; adjourns what proves to be its final session under the
Articles of Confederation.
October 13-16
Fails to achieve quorum. October
21
November 1 Fails
to achieve quorum. November 3
Assembles for the new federal year---;only two delegates attending.
November 15-
1789 March 2 Secretary Charles Thomson records occasional attendance of 17
additional delegates.
July 25,
1789
Secretary Thomson
delivers papers and records of the Confederation to new federal government.
President's Griffin
social status as US President in New York was second to none under the
Articles of Confederation. His office, English education, and marriage to
nobility solidified his status as the pinnacle of society among his nation's
legal elite. Lady Christina state events held for foreign dignitaries were
legendary. The Griffin's set the benchmark for Presidential entertaining that
wasn't surpassed until well into the next century.
Chapter Eighteen-- Click Here
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Here to Purchase Cyrus Griffin Coin
© Stanley L. Klos has a worldwide
copyright on the artwork in this coin.
The artwork is not to be copied by anyone by any means
without first receiving permission from Stanley
L. Klos.
Presidential $1 Coin Controversy - --
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Forgotten Founders vs. U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson
Now Available in Paperback
President Who?
Forgotten Founders
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