U.S. Continental Congress. Thomson, Charles Resolution re: shortage of military supplies
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02121 Author/Creator: U.S. Continental Congress. Thomson, Charles Place Written: In Congress Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 1780/10/24 Pagination: 2 p. 30 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Signed by Thomson as Secretary of Congress. The resolution is a response to a report of the Commissary General Col. E. Blaine.
In Congress Oct. 24th 1780.
Congress both took into consideration the report of the committee on the letter of the 17th Inst. from E. Blaine commissary gen of Purchases, whereupon,
Resolved, that Col. Blaine comr Genl. of Purchases be directed to make accurate returns to Congress of the supplies furnished by each State, since the last day of December last.
That the State Agents transmit to the commander in chief & to the comr Genl. respectively monthly returns of all the provisions which shall be drawn into their hands specifying the articles and magazines or places where they shall be deposited. And as this regulation is of the utmost importance to the safety of the army and the success of military operations it be earnestly recommended to the several legislatures to enjoin it as a duty on their State Agents under penalties which will enforce a prompt & punctual obedience; And that the Comr. Genl. transmit copies of all such returns to the board of war without delay; and that he also lay before Congress a general monthly return of all provisions which shall hereafter be furnished by the States.
Resolved, That the States of Pennsylvania, Delaware & Maryland be desired to forward to Camp without delay the cattle called for by the resolution of the 15th day [2] of September last.
That a copy of the letter of Col. Blaine & its inclosures be transmitted without delay to the several States who are hereby requested to take into their serious consideration the present want & distresses of the army; That they furnish & forward by means the most efficient the supplies requested from them respectively; and that this subject from the advanced season of the year, the critical state of our affairs and the calamities consequent on the dissolution of the army ought in the opinion of Congress to engage the unremitted attention of the States.
Extract from the minutes
Cha Thomson Secy.
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