14 "Journal of the Council"

"In Council April 1st. 1789
"Sir,

We have given full consideration to the Auditor General's letter of the 26th. March last
respecting the expediency of some person's attending on the part of this State to the final
Settlement of its' Accounts with the Union, to your Communication on the same Subject,
and to the powers vested in the General Board of Commissioners by the Ordinance of Con-
gress of the 7th. May 1787, and we are perfectly convinced that such a Measure is proper
and necessary, and that the Assembly if now Sitting would adopt it. We therefore authorize
and request you to proceed to New York in quality of Commissioner on behalf of this State,
and to lay before the General Board of Commissioners such further claims as you may think
the United States ought to be charged with, as well as such [p. 55] testimonies and
vouchers as may tend to make good the charges already made. Your knowledge of the
business renders more particular directions unnecessary at this time. Our Senators and
Representatives in the Congress of the United States will, we have no doubt render you their
assistance in any difficulties that may arise in the execution of this trust, and we shall give
immediate attention to such communications as you may make us on the progress of the
business. We shall not undertake to fix your Salary; the General Assembly will undoubtedly
consider your services properly, but we will make you occasional advances—" On which the
Honorable John Davidson Esqr. proposed to strike out the words "your knowledge of the
business renders more particular directions unnecessary at this time"—and insert the follow-
ing—"We conceive your letter, with the Auditors report (which we enclose you) comprehend
nearly the whole of the business you will be engaged in, your knowledge of the Accounts and
claims of Maryland makes it unnecessary for us to be very particular on this subject, one
circumstance however in addition to those laid before us, we wish to draw your attention
while in New York, that is the Advances made by Congress in Continental Money to the
several States; for we have great reason to believe Maryland has not drawn from the
Continental treasury near her proportion, should this be the case she certainly ought to have
credit on the Books of the United States for the deficiency, as the several States are now
producing claims against the Union which have been procured with the money advanced
them respectively, therefore it is necessary for Maryland to see that those Charges are properly
brought forward or have the Credit Suggested."

On the Question to agree to the Amendment the votes appeared as follows:

Negative Affirmative
The Hon'ble. James Brice The Hon'ble. John Davidson Esqr.
John Kilty Esqr.

The Council adjourned 'till tomorrow morning.

Thursday 2d. April 1789

The Council met.

Present as on Yesterday.

The Council adjourned 'till tomorrow morning.