Chapter Five
(continued)

by: Stanley L. Klos
Published by Evisum, Inc
Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved
including the rights of reproduction in whole or in part in any form
 

Henry Laurens

2nd President of the Continental Congress
of the United States of America
Served November 1, 1777 to December 9, 1778

(continued)

After the Doctor had been some few days in this town, he became suspected by the Honorable the Executive Council of the state, who determined to apprehend him. When this matter was mentioned to the Honorable Richard H. Lee, Esq; he declared the suspicions against him were base and groundless, and that he was a good friend to America, he was nevertheless put into goal, and there, notwithstanding the precautions which were supposed to have been taken, he did see sundry persons. He was permitted afterwards by the Executive Council to return to New York. I have been told that even when he was dismissed, some gentlemen of that board were of opinion that he was, (as in fact he was) en emissary from the British ministry. When the Doctor returned, he carried with him letters, among others one for Governor Johnstone. He declared he had got what he wanted by his journey.  He advised the sending other emissaries throughout these states, to discover the designs and disposition of the people, and the like. Governor Johnstone, on the Doctor complaining that this measure had not before been adopted, promised that he would urge it to the British ministry. He advised also that Lt. Colonel Conolly should be by all means sent to the assistance of Colonel Butler, and that they should make a point of obtaining his release, and for that purpose if it was refused, that they should call in all their prisoners, who were out on parole, which they have actually since done.

It may be amiss here, to give you the following short account. The Doctor on his return to New York, fell into company with a person going into the city on private business, he mistook this person for a friend of government (as certain persons call themselves) and after landing at Staten Island, spoke his mind freely on the above as well as other subjects. This person afterwards lodged in the same house with the Doctor, and heard his conversation with Governor Johnstone. Particular circumstances forbid my mentioning the name of this person at present, it is sufficient that the information was voluntarily given, and before several persons of the first rank and character in this city. Now then, my countrymen, let me state in short my reasons for giving you those facts. I have thought ever since the violences and despotism of Great Britain first drove the dispute to the issue of arms that an alliance with France was for your real interest and happiness. I was as far as in me lay, a willing instrument to promote it; I now see, what I have for some time suspected, a design to lead you into a breach of your national faith and honor, solemnly pledged, and thereby most probably to the eventual loss of that liberty, which you have purchased at so great an expence of blood and treasure.

I see also a design to lay waste your frontiers, by a most cruel and barbarous war, and at the same time to fix in the different capitals emissaries to betray your secrets, and by every other means, which either a casual, or designed inattention to them, may put in their power to aid and bring about those designs. I think it therefore my duty to put you on your guard.

When I mention, that the honorable Arthur Lee, Esquire, your Commissioner at the court of Madrid, and one of your Commissioners at Versailles, and the honorable William Lee, Esquire, your Commissioner at the Court of Vienna, and your Commissioner at the Court of Berlin, (which Courts are now actually at war with each other) and also that he is your commercial Agent in Europe, and that they have two brothers in Congress, I do not speak from any pique against them, for altho'they are my personal and lately my avowed enemies, yet their conduct on many occasions hath been such, that to honor them with the emotions of anger, would be degrading to that character, which I hope always to maintain.  My object is, merely to rescue your reputation. Foreigners are not perhaps so clear sighted as they ought to be, and therefore cannot discern in those your Commissioners that degree of merit, which hath led your Representatives to confer on them such various and in compatible offices. and being equally ignorant of the wise and equitable manner in which your business is conducted, they rashly conclude, that appointments, of which they cannot discern the propriety, are to be attributed to the influence of intrigue and cabal. I have also a farther view in writing this letter, it is to put those gentlemen who in some instances have carried not only their suspicions, but their aspersions against some of your firmest friends very far, on their guard against those old obligations and attachments which may ruin your affairs, and to be particularly careful whom they recommend, and how. And would warn them from past experience against future danger, and intreat them not too hastily and too rashly to impart your secrets to improper persons, particularly as Great Britain has not as yet acknowledged your Independence, and offered a treaty, the cultivation of an interest at that court, cannot compensate the sacrifices which must be made to acquire it.  Lastly, my countrymen, whilst I reverence your unsuspecting confidence, I would inculcate on your minds the artifices of your foes, and lead you to beware, and on your guard.

I am your friend and countryman, and I can say with truth and with pride your faithful servant, S. DEAN. Philadelphia, November, 1778.”

Henry Laurens was incensed over Dean’s proclamation writing President Lowndes :

"I had antecedently to the appearance of Mr. Deane's insult been exceedingly chagrined at the tame submission of the Great representative of the United States to the most gross affronts."

On December 8th Francis Lightfoot Lee, in another public display of airing the dirty laundry of Congressional business, published this letter in the Pennsylvania Packett.

To the candid and impartial PUBLIC. MR. Silas Deane having in his Address, in Mr. Dunlaplast paper, thrown many dishonourable reflections on several persons highly trusted by America, and too far distant to answer for themselves, I think I but justice to those injured characters, to request that you will suspend your judgments, until the matter is fully investigated by those whose immediate business it is, and whoa re most likely to be possessed of the means to establish the truth, when, no doubt, all the parties ill receive their due, whether of reward or punishment, and the public good be secured.

In the mean time I hope you will take a view of the several characters, from the commencement of the present contest with Great Britain; the part they have acted; what they have sacrificed; and what were their probable prospects; and then I am sure you will agree with me, that the narrative is void of probability, and ought to be supported with much better evidence than insinuations innuendoes, and bare assertions.

AS to the decency of the performance with respect to that Body, to which America must always owe it safety and happiness, I leave it to those whom it may concern. And the real friends to the independency of America will determine on the propriety of such a publication, in the present situation of our affairs. For my own part, I so reverence the Representatives of the People, and have so warm a concern for the public welfare, that I had much rather my nearest connections should suffer a temporary injustice, than offend the one, or in the least injure the other.

I too, most sincerely wish you to be on your guard. Trust not professions; hear both sides, and judge from well attested facts.

Henry Laurens took Dean’s criticisms personally.  Stepping down from his chair as President he moved that a committee be appointed to report upon Deane's article. In the meantime he requested that congress refuse Deane further audience until hearing of that committee conclusion. Laurens was seeking what Congress now calls censure  of Silas  Deane.

Congress, who in the earlier months decided not to recall Arthur Lee to confront Deane, wanted to avoid further public examination.  An amendment was proposed that Deane's printed letter be read on the floor of Congress. The Delegates voted it down. Laurens original motion calling for “censure” was then quashed by calling for the order of the day.  Henry Laurens was livid. The Congress refused to call Deane to account for his public criticism of Laurens and the delegates. The President wrote:

“Failing to rouse Congress to the vindication of their honor, I felt for my own and resolve to descend from the chair to the floor, where I could be of the most real service to my country."

Two Days later on December 9th 1778 President Laurens arose from his chair immediately after the house came to order and in a carefully written speech reviewed the circumstances

"Gentlemen: Ever jealous for the Dignity of Congress, and prompted by a sense of Duty, I had the honor on Monday of laying before the House informations which I had received from Citizens of respectable characters, that a certain Letter, signed S. Deane, and addressed to the Citizens of America at large, published in the Pennsylvania Packet of Saturday the 5th inst., which I presumed every Member had read, had created anxieties in the minds of the good People of this City, and excited tumults amongst themthat having received such Information, I had carefully perused the Letter, and found it to contain articles highly derogatory to the honor and interests of these United States.

That I could not be suspected of having prejudices, or of being engaged in any intrigue or Cabal against Mr. Deane, since, I could declare upon my honor that no Gentleman on the floor knew so much of my sentiments respecting Mr. Deane's public character as I had communicated to that Gentleman himselfthat seeing Mr. Deane had made his appeal to the People and had intimated a design of giving them a course of Letters, it was evident he did not mean to depart from America so suddenly as he had lately declared to this House.

That from these considerations I held it dishonorable to Congress to hear him the following evening, and thereupon I humbly moved the House to appoint a Committee of three, to consider and report specially upon the contents of the letter above mentionedthat in the mean time Mr. Deane be informed that Congress will give him further notice when they desire to hear him in the House.

This motion was seconded by many voicesan amendment was offered by an honorable Gentleman'that the printed Letter be read,' which being put to question, passed in the negative by a majority of one State.

I then renewed my motion, founded upon common fame and my own certain knowledge of factsthis was over ruled by calling for the Order of the Day, for which a single voice, you know Gentlemen, is sufficient, and from that time the motion has remained neglected.

I feel upon this occasion, not for any disappointment to myself, but for the honor and dignity of this House, the great Representative of an infant Empire, upon whose conduct the Eyes of Europe are fixed.

I have, from the moment in which my motion was quashed, seriously and almost constantly reflected on the above recited circumstances, and have again attentively considered Mr. Deane's Address to the People.

I see no cause to regret my conduct on Monday, and I am confirmed in my opinion that the Address contains groundless and unwarrantable insinuations and intimations respecting the conduct of this House.

Mr. Deane has never offered to this House a narrative in writing of his proceedings in France in his character of Commercial and Political Agent, nor hath he, even to this day produced proper Accounts and Vouchers of his Expenditure of Public Money.

He was notified on the 3d inst. by your President, that Congress had resolved to take into consideration, as on that evening, the state of their foreign affairs; and that such branches as he had been particularly concerned in, would, in due time, become subjects of their deliberation. In a Letter of the 4th he 'thanked Congress for that intimation.'

In the same letter he informed them 'that he had prepared to leave this City, and had made his arrangements accordingly, which it would not be in his power to dispense with for any time,' and yet on the 5th he published an Address to the free and virtuous Citizens of America, in which he complains that the Ears of their Representatives had been shut against him, and tacitly promises them a course of Letters.

He informs the Public that he had been sacrificed for the aggrandizement of others.

He charges one of your Commissioners with such improper conduct in his public character as amounts, in my Ideas, to high Crimes.

He avers that the same Commissioner had been suspected by their best friendsabroad, and those in important Characters and stations, although he had given Congress no such information in writing, which he ought to have done, even long before he commenced his Voyage from France. He insinuated that the same Commissioner had been improperly forced upon him.

He sets up a charge against another of your Commissioners for a species of peculation and other malversation of conduct, which, if true, it was his duty long ago to have exhibited to Congress.

He arraigns the justice and the wisdom of Congress. He charges and questions the conduct of an honorable Member of this House, out of the House, and holds him up to the Public in a criminal light, which ought not to have been done before he had lodged a complaint in Congress, and had failed of their attention. His publication is a sacrifice of the Peace and good Order of these States to personal resentment: and so far as it regards Congress, it is groundless and unwarrantable; wherefore, be the remainder false or true, it is, in my humble opinion, a pernicious and unprovoked Libel, affrontive to the Majesty of the People.

I am neither a Volunteer advocate for the private Characters stricturized in Mr. Deane's paper, nor an Enemy to Mr. Deane. In a word, I view the performance in question as an Act unbecoming the character of a Public servantaltogether unnecessary, and tending to excite fears and jealousies in the minds of those free and virtuous Citizens of America, to whom Mr. Deane has addressed himself, and also to draw the conduct of Congress into suspicion and contemptand I still hold my opinion that it was the duty of this House to take the Address into consideration before they admitted the Author to a further hearing.

Nevertheless Congress were pleased to adhere to a Resolve passed on Saturday subsequently to the open appearance of that unnecessary and insulting publication, for hearing him in writing, contrary to a Resolution of the fifteenth day of August last, which was obtained at that time after much debate by the reasonings and Votes of Gentlemen who had interested themselves strongly in his favor, and from motives assigned which cannot be effaced from the remembrance of those Gentlemen who were then presentand time is now given to Mr. Deane for preparing a detail of his transactions, which, if I understand any thing of Public business ought to have been completed and ready for presentation before he landed on the American Shore.

I feel my own honor, and much more forcibly the honor of the Public deeply wounded by Mr. Deane's address,* and I am persuaded that it will hold out such encouragement to our Enemies to continue their persecution, as will, in its consequences, be more detrimental to our Cause than the loss of a Battle. Mr. Deane has not contented himself with the scope of Dunlap's Newspaper, he has caused his address to be printed in a thousand Hand Billsthese will afford a sufficient number for penetrating the remotest part of our Union, and enough for the service of our Enemies.

I know that what I am about to do will give a transient pleasure to our Enemies, knowledge derived from a circumstance which induced me to continue in this Chair after the 31st day of October last, more strongly induced me than that unanimous request of this House, which I was then honored with. There are Gentlemen upon this floor who are well acquainted with the circumstance alluded tobut Gentlemen, their satisfaction will indeed be transitory, for I here again solemnly declare,and they will soon learn it, that I am determined to continue a faithful and diligent laborer in the Cause of my Country, and at the hazard of Life, fortune and domestic happiness, to contribute, by every means in my power to the perfect establishment of our Independence.

I shall have less cause to regret the carrying my intended purpose into effect, foreseeing that you may immediately fill with advantage, the vacancy which will presently happen.

I shall hold myself particularly answerable to my constituents for my present conduct, and in general to all my fellow Citizens throughout these States, when properly questioned.

Finally, gentleman, from the considerations above mentioned, as I cannot consistently with my own honor, nor with utility to my country, considering the manner in which Business is transacted here, remain any longer in this chair, I now resign it..”

Laurens' resignation from the Presidency was quite dramatic, with Laurens hoping that his lengthy "farewell address" would inspire his fellow delegates to rise and demand he remain in office. Instead Congress elected John Jay, who Henry Laurens considered a political rival. It was a defeat that was sufficiently painful as evidence by a July 17, 1779 letter to John Laurens:

"… tell my friends they will find, that my resignation on the 9th of December was, as I then said to them, the greatest act of my life."

Deane was eventually compelled to return to Europe to procure the requisite papers to prove his innocence. There he found that the publication of certain of his private dispatches had embittered the French government against him not allowing him access to the necessary evidence. Deane, without the necessary evidence, decided to retire to Holland. After the war he took up residence in England. Deane died in great poverty, estranged from his native land and feeling that he had been unjustly dealt with by the United States in Congress Assembled. In 1842 the Republic Congress vindicated his memory by deciding that a considerable sum of money was due him, and directed its payment to his heirs.

The summary of the Journals of the Continental Congress during Lauren’s Presidency is as follows:

1777  November 4 Commends General Gates and his army for their defense against Burgoyne's invasion and various other officers and units for their defense of the Delaware. November 7 Names new appointees to reorganized Board of War. November 1014 Conducts final debates on Articles of Confederation. November 15 Adopts Articles of Confederation. November 17 Transmits Articles of Confederation to states for their consideration. November 19  Directs General Washington to inquire into the treatment of American prisoners. November 20 Adopts report on pacification of the western frontier. November 21 Recalls Commissioner Silas Deane from the court of France. November 22 Adopts economic program asking the states to levy taxes, call in paper money, and regulate prices. November 24 Adopts measures for improving the provisioning of the army. November 27 Recommends confiscation of loyalist property in the states; completes reconstitution of the Board of War, Horatio Gates named president. November 28 Appoints committee to confer with General Washington; orders inquiry into the failures of the Rhode Island expedition and the Delaware River defenses; appoints John Adams commissioner to France. November 29 Appoints committee to obtain a French translation of the Articles of Confederation and to invite Canada "to accede to the union of these states."

December 1 Rejects alteration of the Saratoga Convention to permit embarkation of Burgoyne's army from Rhode Island. December 3 Resolves to seek $2 million loan from France and Spain; directs suppression of Delaware loyalists; adopts instructions for retaining continued neutrality of the Six Nations; endorses proposal for a surprise attack against Lake Champlain. December 8 Orders Silas Deane's immediate return to Congress. December 10 Denounces Gen. William Howe's treatment of American prisoners; authorizes General Washington to impress supplies in Pennsylvania. December 13 Appoints Gen. Thomas Conway to newly constituted post of inspector general of the army. December 16 Receives report of the committee at head quarters. December 19 Questions General Washington's plans for a winter cantonment. December 26 Debates implementation of the Saratoga Convention. December 30 Grants navy boards increased authority over naval officers; extends General Washington's powers to impress supplies, discipline officers, and punish spies.

1778 January 2 Dismisses Esek Hopkins from the Continental Navy. January 8 Detains Convention Army in America until properly notified of Britain's "explicit ratification of the convention of Saratoga." January 11 Appoints committee to repair to headquarters to concert with General Washington on the reform of the army. January 12 Examines John Folger on the theft of despatches from the commissioners in France. January 14 Accepts Baron Steuben's tender of services as a volunteer in the Continental Army. January 15 Orders creation of additional magazines for supply of the army in Pennsylvania. January 16 Instructs committee at camp to evaluate an attack on Philadelphia. January 17 Resolves to issue an additional $10 million in loan office certificates. January 20 Appoints Charles Carroll and Gouverneur Morris to the committee at camp to replace members named from the Board of War. January 21 Adopts measures to secure improved British treatment of American prisoners of war. January 23 Names General Lafayette to command an invasion of Canada. January 27 Appoints committee to confer on the reform of the hospital department. January 3031 Studies proposals for reform of the quarter master department and for retaining the neutrality of the Indians in the northern department.  

 February 2 Appoints officers for Canadian expedition. February 3 Prescribes oath required of all officers of the United States. February 4 Directs commissioner to the court of Tuscany to seek $1 million loan; receives Committee at Camp recommendation that Jeremiah Wadsworth be appointed commissary general of purchases. February 6 Reforms medical department; appoints middle department physician general. February 11 Adopts regulations for commissary general of military stores. February 13 Requests North Carolina beef and pork embargo. February 16 Resolves to emit additional $2 million in bills of credit. February 17 Suspends Board of War's special purchasing agents. February 19 Relocates Convention Army for security purposes. February 23 Appoints committee to reexamine feasibility of Canadian expedition. February 26 Adopts resolves for arranging a prisoner exchange; adopts new Continental Army quotas and recruiting regulations. February 27 Prescribes death penalty for persons convicted of aiding the enemy.

March 2 Appoints Nathanael Greene quartermaster general and adopts new quartermaster regulations; urges cavalry recruitment; suspends Canadian expedition. March 3 Authorizes General Burgoyne's return to England. March 4 Authorizes Washington to employ Indians with the army. March 5 Resolves to emit additional $2 million in bills of credit. March 7 Designates April 22 a day of fasting and prayer. March 12 Urges states to keep three delegates in constant attendance. March 13 Adopts new commissary regulations; reassigns Lafayette and de Kalb. March 16 Orders return of Pennsylvania pacifists exiled to Virginia; orders study of state compliance with recommendations of Congress. March 18 Increases Washington's authority to negotiate prisoner exchanges. March 21 Adopts measures for defense of the northern department. March 24 Resolves to resume once daily sessions. March 26 Orders arrest of Delaware loyalists to thwart invasion threat. March 28 Appoints Casimir Pulaski to command independent cavalry corps. March 30 Adopts revised prisoner exchange instructions.

April 4 Resolves to emit additional $1 million in bills of credit; empowers Washington to call New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland militia. April 7 Adopts contract terms for Commerce Committee to execute with Roderique Hortalez & Co. April 9 Sets pay and allowances for commissary officers and appoints Jeremiah Wadsworth commissary general of purchases. April 10 Holds acrimonious debate on letter criticizing Washington, sparking walkout of Thomas Burke and Edward Langworthy. April 11 Orders Thomas Burke to answer charges of disrupting proceedings of Congress; resolves to emit additional $5 million in bills of credit. April 14 Adopts regulations for commissary general of purchases. April 15 Responds to Delaware protest that General Smallwood's seizure of loyalists infringed the internal police of the state; directs General Gates to take command of the northern department. April 16  Rejects motion to refer issue of Continental officers' pensions to the states. April 18 Orders inquiry into the loss of the Virginia. April 22 Orders publication of statement on North Ministry's peace proposals. April 23 Urges states to pardon and forgive penitent loyalists; requests Maryland to send troops to suppress Delaware uprising. April 25 Resolves that Thomas Burke's withdrawal from Congress was "disorderly and contemptuous." April 26 Holds Sunday debate on halfpay proposal for Continental officers. April 28 Accepts General Conway's resignation. April 29 Adopts plan to encourage desertion of British mercenaries seeking land and citizenship in the United States.

May 3 Holds Sunday session to consider treaties of commerce and alliance negotiated with France. May 4 Ratifies the treaties with France. May 5 Instructs commissioners to secure revocation of two treaty of commerce articles. May 8 Adopts an address to the inhabitants of the United States. May 9 Issues proclamation denouncing seizures of neutral shipping by American armed vessels. May 11 Instructs Massachusetts on safeguarding the rights of the owners of an illegally seized Portuguese vessel. May 13 Rejects motion to refer proposed officer pension plan to the states. May 15 Adopts plan to provide half pay for officers for seven years after the conclusion of the war. May 18 Receives "plan for regulating the army" from the committee at camp. May 19 Orders emission of $6.3 million in bills of credit to pay interest on loan office certificates. May 21 Authorizes Massachusetts to assist Nova Scotia revolutionaries at Continental expense; adopts principles for governing prisoner exchanges. May 22 Resolves to emit additional $5 million in bills of credit. May 26 Adopts revised "rules" of Congress. May 27 Adopts new "Establishment of the American Army." May 28 Revises commissions of the American commissioners to Vienna, Berlin, and Tuscany. May 30 Resumes twice daily sessions "for the space of one month."

 June 1 Debates instructions for the American commissioners in Europe. June 4 Recommends suspension of state price regulations; directs Washington to "proceed in arranging" the army. June 6 Rejects peace proposals submitted by Lord Howe and Sir Henry Clinton. June 8 Embargoes provisions (effective June 10November 15, 1778). June 11 Receives notice of the arrival of the Carlisle peace commission at Philadelphia; orders expedition against Fort Detroit; orders quartermaster department inquiry. June 13 Receives letter from the Carlisle peace commission. June 17 Adopts reply to the Carlisle peace commission orders halt to personal "correspondence with the enemy." June 20 Receives notice of the British evacuation of Philadelphia; resolves to emit additional $5 million in Continental currency. June 2225 Debates proposed state amendments to the Articles of Confederation. June 25 Orders reinforcements for Rhode Island. June 26 Orders Articles of Confederation to be engrossed for signing. June 27 Adjourns from York, "to Thursday next, to meet at the State House in Philadelphia."

July 26 Convenes in Philadelphia, but adjourns "from day to day" for lack of a quorum. July 7 Achieves quorum; thanks Washington for "gaining the important victory of Monmouth." July 9 Corrects engrossed Articles of Confederation and begins the signing; directs committee of arrangement to repair to headquarters. July 11 Receives news of the arrival in Delaware Bay of the French fleet carrying Conrad Alexandre Gerard and Silas Deane; directs Washington to prepare for a joint FrancoAmerican offensive. July 14 Appoints committee to arrange public reception for the French minister Gerard. July 18 Rejects renewed overtures from the Carlisle peace commission. July 20 Endorses Ebenezer Hazard's plan to collect "various state papers relative to the origin and progress of the several European settlements in North America." July 23 Orders inventory of goods left in Philadelphia at the time of the British evacuation; receives Jean Holker's commissions as French marine agent and consul in Philadelphia. July 25 Defers attack on Fort Detroit; adopts measures for Pennsylvania and New York frontier defense. July 30 Emits additional $5 million in Continental currency. July 31 Appoints committee to "superintend an entertainment" for the French minister

Patrick Henry acts on Congress' deferral of an attack on Detroit   Library of Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections Division.

August 1 Consigns tobacco for payment of Beaumarchais' contract claims. August 3 Investigates commissaries Benjamin Flower and Cornelius Sweers for fraud. August 6 Holds formal audience with French minister Gerard. August 7 Debates proposal to discipline board of war members for disregarding an order of Congress. August 10 Postpones proposal to exchange former New Jersey governor William Franklin for Delaware president John McKinly. August 11 Adopts declaration denouncing peace commissioner George Johnstone for attempted bribery of American leaders. August 13 Curtails issuance of passes for travel to British occupied New York; orders Silas Deane to at tend Congress. August 15 Orders Silas Deane to prepare an oral report on his mission to France; adopts resolution for maintaining the secrecy of correspondence of the committee for foreign affairs. August 17 Hears Silas Deane's testimony; receives resignation of Maj. Gen. Thomas Mifflin. August 20 Refers report on the inspector general's department to Washington; rejects motion to exchange William Franklin for John McKinly. August 21 Orders printing of the proceedings of Gen. Charles Lee's courtmartial; hears Silas Deane conclude "the general account" of his mission to France. August 24 Orders the release of commissary Benjamin Flowers and the prosecution of deputy commissary Cornelius Sweers. August 28 Receives news of failure of the FrancoAmerican attack on Newport. August 31 Adopts measures to improve recruitment of the Continental Army.

September 1 Refers passport application of British secret agent John Temple to the state of Pennsylvania. September 2 Recommends granting exemptions to the provisions embargo. September 3 Resolves to permit recruitment of German mercenary deserters; postpones expedition planned against Seneca Indians. September 5 Ignores appeal of secret British agent Dr. John Berkenhout for release from Pennsylvania jail; emits additional $5 million in continental currency. September 9 Votes thanks to Gen. John Sullivan for the conduct of his forces at Rhode Island; orders Rhode Island expedition inquiry September 11 Authorizes dispersal of Gen. John Burgoyne's Convention Army for its more convenient subsistence; urges Maryland to curb evasions of the embargo. September 14 Appoints Benjamin Franklin minister plenipotentiary to France; approves exchange of William Franklin for John McKinly. September 19 Reads committee of finance report; orders finance report printed. September 22 Orders examination of William Carmichael on the activities of Silas Deane in France. September 25 Appeals to Virginia and North Carolina to aid South Carolina and Georgia; appoints Benjamin Lincoln to command the southern department. September 26 Reorganizes the offices of the treasury; emits an additional $10 million in Continental currency. September 28 Conducts examination of William Carmichael. September 30 Conducts examination of William Carmichael; reassigns Casimir Pulaski's legion.  

October 2 Extends embargo to January 31, 1779; requests states to seize provisions to prevent engrossing and speculation. October 3 Informs Casimir Pulaski "that it is the duty of every military officer in the service of these states, to yield obedience" to the laws of the states. October 5 Conducts examination of William Carmichael on the activities of Silas Deane in France. October 6  Invites Dr. Richard Price to become a citizen and move to the United States to assist "in regulating their finances." October 8 Lifts limitations on the price of silver and gold. October 12 Adopts resolves to suppress "theatrical entertainments, horse racing, gaming, and such other diversions as are productive of idleness, [and] dissipation." October 13 Orders Washington to take measures for frontier defense. October 14 Receives documents from Silas Deane and schedules continuation of inquiry into charges made against him. October 15 Receives intelligence of the distribution of a "Manifesto and Proclamation" from the British peace commissioners. October 16 Orders seizure of persons attempting to distribute "manifestoes" of the British commissioners; orders removal of the Convention Army to Charlottesville, Va. October 17 Commends comte d'Estaing for his attempts to assist the forces of the United States. October 21 Orders arrest of British commissary of prisoners in Philadelphia; declares opposition to "partial and parole exchanges" of prisoners of war in favor of "a general exchange"; commends the marquis de Lafayette and declares thanks to the king of France. October 22 Assigns Horatio Gates to command of the eastern department; adopts instructions for the American minister to France and a "Plan of an Attack upon Quebec." October 26 Appoints a committee to prepare a publication on "matters relating to" negotiations with the British peace commissioners. October 27 Responds to the Governor of Havana for his introduction of Juan de Miralles, unofficial Spanish agent to the United States. October 29 Reorganizes the Board of War. October 30 Adopts a "Manifesto" vowing to take "exemplary vengeance" against future acts of enemy barbarity. October 31 Rejects proposal from the Spanish Governor of New Orleans for an attack on West Florida.

November 2 Authorizes an attack on East Florida. November 3 Appoints a comptroller, auditor, treasurer, and commissioners of accounts for the reorganized treasury office. November 4 Orders printing of the FrancoAmerican treaties; resolves to emit additional $10,000,000 in Continental currency. November 7 Orders December 30 set apart as "a day of general thanksgiving"; reaches compromise in dispute over provisioning prisoners of war. November 10 Augments plans for an expedition against East Florida. November 11 Exempts embargoed flour purchased in Virginia for the French navy. November 12 Denies John Connolly's plea to be treated as a prisoner of war because of parole violations. November 14 Adopts incentives for naval enlistments. November 17 Orders closer confinement of John Connolly; adopts thanksgiving day resolve. November 19 Authorizes Washington to appoint commissioners to negotiate a prisoner exchange; receives Thomas McKean's charges against Gen. William Thompson. November 20 Hears General Thompson's denial of Thomas McKean's charges. November 23 Examines witnesses in McKeanThompson dispute. November 24 Adopts rules for settling rank and seniority disputes in the Continental Army; authorizes Board of War "to finish the arrangements of the army agreeably to the resolutions of Congress." November 26 Receives New Jersey ratification of Articles of Confederation. November 27 Rejects petition for exempting grain for Bermuda from the embargo. November 28 Responds to Adm. James Gambier's threat to retaliate against American prisoners of war.  

December 3 Confirms Gen. Philip Schuyler's courtmartial acquittal; receives letters recommending secret British agent John Temple. December 5 Endorses Washington's recommendations for suspending preparations for a Canadian invasion; confirms Gen. Charles Lee's courtmartial conviction. December 7 Orders Silas Deane to report in writing on "his agency . . . in Europe"; hears testimony in McKeanThompson dispute. December 9 Receives Henry Laurens' resignation as president of Congress.

In 1779 Henry Laurens was appointed minister to Holland to negotiate a treaty that had been unofficially proposed to William Lee by Van Berekel, Pensioner of Amsterdam. He sailed on the packet "Mercury," which was captured by the British frigate "Vestal," of twenty-eight guns, off Newfoundland. Mr. Laurens threw his papers overboard; but they were recovered, and gave evidence of his mission. The refusal of Holland to punish Van Berckel, at the dictation of Lord North's ministry, was instantly followed by war between Great Britain and Holland. Mr. Laurens was taken to London, examined before the privy-council, and imprisoned in the Tower of London, on October 6th, 1780, on "suspicion of high treason" for nearly fifteen months, during which his health was greatly impaired. He was ill when he entered, but no medical attendance was provided. 

 When his son John appeared in Paris in 1781 to negotiate a loan with France, Mr. Laurens was informed that his confinement would be the more rigorous because the young man had openly declared himself an enemy to the king and his country. It was suggested that if Mr. Laurens would advise his son to withdraw from his commission, such action would be received with favor at the British court; he replied that his son was a man who would never sacrifice honor, even to save his father's life.

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