University of Virginia Library

TO JOSEPH JONES.[1]

Dear Sir,—Yesterday was employed by Congress
in discussing the resolutions you left with them.

The first and second were passed after undergoing
sundry alterations.[2] The clause in the second for
allowing the expense of maintaining civil government
within the ceded territory, was struck out by the
committee, and an attempt to get it re-inserted in the
House was negatived. It was surmised, that so indefinite
an expression might subject Congress to very
exorbitant claims. With respect to Virginia, I believe
that expense has not been so considerable as to
be much worth insisting on. The principal expenses
may properly be included under the military head.
The consideration of the last resolution, annulling
Indian purchases, was postponed, with an intention, I
believe, of not resuming it. It is supposed by some
to be unnecessary; by others, to be improper, as implying
that without such previous assurance Congress
would have a right to recognize private claims in
a territory expressly given up to them for the common
benefit. These motives prevailed, I am persuaded,
with more than the real view of gratifying
private interest at the public expense. The States
may annex what conditions they please to their cessions,
and by that means guard them against misapplication;
or if they only annul all pretended
purchases by their own laws before the cessions are
made, Congress are sufficiently precluded, by their
own general assurance that they shall be applied
to the common benefit, from admitting any private
claims which are opposed to it.

The Vermont business has been two days under
agitation and nothing done in it, except rejecting
a proposition for postponing the determination of
Congress till Commissioners should enquire into
the titles and boundaries of New Hampshire and
New York. Congress having bound themselves so
strongly by their own act to bring it to an issue
at this time, and are pressed by New York so closely
with this engagement, that it is not possible any
longer to try evasive expedients. For my own part,
if a final decision must take place, I am clearly of
opinion that it ought to be made on principles that
will effectually discountenance the erection of new
Governments without the sanction of proper authority,
and in a style marking a due firmness and
decision in Congress.