University of Virginia Library

TUESDAY, DECR. I7TH.

Mr. Carrol in order to bring on the affair of Mr. Howel moved
that the Secy. of Foreign Affairs be instructed not to write to the
Govt. of Rhode Island on the subject. The state in wch. such a
vote would leave the business unless the reason of it was expressed,
being not adverted to by some, and others being unwilling to

move in the case, this motion was incautiously suffered to pass.
The effect of it however was soon observed, and a motion in
consequence made by Mr. Hamilton, to subjoin the words, "Mr.
Howel having in his place confessed himself to be the Author of
the publication." Mr. Ramsay thinking such a stigma on Mr.
Howel unnecessary, & tending to place him in the light of a
persecuted man whereby his opposition to the Impost might have
more weight in his State, proposed to substitute as the reason,
"Congress havg. recd. the information desired on that subject.
The yeas & nays being called for by Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Howell
grew very uneasy at the prospect of his name being thereby
brought on the Journals; and requested that the subject might
be suspended until the day following. This was agreed to &
took place on condition that the ne[ga]tived counter direction to
the Secy. of F. A. should be reconsidered & lie over also.