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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Resolution by the Continental Congress concerning pay for troops
United States. Continental Congress
May 02, 1783
Volume 16, Pages 784-785


May 2nd, 1783.

Whereas it is the desire of Congress when the reduction of the army shall take place to enable the Officers and Soldiers to return to their respective homes with convenience and satisfaction for which purpose it will be indispensable to advance them a part of their pay before they leave the field, and whereas at the present juncture there are as many other engagements for which the public faith is pledged and the punctual performance of which is essential to the credit of the United States, neither of which important objects can be effected without the vigorous exertions of the several States in the collection of Taxes; therefore,

Resolved, That the respective States be called upon in the most earnest manner to make every effort in their power to forward the collection of taxes that such Sum may without delay be paid into the Common Treasury as will be adequate to the public exigencies,

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and that Congress confidently rely for an immediate and efficacious attention to the present requisition, upon the disposition of their constituents not only to do Justice to those brave men, who have suffered and sacrificed so much in the cause of their Country and whose distresses must be extreme should they be sent from the field without a payment of a part of their well earned dues; and also to enable Congress to maintain the faith and reputation of the United States, both which are seriously concerned in relieving the necessities of a meritorious army and fulfil the public stipulations.

Resolved, That as an additional means of accomplishing the same end a further application be immediately made to his Most Christian Majesty to induce him to add three millions of Livers to the six million already granted in part of the loan of four millions of Dollars requested by the resolution of the 14th September, 1782.

And that his said Majesty be informed that Congress will consider his compliance in this Instance as a new and valuable proof of his friendship peculiarly interesting in the present conjecture of the affairs of the United States, and will apply a part of the requisitions now subsisting upon the several States to the payment of the said three millions.

Resolved, That the Superintendent of Finance be directed to take the necessary arrangements for carrying the views of Congress into execution and that he be assured of their firm support towards fulfilling the engagements he has already taken or may take on the public account during his continuance in Office.

CHARLES THOMPSON, Secy.