Office of Finance,
9th July, 1782.
Sir:
I do myself the honor to enclose the Copy of a Law passed in New Jersey in consequence of certain Acts of Congress therein referred to. I think it my duty to give this public Testimony of the early and effectual compliance of that State.
An act to authorize the United States in Congress Assembled in the final settlement of the proportion to be borne by this State of certain public expences and for other purposes therein mentioned.
Whereas, by several Acts of Congress it is recommended to all the State in Union to authorize and empower the United States in Congress assembled in the final settlement of the proportions to be borne by each State of the general expences of the War from the commencement thereof until the first day of January, one thousand
seven hundred and eighty-two, except the Monies loaned to the United States, and also to empower the Commissioner appointed to settle the public accounts in this State to call for witnesses and examine them on Oath or affirmation touching such accounts as are respectively assigned to them for settlement thereof.1st. Be it enacted by the Council and General Assembly of this State, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same that the United States in Congress assembled shall be and they are hereby authorized and empowered fully and finally to determine and settle the proportion to be borne by this State of the general expences of War from the commencement thereof until the first day of January, 1782, except the Monies loaned to the United States, and to assume and adopt such principles as from the particular circumstances of this State and the several States in Union at different periods may appear just and equitable without being wholly confined to the rule laid down in the eighth article of the Confederation in cases where the same cannot be applied without manifest injustice.
2nd. And be it further enacted that it shall and may be lawful for the Auditor of accounts of this State, and he is hereby required as speedily as possible to make out and transmit to Congress all such documents and information as may be judged necessary by Congress to assist them in forming just Estimates of the value and abilities of this State at the end of every year, within the aforesaid term, particularly an accurate and exact abstract of all the ratables of this State at the close of each and every year as far as the same can be ascertained.
3rd. And be it further enacted that it shall and may be lawful for the Commissioner appointed and authorized to settle the accounts between the United States and the Inhabitants of this State, and he is hereby authorized and empowered in any case where doubts may arise respecting the validity of such accounts to cite before him by summons under his hand and seal directed to any Constable of the County where such witness may reside, who is hereby required to pay obedience thereto, such person or persons as may appear likely or qualified to give informatton concerning the said accounts, and him or them to examine upon Oath or affirmation touching the same, which Oath or Affirmation the said Commissioner
is hereby empowered to administer, and the Constables shall be intitled to receive two shillings and six pence for every day they shall attend, to be paid by the party whose accounts are in such a State of invalidity as to make the said Testimony necessary; provided, nevertheless, that no witness shall be compelled to attend out of the County where he may reside.Enacted the 15th June, 1782.