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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Resolution by the Continental Congress concerning a location for the Congress, including cover letter from Richard Henry Lee to Alexander Martin
United States. Continental Congress
December 23, 1784
Volume 17, Pages 116-117

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RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

By the United States in Congress Assembled,
December 23, 1784.

Be it ordained by the United States in Congress Assembled:

That the resolutions respecting the buildings for the use of Congress be carried into effect without delay, that for this purpose three Commissioners be appointed with full powers to lay out a district of not less than two miles nor exceeding three miles square on the banks of either side of the Delaware, not more than eight miles above or below the lower falls thereof, for a federal Town, that they be authorized to purchase the soil or such part of it as they may judge necessary to be paid at proper installments, to enter into contracts for erecting and compleating in an elegant manner a federal house for the accommodation of Congress and for the Executive officers thereof; a house for the use of the President of Congress, and suitable buildings for the residence of the Secretary of Foreign affairs, Secretary of War, Secretary of Congress, Secretary of the Marine and officers of the Treasury; that the said Commissioners be empowered to draw on the Treasury of the United States for a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars for the purpose aforesaid; that in choosing a situation for the buildings due regard be had to the accommodation of the States with lots for houses for the use of their Delegates respectively; that on the 24th day of December inst. Congress stand adjourned to meet at the City of New York on the 11th day of January following for the dispatch of public business and that the Sessions of Congress be held at the places last mentioned until the buildings aforesaid shall be ready for their reception.

Done &c.,
CHARLES THOMSON, Secy.

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RICHARD HENRY LEE TO HIS EXCELLENCY ALEXANDER MARTIN.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Trenton, December 24, 1784.

Sir:

I have the honor to inclose to your Excellency an ordinance of Congress passed Yesterday for fixing the permanent and temporary residence of that Body.

With Sentiments, &c.,
RICHARD HENRY LEE, President.