The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1783-09-25 00:00:00, page 2

Tbit evening Colonel Hamilton 3hd "Mr. Elfu)&tt%,df £ fod^
1' "rnittee of Congress, called upon the President, and read to him a
resolution which had been just palled by that honorable body.
The President then told them, he would summon a Council to
take it into consideration, and to confer with the committee the
next morning at nfro'clbck. • We met accordingly at the Presi
dent's house, oh Sunday, 'June the zzd, and the following reso
lution was teadtto us by the committee.
£, ^ United States in Congress affcmbled, June 21, 1783.
RUdv'd. That the Ptefident ahd Supreme Executive Coun
cil o' i\:rirfylvania be informed, that the authority of the Unit
ed Sta r es having this day been grofly insulted, by the disorderly
and memong appearance rs a body of armed soldiers about the
place in which Congrc s were assembled, and the peace of this
civ being endangered by the mutinous difpefition of the said
troops now in the barracks, it is in the opinion of Congress ne
cefiary that effectual measures be immediately taken for support
ing the public authority.
Rfrfod, That the committee on a letter from Colonel Butter
be directed to confer without loss of time with the Supreme Ex
ecutive Council of Pennsylvania,,n the practicability of carry
ing the preceding refutation into eft'e^t.
The committee then gave tis this explanation, as they termed
it, of the foregoing refutation—“ By effeUual measures, Con
gress mean that the militia of the State be immediately called
forth, in fufficient force to reduce the soldiers to obedience, disarm,
and put them in the power of Congress."
We observed that this was indeed a matter of great moment,
and to obtain the desired effi&, without producing unhappy con
fauences, must be conducted with much prudence---that to call
the militia into service, without an assurance of a fufficient force
being immediately cdllefted, would be an a& of irritation that
might provoke the soldiery to excesses, which they otherwise might
decline.--that we would take immediate steps, by confuting the
Colfntisbf'the regiments of militia, for difeovering the dispo
sition of the militia, and the Rate of preparation in which they
were; in order to 'afcertain the practicability of adopting the
" effe&ual meaftircs"' recommended by Congress, in such a
manner as would give a teafonable expectation of success—that
the State magazine was in the hands of the soldiers, and the
tommiffary of military stores had but a very inconsiderable quan
tity of fixed ammunition in his possession--- that difficulties might
arise from the militia law itfelf,—that in the present situation
of affairs, delay was df the greatest advantage to us, as the sol
diers were ready to aft-that they had put themselves in a train
of negotiation, which, if properly improved by us, might afford
us opportunity to prepare every thing for reducing them, and to
'avail ourselves of every circum^ance that might occur for mak
ing proper impressions upon their minds—that this was not so
much to be considered as an irifurre&ion of citizens of Pentifyl
vania, as a mutiny of continental treops-—that if the rest of
the army, or a fufficient part of them, could be relied on, it
appeared to us advifeable, that intelligence of this difturbdnee
should be immediately dispatched to the Commander in Chief,
and a body of men put in motion towards this city—that this
measure might in a few days have a very favourable effect upon
the soldiers, or, if they should take any resolution from defoair,
on receiving notice of it, we ihoulJ then be id a better condition
to resist their outrages---and that we would immediately make
every effort in oar power to answer the wishes of Congress.
The committee replied, that there was great weight in these
observations---that prudence required that means should be used
for alcertaining the temper of the citizens, and what degree 6f
assurance might be placed in their exertions---that this should be
d>ue with profound facrecy, to prevent the soldiery from difeo
vering what was in agitation-—that if, upon making all the en
quiry which might be confident with the Tecrecy with which
this business should be conducted, Council fhotild not think it
practicable to draw forth an adequate force immediately, it would
be more advifeable, and entirely the sense of Congress, that none
should be drawn forth---/or Congress were determined to proceed by
coercion, and expected soon to have a force that could be depended
on---that the army might be rolled on, and that proper represen
tations had been made to the Commander in Chief—that as to
the want of ariimuoitidn, we might be assured, that we could be
supplied with any quantity of mufquet and cannon cartridge in
fifteen minutes, one df the committee having pointed his en
quiries to th t fubje&, and his information being derived frora a
person whefe business it was to know.—We then desired that
the ammunition mentioned by the committee might be fecund,
left'it might be difeovered and seized by the soldiers. The
committee agreed to confer with us again next morning, and
then withdrew.*
After the committee had withdrawn, we Resolved, That every
member of Council should use the utmost diligence to inform
himfelf, as to the practicability of collecting a fufficient force
immediately to carry the resolution of Congress into execution,
and that the commanding officers of regiments, and Capt, Mor
ris, of the light-horse, should be consulted on the fubjeCt.
* The committee of Congress, in their report, have fallen into fe
mera! mflikes by confounding fabis and sentiments, and representing
them as happening or expressed at times when they bad not happened,
or were no: exprefid. Tbefe mfakes were owing no doubt to the quick
succession of circumflances, and the ideas that, without noticing dates,
in confluence took possession of the mind.
The obvious conftruSion of the firfi report is, that the committee in
formed Council of the letter to Congress from the board of ferjeants,
though not a Jingle member of Council, mot the secretary, has any re
membrance of rs being mentioned by them, nor does any member of
Council now know what that message was. The argument annexed to
it in the report is no more rerollefted.
~"', n ™"" ee J'% tb at Council informed them " the exertions oft
~„a 'Were n ' to be expected from a repetition of the inful,
co ich bod happened." Though the Council only said, they could no
be fare that fueb another irfult would produce tbofe exertions.
In Jkort, to few the extreme inaccuracy with which tbefe reports,
to be entered upon the minutes of C,grefs, and preferred among tbe ar
ches of the empire, have been fompofed, it is necessary only t o attend
to that ,art where the committee fay, they r eprefented to Council" that
Congress would probably continue to pursue the object of having the
7 their P °7? ^ '"fc° uldb ~ Needed by unequivo
cal demonflrattons 0, fubmifo on toe part of tbe foneers—tbat
they bad hitherto given no fatisfdflory evidence of this disposition,
having lately printed the, officer, they bad cb fen to represent their
grievances with a formal commission in writing, enjoining them if ne
fefory to use compulsory means for redrfs, and menacing than with
death in caje of their failing to execute their views."
The conference, in which the committee fry they made this reprefen
tatton, was held according to their own report on the twenty: hird of
June. It began at lock in the morning The commffon from
the mutineers to the officers bear. date, and was presented to the officers
°" ',''"' " ^ mcrm ^- It " highly imp,Table
tba the committee Jb old have discovered its contents, in tie two hours
that intervened between rs being presented, and their meeting the
Council-, a-d the improbability is increased by this circumfonce, that
not a member who was in Council knew any 'thing of the commission,
nor remembers to have beatda Jingle syllable refpeffing it by
the committee during the who'e conference. The frft knowledge-C un
'. bad of the commifron was on the twenty-fourth, when they re
eetved the I,er fr om Captain Chryftie, and that day they Jent
4 copy of «to Congress by their Secretary, ' JJJ
The next mining, Mondi,, JuMi igi, we met in the Courts
cil-Chamber, and the President laid before Council the follow
ing letter :
" SIR, Philadelphia, June 23, 1783.
" We have the honor to inclofe for your Excellency and the
Council, a copy of the resolutions communicated in our confer
ence yesterday. Having then fully entered into all the explana
tions which were necessary on the fubje&, we shall not trouble
your Excellency with a recapitulation. But as the fubjeft is of
a delicate and important nature, we think it our duty to request
the determination of the Council in writing. We have the
honor to be, with perfect refped,
Year Excellency s 'moft obedient servants,
A. HAMILTON."
After considering this letter, and agreeing to a resolution upon
it, the committee came in.---We began the conference by faying,
that we had used all the industry we could the preceding day and
that morning, to inform ourselves ds 4:0 the practicability of
collecting a fufficient force immediately to carry the resolutions
of Congress into execution in the best manner; and that all the
commanding officers of regiments, except one, had been con
sulted by us on that fubjeft—-that the fefult of our enquiries
was, that the citizens were impressed with an opinion of the
pacific disposition of the soldiery in the barracks, and that they
would be fatisfied with what was just and reasonable that the
officers also declared the militia were not prepared for service, and
that it would be very imprudent to call them into immediate ac
tion, under these impressions, and in such a situation.
We desired the committee would be pleased to consider the dif
ficulties under which we labored, in collecting and equipping a
fufficient body of men upon such am occafron, ahd that time
might be allowed for communicating the proper information, and
urging the proper motives, to bring the minds of our fellow citi
zens into a correspondence with the views of Congress, and for
preparing them to aft-- that to make an attempt too hastily, for
the purpose of executing their resolution, or to give affufances
that it should be executed, without a reasonable perfwafion that
we Should not be mistaken, would, instead of evidencing our re
verence for Congress be to betray them that therefore we
Should confide in the candor of the committee, and in the mag
nanimity of Congress, to put a just conftruftion upon our conduCt
—that the soldiers had behaved very peaceably since Saturday,
had appointed their committee to confer with us, and seemed to
rely upon the negotiation which they had been induced to com
mence, with the concurrence of the Prefdent and the members of
Congress themselves, who had sent General St. Clair to treat with
them, and which we had agreed to proceed in, with the approba
tion and advice of tbe Prefdent of Congress, and the members who
bad been spoken to on tbe occafon---that in this state of affairs, any
movement to collect the militia might be regarded by the soldiery
as an aft of treachery, and, unless it should be rapid and efficient,
would at once expose Congress, Council, and our fellow citizens
—and endanger the city.
That as to the letter of the committee, “ requeuing the deter
mination of the Council in writing," it appeared to us an unu
sual mode of proceeding in conferences between committees of
Congress and the Council of this State---that this mode did not
seem to be intended by Congress—that if they had made the re
quest, we should cheerfully have granted it---if they should now
make it, we should not hesitate a moment to comply that we
had received a verbal and mos important explanation of the ref'lu
tion delivered by them, fully confiding in tbe honor of tbofe by
whom it was given---and that if the committee were apprehensive
of any mistake, they might reduce our answer to writing immedi
ately, and we would repeat the several parts of it, to prevent any
error.
The committee said, they were sensible of the difficulties that
occurred----:hat they did not mean that the conference intended
between Council and the committee of the soldiery should be
prevented --that collecting an adequate force in readiness to a&
would not be inconsistent with this procedure that as to the
consequences of such an attempt being made, and not immediately
Succeeding, it was suggested, that even small bodies of militia
might seize certain points, where resistance could be made until
the rest of the citizens Should come to their aid that as to our
answer, they acknowledged we had through this whole business
a&ed with great candour towards them, but they conceived them
selves clearly juftifiable in requeuing out determination in writ
ing, and instanced the case of inferior and accountable officers,
who often ask and seldom are denied such an answer and that
the-reason was much stronger that it should be given to a commit
tee of Congress. We, having before expre&ef our sentiments on
the other points, only observed as to the last, that in our opinion
the case mentioned did not apply----that it might be very proper
for responsible officers to ask for ahfwers in writing, to juftify
themselves to their superiors, and a generous condefeenfion in the
persons from whom they were solicited would induce them to
comply---but, the committee were a part of the body representing
the sovereignty of the United States, and we had the honor of
representing the sovereignty of this State---that conferences, espe
cially between persons vested with such authorities, were intended
to obtain a free and full c mmunication of sentiments, without
the intervention ts writing—and that no inconvenience could be
apprehended from proceeding in this usual method, as each party
could rely upon the integrity of the other. The committee with
drew, and the Council refe.
We laid before these gentlemen the message we had received on
Saturday from the soldiery, and our own resolution thereon, with
the resolution of Congress passed on that day—We informed them,
that the committee of Congress had in a conference explained the
said resolution, by faying, that by the " e^dtual measures there
in mentioned, Congress meant a call of the militia into actual
service, and their exertions in consequence of such a call that
there was reason to believe Congress would remove from this State,
unless they should receive assurances from us, that they might
rely upon the effectual measures intended by the said resolution
being immediately taken for supporting the public authority''----
that as to the want of ammunition that had been mentioned, the
objection was happily removed, we having been assured by one of
the committee of Congress, that we could be supplied with any
quantity of mufquet and cannon cartridge in fifteen minutes, We
In this unhappy affair we found ourselves extremely distressed.
On one fide, we were urged by the Representatives of the United
States to draw forth and employ the citizens in immediate hosti
lities against the soldiers, while, on the other hand, the citizens
considered them as objects of compassion, rather than of terror
or resentment. They could not bear to avenge the dignity of
Congress, accidentally and undefignedly offended, by ffiedding the
blood of men whom they considered as having fought and Buffered
for the American cause; and perhaps the world may be disposed to
ballance the charge of impolicy in this condua, by giving credit
for the humanity of such a behaviour.
We met again in the evening at the President's house ; and in
order to make particular communications, we direaed the Lieu
tenants of the city and county, all thefield officers of the militia
in the city and neighbourhood, and Captain Morris of the light
horse, to be convened to meet us at the State-House next morning,
at ten o'clock.
Accordingly, on Tuesday the 24th, we met in the Assembly-
Room, Colonels Sbee, Eyre, Knox, Marfo, Read, Will, Dean,
Henry, Coates, —Majors Rees, Brown, Cafdrop, McCullough, Boyd,
and Panqueke, and Captain Morris only one field officer being
absent.
therefore desired the officers present to give ns their sentiments on
the practicability of assembling the militia, in such a manner as
might effect the purposes of the resolution before mentioned, and
also in what manner a guard of 500 men could be most quickly
collected for immediate defence, to be relieved by the militia in
conference of a call for the service proposed. In the course of
this conference it was asked, whether feme kind of negotiation
had not taken place? We mentioned what had passed on that:
head. After fame time we retired to the Council-Chamber.
Soon after we came into the Chamber, one of the committee
of Congress entered, and informed the President, that he thought
himfelf bound to give him notice of a great mistake that had.
been committed by the person, from whom he had received his
intelligence concerning the ammunition, that person having, in
a late conversation, told him there were not more than zco muf
quet cartridges to be found. The President took this opportunity
of again desiring, that Council might not be precipitated into
measures not adapted to the present circumstances---that the sol
diers had now been quiet for three day's,---and we expeded every
hour to hear from their committee. The gentleman said, that no
report in writing had yet been made to Congress, and that for his
part he should be for taking some time to make it, for the rea
sons that had been mentioned.
In about an hour after we had left the officers, we returned
into the Affetnbly-Room to them, and Colonel Sbee speaking for
the company, declared it to be their opinion --“ that it would
be imprudent to make ariy call of railitia at present, as they
were convinced it would be ineffeaual---that if the negotiation
for fettling the disturbance mould not succeed, and the soldiers
should insist on unjust and unreasonable things, or should com
mit any outrage, they would be willing to make all the exertions/
in their power for preferring the peace and supporting public
authority, and would use their utmost influence for disposing the
minds of all under their commands, and of their other fellowj
citizens, to join in such measures.",
We then directed, that the officers should have their refpedive
commands as well prepared as could be for a&on on the shortest
notice, which they promised to do; and we are persuaded, that
if the occasion for commencing hoftihties had appeared as pres
sing to the militia, as it did to some, they would have a&ed
with the fame spirit that has always diflinguifhed them, when
ever in their judgment the obje& claimed their exertions.
Before the Council adjourned, we received the following letter
and inclofure from the committee appointed by the soldiers.
" S I R, Philadelphia, fune 24, 1783.
“ Yesterday morning we were waited on severally by a
committee of ferjeants, who handed to each of us similar ap
pointments, of which the inclofed is one. But upon their being
objeded to and refufed, as inconsistent with the powers granted
them, and dishonorable to us, they made such concessions relative
to us as were fatisfaaory, so far as we could take up the busi
ness, and they have confeffed their condua on the twenty-firft
instant to be disorderly, and have promised to hand in to us their
concessions as soon as possible, which we will immediately lay
before your Excellency. I have the honor to he,
Tour Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
James Chrystie, Capt. 2d Pennsylvania regiment,
President of tbe Committee.
His Excellency John Dzcktnson, Esq.
"SIR, Philadelphia Barracks, June 23, 1783.
“ You are hereby appointed by the non-commissioned officers
and soldiers in this city, from authority which they have from
the President of the State and General St. Clair, as a member to
represent them in committee of fix commissioned officers. You
are to remember that every effort in your power must be exerted
to bring about the most speedy and ample justice, and even to use
compulsive measurer, should they be found necessary, which we
declare in the presence of Almighty Gd we will support you in,
to the very utmost of our power. Should you ffiew a disposition
not to do all in yours, death is inevitably your fate.
Signed, by order of tbe Board,
JAMES BENNET, Secretary.
Captain James Chrystie."
Council rose, and soon afterwards we received intelligence that
Congress was adj urned, by their President, to meet at Princeton
on the 'Thursday following.
That evening we met again at the President's house, upon ad
vice that the soldiers meditated an attack upon the Bank. We
resolved, that a strong guard should be immediately collected, and
so posted as best to secure that important object; and as several
field officers attended, they immediately, and with tbe greatest
alacrity, employed themselves in the business. The President,
Vice-President and General Irvine directed Captain S'ti'es, the
commissary of military stores, to try the next day if he could not
get some fixed ammunition out of the State magazine, in remov
ing powder that was private property. He did, and, through the
pacific or careless disposition of the guard of soldiers, got out a
considerable quantity, and distributed it as ordered in proper places.
Wednesday, the 25th, we were informed that the soldiers were
in a very tumultuous disposition and that there was reason to
apprehend it would rife into some violence, as their rations would
be flopped on the Friday following. We therefore came to the.
following resolutions:
In Council, Philadelphia, June 25, 1783.
Ordered, That the Lieutenant of the city militia, &c. be di
rected to call forth a guard of 100 privates, with such number of
officers as he may think proper, as a measure indifpenfbly and im
mediately necessary to secure government from insult, the state
from disturbance, and the city from injury. Carpenters-Hall is
assigned for the place of meeting.
Resolved, That the different officers commanding regiments be
requeued to hold their refpeftive commands in immediate readi
ness for a&ion. It is expected also that they will meet this day
as soon as possible, for the purposes of determining the places of
and signals for rendezvous. A report of their proceedings to be
made to the President.
Resolved, That the Commissary of military stores be directed to
issue such public arms and ammunition, as he may now have un
der his direction, to the militia of the city and liberties, upon
application of the different officers commanding regiments.
While the clerk was copying these resolutions, Capts. Chryftie
and Symonds, two of the committee of the soldiery, presented to
us the three papers inclofed, marked No. 1, 2 and 3. These be
ing read, it was unanimously Resolved, " That Council will not
even take the proposals now made by the soldiers into considera
tion, unless they firft put themselves under the command of their
officers, and make full and fatisfa&ory submission to Congress.™
This resolution was then communicated to Capts. Chryftie and
Symonds, and they, being informed that it was our unalterable
determination, were directed to communicate the fame as such te
the soldiers.
They assured us this should be immediately done, but that the
soldiers did not think they had offended Congress, as their inten
tion on Saturday was only to apply to Council. They then pro
ceeded to what was and probably would be the temper of the
troops upon receiving this answer of Council, and entreated us to
take all the measures that we possibly could for our own fafety,
and that of the city, as every thing licentious was to be appre
hended. On this intelligence, Council ordered the guard to be
increased to 501 privates.
We then adjourned, and were severally employed in engaging
the militia, and citizens in general, to take arms immediately.
Our fixed resolution, infilling on a submission to Congress-— the