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AMERICAN STATE PAPERS. DOCUMENTS, LEGISLATIVE AJTD EXECUTIVE, OP THE CONGRESS OF THE U N I T E D STATES, FROJI THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIRST TO THE THIRD SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH CONGRESS, INCLUSIVE: COMMENCING M A R C H 3, 1789, A N D E N D I N G M A R C H 3, I815r SELECTED AND E D I T E D , UNDER THE AUTHORITY OP CONGRESS, BY WALTER LOWRIE, Secretary of the Senate, AND MATTHEW ST. CLAIR CLARKE, Clerk of the House of Representatives. VOIilJME T. W A S H I N G T O N : PUBLISHED BY GALES AND 1832. SEATON. AMERICAN S T A T E PAPERS. FINANCE. 1st C O N G R E S S . ] NO. 1. [ 1 s t " SESSION. MANUFACTURES. COMMUNICATED T O T H E HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, APRIL 1 1 , 1 7 8 9 . To the President and Congress of the United States, the petition of the, tradesmen, 'mechanics, and.others, of the town of Baltimore, humbly sheweth: T H A T , since the close of the late war, and the completion of the Revolution, your petitioners have observed, with serious regret, the manufacturing and trading interests of the country rapidly declining, while the wealth of the people hath been prodigally expended in the purchase of those articles, from foreigners, which our citizens, if properly encouraged, were fully competent to furnish. To check this grewing evil, applications were made, by petitions, to some of.the State Legislatures: these guardians of the people, in several of jlie States, interposed their authority: laws were by them enacted, with the view of subduing, or, at'least, diminishing the rage for foreign, and of encouraging domestic manufactures; but the event hatK clearly demonstrated, to all ranks of men. that no effectual provision could reasonably be expected, until one uniform, efficient government should pervade this wide-extended country. The happy period having now arrived when the United States are placed in a new situation; when the adoption of the General Government gives one sovereign Legislature the sole apd exclusive power of laying duties upon imports; your petitioners rejoice at the prospect this affords them, that America, freedfromthe commercial shackles which have so long bound her, will see and pursue her true interest, becoming independent in fact as well as in name; and they confidently hope, that the encouragement and protection of American manufactures will claim the earliest attention of the supreme Legislature of the nation; as it is an universally acknowledged truth, that the United States contain, within their limits, resources amply sufficient to enable them to become a-great manufacturing country, and only want the patronage and support of a wise, energetic government. Your petitioners conceive it unnecessary to multiply arguments to so enlightened a body as the one they have now the honor of addressing, to convince them of the propriety and importance of attending to measures "so obviously necessary, and, indeed, indispensable; as every member must have observed and lamented the present melancholy state of his country; the number of her poor increasing for want of employment; foreign debts accumulating; houses and lands depreciating in value; trade and manufactures languishing ana expiring. This being a faint sketch of the gloomy picture this country exhibits, it is to'the supreme Legislature of the United States, as the guardians of the whole empire, that every eye is now directed: from their united wisdom, their patriotism,'their ardent love of their country, your petitioners expect to derive that aid and assistance, which alone can dissipate their just apprehensions, and animate them with hopes of success in future, by imposing; on all foreign articles, which can be made in America, such duties as will give a just and decided preference to their labors, and thereby discountenancing that trade which tends so materially to injure them, and impoverish their country; and which may, also, in their consequences,.contribute to the discharge of the national debt, and the due support of Government. Your petitioners take the liberty to annex a list of such articles as are, or can be, manufactured in this place, on moderate terms; and they humbly trust that you will fully consider their request, and grant them, in common with the other mechanics and manufacturers of the United States, that relief which, in your wisdom, may appear proper. A list of enumerated articles manufactured in Baltiinore town, and State of Maryland, which are affected by the importation. Ship building. Brass .andirons, candle sticks, and all rough brass castAnchors, adzes, axes, hatchets, iron bolts, spikes, ings, under 100 lbs. weight, brass" carriage and harness and all kinds of nails, scythes, (Dutch excepted) sickles, furniture. drawing knives, bits for boring pumps, carriage hoops Cordage, cables; and spun yarn, white rope^ log line, and attire, scale beams, steelyards, spades, shovels, hoes, and sein twine. . mattocks, pick axes, andirons, shovels, and tongs, chimShip's blocks, of all kinds. . ney grates, iron traces and chains, thumb latches, plane Wrought gold jewelry, and all kinds of plated ware. irons, augers, chisels, and gouges, gridirons, curry combs, Clocks, of all kinds. bits, and stirrup irons, smith's and hand bellows, guns Wool and cotton cards. and pistols, gun and pistol locks. All kinds of snuff and manufactured tobacco. Copper and tin ware, including worms for stills. All kinds of ivory and horn combs. 2 t [1789. FINANCE. 6 Brushes, of alj kinds. -Women's stays. ^Coaches, chariots, chaises, and all other riding car- . Ready made clothes and wearing apparel. Printing, writing, and wrapping paper, blank books, riages. • . . . and all kinds of stationary. Carpenter's and joiners planes. Starch, hair powder, andfigblue. Spinning wheels, and all, othfer turner's work. Soap an'd candles. .Buck and sheep's skin breeches, buck and do. gloves. Linseed oil. Boots and shoes of all sorts, boot legs; vamps, and all Mathematical instruments. kinds of curried leather. Be6r, ale, and porter. Hats, of all sorts. . , ^ Loaf sugar, chocolate. Saddles, do. cloths, girths, surcingles, cruppers, stirBeef, pork, butter, and cheese. . rup leathers, bridles, saddle bags, leather trunks, portBar iron and nail rods, all kinds of iron castings, winmanteaus, valises, shot pouches, holsters, leather and vel- dow and all other kinds of glass ware, manufac%'et caps, and carriage harness. _ turedglass, in great quantities in other parts of the State. Burr mill stones, and all kinds of wrought stone, earthen ware. Cabinet work, and all other wooden household furni- Adam Eonerden, Thomas Peters, David Stodder, John Bankson, George P. Keeports, Ambrose Clarke, William Wilson, John Gray, John McClellan, Richardson Stuart, J. Goulding, Aaron Sides, David Emmit, Adam McLeane, Robert Steuart, Isaac Caustin, George 'Carnaghan, George Davy, Standern Barry, John McDermeit, Joseph Ri.ce, Hugh Steuart, Gerrard Hopkins, senior, Charles Wow, John Martin, Simon Brim, Thomas Long, William Lotzinger, JohnR. Kelra, Gabriel Gill, John Linvill, Larn Wright, George Litzinger, Patrick Mullan, James Martin, • Samuel Messersmith, Heniy Simind, Jdcub Eberhardt, Henry Ziegler, John Clark, John Breidenbersh, Hush Allen, ^ William C. Gouldsmith, George Rothrock, Thomas Warren, Stephen Bahon, Daniel Shea, Justus Brown,' Frederick Yeiser, Joseph Smith, Adam Breitenodes, John Crossmug, David Evans, Elijah Evans, Aaron Mattison, Samuel Moore, James Mattison, William Mattison, Peter Bond, John Gatt Scholt, Samuel Smith, John Smith, jr. Charles S.'Weesenthaly, Dumeste & Bentalou, Daniel DifFenderffer, Eng'd Yeison, F. Lorane, . Frederick Wille, William Hawkins, Joseph Donaldson, John Lyons, Alexander Robinson, Cyprian Wells, Andrew Drebert, E. Murray, 'George Lindenbprger, jr. JohnMackenhim, Nicholas Mackenhim, Adam Garty, William Graham, Joseph Justis, William Ball, John Dickson, E. Solomon, Thomas Dickson^ William Dickson, Frederick Kemmelmeyer, John Ross, jr. Thomas M'Crary, Samuel Davidson, Baltzer Shaiffer, William Hutton, George Rien, James Hutton, John Reily, Thomas Hollingsworth, Samuel Hollingsworth, David Brown, Peter Facharie, John Streiker, M. Eichelberget, Hezekiah Walters, David Patton, David Plunket, Charles Garts, John Leypold, Thomas Goulding, Andrew Goulding, Archibald Stewart, John Th.omas, Elisha TY§on, Richard Dather, Jacob B. Drimmitt, • Nathan. Tyson, John Mitchel, Nathaniel Smith, Andrew Barges, Aquila Jones, Richard Lawson, Jqhn McFadon, Robert Micklp, John Usher. William Thompson, W . Markell, John Alter, H. F. Delaporte, senior, F. Delaporte, jr., Conrad Disher, Michael Hauck, John Brown, James Calhoun, J. & L. Solomon, Alexander Coulter, Peter Leret, Aaron Levering, David Stewart, Haus Qluevey, Michel Delmoser, Peter Will, John Dixon, Marius McCausland, Simon White, Christian Drebert^ G. & J. Tillinghast, Christopher Raboiyj Richard Burland, Edward Pannell, Thomas Patterson, John Kitten, Alexander McKim, John Gordon, Andrew Aitken, JohnShultz, ' George Parker, G'eorge Dazen,* Jacob Welsh, JaGob Knal, Benjamin May, John Robison, Gilbert Bigger, James Rice, Jacob T. Towson, •Richard Rutter, Nathan Levering, George Aiken, •Thomas Sadler, James H. McCulloch, Andrew Wallaies, William Tull, William Robb, John Lynch, Jonathan 'Sillman, Jolin Williams, William Jenkins, Peter Garts, Benjamin Griffith, George Dwilbiss, Peter Walter, Stephen Wilson, William Patterson, James McCulIoh, James Biyden, James Brown, James Mart, James Sloan, Joshua Lemmon, William Press trnan, Thomas McKim, Samuel McKim, James Baker, William Baker, James Fisher, John'Tinges,_ Robert McKim, Thomas Smith, Matthew Patton, Horatio Hollingsworth, Thomas Hare, Andrew Carsory, Samuel Sadler, John Griffith, Henry Wilson, Enocn Levering, senior, Enoch Levering, William Taylor, Thomas Rutter, jr. Jacob Graybill, John Ross, Philip Rogers, Thorowgood" Smith, J. W . Hyntman, Thomas B. Usher, Jacob Griest, William MacCreeiy, 1789.] John Kirwan, John Steele, David Ricketts, Thomas Morris, William Tinker, Robert Walsh, Patrick Bennet, John McDade, Robert Conway, Robert Cornthwait, John Coulter, George Ross, Patrick Dar C. P. Brotherson, C. M. Brotherson, Simon French, Francis Partridge, Thomas Cole, George James, Peter Steel, Jonas Cooper, James Curteam, Michael Schooegly, John Bamura, John Barrott, . Henry Wineman, William Trimble* Joseph Foster, David, Carson, William Jacob, Edward Gatties,. Alexander MeCaskey* John Warren, Jacob Shaffer, Francis Ellerton, Nathaniel Morton, William Bedford, Seth Stoddeiy Archibald Shaw, William Tomlijison, James Simpson^ George Rice, Samuel James, John Logan? James Conner, Nicholas Coleman, James-Tibbitt, Samuel Brown, John Horstman, James Geddes, Morris Job, George Hussey, James Howell, Christopher Berniingham, Joseph Harrison, John Jones, Richard Lawrence, W.Beit, Richard Stums, Timothy Gardney,, Joseph Evans, Peter Cara, Joseph Davis,. Isaac Hall, George Half, John BOnfi eld, William Tilyard, John Winnong, Thomas Johnson, James Birckhead, John H. Young, John Weaver, John McMyre, Robert Brith, Peter Wornry Thomas Weary, William Crone, Elijah Luce* • Gerrard Hopkins, Samuel Dodge, William Rae, James Fortune, Jalnes Biney, Dixson Browsy, William Jackson, Richard Jones, Usher Treasy, Peter Sharp, Thomas Trimble j John Burney, Peter Clopper, MANUFACTURES. Daniel Leavy,. William Wetherly, Thomas-Woodward,' Peleg Coggeshall, •James Hafl, Alexander Cummins, G.eorge Alley, James Batlison, • Thomas Burrows, John Tarpey. William Etchtjirger, William-Slaten, Garet Furendivell, John Willsom, William Johnson, • William Hayes, Thomas Coese, Dever T. Truven,, W. Hayes, jr. William Grimes, Isaac Satten,_ Edward Davis, Emmanuel Stansbury, Jonathan HalL Benjamin Dashiell, George Helm, Abraham Inloes, W. Enut,Samuel Bacon, Brittingham Dickerson, Raphael Clark,' Daniel Post, Jacob Dieter, John Swift, James Fishwick, Abraham Andrews, -Daniel Brian, John White,, James Baker, William Reeves, Peter Hookes, Robert Townsend; George Bugh, Joseph Beays, Job Smith, George Alderson, Edward Walsh, John Henry, David Burke, •John Miller, Jonathan Harrisson, Frederick Shaffer,* Jonas Osborns, John Holmes, jr. John Mickle, William Gibson, Joshua Girthy, Leonard Harbaugh, David Hellen, Cornelius Clopper, John Kurtz, George Dray, Charles Swartz, William Singleton, Richard Bartance, John Storck, George Poe, Davia Poe, •Leonard Karg, Welton Atkinson, Peter Hart, Andrew Grub, John McRay, . Conrad Appleman, William West, Samuel Johnston, James Dower, Simon Deagle, Peter Dausnoiig, his + mark, Peter Gold, , John Runnow, John Guttrow, his + mark, Paul Bisjieaud, Peter Blossum, Laurence Lausor, John Wills, Samuel Manegee, J. Coulow, W. Lacaze, Christopher Wynn, Louis Barburin, 7 Peter Pair, Alexander White, Oliver White, Joseph White, James Bull, William Rea, Casper Weaver, William Hammond, .Henry Taylor, James Wandell, Gualter Hornby, John McMullen, William Gordon, William Quill, Alexander Forsyth, John Salmon, Andrew Keener, James Bankson, Michael Keenear, Thomas Littlejohn, Samuel Forber, F. Rut, Nicholas Gorsuch, Nicholas Lefevre, John Solsuller, .John Shrim, John .Shrim, jr. John Allon, Edward Cook, Robinson Jones? Thomas Russell, Peter Frick, Thomas McElderty, James Stirling, , Adam Smith, .Frederick Prill, Christopher Hughes, Charles Torrance, George Frahciscus, Martin Summer, John Keller, George ShaefFer, Robert Smith, Charles Myers, Archibald Moncreiff, Cumb'd Dugan, Christian Mayer, Henry Johnson, John T. Bunnikhuysen, .Jacob Bothrock, James Burn, James Clarke, D. Delozeer, Alexander Ferrer,' John Spear, John Gordon, Joseph Sterett, William Van Wyck,' Robert Gotmor, John H. Purviance, William Spear, Thomas Peters, .John Stump, John Whiteley, Thomas Coulson, B. Heetwood, George Davy, George Davy, jr. Christian Matheot, Robert Holston, Philip Samault, John Mather. Martin Priinliaw, John Farmer, Brian Philpot, William Dustan, John Schowtel, Lewis Thompson, Mark Morres, James Graham, George Howard, John Hunt, Samuel Martin, Nathan Griffith, Lavallin Barry, Joseph Lemane, Patrick Million, John Alford, Peter Dulany, John Hague; John Harman, 10 FINANCE. John Williams, Timothy Daby, Andrew Scott, William Aisquiih, John Horn, Wiliielin Crylio, Jabez Steiger, George Cole, Godfred Cole, Jacob Cole, Jacob Mull, Caleb Smith, Joseph BapksonT Lewis Richards, John Given, John Kirgan, Ezekiel Story, Samuel Mayers, John Harket, Jesse Hollingsworth* Patrick Carrol, John Wall, John Stover, William Matthews,. Bale Owings,. John Johnston, Joseph. West, George Johnston, Job Smith, John Hillen, Job Davidson, Mansel Alcock, George Dent, James Phillips, Thomas M'lntire,, John Clark, A. Seekamp, T. W. Taylor, Peter Hoffman, Hugh McCurdy, John McHenry, James McHenry, John Wolfenden, John Scroge, Louis Bernard, Mathias Beneaur, John Boyd, B. Merryman, jr. John G. Red, John Hayes, Joseph Swan, David Brown, Joseph. Angel, William Goddard, James Boyne, Samuel TillinghastThomas Woodward, James McCannon, William Branson, Anthony Marm, Jacob Dall, James Young, James Alcock, Andrew Robinson, Alexander Roljinso?,. John "Vochez, Edward Besse,_ Charles Ghequiese, Daniel Deady, Jacob Adams, Frederick Devilbiss, Robert Dunn, Jasper & James de Carnap.. Nicholas Tschudy, John McDonough, George Ressold, Charles Crookshanks, E. Johnson, William Buchanan, of Geo, William Dick, John Richmond, Philip Moo^e, JohnProctor, H. J. Schroever, • Richard Whelan, Philip Bier, George Grundy, George Lurly, George Riol, 'Michael Raborg, Charles Couch, William Miller, » Francis Smith, Joseph Alcock, Archibal d. Robinson, John Bickham,James Smith, William Hughes,, Thomas Hepbum, William Johnson,-' Lawrence Bewes, John Gibbons, Ebenezer Williams, Samuel Forrest^ ' William Smith, Thomas Smith, Joseph Sellers, Patrick O'Halloran, Robert Whelan, Samuel Curtis, Amos Eustace, ' George Dalrymple, Thomas Strawbridge, J. Colman, James Edwards, Jacob Stansburyi, . William Messersmith, • Caleb Bracken, John Barry, Timothy Rairdon, William Sanders, ' Gharles Holder, John Brown, David Knox, ZacharyMyles, Henry Workington, John Miller, Richard Ban:, Samuel Chase, William Goodwin, Lyde Goodwin, David Harris, James Carey, William Valck, John Moale, John Moale, jr. Henry Keerl Isaac Bibber, H. Ridgely, of Baltimore, Elisha f. Hall, John Tagartt E. Johnson, jr, Hugh Henry, Chr. Johnston, John Weatlierbur'n, James Drain, David Moore, Matthew Black, Thomas Fenton, William McSherry, John Steiger, Christian Baughman, Alexander Gallerghe, Adam Jamison, [1789. Frederick Docker, John Dougherty, Charles Stewart, John Trumbo, Ezekiel Stansbury, Ephraim Robison, Jacob Myer, John Bottler, George Dagan, Jacob Winand, George Dul," John JefFers, Joseph Allen, John Coopery,. George Wehrly, .George Weller, Laurence Skitz, Peter Tuglot, Joseph Hook, CaleD Hewitt, Jacob-Moore, William Elwes, William Munday, John Hill, / Alexander Adams, John Hammond, James Labes,' ' John Weyer, Laurence Rice,. John Dorsey, George Roberts, Richard Dorsey, Geol-ge Moore, Samuel 0wings, 1 Joseph Anderson, W . Jefferis, James Fitzmaurice, William Collens, Hiram Cochran, Robert Davidson, Leonard. Foreman, William Shope, Jacob Tabeler, William Thompson, Toby Findorffit, John Hook, John Burn, . Jacob Eichelberger, M. Colgan, Martin Watters, Jacob Small, Daniel Henry, William McLaughlin, William Gwynn, J. Riffell, Peter Fomeus, Isaiah King, Jacob Brown, John Hermaman, John Gowld, Thomas Tool, Robert Wetmone, William Wetmore, James Flin, John Schultz, George Lotter, Philip Fletcher, Wilton Atkinson, •Adam Trumbo, Adam Gerhard, John Ellicott, Conrad Hussn, Parker Dorsey, John H. Hamilton;, Jacob Myer, Septimus Noel, Jacob Newman, Ludvich Little. [1789. ltstCoKGRBss.J SHIP-BUILDING. • JJQ^ 9 [ 1 s t SESSION. MANUFACTURES. COMMUNICATED TO T H E HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, APRIL 1 8 , 1 7 8 9 , » To the Honorable the Congress of the United States of America, the petition of the meclianics and manufacturers of the city of New York, humbly sheweth: That, on thafortunate issue of the late Revolution, your petitioners relied for the enjoyment of that prosperity which attends the establishment of political and civil freedom. They contemplated this event as the point at which a happy em was to commence, and as the source whence a new system of blessings shoi Id spring. "They entertaifted a hope, that the independence which they had sought and acquired, wqjild have been nrtmerely a nominal, but substantial acquisition and independence, not only seen in speculation, but felt and realize i in practice. Your petitioners were early led to fear, that those prospects were visionary, andtiiat their country, hai ing gained theform ot liberty, had left in thehands of their enemies the instruments of oppression, and the spirit to exe xise it They soon perceived, with the deepest regret, that their prospects of improving wealth were blasted by a syst 2m of commercial usurpation, originating in prejudices, and fostered by a feeble government. They saw the trade of these States-laboring under foreign impositions, and loaded with fetters, forged, in every quarter, to discourage pntei prisg and- defeatindustry. In this situation, they nave been prevented frpm applying to those abundant resources with which nature has blessed this country. Agrifculture has lost its capital stimulus, and manufacture, the sister, of com nerce,has participated in all its distresses, and has languished, notwithstanding the spirit of individuals and societies exerted for its support. Thus, in lamenting the misfortunes of a foreign intercourse, your .petitioners do but recite their own peculiar complaints: for in its prosperity or decay, they feel themselves deeply interested. . ". Your petitioners conceive that their countrymen have been deluded by an appearance of plenty; by the profusion df foreign articles which has deluged the country; and thus have mistaken excessive importation for a flourishing trade. To this deception they impute the continuance of that immoderate prepossession in favor of foreign commodities, which has been the principal' cause of their distresses,- and the subject ot their complaint." . Wearied by their fruitless exertions, your petitioners have long looked forward with anxiety for the establishment of a government which would have'power to' check the growing evil, and extend a protecting hand to the interests of commerce and the arts. Such a government is-now established. On the promulgation of the constitution just now commencing its operations, -your petitioners discovered in its principles the remedy which they had so long and so earnestly desired. They embraced it with ardor, and have supported it with persevering attachment. They view, with thenighest satisfaction, the prospects now opening and adorning this auspicious period. Toyour honorable body, the mechanics and manufacturers of New York look up with confidence, convinced that, as the united voice of America has furnished you with the'means, so your knowledge of our common wants has given you the spirit, to unbind our fetters, and rescue our country from disgrace and ruin. . Your petitioners have subjoined a list of such articles as can be manufactured in this State, and they are encouraged to commend them to your attention, by this reflection, tha^ the countenance of your honorable body to the useful arts, so fair from injuring other parts of tne great political system, must eventually operate to the general benefit of the community. . • . In your wisdom, your justice, and patriotism, we rest with an assurance only equalled by our profound respect. Anthony Post, Jacob Morton; Francis Childs, White Matlack, John Campbell, George Lindsay, Henry Pope, WilliamJ.Elsworth, James Bramble, John Swine. John Goodeve, In behalf of the Mechanics and Manufacturers of Neio.Fork. 1st CONGRESS.] NO. 3. list SESSION. SHIP-BUILDING. COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MAY US, 1789. To the Honorable the Representatives qf the Freemen of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, the memorial and petition qf the subscribers, master ship-wrights, in the port of PMladdphia, most respectfully shewetlu That, before the late Revolution, the shipwrights of the port of Philadelphia had acquired the reputation of building ships, of a moderate size, as'well and as faithfully as in any part of the world; by means whereof they obtained constant employment for themselves, their-journeymen, and apprentices, by building ships to the amount of four thousand five hundred tons annually, besides the repairs of old ship®. That the Revolution, in its consequences and effects, has borne harder upon your petitioners than upon any other class of mechanics (or, perhaps, citizens at large) whatever, in depriving them of two-thirds of their former employment; as it appears, from an average for three years past, that they have built only to the amount of fifteen hundred tons annually. " That the British navigation act totally prevents them from building ships for that nation; but their merchants, generally, repair their vessels in America, as far as the act allows, and often run the risk of a forfeiture, by exceeding the limitation. That, although the arret of France, of December, 1787, grants that" vessels built in the United States, and sold in France, or purchased by Frenchmen, shall be exempted from all dutifes, on proof that they were built in tile United States," yet your petitioners build few vessels for that nation.. That an edict of Spain, of January, 1786, lays a heavy duty on American-built ships, purchased by their subjects; and, also} prohibits them from trading to their colonies, although the duty is paid, and they are owned by the subjects of Spain; nevertheless, the Spaniards have purchased more vessels from your petitioners than any other nation. That, under these discouraging circumstances, they have waited, with anxious expectation, for the sifting of the honorable Congress under the new constitution of the United States, firmly relying that every exertion would be used to reinstate so necessary and useful a branch of business, as nearly as 10 FINANCE. [1789. possible, upon "its formerflourishingestablishment. To effect which, your petitioners, with great deference, beg leave to suggest the following hints to your consideration: 1st. That a tonnage duly should be laid upon all shipping built arid owned by foreigners, sufficient to give'a decided preference to, the-shipping built in the United States;, but? at tlfe sametime,so moderate, as not to prevent the resort of foreign stripping to these States, until, by a gradual increase, they shall be.in a condition to carry for themselves: nevertheless, some preference ought to be given' the French, for their preference to American-built vessels. 2d. That, to encourage the increase of American shipping, there be no tonnage duty on shipping built in the United S'tates, owned in part, or in the whole, by citizens ot these States, except for the support of buoys and light houses. 3d. That American-built ships, purchased by foreigners, ought to be nearly on the same footing as if o'wned by American merchants. 4th. That foreign-built, ships, purchased by American merchants, after the passing of this act, ought to pay. the same duty, and under thesame restrictions, as foreign-built vessels owned by foreigners. 5th. That there be a difference in the duties payable on the importation of foreign goods, between those imported in-American-built shipping, owned as aforesaid, and those imported in foreign-built' ships. . . 6th. That there be also a difference in the duties payable on the importation of foreign goods, from p orts or places wh'ere they are n'ot originally produced or manufactured, and" the same goods imported directly from the place of their growth or manufacture; and that this duty should be greater when the'importation is from the second port in foreign bottoms, than in American-built ships. . . 7th. That many possible advantages'may arisefromnegotiations with the Courts of Madrid and London, on principles of reciprocity, respecting American-built ships. " 8th. That high duties laid on materials necessary forfittingships, augment their price, and retard the progress of ship-building. _ . 9th. That many inconveniences have arisenfromthe different jmodes of tonnaging ships in the different States, of America; that your petitioners had foreseen the inconveniences, and endeavored "to remedy the evil, by adopting the enclosed nearly average mode of measurement, which has not yet been 'carried into effect, waiting for your honorable body.to establish one general system for the measurement of all ships built in America. Your petitioners humbly conceive that negotiations and regulation^, somewhat similar to the foregoing, would tend to .the rapid increase of American shipping, and, before long, enable the'United States to become carriers by sea, of all the .produce of this extensive continent, to foreign markets.' \ . All which is respectfully submitted to the" consideration of.your Jiortorable House. John Norris, Sam'l Brusstar, John Wharton, Joseph Bowers, Jos.,Marsh, . Samuel Bowers, Joshua Humphrey, jr. Wm..Gard, Stephen Beasly, Morris Gaft; Benj. Hutton, ' Jacob Miller, John Patterson,. John Rice, Jas. Doughty, i Manuel Eyre, Richard Dennis, Thos. Penrose. John-Hutton, For all plain galley-built ships, with two decks,"allow three-fifths of the extreme breadth for "the rake of the stem, beginning to measure twelve inches' before the rabbit, at-the "middle Vale, which shall determine the point of straight rabbit forward; from that point to the afterpart of the stern-post, (allowing one-twelfth of the extreme breadth'of the vessel for its width, clear of the rabbit) shall determine the length of the keel, for tonnage.. The breadth, for tonnage, shall be ascertained from tfie inside of one wale to the outside of the other, in the widest part of the vessel; the depth'of hold, from the top of the ceiling next the keelson, (allowing the streak, next the k'eeJson, of the same thickness as the running ceiling plank) to the top of the beams qmidships, and the" height between deck's,fromplank to plank, amidships. Then multiply the length of the keel by the extreme breadth, and that product by the depth of the hold, added to half the height between decks, which lastproduct, divided by ninety-five, shall give the number of tons required. Single deck vessels, on the double deck plan, with about twelve inches waist, when the depth does not exceed half the extreme breadth, measure and multiply length and breadth, (as above) and that product by the depth; but when the depth exceeds half the extreme breadth, then add half that difference to half the extreme breadth, for the multiplier, for measurement, and divide as aforesaid. Single decked vessels, jprimed out on the-wales; measure and multiply length, breadth, and depth, and divide as above. Frigate-built ships, with twoflushdecks, long quarter deck, ana forecastle, with a tier ot ports; multiply the length by the breadth, and that product by the height of the gun deck from the ceiling, as aforesaid; added to half the height of thewaist amidships, which last product divide as above. Ships with three decks and a tier of ports, multiply the length of the keel by the extreme breadth, and that product by the height of the middle deck from the ceiling, as aforesaid, added to half the height b.etween decks, as aforesaid, which last product divide as abote. Single deck vessels, with a long quarter deck and forecastle, deep and tight waist, and tier of ports, multiply the length of the keel by the extreme breadth, and that product by the depth from the ceiling; as aforesaid, to the top qf the beams amidships, added to half the height of the waist amidships, which last product divide by the common divisor, as above. 1st C O S G B S S S . I No. SHIP-BUILDING AND [ 2 d SESSION. 4. MANUFACTURES. COMMUNICATED TO THE HOU.SE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE 5 , 1789. To the Honorable the.Congress of ihe United Stales of America, the petition of the tradesmen and manirfaclurers of the town of Boston sheweth: That the great decrease of American manufactures, and almost total stagnation ofAmerican ship-building, urge us to apply to the sovereign Legislature of these States for their assistance to promote these important branches, so essential to our national wealth and prosperity. It is with regret we observe the resources of mis country exhausted for foreign luxuries, our wealth expended for various articles which could be manufactured among ourselves, and our navigation subject to the most severe..restrictions in many foreign ports, whereby the extensive branch of American ship-building is essentially injured, and a numerous body of citizens^ who were formerly employed in its various departments, deprived ot their support and dependence. Your petitioners are farther induced to express their concern, that the subjects of those nations, who are endeavoring to annihilate our navigation, are permitted to send their vessels to any part of the United States, for bread, flour, tobacco, and every other produce, while American ships are totally excludedfrommany of their ports. ESTIMATES 1789.] FOR THE YEAR 1789. 11 Your petitioners beg leave to inform-. Congress, that,- previous to the war, upwards of sixty vessels, fr&m one hundred and fifty to threenundred tons, have been built, in the town of Boston, in the course-of one year; and provided Mich restrictions were laid upon foreign vessels as to give a decided preference to American built ships, we apprehend (from the aforesaid number built in this to\yn only) that these States would' be able, in a short period, to supply a large proportion, if not the whole, of'the navigation necessary1 for the carlying trade of these States: Your petitioners need not inform Congress, that, on the revival ofour mechanical arts and manufactures depend the wealth and prosperity of the Northern States; nor can we forbear mentioning to your honors that the citizens of these States conceive the' object of their independence But half obtained till those national purposes are establishedon a .permanent and extensive basis by the legislative acts of. the Federal Government. Unless these important branches are supported, we humbly conceive thai our agriculture must greatly decline, as the impoverished state of1 our seaports will eventually lessen the demand for the produce of.our lands. It would be tedious to your honors should we attempt to enumerate the variety of articles which could (with the assistance of Government) be manufactured with advantage among ourselves. Your petitioners, however, wish not to deceive Congress by boasting of manufactures which cannot, at present, be carried on to a sufficient degree to answer our demands, for which reason our applications have been wholly confined to the several branches, hereafter mentionett, which are established among us, and which, we humbly, conceive, by due encouragement, might be extensively promoted. Your petitioners would farther mention to Congress, that the encouragement of many ofour manufactures depends on a free importation of certain raw materials; we, therefore, flatter, ourselves thajfc the duties imposed on such articles as are absolutely necessary to forward our several branches, will not operate to the injuiy of the American manufacture. Your petitioners formerly experienced the patronage of this State Legislature, in their act laying duties and prohibitions on certain articles of nftnufacture, which encoufages your petitioners to request that heavy, duties may be laid on such articles as are manufactured by our own citizens, humbly concaving that the impost is not solely considered by Congress'as att Object of revenue, but,.in its operation, intended to exclude such importations, and, ultimately^ establish theseseveral branches of manufacture among ourselves.-. Your petitioners do not^resume to dictate to your honors'the mode to be.adopted for accomplishing.the purposes we have mentioned; theyflatterthemselves, however, that every necessary assistanc&wll be afforded, by Congress, to induce them to prosecute, with cheerfulness and alacrity, their •several occupations^ and that §uch measures will be pursued, for the relief of your petitioners, as Congress,* in their great .wisdom, shall judge consistent with the interest, prosperity, and happiness, of this extensive empire. And, as in cjjily bound, shall ever pray. In-behalf of— Slnp-wrights.'—^Gibbins Sharp, Jacob Rhoades. Blacksmiths.—Nath. Baker. ', . Jiope-r/iaJcers.—Sohn Grays Benj. Austin, Jun. Jeffrey Bichardson. Hatters.—William Bordman, Sarson Belcher. Pewterers.—John Skinner. Soap-Boilers and TaRow-Chandlers.—William Frobjsher. Wool Cardmqkers.—William Grub. Ship'carvers.—John Skillin. Sail-makers.—Samuel Barret. Cabinet makers.—Abraham Hay ward. , Coach makers.—William Hawes, Tailors.'—Ephniim Copeland, Benj. Callender. Cordwainer.—Samuel Bangs. * Glue and Starch maker.—Robert Hewes. Brass Founder.—John, Cutler. Coppersmith.—Joshua Witherle,. Jun. BOSTON, May, 1st C O N G R E S S . ] 1789. NO. 5 / [ 1 s t SESSION. . E S T I M A T E S F O R T H E Y E A R 1789. COMMUNICATED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JU£T 9, AUGUST 27TH, AND SEPTEMBER 2 4 T H , 1 7 8 9 . . Mr. GERRY, from the committee appointed to prepare arid report an estimate of the supplies requisite for the pregent year, and the nett proceeds of the impost, as agreed to by. the House, reported the folldwing: I. For expenses accruing within the year: 1st. Of the civil list. This the committee cannot estimate with accuracy, from the want of an establishment of the Supreme-Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments, and of the respective offices thereof; but conceive that, as the members of the Legislature are to be paid out of the public treasury, and the expense of the two other departments will be greatly increased, the civil list, exclusive of the establishment of revenue officers, will, this year, far exceed the estimate on the establishment of the former Congress,.in schedule.No. 1, and amount, at least, to . . . 8300,000 2dly. Of the War Department, as per schedule No. 2, from the W i r Office, 163,078?-°3dly. Of the Indian Department, as per general estimate in schedule No. 3, from the War Office, 41,000 4thly. Of invalid pensions, as per general estimate, in schedule No 1, r 88,0Q0 And of other pensions, under special acts of Congress, in schedule, aforesaid, 4,022£j| $92,022||- Whole expense of the Government, exclusive of establishments of revenue officers for the current year, - . 5thly. Of one year's interest on the foreign debt, the principa of which is 10,070,307 dollars. See schedule No. 4, - S476,996fg 6thly. Of the instalments of the principal of thfe foreign debt due in 1789, see schedule last mentioned, 462,962^ ?thly. Of the premium of 70,000 florins, due on the Dutch loan, made the 9th of March, 1784, [See appendix of journals for 1786, pages 246,347.] 28,000 Payments that became due in 1789, for interest and instalments of the principal of the foreign debt, $596,101g§ 967,959^ 12 FINANCE. [17m 8fhly. Qpe year's interest on the domestic"debt,'due 31st December, 1789, the principal being ' 27,383,917£r dollars, [See schedule No.,5.] 1,G43,035& The whole amount ofthe expenses accruing within the year, is, $3,207,096JJ II. For arrearages on the foreign debt. 1st. Of interest which became due in 1786, 1787j.and 1788, and is still unpaid, as per schedule No. 4, " . " " " 1*335,074$f 2dly. Of the instalments of the principal winch .became due an those years, and are still unpaid, as per schedule last mentioned, 1,099,936jf^ The amount of t)ie arrearages due on the instalment of the prindipal and interest of the foreign debt, ,-.' . 2,435,01If§ III. For an arrearage on the domestic debt,.of one year's interest, due the 31st of December, 1788, [See schedule No. 5.] 1,643,035& An arrearage of interest due on the doqiestic debt. IV. For an arrearage of the Indian Department, of apprqpriations made by acts of Congress, of the 22d of October, 1787, and 2d of July, 1788. [See the acts of those dates in the journal? of Congress.] '' An arrearage of thp Indian Department. • • V. For the arrearages of the former r&juisitions.of Congress. , For payment of the interest of the domestic,debt to the 31st of December, 1787, the facilities for wnich are ordered -to be issued, and will exceed the requisitions on the States in the sum of 1 [See schedule No. 6.] ' ' ' ' 34,000 9669460§-£1—_ $8,285,603$ SUMMARY OF THE PRECEDING ESTIMATE, VIZI The expenses of Government this year, includingtlie arrearages of former years, The whole amount of interest now due on the foreign debt, The whole amount of the instalments, nisw'due on the said debt, The amount of interest due on the domestic debt,tothe 31st December, 1789,. Arrearages of former requisitions,- which will require a tax payable in iacilities, to the amount of - 630,101f| l,840,07If| 1,562,899$! ' 3,286,0705? .966,4601* $8,285,6p3f? N. B. Notwithstanding the provision made by Congress for issuing faoilities from the Continental Loan Office, for payment of the interest of the domestic debt to the 31st of December, 1737, many of the holders of the public securities have never applied for the facilities, and very large sums will be due'from the United States, for interest to that period, if the holders are permitted to receive their interest in any other mode. In addition to the above estimate, it appears, by schedule No. 7, that the United States have anticipated the sum of 218,6473$ dollars, by warrants drawn on the treasury, in consequence of the specie requisitions of Cqngress on the several States; and provision must be made for payment'of the said warrants, either by a collection of specie on the requisitions mentioned, or by some other appropriations of Congress. It also appears, by the journals, of Congress for 1784-5, page 432, and by schedule No. 4, that the Farmers General of France have a claim -on the United States for eight hundred-andforty-sixthousand seven hundred and seventy livres tournois, fourteen sous, and five deniers, upon" a contract signed by Benjamin Franklin, the 17th of November, 1781^ being a balance due on a loan of one million livres tournois, the 3d of June, 1777; to Messieurs Franklin and Dean, as agents of the IJnited States. ' ' Fartfier report and estimate qf supplies, requisite for the service of tin United States, in the year 1789, made by Mr.- Gerry, August 27, 1789. In the provision i domestic i , , „ c m facilities, and very large sums will be due from the United States for interest to that period, if the holders are permitted to receive their iuterest in any other mode." Those sums are now ascertained, and, by the schedule from the treasury office, accompanying this report, amount to $8,123,1244? Of this sum, the committee reported, in .thefirstestimate, for the arrearages of the former requisitions of Congress, . 966,460 Which leayes a balance of $7,156,66344 This balance,if to be paid as oth.er arrearages of interest, must be added to the former estimate of 88,285,603JJ And will make the estimate of the current year, * $15,442,267fJ An estimate of all the interest which has accrued on the domestic debt qf the United States, from. Us formation to the 3ls£ December, 1787, of such partial payment* as have been made on account thereof, and of the balance remaining undischarged on that day, ana for which provision is yet to be made. Dollars. 90ths The total amount of interest arising on the Loan Office debt, from the opening of the several offices in 1776, to 31st December, 1787, estimated at 7 285 02£r 81 6 The total amount of interest arising on the army debt, from the several periods of its drawing interest, to 31st December, 1787, accurately ascertained by the commissioner of the army accounts to be 3,131,012 89 ir89.] ESTIMATE F O R T H E Y E A R 1789. 13 The total amount of interest arising on certificates issued by the thirteen State commissioners, , estimated at 1,656,546 47 The total amount of interest arising on certificates issued by the commissioners for the Commissary's, Quartermaster's, Marine, Clothing, and Hospital Departments, estimated at 528,787 27 The total amount of interest arising on the debt registered at the treasury, estimated at 240,646 56 The total amount of interest arising on the'debt entered in the treasury books, but for which certificates have not been issued by the Register, so as .to become a part of the registered debt, estimated at ' 4?,735 46 . . Total* $12,891,758 76.6 From this total amount of interest the following deductions are to be made: So much paid on the.Loan Office debt in old emissions, equal fo $372,368 30 In new emissions, as specie, 39,433 49.6 In bills of exchange, as specie, -. 1,663,992 00 In ihdents. to 31st March, 1789, per schedule, • -' 2,241,702 26.1 State of New Jersey have paid interest to their own citizens on the domestic debt, not included in the schedule of taxes, to amount of 424,442 22 State of South Carolina have paid two years interest on $322,465 ^ the amount of 1 • certificates issued to the line of that State, at six per cent., is 26,69l5~73 Total amount of dedu ctions, Leaves the arrearage of interest, on. the 3lst December, 1787, 4,768,634 20.7 $8,123,124 551 It is to be observed, that, as the certificates which have been issued For the principal of a debt of more than period of time from which the several parts of the domestic debt bear interest, and tfoefrom calculating the interest to the 31st December, 1787: This gives the total estimated amount, - . $12,891,758 76.6 r. The partial payments which have been made, is ascertained, with some degree of accuracy, from the Loan Office papers, and other documents; this forms a deduction of 4,768,634 20.7 And'leaves an average, on the 31st December, 1787J of 68,123,124 55| If to this sum of $8,123,124 55|, arrearages above mentioned, two years interest* becoming due 1st January, 1790, be added, 3,396,521 43.7 & The total due on the 1st January, 1790, is increased to §11,519,646 09.6 Additional report, madejby Mr.. Gerry,-September 24, 1789. The committee appointed to report an estimate of the gross amount and nett produce of the impost and tonnage duties, not having been able to procure early documents ior this purpose, were under the- necessity of suspending the matter, until statements of the imports, exports, and tonnage^ of the several States, could be obtained, pursuant to an order of the House, of the eighth of May last. The statements mentioned, of which some have-been lately received, are transmitted by all the States, except Maryland, and authentic returns from the principal custom houses thereof, are furnished by a member of the House from .that State; but so various are the revenue laws of the several States, and the modes of stating their accounts, as tp defeat, in many instances, the order of the House for obtaining information. These considerations, added to the fluctuating state of commerce, and the probability that the defalcations under the Federal Government will differ from those'under the State Governments, evince the impracticability of an accurate estimate, and the committee can only submit the following, as the best they could form, 1 under the circumstances mentioned. 3 t An estimate of the gross amount and nett produce of the Impost and Tonnage duties, for one year, which will be collected in the several States> according to the latest returns thereof under the existing acts of Congress. The gross am't A deduction for a of impost. discount of 10 per cent, of the duties on imports, by A merican vessels. STATES. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware-, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Dollars, - . ' 22,177 97 216,366 33i 76,824 69 245,165 17 11,336 70 376,841 682 5,692 58 223,620 70 176,185 8l£ 137,887, 09" 3,712 21 1,495,810 94£ 1,756 17,819 6,844 13,450 957 16,051 425 11,994 6,594 6,088 121 A deduction of one per cent, for coldrawback estilectors,inspectors, Amated the and other inciden- returns from of the tal charges made exports of the from the impost, several States.. after the ten per cent is deducted. 28 68 41 18 39 22 87 42 51 82 96 204 21 1,985 46 699 80 2,327 15 103 79 3,607 90 53 66 2,116 26 1,695 91 1,317 98 35 90 13,673 97 81,104 74 14,147 02 36,047 56 7,427 20 24 75 14,935 64 Nett produce of the impost. 30,217 189,133 69,255 230,387 10,275 343,509 5,214 194,587 167,895 130,480 3,554 Gross amount of Deduction for per centage, which the tonnage will probably duty. amount to three• 'lifths of one per cent. 1,282 10,188 3,213 15,019 240 18,003 443 •17,054 18,687 14,446 4,614 48 89i 73 _ 84 5259J 05 38 39£ 29 45 1,364,511 62£ 04 28 72 24 36 66. 55 78 06 32 66 103,193 57 " 7 61 19 90 . 1 108 2 102 112 86 27 69 13 28 12 44 02 66 33 13 68 69 619 16 Nett amount of tonnage duty. 1,374 10,137 3,194 14,929 238 17,895 440 16,952 18,574 14,359 4,586 35 15 44 12 92 64 89 45 94 54 97 102,574 41 Total amount of the nett produce of impost and tonnage. 21,491 199,&61 72,450 245,316 1.0,514 361,405 5,654 211,539 186,470 144,839 8,141 83 04£ 17 96 44 23% 94 83 33£ 83 42 l,467j086 03i From the aboVe estimate if will appear, that -the nett produce of the impost from the first, and the tonnage from the fifteenth of August last, to the thirty-first of December next, computed according to the time, will be as follows: The impost', to 568,546 50 The'tonnage, to 38,465 40 Total amount, - . . $607,011 90 N . B. The discounts often per centum for prompt payment of impost, where the amount of duties shall exceed fifty dollars, cannot be estimated; and, if made, are to be deducted from the nett produce of the impost of the States, respectively; neither can the per centage and incidental charges, which, on the impost, are averaged at one per centum, and on the tonnage duty, at three-fifths of one per centum, be precisely ascertained.
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