'^xXj^i^sifi CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DATE DUE 1 1. tbIV - ---' -*«-4— J^TT* %n InteTJi^ iE&PTT-U^ ill "''*'*• « 1 m^. 'J1!Mp4i2 ^g^j^jjp - CAYLORD PRINTEDINU.S.A. Cornell Unlverslly Library E302.6.H6 M66 A memoir of the fifsf,, treasurer ott^^^^^^ olin 3 1924 032 744 074 ''\;.y. ■■' Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924032744074 !s>iit^tt^(if^' A Memoir OF THE First Treasurer of the United States WITH CHRONOLOGICAL DATA BY THE Rkv. Michael Reed Minnich, A. M., MEMBER OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY HISTORICAI, SOCIETY ; THE PENNA-GERMAN SOCIETY ; THE PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OE SONS OE THE REVOLUTION, ETC. " It is a duty, a debt owed by the public to the memory of its distinguished dead, for the benefit of the living and of future generations, that the life of a great man shall be chronicled and handed down to posterity." — Hen. William Maclay Hall. PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED FOR THE Author and Compiler. 1905. U \\ I V i K !: I 'l Y Ul;K AfvY Copyright, 1905, By Michael Reed Minnich. - Pi -X. ^ To Mr. and Mrs. J. Henry Meyer, San Francisco, Cal., TO WHOM WE ARE so GREATI,Y INDEBTED EOR CORDIAI, AND SDBSTANTIAI, ENCODRAGEMENT, This Voi,nME is Dedicated. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Page. Thb Hii,i,egas Famii,y in America — French extraction — Removal to Palatinate — Original spelling of name — Coat of arms — George Peter, Sr., John Frederick and Michael, Sr., emigrate to America — A brief genealogy of their families. . 9 CHAPTER II. MiCHAEI, HlUBGAS, THE TREASURER — Birth — Education — Homelife — Business experience — Social relations — Musi- cal talent — Church relation — Political affairs — Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Batcheller gives some data — Data from Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania — A muster roll — Authorized to edit and publish historical records — Data from Colonial Records — From the Department at Washington — Goes abroad. 15 CHAPTER III. The First Treasurer oe the Nation — The Treasury De- partment continuous — The Head of the Department — His great activity 29 CHAPTER IV. The Nation's First Records — Ledger, Journal, Blotter, preserved in the Treasury Department — Description of interesting Records — Letter in relation to — Reply. . . 35 CHAPTER V. Data erom "Votes oe the Assembi,y,'' oe the Prov- ince oE Pbnnsyi,vania 41 CHAPTER VI. Data from The Journals oe Congress ... 81 5 FOREWORD. THIS volume presents itself to the public without any apology for intrusion. It has a mission to accomplish, which the careful reader will observe is a worthy one. Attach it to any reliable financial history of the Revolutionary period, and you have a complete biography of the subject. It is unfortunate that the records, from 1775 to 1781, covering the most important part of Mr. Hillegas's incumbency, are lost. No effort has been made at expansion or elabora- tion ; on the contrary we have aimed at contraction and condensation, so as to give in a limited scope the main facts of the subject's life, allowing the " data " to speak for his official career. His private life and letters are to be found in Mrs. Kmma St. Clair Whitney's " Michael Hillegas and His Descendants." It is not within the scope of this volume to publish all the data, letters, etc., that we have in our possession ; sufficient has been pre- sented, we trust, to secure a public, historical and official recognition of our subject. An effort has been made to avoid as far as possible the repetition of data. MiCHABL Reed Minnich. Philadelphia, June, 1905. CHAPTER I. THB HIIvLEGAS FAMILY IN AMERICA. THERE is a generally accepted tradition in tlie several branches of the Hillegas family, that it is of French extraction. This is doubtless owing to the fact that the family prior to removal to the Palatinate of Germany were residents of the dis- puted Franco-German Province of Alsace. This was originally German territory, and embraced many German as well as French inhabitants. A careful inquiry based upon the earliest authentic spelling of the name " Hilde-gras, " leads to the conclusion that it is of old Gothic-German origin, and of great antiquity. The blazonry of the coat of arms borne by Michael Hillegas, as found on an old piece of silver now in the possession of Capt. Henry Hobart Bellas of Philadelphia, one of his descendants, appears to sustain this theory. As nearly as it can be interpreted it is as follows : Quarterly. First quarter, gules (red) ; a pine- apple (?), argent (silver). Second and third quarters, azure (blue) ; a star of eight points, argent (silver). 9 Fourth quarter, or (gold); a deer springing, natural color. Over all on a fesse (broad band) of argent, three musical staves, sable (black). Helmet. Surmounted by a German Earl's coronet. ^ Hildegras means a grassy battlefield. It will be observed from the blazonry, that the three musical staves on the fesse resting across the middle of the shield constitute a principal mark of the escutcheon, and indicate an honor conferred for musical ability. Now it is asked, ' ' May it not have been given to the victor in a musical contest, the victor of a peaceful battlefield, far back at the time when he who was crowned gave its present name to the family? " The religious persecution of the Huguenots and Germans of Alsace, and Lorraine, drove the Hillegas family with others by way of Baden into the Pala- tinate, whence the brothers George Peter, Sr., John Frederick and Michael, Sr. , emigrated to America. George Peter, Sr., and Michael, Sr., prior to 1724. The former located in the Northern Liberties in the 1 A recently discovered coat of arms of the Hillegas family, at Neunkirchen, near Mosbach, Baden, of which the frontispiece is a reproduction, presented to the writer by Mr. Ferdinand Hillen- gass of Frankfort-on-the-Main, shows the single charge of a double fleur-de-lis (or,) upon the shield (gules). This may prove to be the true interpretation of the first quarter on the coat of arms emblazoned above. 10 county of PJiiladelpliia, where he died in 1745, leav- ing issue : Peter Hillegas ; Margaret, wife of George Passager ; Catharine, wife of Philip TuU ; Elizabeth and Susanna. He was one of the first officers of the old Race Street Reformed Church, organized in 1727. In the new church building at Tenth and Wallace streets, is a memorial window giving the names of the first officers of the congregation, and among them is that of George Peter Hillegas. John Frederick Hillegas, the progenitor of the Montgomery county branch of the family, and prob- ably of all who bear the name, in America, at this time (1905), was born in Alsace, November 24, 1685. With his wife, Elizabeth Barbara and younger chil- dren, he sailed from Rotterdam to America in the ship "William and Sarah," with the company includ- ing the Rev. George Michael Weiss, a Reformed minister. They arrived at Philadelphia September i8th, and took the oath of allegiance September 21, 1737. Soon thereafter they settled in the re- gion known as ' ' Goshenhoppen, ' ' now Montgomery county. Here John Frederick Hillegas, prior to 1734, took up a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land, and by right of purchase, within the years closely following, became the possessor of a large landed estate. Among these early purchases was a II tract of one hundred and sixty-five acres, containing thereon a grist mill, from George Gowen, February 6, 1738, and which, until quite recently, was in the possession of one of his descendants; also a tract of three hundred and sixty-three acres, bought of William Parsons, 1749. He died January 6, 1765, leaving a valuable estate to his children. His wife, Elizabeth Barbara, died March 4, 1759. Their re- mains repose in the New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church burial ground, nearly opposite the front of the present church building. The inscriptions on their tombstones are now nearly obliterated and were interpreted only after the most diligent efforts. ^ This couple had issue : Leopold, b. about 1714 ; John Adam, b. 1717, Jan. 5, d. 1779, Mar. 13, m. Anna Catharine Bitting, came to this country 1732, Aug. II, (ancestor of Mrs. J. Henry Meyer) ; Fred- erick, b. about 1720 ; Eva Elizabeth, b. about 1723, d. 1766, m. Yeager ; Ann Margaret, b. 1726, Aug. 15, <5- 17731 Jan- 6, m. Matthias Richards (Rei chert); Ann Regina, b. about 1729, m. Nicolaus Jeger (Yeager); Elizabeth Barbara, b. 1732, Apr. 16, d. 1817, Aug. 15, m. John Frey ; George Peter, b. 1735, 1 For inscriptions, etc., see — "The Perkiomen Region Past and Present," Vol. I, p. 50 ; " The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography," April, 1894. Feb. 2, d. 1810, Sept. 24, m. Anna Barbara Horn- ecker (ancestor of Michael Reed Minnich) ; Conrad, b. 1738, Nov. 2, d. 1824, Dec. 24, m. Margretha Schellenberger (ancestor of Henry S. Dotterer). Michael, Sr., born in 1696, located in the City of Philadelphia, where he became a leading merchant and prominent citizen. He was naturalized April II, 1749. He owned a large amount of real estate in the city, considerable in the adjoining vicinity, and several hundred acres in upper Hanover township. From his prominent position in the province he was soon recognized as the friend of his German country- men, who frequently sought his advice and counsel. Their language, their odd customs, and their pecu- liar dress often made them the objects of ridicule, but they never failed to find a wise counsellor and sympathetic friend in this truly great and good man. His natural endowments and enlarged business ex- perience peculiarly fitted him for the position he occupied as the leader of the large German popula- tion in the city and the surrounding counties. In a recent letter to the writer, Mr. Henry S. Dotterer pays him the following just tribute : "In my judgment Michael Hillegas, the merchant, is a more noteworthy character than his son, the Continental treasurer. He deserves high regard from us of 13 Pennsylvania German extraction. He was one of the few German merchants in Philadelphia at that time, some thirty years before the Revolution, and he was one in whom the inland farmers trusted. The plain country people needed just such a man at that period, when they had no friends to speak of outside their own nationality in the province. Bear in mind, that they were regarded as peculiar if not suspicious aliens ; that they had no influence, could not speak the language and were thought only fit to do the hardest work in the frontier wilderness. Michael Hillegas was their friend and in a degree their main protector. If you study his character from this standpoint, I feel sure you will find him a man worthy of honor from us — a useful, helpful, pictur- esque character." He died intestate, October 30, 1749, leaving a widow, Margaret; one son, Michael (b. 1728-9, Apr. 22, d. 1804; Sept. 29, m. Henrietta Bonde), who became celebrated as the First Treasurer of the United States, and two daughters, Susanna, wife of Fred- erick Kuhl, and Mary, wife of John Jennings. ^ 1 See Hillegas Data, Vol. I, No. i — " The American Historical Register," 1894, 14 CHAPTER II. MICHAEL HILLEGAS, THE TREASURER. MICHAEIy HILI.EGAS was born in the City of Philadelphia, April 22, 1729, O. S. He " was reared within the refined and christian influence of a cultured home. His educational advantages were the best his native city afibrded and, outside of the curriculum of the parochial schools and the academies of the time, was more practical than scholastic. At his father's hospitable home he doubtless en- joyed the association of the most learned men of the day. It was the resort of the pious and learned mis- sionaries of the Reformed and Lutheran faith. If there is any force in inductive reasoning, beyond all controversy, the patriarch Muhlenberg, the pious Schlatter and the learned Weiss, received the cordial hospitality, the substantial aid and wise counsel of the host. He was the friend, the adviser and the pro- tector of his fellow countrymen, and it is not sur- prising that the son should be popular among the extensive circle of patrons, friends and admirers of the father. 15 In the counting-room lie early learned the prin- ciples and business methods that were the basis of his successful career. At the age of twenty-one years, he became the business successor of his father, and one of the administrators of his estate — the value of which may be estimated from the fact that they were required to give bond in the sum of ;^40,ooo. The real estate consisted of twenty-eight lots and tracts of land, several on Front street and the Delaware river bank; ten on Second street, mostly improved, and the balance were large lots or tracts in the then suburbs and county of Philadelphia. ^ The Orphans' Court, July 25, 1750, upon the petition of the surviving children, Michael, Susanna and Mary (the widow ' ' in consideration of an annuity during her life voluntarily released all her right, title and interest to both real and personal estate of her said husband") appointed a jury to value and make partition of the estate. Two parts were assigned to Michael, and one each to the daughters. * The re- turn covers fifteen pages of the docket, not including a very interesting and neatly executed map of the lots and land assigned to the diflFerent heirs. It may 1 Some Data of the Hillegas Family, Vol. I, No. i, p. 23ff — "The American Historical Register." 3"0. C. Dockets," p. 117. 16 be said this was the beginning of his successful busi- ness career as a merchant and sugar refiner. Later in life, he became a prominent member of the Martick Forge Co.; the Lehigh Coal Mining Co. ; the Pennsylvania Land Co., for which he held thousands of acres in Bedford county ; and other im- portant financial interests. Although pressed by the cares and responsibili- ties of his personal, political and official duties, he still found time for social and domestic pleasures. His courteous manner and genial disposition were marked by his associates and made him hosts of friends. He and his family were members of the historic Assembly balls, and it is recorded that one of his daughters was debarred for having " married into trade." His devotion to music was only surpassed by his skill, and like the great liberator of modern thought, Dr. Martin Luther, he often found relief from care in his flute and violin. John Adams wrote in his diary, November 28, 1775: " Hillegas is one of our Conti- nental treasurers ; is a great musician ; talks perpetu- ally of the forte and piano, of Handel and songs and tunes. ' ' He was the author of ' ' An Easy Method for the Flute." His musical talent was inherited, as may be concluded from the presence of the four musical staves upon the family coat of arms. 17 He was a member of the Fishing Company of Fort St. Davids, in 1763; and of the American Phil- osophical Society, 1768. He was a baptized member of the Reformed Church, but some time after his marriage became a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and served as a vestryman of Christ Church congregation during 1772 and 1773. Possessed of ample means, his devotion to the interests of his country stamps him as a pure patriot. He early took an active interest in political affairs. In 1762, he was appointed one of the commissioners to select the site and erect a fort (Mifflin) for the pro- tection of Philadelphia. From 1765 to 1775 he was a member of the Provincial Assembly. In 1771 he was a member of the Board of Commissioners to im- prove the navigation of the Delaware. In 1774 he was a member of the Committee of Observation of Philadelphia. In 1775 he became a member of the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety; and in the same year was chosen Treasurer of the United Colonies, serving continuously in this capacity until the Trea- ury Department was established by Act of Congress, September 2, 1789. ^ The first incumbent under this act was Samuel Meredith, 'whose commission bears 1" First statutes," p. 65. the date of September ii, 1789.^ And on Septem- ber 29th, Alexander Hamilton was appointed by Washington, Secretary of the Treasury. The first critical period in the life of this gov- ernment was the struggle for independent existence. The second was the endeavor for systematic organi- zation. The one was a war of arms ; the other a contest of intellects. lyOgically the one precedes the other. Chronologically they often run parallel. The formative period of a nation's existence is the most trying. When organization has enacted its laws and becomes systematized, with perfect machinery run- ning with mechanical precision, it is a comparatively easy task to perform the duties that pertain to office. Michael Hillegas, under the several titles of Provincial, Continental and United States Treasurer, performed the duties of an office that required the greatest possible skill, method and integrity, and faith- fully and commendably executed the trust during the first fourteen years of the life of the United States of America. That no public recognition has been made in commemoration of such patriotic, long-continued, faithful execution of a trust of so great responsibility by the city of his birth, his education, his service and his death is a perversion of civic instincts. 1 See " U. S. Treasury Register." 19 The only mention of him in history that we have found is by John Bach McMaster. ^ Manasseh Cutler (1787), was chosen to represent the company formed for the purchase and settlement of land in Ohio, be- fore Congress. While this body was engaged with other matters, "Cutler spent his time in making friends and furthering his plans. St. Clair who was President of Congress and whom he soon won over by asserting that therewas no other man he so longed to see governor of the company's purchase, introduced him to the foreign ministers. He was delighted to find that Van Berckel, the Dutch Charge, took a lively interest in the proposed settlements. He dined with Hillegas, the Treasurer. He supped with Grayson, and some Congressmen from the South. He passed an evening with Osgood, head of the Board of Treasury, etc." ^ 1 "A History of the People of the United States," Vol. I, p. 509. 2 Since writing the above, "The Financial History of the United States," by Prof. Albert S. Bolles, has appeared. Volume I covers the period of the incumbency of Michael Hillegas as 1 reasurer. Speaking of the Treasury Department, he says: "More than a month elapsed before filling the several offices of the Treasury (November 3, 1778), Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., was elected Controller ; John Gibson, Auditor, and Michael Hillegas who had held the office of Treasurer from the beginning was continued in the same position. Since the resignation of Mr. Clymer, Hillegas had acted as sole Treasurer ; and from his continuance in that office had probably administered it in a successful manner. ' ' "To the Controller and Treasurer was given a salary of four thou- sand dollars" (p. 20). "The Loan Office system was simply ex- tended so as to include the Continental Treasurer among the number of those authorized to borrow money for the use of the govern- ment " (June IS, 1777), p. 51. He is also mentioned in the diaries of Christopher Marshall, Jacob Hiltzheimer and Elizabeth Drinker. The time is at hand when no history of the United States will be considered complete without mention of the service of this patriot. The force of this statement is augmented when the liberal contri- butions of money he made by gift and loan to the support of the army during the struggle for inde- pendence are recalled. During the incumbency of Mr. Hillegas, the first entry on the records in the office of the Register of the Treasury is under date of April 16, 1776, and the last, August 28, 1789. The following data were furnished by Hon. Geo. S. Batcheller, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, April 14, 1890, for Mrs. Emma St. Clair Whitney's " Michael Hillegas and His Descendants." July 29, 1775, ^ it was Resolved^ "That Michael Hillegas and George Clymer, Esqrs., be joint Treas- urers of the United Colonies. ' ' They were designated by the same resolution Continental Treasurers. August 6, 1776, ^ " That for the future there be only one Continental Treasurer " (Mr. Clymer having been appointed a delegate to Congress). September 6, 1777,^ additional compensation was 1 "Journals of Congress," Vol. i, p, 173. I' Ibid., Vol. II, p. 299. ^Ibid., Vol. Ill, p, 301. 21 "Allowed to Michael Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer of the United States, from the 6th day of August, 1776, when Mr. Clymer resigned the office of joint Treasurer." March 23, 1785' mention is made of "Michael Hillegas, Esq., Continental Treasurer." The minutes of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania reveal : July 13, 1780, a letter from Michael Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer of the United States, informing the Board that he had received draughts ixoVii Congress for 1,796,950, and for 4, 569,045 dollars, and one- third dollar, and requesting infor- mation when the whole or part will be paid. August 7, 1780, a letter from same requesting information of the intentions of the Board respecting two warrants, dated June 29th, for 1,796,950 dollars and another for 4,569,045 dollars and thirty-ninetieths, was read. April 16,1781, an order from the Treasury Board on Michael Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer of the United States.^ "In the Treasury accounts frequent mention is made of money advanced by him for improving the public highways and rivers, and the docks and islands in the Delaware." The great distress that prevailed in the army 1 "Journals of Congress," Vol, X, p, 96. 2 " Colonial Record," Vol, XII, pp. 423, 444, 693. 22 during the spring of 1780 for the -want of food, clothing and money for the soldiers, designates it as one of the gloomiest periods of the Revolution. Then it was that a number of the responsible citizens of Philadelphia came to the relief of the Government by resort to their private fortunes. A meeting was called at the " Coffee- House," June 8, 1780, and a subscription started "to be given in bounties to promote the recruiting service of the United States." Another largely-attended meeting was called on the 17th of June of the same year at the City Tavern, and a subscription of money started, on which the signers pledged their property and credit "in order to support the credit of a bank, to be established for furnishing a supply of provisions for the Armies of the United States. At this meeting, Michael Hillegas subscribed ^^4,000. The list was completed within a few days, and the "Pennsylvania Bank" was organized and continued in operation for nearly a year and a half, rendering essential service to the country. November i, 1781, a meeting was held at the City Tavern, out of which grew the Bank of North America. Mr. Plillegas was one of the first sub- scribers to the stock of this bank. And on December 31, 1781, the Congress of the United States passed an act incorporating the subscribers under the title of 23 ' ' The President, Directors and Company of the Bank of North America. ' ' ^ A recent-discovered muster roll of the 7th Com- pany, 3d Battalion, Philadelphia City Militia, shows that Michael Hillegas was regularly enrolled as a member of Captain Andrew Geyer's Company, Sep- tember 20, 1781. His name is given among the delinquents, 1783, but his absence and failure to per- form duty is accounted for by the fact of his being Treasurer of the United States. In recognition of his ability and methodical habits, the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, April 2, 1 781, Resolved^ "That Michael Hillegas, Esq., be requested and empowered to revise, compare, correct and publish in one volume, the resolves of the Committee of the late Province of Pennsylvania, with their instructions to their Representatives in As- sembly, held at Philadelphia, the 15th day of July, 1774 ; the proceedings of the convention for the Province of Pennsylvania, held at Philadelphia, the 23rd of January, 1775 ; the proceedings of the Provincial Conference of Committees held at Carpenter's Hall, in the City of Philadelphia, the 18th day of June, 1776 ; the Declaration of Indepen- 1 "History of the Bank of North America," I I^sc. 23. Chairman of Committee on "An Act to prevent frauds in the packing and pre- serving of shad and herring for exportation. ' ' 1 774) J^T^- 6. Chairman of Committee respecting the attention of the dams erected in Connes- togoe Creek. 1774, Jan. 10. Chairman of Committee "For recor- ding warrants, surveys, deeds and convey- ances .' ' 1 7 74) J^-ii- II- Again "Appointed and empowered to demand and collect fines for breach of the rules of the House, for the use of the Penn- sylvania Hospital. ' ' Chairman of Committee on ' ' An Act for regu- lating peddlers and vendues, etc." 1774, Jan. 13. The Governor having presented a message relating to the claim of the Colony of Connecticut to lands within this Province, and the ' ' Riotous and tumultuous manner ' ' of taking possession of same, and holding said possession in a hostile manner, to the great disturbance of the peace of the Province. That the said emigrants, together with a num- ber of ill-disposed persons, have in defiance of the laws of the country and executive powers of this government, afforded protection to 59 offenders of the most atrocious kind,* * *, and in a hostile manner attempted to dispossess the peaceful inhabitants settled within the limits of this government. Thereupon, it was ' ' Ordered that Messrs. Hillegas, Mifflin, Brown, Rodman, Ferree, and Allen be a Committee to prepare and bring in a Bill for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies, and for the more speedy and effectual punishing the rioters. ' ' 1774, Jan. 18. The necessary Bills having been passed, Mr. Hillegas and Mr. Gray were in- structed to wait on the Governor for his assent. Chairman of the Committee on ' ' Bill to in- crease the allowance to members of Assembly for their attendance on the public service. ' ' 1774, Jan. 20. The model of a machine for cleaning and deepening docks, raising sand and stones for building, etc., presented by Arthur Don- aldson^ having been viewed and examined by the members, it was ^'' Ordered, that Messrs. Hillegas, Rhoads, Miles, Elliott, Rodman, Humphreys, Morton and seven others, be a ' ' Committee to inspect the said machine, see it perform, and report their opinon of its use- fulness to the House at their next meeting. ' ' 1774, Jan. 21. The following "Abstract of an account 60 of fifteen thousand pounds granted for the defence of Philadelphia and raised by Act of Assembly — passed the 9th of March, 1771, as the same was laid out by the Governor and Commissioners," occurs in the Governor's message. Some of the items are interesting. Joseph Galloway, Esq., for "Deep Water Is- land"; Joseph Fox, Esq., for "Scantling and for clearing cannon ' ' ; William Rush, ' ' Smith's work"; Samuel Levis, for "Scantling"; John Morton, Esq. , ' ' Logs for the Fort ' ' ; Matthew Clarkson, "Clerkship, etc."; Samuel Rhoads, "Nails and glass"; Samuel Penrose, "Provi- sions" ; Owen Jones, Provincial Treasurer "Committee." >This account was signed by John Penn, Benj. Chew, Joseph Galloway, Joseph Fox, Michael Hillegas, John Morton. No proper provision having been made for in- demnifying the Provincial Treasurer in pay- ing the above amount, the Speaker addressed a message to the Governor, the time before the adjournment being too limited to deliberate upon and pass the necessary legislation, trust- ing that the temporary provision for the matter meet his approval. Mr. Hillegas and Mr. Pearson were appointed a Committee to 61 present this message to his Honor. These same gentlemen were authorized to join with the members of Council in comparing the en- grossed Bills. 1774, Jan. 23. At this time the House took into consideration ' ' The ruinous condition of the State House steeple," and " Ordered^ that the Superintendents confer with some skillful arch- itect for the purpose of repairing or rebuilding the same." 1774, July 19. Mr. Hillegas, Chairman of Com- mittee to continue " An Act to prevent the ex- portation of bread and flour not merchantable. ' ' 1774, July 20. ^'■Resolved, that Michael Hillegas, _ George Gray, Thomas Mifflin, and Charles Humphreys, Esqrs., or any three of them, by and with the consent and approbation of the Governor of this Province for the time being, may draw orders on the Provincial Treasurer for any sum not exceeding two thousand pounds^ to be disposed of in paying and victualing, until the loth day of August next, a number of Rangers lately raised by the Magistrates of Westmoreland county, for removing the panic into which the inhabitants of the said county have been thrown by the late Indian 62 disturbances, and for other incidental expenses; also in maintaining the peace and friendship subsisting between this Province and the Indians." ' ' That if, after the said loth day of August it shall appear to the Governor and the said (aforenamed gentlemen) necessary to employ any number of the said Rangers, this House will pass a Bill for paying and victualing them, until the 20th day of September next, provided their number shall not exceed two hundred. " 1774, July 22. The Committee of the whole House taking into their most serious consideration the unfortunate diflfeiences which have long subsisted between Great Britain and the Amer- ican Colonies, and been greatly increased by the operation and effects of divers late acts of the British Parliament, '•'•Resolved^ N. C. D., that there is an absolute necessity that a Congress of Deputies from the several Colonies be held as soon as conveniently may be, to consult together upon the present unhappy state of the Colonies, and to form and adopt a plan for the purpose of obtaining redress of American grievances, ascertaining American rights upon the most solid constitutional 63 principles, and for establishing that union and harmony between Great Britain and the Col- onies, which is indispensibly necessary to the welfare and happiness of both. " " Resolved^ N. C. D., that the Honorable Joseph Gallo- way, Speaker, Samuel Rhoads, Thos. Mifflin, Charles Humphreys, John Morton, George Ross and Edward Biddle, Esqrs. , be and they hereby are appointed a Committee on the part of this Province for the purposes aforesaid, and that they, or any four of them, do meet such Committees or Delegates from the other Colo- nies as have been, or may be, appointed, either by their respective Houses of Representatives, or by Convention, or by the Provincial or Col- onial Committees, at such time and place as shall be generally agreed on by such Com- mittees, and that the Speaker of this House be directed in a letter to the Speakers of the Houses of Representatives of the other Col- onies to inform them of these resolves. ' ' Upon motion, " Ordered^ that Messrs. Hille- gas. Brown, John Jacobs, Webb, Ross, Pope and Allen be a Committee to prepare and bring in draughts of instructions for the Dep- uties to the ensuing Congress ; a circular letter 64 to tlie Speakers of tlie several Colonial Assem- blies, and an answer to the Governor's mes- sage on Indian afiairs." This like everything of which Mr. Hillegas was head, was promptly done at the very next meeting, July 23d. 1774, July 23. Major Isaac Hamilton, of the Royal Irish Regulars of Foot, addressed a communi- cation to the Assembly, stating that the bed- ding, utensils and apartments of his Majesty's troops under his command required inspection and wanted repairs, and praying for the in- spection and relief their generosity and judg- ment shall dictate. Upon consideration of which, Mr. Hillegas and Mr. Miles were ap- pointed a Committee to examine into the present condition of the said barracks, and report thereon to the House at their next meeting. This does not appear to have been done. The reason is obvious. 1774, Oct. 14. This marks the beginning of another session. Mr. Hillegas continued as a member. A new Speaker was unanimously chosen in the person of Edward Biddle, of Berks county. Mr. Hillegas continued on Committee of accounts. At this time the "General Congress, " composed 65 of tlie Deputies from the several Colonies, was sitting in this city. John Dickenson was added to the Committee of Deputies from this Province. It was also '•'■Resolved^ that this House will provide an entertainment, to be given on Thursday next, to the Deputies from the several Colonies attending public business in this city." Messrs. Gray, Hillegas, Mifflin, Rodman, Pearson, Wayne and Ross, with the Speaker, were constituted "A Committee to provide and superintend said entertainment." ' ' It being represented by Mr. Hillegas that 'Cayasbuta,' an Indian Chief of note, and a friend to this Province, is now in town, and in want of some necessaries," Mr. Hillegas was authorized to procure the necessaries, defray his expenses, and present him with ten pounds. Of the especial appropriation of twenty-five thousand pounds, passed March 21, 1772, Mr. Hillegas was paid For Indian expenses, ;^82.5.8 For extra services, 20.0.0 For service on public accounts, 12.0.0 For service as Provincial com., 15.0.0 Mr. Hillegas was frequently appointed with other prominent members to see the great seal 66 aflSxed and deposit the new law in the Rolls Office. Examining the incidental expenses of the As- sembly of each year, it will be observed that Mr. Hillegas invariably served the full time on the Committee of accounts. We note other instances of his having been paid "for Indian expenses," and for services as one of the " Pro- vincial Commissioners." The other Com- missioners for this year were Joseph Galloway, Benj. Chew, Joseph Fox, Thos. Cadwalader. 1774, Oct. 19. The Rangers having been continued in service on account of the unsettled condi- tion of the Indians, Messrs. George Gray, Michael Hillegas, Thos. Mifflin and Charles Humphreys, or any three of them, were author- ized with the consent and approbation of the Governor, to draw on the Provincial Treasurer, for any sum not exceeding fourteen hundred and fifty pounds, for paying them and their expenses. 1774, Oct. 21. The " General Congress " was enter- tained on the 20th inst., and Messrs. Gray, Hillegas, Mifflin, Rodman, Pearson, Wayne and Ross, or any four of them with the Speaker, were authorized to settle the account 67 and tlie expenses attending the sitting of the Congress. Mr. Hillegas added to the Committee to inspect the printing of the laws of this Province. 1774, Dec. 9. Mr. Hillegas continued in his estab- lished relation to collect fines for breach of rules of the House for the use of the Pennsyl- vania Hospital. 1774, Dec. 10. The delay in paying borrowers occa- sioned by the slow process in vogue of signing the bills of credit, called forth the appoint- ment of Messrs. Dickenson, Hillegas and Brown as a Committee on " A supplementary Act for appointing a further number of signers of the paper money, in addition to those named in the said Act. ' ' 1774, Dec. 23. Messrs. Gray, Hillegas, Rhoads, Mifflin and Pearson, constituted a Committee to secure an Act to issue bills of credit of this Province ; for redeeming certificates issued by the Commissioners ; and for carrying on and completing the "Gaol, Workhouse and House of Correction." 1774, Dec. 24. Mr. Hillegas a member of the Com- mittee to view the Schuylkill and report the 68 most suitable place to build a bridge to accom- modate the public. He was requested to procure necessary winter clothing for Negro Dublin, defray expense of his board, and draw on the Provincial Treas- urer for payment. 1775, Mr. Hillegas presented at the table, and had allowed the account of Luke Morris for a boat and ropes at Province Island Ferry; and of L,uke Morris, Thos. Wharton and Samuel Morris for monies expended by them on said island. 1775, Mar. 3. Messrs. Hillegas, Mifflin and Morton a Committee on ' ' Bill for striking six thousand pounds^ for the purpose of rendering the navi- gation of the River Delaware secure in the winter season." The same was presented on the 4th inst. 1775, Mar. 7. The Governor, John Penn, by mes- sage, called the attention of the House to the presence in the city of a number of Indians of the Tuscarora^ Nanticoke and Conoy tribes, who reside on the heads of the Susquehanna, who represent themselves as very poor and in want of clothing and other necessaries. Whereupon, on the 8th, the House '■'■Directed^ 69 that Messrs. Hillegas and Mifflin be author- ized to draw a sum not exceeding one hundred pounds on Dr. Samuel Preston Moore, for the purpose indicated." 1775, Mar. 9. In view of the alarming crisis which Great Britain and her Colonies were approach- ing, Governor John Penn felt it his duty to suggest proper measures for the Representa- tives of the Province to pursue, and on the 2ist of February, 1775, presented a written message to the House. To this they responded, after spirited debate, first in vein of sarcasm, ' ' we agree with you that in all cases wisdom dictates the use of such means as are most likely to attain the end proposed. ' ' And then with more vigor, "we have, with deep con- cern, beheld a system of Colony administra- tion pursued since the year 1763, destructive to the rights and liberties of his Majesty's most faithful subjects in America^ and have hereto- fore adopted such measures as we thought were most likely to restore that affection and harmony between the Parent State and the Colonies. * * * We must inform your Honor that a most humble, dutiful and affectionate petition from the delegates of all the Colonies 70 from Nova Scotia to Georgia is now at the foot of the throne. * * * " This answer was supported by Messrs. Gray, Parker, Hillegas, Mifflin, Chas. Thompson, Bartholomew, John Jacobs, Gibbons, Pearson, Humphreys, Morton, Wayne, Ross, Ewing, Swoope, Allen, Mont- gomery, Chreist, Edmunds, Daugherty, Hunter and William Thompson. (It is quite evident at this time that Mr. Hillegas is a leader on the floor of the House. ) Speaker Biddle being ill, at his own request a new Speaker is elected in the person of John Morton, Esq. 1775, May I. A letter from William BoUan, Benj. Franklin and Arthur I^ee, dated London, Feb- ruary 5th, 1775, laid before the House, reveals that Lord Chatham's proposition to withdraw the troops from Boston, had been rejected, and that it was "The determination to inforce obedience to all the laws." 1775, May II. '■'■Resolved^ that George Gray, Michael Hillegas and Chas. Humphreys, Esqrs., or any two of them, are hereby author- ized and empowered to draw orders on Samuel Preston Moore, Esq. , to the amount of eighteen hundred pounds, * * * and on the Provincial 71 Treasurer for the sum of two hundred pounds, * * * to be disposed of and applied towards dis- charging certain engagements lately entered into for the public security. ' ' 1775, June 20. An error having been discovered in the form of the bills of credit directed to be struck, Messrs. Hillegas, Pearson and Hum- phreys were constituted a Committee to bring in a Bill to correct. 1775, June 21. Mr. Hillegas of the Committee on "Bill for striking the sum of twenty- two thousand pounds in bills of credit." This Bill was promptly presented the very next day. 1775, June 24. The account of John Palmer, inn- keeper at the Falls of Schuylkill, for expenses of the Committee of Assembly appointed to view the River Schuylkill last spring, was presented to the House; a certificate of pay- ment was drawn by order, signed by the Speaker and delivered to Mr. Hillegas. 1775, June 27. Messrs. Gray, Dickenson, Hillegas, Chas. Thompson, Rodman, Pearson, Wayne, Ross, Montgomery and Edwards were ap- pointed a Committee to present such measures as may be expedient for putting this city and Province into a state of defense. 72 1 775) June 28. The Governor having declined to give his consent to the Bill entitled "An Act for the support of this Province and payment of the public debt," it was " Ordered^ that Messrs. Dickenson, Hillegas, Pearson and Fox be a Committee to bring in an answer to his message announcing the foregoing fact. ' ' ^775) June 29. Mr. Hillegas joins with members of the Council, appointed by the Governor, to compare the engrossed Bills with the originals, and with Mr. Parker to see the great seal afSxed. The Committee appointed to strike the sum of twenty thousand pounds in bills of credit, produced the receipt of Joseph Fox, Esq., one of the Commissioners of the county of Phila- delphia, for the said sum, according to direc- tions. 1775, June 30. By a series of resolutions presented by the Committee to consider such measures, etc. , the House approved the ' 'Association en- tered into by the good people of this Province for the defense of their lives, liberty and property ;' ' made provision for placing the city and Province on a war footing; named a Com- mittee of safety; that bills of credit to the 73 value of thirty-five thousand pounds be issued ; named the parties to sign the said bills; and when signed to be delivered to Michael Hill- egas, Esq., hereby appointed Treasurer. 1775, Sept. 20. Messrs. Hillegas, Pearson and Ross, a Committee on "Bill for striking twenty-two thousand pounds in bills of credit for the sup- port of this government." 1775, Sept. 22. The bond of Mr. Hillegas as Treas- urer of the Committee of safety approved and entered of record. 1775, Sept. 30. The close of this session. Mr. Hillegas was paid seventy-five pounds for ' ' extra services. ' ' 1775, Oct. 14. Mr. Hillegas continued as a member of the Assembly. John Dickenson, Michael Hillegas and George Gray head the list. Mr. Hillegas continued Chairman of Committee on accounts. Robert Morris, having been elected a member of the Assembly from Philadelphia county, is included on this committee. 1775, Oct. 18. Messrs. Hillegas, Gray, Morris, Pear- son and others "A Committee to state an ac- count of the several grants made by this Prov- ince to the Crown from the year 1755 to 1764, inclusive, which were to be sunk by taxes, etc., and report the balances outstanding." 74 1775) Oct. 19. Mr. Hillegas, Chairman, with Messrs. Gray, Morris, Brown, Pearson and others. Committee to inquire and report what progress had been made in the manufacture of saltpetre in Philadelphia. Reported November loth. 1775, Nov. 3. Mr. Hillegas, Chairman of Committee to inquire into progress made in procuring arms for public use. 1775, Nov. 15. Messrs. Dickenson, Hillegas, Miles, Pearson, with the Speaker, a Committee for " Striking the sum of eighty thousand pounds in bills of credit." Reported November 17th. Mr. Hillegas' s vote, with that of Dickenson, Gray, Potts, Miles, Parker, Morris and others, during these trying days, indicates the patriot. The members being equally divided, it required the casting vote of the Speaker to determine the question relative to the ' ' Improvement in military dicipline ' ' of the Associators. 1775, Nov. 18. Resolutions authorizing the prepa- ration and printing of the above bills of credit for eighty thousand pounds, directs how and when it shall be done and by whom signed; and after being signed, numbered and per- fected, the committee "Shall deliver them to Michael Hillegas, Esq., who is hereby 75 appointed Treasurer for this purpose," and take his receipt for same. That the sum of five shillings for every hun- dred pounds, be allowed to the said Mr. Hillegas, for his commission as Treasurer of the thirty-five thousand pounds. 1775, Nov. 24. The Committee to examine and ad- just the accounts of the several Battalions of Associators, was empowered to draw orders for payment of same upon Michael Hillegas, Esq. , which he is required to pay out of the eighty thousand pounds emitted by resolution of the House. Messrs. Dickenson, Hillegas and Morris, with the Speaker, a Committee to ' ' Revise and correct the minutes of this House before they are printed. ' ' 1775, Nov. 25. Petapanibila (alias George Allen), an Indian distinguished for his fidelity to this Province, was voted the sum of one hundred pounds, and Mr. Hillegas and Mr. Miles were requested to lay out the same for him in such goods and other necessarie , as may be most useful to him. 1776, Feb. 15. Mr. Hillegas, produces a bill for Mr. Fox for ;^2 1 1. 17.6 for repairs to Barracks. 1776, Feb. 16. Messrs. Hillegas, Joseph Reed, 76 Gibbons, a Committee "To enable Keepers of Records in the counties of Philadelphia and Chester, to remove them to more safe and convenient places, if the state of public affairs shall require it." 1776, Feb. 22. Mr. Hillegas, Chairman of Com- mittee, to visit the House of Employment, inspect the accounts and ' oeconomy ' thereof, and report. ' ' 1776, Mar. I. Some Indians in town wanted to be supplied with a horse, a beaver trap, etc. Messrs. Hillegas and Parker were ' ' Ordered^ to provide them and such little matters as they thought expedient. 1776, Mar. 5. Chairman of Committee to prepare and bring in an estimate of the expense of levying a body of fifteen hundred men; and victualing and paying them for one year. The same day their full estimate is spread upon the minutes. And upon consideration of this estimate, the House determined to "Ivcvy and take into pay fifteen hundred men (officers included) for the immediate defense of the Province." 1776, Mar. 14. An order for three thousand pounds drawn on Michael Hillegas, Esq., payable to 77 Col. Samuel Miles, to be immediately applied to the recruiting service. 1776, Mar. 31. '■'■Resolved^ that Michael Hillegas, Bsq., Treasurer, pay such orders as shall be drawn by the Committee of safety in favor of the said Paymaster (John Maxwell Nesbit), for the purpose of paying the Pennsylvania forces. Messrs. Hillegas, Gray and Rittenhouse, a Committee to contract with persons willing to undertake supplying the troops to be raised with provisions. 1776, Apr. 6. Messrs. Hillegas, Parker and Ritten- house added to the Committee of safety. Mr. Hillegas produced at the table an account from the Managers of the House of Employ- ment, of twenty-seven pounds, ten shillings, for the " Cloathing, board and burial of Cath- erine Smithy a blind pauper." A certificate for the sum was drawn by order, signed by the Speaker and delivered to Mr. Hillegas. Messrs. Dickinson, Hillegas, Reed and Ritten- house constituted a Committee to ' ' Draught resolves for striking eighty-five thousand pounds in bills of credit for answering the present exigencies of this Province." This committee reported at once. That after the 78 said Bills had been promptly signed, numbered and perfected, they were to be delivered to Michael Hillegas, Esq., who is hereby ap- pointed Treasurer for that purpose. The Treasurer to give bond in the sum of ten thousand pounds, for the faithful discharge of the trust reposed in him. 1776, May 30. He was "Appointed Provincial Treasurer, in the room of Owen Jones, Esq." 1776, June 14. From this date the House stood adjourned to Monday the 26th day of August. At that date a quorum not appearing and fail- ing to appear after several daily attempts, adjourned to Monday, 23d day of September. 1776, Sept. 24. The Speaker with twenty-eight members met pursuant to adjournment of the preceding day, when, after consideration, the Speaker put the question "Whether the sum of one thousand pounds shall be allowed to the Governor, for his support during the present year?" Carried in the affirmative with the following voting "Nay": Hillegas, Parker, Bartholomew, Gibbons, Pearson, Jacobs, Por- ter, Galbreath, Hoge, Whitehill, Arndt, Smith. 1776, Sept. 26. In the final account rendered by Owen Jones, Esq., late Provincial Treasurer, 79 we find Mr. Hillegas was paid for extra ser- vices seventy-five pounds ; expense for repair- ing Deepwater Island forty-five pounds, four shillings, one penny; service on accounts, ten pounds. The statement of the account of Michael Hillegas as Provincial Treasurer is found at the close of Vol. VI, Votes of the Assembly. 80 CHAPTER VI. JOURNAIvS OF CONGRESS. 1775. July 29. '■'■Resolved, that Michael Hilleg as and George Clymer, Esqrs., be joint Treasurers of the United Colonies ; that the Treasurers shall reside in Philadelphia, and that they shall give bond with surety for the faithful performance of their oflSce, in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars. ' ' 1775, Aug. I. Payments of large sums of money to be applied to the use of the army in Mass- achusetts-Bay, authorized ; (and if insufficient, Washington empowered to draw on Conti- nental Treasury for 51^200,000.00); to the Pro- vincial Convention of New York for monies advanced; to the Delegates of the Colony of Connecticut, in part of the sums disbursed in the Continental service ; to the use of the army in the New York department; to the Colony of Pennsylvania for sums borrowed and for con- tingent services. 1775, Dec. 26. The state of the Treasury was considered and brought forth a series of 81 resolutions which might properly be called the beginning of the financial system of the United Colonies. 1776, Mar. 9. Samuel Hillegas, son of Michael, appointed (inter alia) to sign bills of credit. 1776, June 26. '•'■Resolved^ that Michael Hillegas, Esq. , be empowered and directed to pay such sums of money as are or may be due to the several signers of Continental bills of credit for their services." 1777, Apr. 21. '■'■Resolvedy that Michael Hillegas, Esq. , Treasurer, be authorized and directed to appoint and qualify such a number of addi- tional signers of money as he shall judge necessary, and send to Congress a certificate of said appointment and qualification." 1777, Aug. 9. "i?^i'o/z'ierf, that the Board of Treasury be directed to order Mr. Hillegas, the Treas- urer, together with the Treasury and printing press under his care to remove to Philadelphia as soon as they judge the state and situation of public affairs will admit." " That the Board of Treasury be directed to take into considera- tion and report a proper compensation to Mr. Hillegas for his past and future services." 1777, Sept. 6. '■'■Resolved^ that there be allowed to 82 Michael Hillegas, Ksq., Treasurer of the United States, from the 6th day of August, 1776, when Mr. Clymer resigned the office of joint Treasurer, a salary after the rate, 3,200 dollars per annum for discharging the duties of that office." 1778, Apr. 17. ^^ Resolved, that all the Loan Office certificates struck by resolutions of Congress of the 3d day of October, 1776, the 14th of January and 22d of February, 1777, and eight hundred and sixty certificates of one thousand dollars each, numbered from number i to 860, of the emission ordered by Congress the 17th day of January, 1778, which have been signed by Michael Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer, or Samuel Hillegas, be good and valid, notwith- standing some of the said certificates may be issued by the several Commissioners of the Continental lyoan Offices, after the date of the resolutions of Congress appointing Francis Hopkinson, Esq., Treasurer of Ivoans." 1778, Aug. 3. Michael Hillegas was elected Treas- urer, having been previously nominated by Mr. S. Adams. 1779, Feb. II. On recommendation of the "Com- mittee on the Treasury," it was '•^Resolved, 83 that a Secretary of the Treasury be appointed, with the salary of two thousand dollars per annum." 1779, Oct. 23. Congress took into consideration so much of the report of the Committee respecting the establishment of a Board of the Treasury, as relates to the annual election of the officers, acd proper salaries for the said officers; and '■^Resolved, that the Commissioners, Secretary and Clerks of the Board of Treasury, and all other departments of the Auditor General, Treasurer and Chambers of Accounts, who may be appointed before the conclusion of the present war, shall hold their respective offices during the pleasure of Congress ; anything contained in an ordinance for establishing a Board of Treasury, and the proper offices for managing the finances of these United States, to the contrary notwithstanding." Until fur- ther ordered the following salaries, per annum, were allowed : Commissioners of the Board of Treasury, not members of Congress, respec- tively I14, 000. 00; Auditor General, $12,000.00; -Commissioners of the Chambers Accounts, $12,000.00; Secretary of the Board of Treasury, $10,000.00; Treasurer, $15,000.00; "That the 84 salaries aforesaid shall be annually or oftener, if Congress shall judge it expedient, revised and altered agreeable to the appreciation of the continental currency." 1779, Nov. 9. Agreeable to the ordinance for estab- lishing the Board of Treasury, Congress pro- ceeded to an election by ballot, when the fol- lowing gentlemen were chosen : Ezekiel Fore- man, Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., Commissioners of the Board of Treasury; Michael Hillegas, Treasurer; Jas. Mulligan, Auditor General ; Jos. Nourse, Assistant Auditor General ; Robt. Troup, Secretary of the Board of Treasury; Wm. Govett, Resolve Smith, Wm. Geddess, John D. Mercier, Eleazer M'Comb, Nathaniel Mumford, Commissioners of the Chambers of Accounts. Mr. Houston and Mr. Sharpe were then chosen members of the Board of Treasury. 1780, Apr. 27. Report from Board of Treasury was read, whereupon '■^Ordered, that five warrants for fifty thousand dollars each, issue on Natha- niel Appleton, Commissioner of the Conti- nental Loan Office for the State of Massachu- setts-Bay, in favor of Michael Hillegas, Treas- urer of the United States, for which the said Treasurer is to be accountable." 85 1780, May 18. '■'■Ordered, that a warrant issue on Nathaniel Appleton, Commissioner of Conti- nental Loan Office, for the State of Massachu- setts-Bay, in favor of Michael Hillegas, Treas- urer of the United States for 1590,000.00, for which he is accountable." 1780, June 19. ^'■Ordered, by Board of Treasury that a warrant issue on same to same for |8oo,ooo.oo." 1781, Feb. 7. "■Resolved, that there be a Superin- tendent of Finance, a Secretary of War and a Secretary of Marine." Their powers and duties determined. 1781, Feb. 30. Robert Morris, Esq., was unani- mously elected (Superintendent of Finance), having been previously nominated by Mr. Floyd. On the 14th of May he accepted. 1781, July 23. F. Hopkinson, Treasurer of lyoans, resigned, and that office abolished and the business thereof annexed to the office of Treas- urer of the United States. 1781, Sept. II. An ordinance for regulating the Treasury, and adjusting public accounts was passed, authorizing the appointment by Con- gress in aid of the Superintendent of Finance "A Controller, a Treasurer, a Register, Audi- tors and Clerks. 86 1781, Sept. 19. Michael Hillegas was elected Treas- urer, having been previously nominated by- Mr. Sherman. 1786, Oct. 16. In the ordinance for the establish- ment of the Mint of the United States, it is directed that there shall be among its ofEcers "A Paymaster, who shall be the Treasurer of the United States for the time being, whose duty it shall be to receive and take charge of the coin made under the direction of the Master Coiner." "To receive and duly enter the certificates for uncoined gold or silver issued by the Assay-master, etc. ' ' Note. — The resignation and conclusion of Morris's official career as Superintendent, made necessai-y a new organization of the Treasury Department. This occurred late in May, 1784. At this time provision was made for a Board of Commissioners, whose salaries were fixed at 82,500 each. They were to serve for three years. Samuel Osgood and Walter Livingston were elected on the 2Sth of January, 1785. Thus there was no Board of Treasury or other head of that department at all (except Mr. Hillegas — Compiler), from November I, 1784, to January 25, 1785; and it does not appear that Osgood and Ivivingston proceeded to act as a Board, for Jay wrote to the President of Congress, April i, 1785, urging that the Commissioners of the Treasury ought to convene and proceed to business. In 1788 the Committee on the Finances fixed the date upon which the new Board of Treasury took office, after Morris's resignation, as the 21st of April, 1785.1 (Mr. Hillegas was in the full performance of his duties during this period.) 1 The Financier andtkb Finances of the American Revolution. W. C. Sumner, Vol. II, p. 124. 87