April 17, 1782

The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider the letters from his Excellency General Washington Mr. Livingston and Mr. Morris take leave to report as their opinion upon certain Resolutions of Congress that it is necessary a Committee be appointed to prepare & report a bill or bills for punishing such infractions of the Laws of Nations as are specified in a Resolution of Congress passed November 23d: 1781 also for erecting a Tribunal within this Commonwealth, or for vesting one already existing, with power to decide on Offences against the Laws of Nations not Specified in the Resolution above recited under proper restrictions; Also for Authorizing Suits to be instuted for Damages by the party injured and for compensation to the United States, for damages Sustained by them, for an injury done to a foreign power by a Citizen; Also for the establishment of a Speedy mode of administering Justice between the Subjects of his most Christian Majesty & Citizens of the United States, & for vesting persons in the neighbourhood of the Sea Coasts with power to Secure Shipwrecked property in the most effectual manner. Your Committee ask leave to sit again.

E: Brooks per order

In Senate April 17th: 1782

Read & Accepted & thereupon ordered that Hon. James Bowdoin, David Sewall & Robert Treat Paine Esqrs. be a Committee to prepare and Report Bills accordingly.

Sent down for Concurrence

S: Adams Presidt:

In the House of Representatives May 1st: 1782

Read & Concurred.

Nathl: Gorham Spkr. Approv’d John Hancock True copy Attest John Avery Secy.

MS .