YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 9002 06126 481 Cfc.,'6 3lk YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Gift of Edith and Maude Wetmore in memory of their father George Peabody Wetmore b.a. 1867 This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in cooperation with Yale University Library, 2008. You may not reproduce this digitized copy of the book for any purpose other than for scholarship, research, educational, or, in limited quantity, personal use. You may not distribute or provide access to this digitized copy (or modified or partial versions of it) for commercial purposes. This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in cooperation with Yale University Library, 2008. You may not reproduce this digitized copy of the book for any purpose other than for scholarship, research, educational, or, in limited quantity, personal use. You may not distribute or provide access to this digitized copy (or modified or partial versions of it) for commercial purposes. INSTITUTION or THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI, FORMED BY THE OFFICERS OF THE AMERICAN ARMY, AT ITS CANTONMENTS ON THE HUDSON KIVEB, M1Y 10, 1783 ; AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE pOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI OF MASSACHUSETTS, ITS ORGANIZATION, INCORPORATION, MEMBERS ORIGINAL, AND ADMITTED, j BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS, TOGETHER WITH ^mu&iup 0I tto Gmw& m& Sftxbt $0 Alto, ABSTRACTS AND NOTICES, Printed by order, and for the use of the Society. BOSTON: STEAM PRESS OP C. C. P. MOODY, 52 WASHINGTON STREET. 1859. CU^.Mk CONVENTION 0¥ \t$xwnt&tm& d tfa gunman §mhjj. Cantonment of the American Army, on Hudson River, Mat 10, 1783. Proposals for establishing a Society upon principles therein men tioned, whose members shall be the officers of the American Army, having been communicated to the several regiments of the respective lines, they appointed an officer from each, who, in conjunction with the General Officers, should take the same into consideration at their meeting this day, at which the Hon orable Major-General Baron de Steuben, the senior officer pres ent, was pleased to preside. The proposals being read, fully considered, paragraph by par agraph, and the amendments agreed to, Major-General Knox, Brigadier-General Hand, Brigadier-General Huntington, and Captain Shaw, were chosen to revise the same, and prepare a copy to be laid before this Assembly at their next meeting, to be holden at Major-General Baron de Steuben's quarters, on Tuesday the 13th instant. TUESDAY, MAY 13, 1783. The representatives of the American Army being assembled, agreeably to adjournment, the plan for establishing a society, whereof the officers of the American Army are to be members, is accepted, and is as follows, viz. It having pleased the Supreme Governor of the Universe, in the disposition of human affairs, to cause the separation of the Colonies of North America from the domination of Great Brit ain, and after a bloody conflict of eight years, to establish them Free, Independent, and Sovereign States, connected by alli ances, founded on reciprocal advantages, with some of the greatest princes and powers of the earth. " To perpetuate, therefore, as well the remembrance of this vast event, as the mutual friendships which have been formed under the pressure of common danger, and in many instances cemented by the blood of the parties ; the officers of the .Amer ican Army do hereby in the most solemn manner associate, constitute, and combine themselves into one SOCIETY OF FRIENDS, to endure as long as they shall endure, or any of their eldest male posterity, and in failure thereof, the collateral branches, who may be judged worthy of becoming its support ers and members. " The officers of the American Army having generally been taken from the citizens of America, possess high veneration for the character of that illustrious Roman, Lucius Quintius Cin- cinnatus, and being resolved to follow his example, by return ing to their citizenship, they think they may with propriety de nominate themselves the SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI. " The following principles shall be immutable, and form the basis of the Society of the Cincinnati. " An incessant attention to preserve inviolate those exalted rights and liberties of human nature, for which they have fought and bled, and without which the high rank of a rational being is a curse instead of a blessing. " An unalterable determination to promote and cherish, be tween the respective States, that union and national honor, so essentially necessary to their happiness and the future dignity of the American empire. " To render permanent the cordial affection subsisting among the officers, this spirit will dictate brotherly kindness in all things, and particularly extend to the most substantial acts of beneficence, according the ability of the society, towards those officers and their families, who unfortunately may be under the necssity of receiving it. " The general society will, for the sake of frequent communi cations, be divided into state societies, and these again into such districts as shall be directed by the state society. " The societies of the districts to meet as often as shall be agreed upon by the state society ; those of the states on the fourth day of July, annually, or oftener, if they shall find it ex pedient ; and the general society on the first Monday in May, annually, so long as they shall deem it necessary, and after wards, at least once in every three years. " At each meeting, the principles of the institution will be fully considered, and the best measures to promote them adopted. " The state societies will consist of all the members resident in each state respectively ; and any member removing from one state to another, is to be considered, in all respects, as belonging to the society of the state in which he shall actually reside. " The state societies to have a president, vice-president, sec retary, treasurer, and assistant treasurer, to be chosen annually by a majority of votes, at the state meeting. " Each state meeting shall write annually, or oftener, if nec essary, a circular letter, to the other state societies, noting whatever they may think worthy of observation respecting the good of the society, or the general union of the states, and giv ing information of the officers chosen for the current year. Copies of these letters shall be regularly transmitted to the sec retary-general of the society, who will record them in a book to be assigned for that purpose. " The state society will regulate every thing respecting itself and the societies of the districts, consistent with the general maxims of the Cincinnati ; judge of the qualifications of the members who may be proposed ; and expel any member, who, by conduct inconsistent with a gentleman and a man of honor, or by an opposition to the interests of the community in gen eral, or the society in particular, may render himself unworthy to continue a member. " In order to form funds which may be respectable, and assist the unfortunate, each officer shall deliver to the treasurer of the state society one month's pay, which shall remain forever to the use of the state society ; the interest only of which, if neces sary, to be appropriated to the relief of the unfortunate. " Donations may be made by persons not of the society, and by members of the society, for the express purpose of forming permanent funds for the use of the state society ; and the interest of these donations appropriated in the some manner as that of the month's pay. " Monies, at the pleasure of each member, may be subscribed in the societies of the districts, or the state societies, for the re lief of the unfortunate members or their widows and orphans, to be appropriated by the state society only. " The meeting of the general society, shall consist of its offi cers and a representation from each state society, in number not exceeding five, whose expenses shall be borne by their re spective state societies. " In the general meeting, the president, vice-president, secre tary, assistant secretary, treasurer, and assistant treasurer gen eral, shall be chosen to serve until the next meeting. " The circular letters which have been written by the respec tive state societies to each other, and their peculiar laws, shall be read and considered, and all measures concerted which may conduce to the general intendment of the society. " It is probable that some persons may make donations to the general society, for the purpose of establishing funds for the further comfort of the unfortunate ; in which case, such dona tions must be placed in the hands of the treasurer general, the interest only of which to be disposed of, if necessary, by the general meeting. " All the officers of the American Army, as well those who have resigned with honor, after three years' service in the ca pacity of officers, or who have been deranged by the resolutions of Congress, upon the several reforms of the army, as those who shall have continued to the end of the waiv have the right to become parties to this institution ; provided that they subscribe one month's pay, and sign their names to the general rules, in their respective state societies — those who are present with the army immediately, and others within six months after the army shall be disbanded, extraordinary cases excepted. The rank, time of service, resolutions of Congress by which any have been deranged, and place of residence, must be added to each name ; and as a testimony of affection to the memory and the offspring of such officers as have died in the service, their eldest male branches shall have the same right of becoming members, as the children of the actual members of the society. " Those officers who are foreigners, not resident in any of the states, will have their names enrolled by the secretary general, and are to be considered as members in the societies of any of the states in which they may happen to be. " And as there are, and will at all times be, men in. the re spective states eminent for their abilities and patriotism, whose views may be directed to the same laudable objects with those of the Cincinnati, it shall be a rule to admit such characters, as honorary members of the society, for their own lives only : pro vided always, that the number of honorary members, in each state, does not exceed a ratio of one to four of the officers or their descendants. " Each state society shall obtain a list of its members, and, at the first annual meeting, the state secretary shall have engrossed, on parchment, two copies of the institution of the society, which every member present shall sign ; and the secretary shall en deavor to procure the signature of every absent member ; one of those lists to be transmitted to the secretary general to be kept in the archives of the society, and the other to remain in. the hands of the state secretary. From the state lists the secretary general must make out, at the first general meeting, a complete list of the whole society, with a copy of which he will furnish each state secretary. " The society shall have an Order, by which its members shall be known and distinguished, which shall be a medal of gold, of a proper size to receive the emblems, and suspended by a deep blue ribbon, two inches wide, edged with white, descriptive of the union of Ame.riea and France, viz. 8 " The principal figwe CINCINNATUS, THREE SENATORS Presenting him with a sword and other Military Ensigns. On afield in the lack ground, HIS "WIFE, standing at the door of their cottage ; Near it A plough and implements of Husbandry. Bound the whole, omnia reliquit servare rempublicam. On the reverse, Sun rising ; a city with open gates, and Vessels entering the port ; FAME Crowning Cincinnati^ with a wreath, Inscribed VIRTUTIS PREMIUM. Below, Hands joined, supporting a Heart, With the motto, ESTO PERPETUA. Sound the whole, SOCIETAS CINCINNATORUM INSTITUTA, A. D. 1783." The Society deeply impressed with a sense of the generous assistance this country has received from Prance, and desirous of perpetuating the friendships which have been formed, and so happily subsisted, between the officers of the allied forces, in the prosecution of the war, direct, that the president general trans mit, as soon as may be, to each of the characters hereafter named, a medal containing the order of the society, viz. His Excellency the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister Pleni potentiary ; His Excellency the Sieur Gerard, late Minister Plenipotentiary ; Their Excellencies the Count de Estaing, the Count de Grasse, the Count de Barras, the Chevalier de Tou ches, Admirals and Commanders in the Navy ; His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, Commander in Chief, and the gen erals and Colonels of his Army; and acquaint them, that the society do themselves the honor to consider them as mem bers. Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing institution be given to the senior officer of each state line, and that the officers of the respective state lines, sign their names to the same, in manner and form following, viz. "We, the subscribers, officers of the American Army, do hereby voluntarily become parties to the foregoing institution, and do bind ourselves to observe, and be governed by, the princi ples therein contained. For the performance whereof we do solemnly pledge to each other our sacred honor. Done in the Cantonment, on Hudson River, in the year 1783." That the members of the society, at the time of subscribing their names to the institution, do also sign a draft on the pay master-general, in the following terms (the regiments to do it regimentally, and the generals and other officers not belonging to regiments, each for himself, individually) viz. " To John Pierce, Esq. paymaster-general to the army of the United States. Sir, Please to pay to treasurer for the state association of the Cincinnati, or his order, one month's pay of our several grades respectively, and deduct the same from the 2 10 balance which shall be found due to us on the final liquidation of our accounts ; for which this shall be your warrant." That the members of the several state societies assemble as soon as may be, for the choice of their president and other offi cers ; and that the presidents correspond together, and appoint a meeting of the officers who may be chosen for each state, in order to pursue such further measures as may be judged nec essary. That the general officers, and the officers delegated to repre sent the several corps of the army, subscribe to the institution of the general society for themselves and their constituents, ia the manner and form before prescribed. That General Heath, General Baron de Steuben, and Gen eral Knox, be a committee to wait on his excellency the com mander in chief, with a copy of the institution, and request him to honor the society by placing his name at the head of it. That major-general Heath, second in command in this army, be, and he hereby is desired to transmit copies of the institution, with the proceedings thereon, to the commanding officer of the southern army, the senior officer in each state, from Pennsylva nia to Georgia, inclusive, and to the commanding officer of the Rhode Island line, requesting them to communicate the same to the officers under their several commands, and to take such measures as may appear to them necessary for expediting the es tablishment of their state societies, and sending a delegation to represent them in the first general meeting" to be holden on the first Monday in May, 1784. The meeting then adjourned without day. A subsequent meeting was called of General officers and del egates of regiments by Major General Baron de Steuben as pro- visionary President, of which Captain Shaw, with his Aid de Camp, was appointed to act as Secretary, as follows. 11 Cantonment of the American Army, 19th of June, 1783. At a meeting of the general officers, and the gentlemen dele gated by the respective regiments, as a convention for establish ing the society of the Cincinnati, held by the request of the president, at which were present, Major-general Baron de Steuben, President, Major-general Howe, Major-general Knox, Brigadier-general Patterson, Brigadier-general Hand, Brigadier-general Huntington, Brigadier-General Putnam, Colonel Webb, Lieutenant-colonel Huntington, Major Pettengill, Lieutenant Whiting, Colonel H. Jackson, Captain Shaw, Lieutenant-colonel Hull, Lieutenant-colonel Maxwell, Colonel Courtlandt. General Baron de Steuben acquainted the convention that he had, agreeably to their request, at the last meeting, transmitted to his excellency the chevalier de la Luzerne, minister plenipo tentiary from the court of Prance, a copy of the institution of the society of the Cincinnati, with their vote respecting his ex cellency, and the other characters therein mentioned ; and that his excellency had returned an answer, declaring his acceptance of the same, aud expressing the grateful sense he entertains of the honor conferred on himself, and the other gentlemen of the French nation, by this act of the convention. Resolved, That the letter of the chevalier de la Luzerne be re corded in the proceedings of this day, and deposited in the ar chives of the society, as a testimony of the high sense this con vention entertains of the honor done to the society by his be coming a member thereof. 12 Resolved, that his excellency, the commander in-chief, be re quested to officiate as president general, until the first general meeting to be held in May next. That a treasurer general, and a secretary general be ballotted for, to officiate in like manner. The ballots being taken, major-general M'Dougall, was elected treasurer-general, and major-general Knox, secretary-general, who are hereby requested to accept said appointments. Resolved, that all the proceedings of this convention, includ ing the institution of the society, be recorded (from the original papers in his possession) by captain Shaw, who at the first meet ing was requested to act as secretary, and that the same, signed by the president and secretary, together with the original papers, be given into the hands of major-g-eneral Knox, secretary-general to the society ; and that captain North, aid-de-camp to the baron de Steuben, and acting secretary to him as president, sign the said records. The dissolution of a very considerable part of the army, since the last meeting of this convention, having rendered the attend ance of some of its members impracticable, and the necessity for some temporary arrangements, previous to the first meeting of the general society, being so strikingly obvious, the convention found itself constrained to make those before mentioned, which they have done with the utmost diffidence of themselves, and relying entirely on the candor of their constituents to make al lowance for the measure : The principal objects of its ap pointment being thus accomplished, the members of this con vention think fit to dissolve the same, and it is hereby dissolved accordingly. True copy from the records of the society. W. NORTH, Secretary. To the President. 13 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST GENERAL MEETING. INSTITUTION OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI, as altered and amended AT THEIR FIRST GENERAL MEETING, AT PHILADELPHIA, MAY 15, 1784. It having pleased the Supreme Governor of the Universe, to give success to the arms of our country, and to establish the United States free and, independent : Therefore, gratefully to commemmorate this event; to inculcate to the latest ages the duty of laying down in peace, arms assumed for public defence, by forming an institution which recognizes that most important principle ; to continue the mutual friendships which commenced under the pressure of common danger ; and to effectuate the acts of beneficence, dictated by the spirit of brotherly kindness towards those officers and their families, who unfortunately may be under the necessity of receiving them ; the officers of tho American Army do hereby constitute themselves into a SOCI ETY OF FRIENDS : and possessing the highest veneration for the character of that illustrious Roman, Lucius Quintius Cin- cinnatus, denominate themselves the SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI. Sect. 1. The persons who constitute this society are all the commissioned and brevet officers of the army and navy of the United States, who have served three years, and who left the 14 service with reputation ; all officers who were in actual service at the conclusion of the war ; all the principal staff officers of the continental army ; and the officers who have been deranged by the several resolutions of Congress, upon the different re" forms of the army. Sect. 2. There are also admitted into this society, the late and present ministers of his Most Christian Majesty to the United States ; all the generals and colonels of regiments and legions of the land forces ; all the admirals and captains of the navy, ranking as colonels, who have co-operated with the armies of the United States, in their exertions for liberty ; and such other persons as have been admitted by the respective state meetings. Sect. 3. The society shall have a president, vice-president, secretary, and assistant secretary. Sect. 4. There shall be a meeting of the society, at least once in three years, on the first Monday in May, at such place as the president shall appoint. The said meeting shall consist of the aforesaid officers (whose expenses shall be equally borne by the state funds) and a rep resentation from each state. The business, of this general meeting shall bo, to regulate the distribution of surplus funds ; to appoint officers for the ensuing term ; and to conform the by-laws of the state meetings to the general objects of the institution. Sect. 5. The society shall be divided into state meetings : each meeting shall have a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, respectively ; to be chosen by a majority of votes annually. Sect. 6. The state meetings shall be on the Anniversary of Independence. They shall concert such measures as may con duce to the benevolent puposes of the sdciety ; and the several state meetings shall, at suitable periods, make applications to their respective legislatures for grants of charters. Sect. 7. Any member removing from one state to another, is to be considered, in all respects as belonging to the meeting of the state in which he shall actually reside. Sect. 8. The state meeting shall judge of the qualification of its members, admonish, and (if necessary) expel any one who may conduct himself unworthily. 15 Sect. 9. The secretary of each state meeting, shall register the names of the members resident in each state, and transmit a copy thereof to the secretary of the society. Sect. 10. In order to form funds for the relief of unfortunate members, their widows and orphans, each officer shall deliver to the treasurer of the state meeting one month's pay. Sect. 11. No donations shall be received, but from citizens of the United States. Sect. 12. The funds of each state meeting shall be loaned to the state by permission of the legislature, and the interest only, annually to be applied for the purposes of the society ; and if, in process of time, difficulties should occur in executing the intentions of the society, the legislatures of the several states shall be requested to make such equitable dispositions as may be most correspondent with the original design of the institution. Sect. 13. The subjects of his Most Christian Majesty, mem bers of this society, may hold meetings at their pleasure, and form regulations for their police, conformably to the objects of the in. stitution, and to the spirit of their government. Sect.' 14. The society shall have an order ; which shall be a bald eagle of gold, bearing on its breast the emblems hereaf ter described, suspended by a deep blue ribbon edged with white, descriptive of the union of America and France. 16 " Tlie principal figure CINCINNATI^, THREE SENATORS Presenting him with a sword and other Military Ensigns. On afield in the lack ground, HIS WIFE, standing at the door of their cottage ; Near it A plough and other implements of Husbandry. Bound the whole, omnia reliquit servare rempublicam. On the reverse, Sun rising ; a city with open gates, and Vessels entering the port ; FAME Crowning Cincinnatus with a wreath, Inscribed virtutis premium. Below, Hands joined, supporting a Heart, With the motto, ESTO PERPETUA. Bound the whole, SOCIETAS CINCINNATORUM INSTITUTA, A. D. 1783." 17 Sect. 15. A silver medal, representing the emblems, to be given to each member of the society ; together with a diploma on parchment, whereon shall be impressed the figures of the order and medal, as above mentioned. The foregoing altered and amended Institution was transmit ted to the several state societies accompanied by a circular let ter, dated May 15th, 1784, signed by the president, and the ac ceptance and adoption of the same by them. PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI, AT THEIR SEVERAL TRIENNIAL AND EXTRA-GENERAL MEETINGS, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA. TRIENNIAL MEETING, MAY, 1787. PRESENT nine state societies represented. It appears from the proceedings of this meeting that several of the state societies of the Cincinnati had not agreed to the alter ations in the institution proposed at the last general meeting in 1784, and that those alterations cannot take effect, until they have been agreed to by all the state societies ; and it appearing to be the general sense of the said societies, that some alterations in the institution ought to be made, and that such alterations as may be necessary, could not conveniently and effectually be made, but at a general meeting of the society of the Cincinnati specially authorised to agree upon and finally establish the same, it was therefore "Resolved, That it be recommended to the several state soci eties to empower their delegates to agree upon and finally estab lish such alterations as may be necessary in the constitution of the society." 19 EXTRA-GENERAL MEETING, MAY, 1788. Same resolve renewed. TRIENNIAL MEETING, MAY, 1790, Seven societies represented, being barely a quorum to do business, and only fifteen members present, " Resolved, That an extra-general meeting be held in the city of Philadelphia, on the first Monday in May, 1791." And the same recommendatory resolve was passed as in 1787. EXTRA-GENERAL MEETING, MAY, 1791. Nine societies represented, passed similar recommendatory resolve, as in 1787. TRIENNIAL MEETING, MAY, 1793. Seven states represented, and but eleven members present, " Unanimously resolved, That the several state societies of the Cincinnati be again strongly enjoined to send forward a full re presentation to the next triennial general meeting to be held in the city of Philadelphia, on the first Monday in May, 1796, fully empowered to agree upon and finally establish all such altera tions as may be thought necessary, in the general constitution of the Cincinnati. 20 That it be recommended to the state societies to resolve that any amendments or alterations in the institution of the society of the Cincinnati, which may be concurred in by the represen tation of seven state societies, in the next general meeting, shall be obligatory upon them, and inviolably observed by every state society, although not therein represented ; and to transmit such resolve duly authenticated to the secretary-general." TRIENNIAL MEETING, MAY 6, 1796. (circular.) To the President of the Massachusetts State Society of the Cincinnati. Philadelphia, May 6, 1796. Sir, The general society of the Cincinnati, convened agreeably to the original constitution, regret the necessity by which they are compelled to address the state societies in the language of com plaint and remonstrance ; but anxious to perpetuate the benev olent motives, by which the officers of the American Army were actuated at the trumphant close of an arduous eight years' con test, they cannot forbear remarking o.i the supine, and, as they conceive, reprehensible conduct of the state societies, in thus repeatedly neglecting their representations in the general meeting. Representatives, only from the societies of Rhode Island, Con necticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, have met at this time ; and being incompetent to any other purposes of their appointment than the choice of officers for the ensuing three years, they are obliged, after several days unavailing at tendance, to adjourn. The inconvenience to delegates, who are sent from remote parts of the Union, and the expense incurred by these fruitless attempts to transact the business of the society, are lost in the 21 more important consideretion that the very existence of the soci ety is endangered by the continued inattention of the state soci eties, which inattention is by some, and not without apparent cause, construed into a designed dereliction of the institution itself. The objects of the triennial meetings of 1790 and 1793, and of the extra meetings of 1788 and 1791, have all failed, from this unaccountable apathy on the part of some of tho state societies ; and even the proposed alteration of the constitution, which was deemed of sufficient importance to have claimed the immediate and animated attention of every stace society, has shared the fate of other propositions, and remains yet undetermined. To facilitate the discussion of this primary object, and to ren der the final decision thereon as certain and convenient as pos sible, it was proposed to the state societies, by the general meet ing in 1793. that they should pass resolutions, to be transmitted to the secretary general, declaring the consent of seven states, in general meeting, competent to make such alterations in tho original constitution, as should be thought advantageous and nec essary. It is painful to observe, that answers from five state soci eties only have yet been made to this interesting communication. The delegates to the present general meeting actuated by the spirit of their constituents, and alarmed at the indifference which has hitherto prevailed, beg leave most earnestly to solicit the attention of such state societies, as have heretofore neglected it, to this important object ; and they recommend that every ex ertion be made towards completing the state representations in the next triennial general meeting, and to guard against tho consequence of any failure therein, it is requested that the sev eral state societies would, in the intermediate time, transmit their resolutions, relative to the requisition of 1793, to the sec retary general. When the objects contemplated in this recommendation and request are consid:red, when it is understood that the means of improving the intercourse between state and general meetings, a final decision on the constitution, and even the duration of the society, may depend on what is now to be done by the state societies, the general meeting cannot but bo persuaded of a 22 prompt and effectual compliance with what they here respect fully propose, and anxiously enjoin upon their brethren of the state societies. Thomas Mifflin, vice-president. John S. Dexter, Rhode Island. Ephraim Kirby, j Connecticut. Benjamin Tallmadge, ) Elias Boudinot, Aaron Ogden, \ New Jersey. Joseph Bloomfield, Thomas M'Kean, Stephen Moylan, Richard Peters, William Jackson, Thomas H. M'Calla, Thomas Tudor Tucker, James Kennedy, John Markland, TRIENNIAL MEETING, MAY, 1799. PRESENT. Delegates from New Jersey and Pennsylvania : — not being sufficient societies represented to form a quorum, " It was moved by General Dayton and seconded by General Beatty, that when the general society adjourn, they adjourn to meet in the city of Philadelphia on the first Monday in May next." " It was resolved, that the secretary general be instructed to write to the presidents of the several state societies, transmitting a copy of the letter which was addressed to the state societies by the delegates to the last general meeting, and urging in the most pointed terms, the necessity of a particular attention to the objects therein enjoined." 23 ADJOURNED GENERAL MEETING, Philadelphia, Mat 6, 1800. PRESENT. Major William Jackson, secretary general. DELEGATES. General Shepherd, Mr. Edwards, Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, General Huntington, Colonel Talmadge, Colonel Lawrence, General Dayton, General Bloomfield, General Beatty, General Moylan, Colonel Pickering, Mr. Bingham, Mr. Biddle, Mr. Peters, General Howard, General Smith, Major Pinckney, Captain Markland, Colonel Pickering chosen chairman of the meeting. [ Massachusetts. Rhode Island. [ Connecticut. New York. > New Jersey. I y Pennsylvania. J | Maryland. } South Carolina. Credentials from the following state societies to their delegates to the present general meeting, were read and filed. Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maryland, Connecticut, South Carolina. New Jersey, The following circular letter from the secretary general to the presidents of the several state societies, transmitting a copy of the letter which was addressed by the general meeting of May, 1796, to the state societies, was laid before the meeting. 24 Philadelphia, May 24, 1799. Sir, In pursuance oi an instruction by the delegates who attended the last general meeting of the Cincinnati, I do myself the honor to transmit to you a copy of the letter, which was addressed by the general meeting of 1796 to the several state societies, which you will be pleased to lay before your state society at their next annual meeting. It is intended by again submitting this interesting letter to the consideration of the state societies, to call their attention, in the most earnest manner, to the important objects which it enjoins. The delegates to the general meeting, appointed to be held in this city, on the first Monday of the present month, not consti tuting a quorum to transact any other business than the election of officers for the ensuing three years, resolved to adjourn the general meeting to the first Monday in May next, and to request that ihe several state societies would appoint and instruct dele gates to attend at the city of Philadelphia on that day. It was supposed that every doubt of a full representation, and punctual attendance, might be obviated by suggesting to the state societies the expediency of appointing such of their mem bers as would be attendant on the federal government, delegates to the general meeting of the Cincinnati, which is to be held in this city on the first Monday in May next. Permit me to solicit your particular attention to this com munication ; and to assure you of the respectful attachment, with which I have the honor to be, Sir, Your faithful and obedient servant, WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary general of the Cincinnati. lt was moved by Mr. Bingham, and seconded by General Bloomfield, That a respectful testimonial to the memory of General WASHINGTON be entered On the records of the general society of the Cincinnati, which was unanimously agreed to ; and Mr. Bingham, Major Pinckney, and General Dayton were appointed a committee to prepare and report the same. On motion, General Bloomfield, Dr. Hitchcock, and General Huntington, were appointed a committee to examine the records of the soci ety ; and report to this meeting, the state of the institution. Adjourned. MAY 7, 1800. Colonel Pickering, Chairman. Major Jackson, Secretary general. General Macpherson, Treasurer general. Mr. Bingham, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported the following testimonial of respect to the momory of General WASHINGTON, which was twice read, unanimously agreed to, and ordered to be entered on the records of the soci ety, as the first act of the present general meeting after its or ganization. 2li Under the most profound impression of veneration and affec tion, the society of the Cincinnati, at a general meeting, are called upon upon to express the mournful tribute of their sor row at that awful dispensation of Providence, which has recently removed from their councils, their much revered and lamented president-general. The arduous, though successful struggle which terminated in establishing the liberties of our country, and in which they fought under his banners, and shared with him the dangers and toils of the fields, attached him to this society by ties, of the most intimate and endearing nature. His valor and prudence seemed to control the events of war, led the American armies to victory, and achieved the independence of their country. Whilst mingling their tears with those of their fellow citizens, they are naturally impelled to pour out the effusions of a deeper regret for the irreparable loss which they have sustained. But it is not only in their relationship to this illustrious char acter, as soldiers, that the society of the Cincinnati have cause to deplore his loss. When the storm of war had ceased to rage, and the blessings of peace had been restored, their country was suffering under the weakness of a confederation which threatened the existence of that union, which their joint efforts in arms had so essentially contributed to establish. With his auspicious co operation, a constitution was formed, calculated by its wisdom and energy, to redeem us from that prostrate state, to which we had been reduced, and to restore that reputation which our country had lost, from the imbecility 27 of the old system. The administration of the government was committed to his care, and his country will ever hold in grateful remembrance, the inflexible virtue and fortitude, with which he conducted its affairs, and saved it from the effects of domestic faction and foreign intrigue. After a second retirement from the active scenes of public life, in which his merits as a statesman rivalled his fame as a soldier, his country at the approach of danger, again required his serv ices. The crisis was important, and the situation delicate ; a nation, which had mingled its blood with ours in the defence of our liberties, had now assumed a hostile appearance ; a war from this unexpected quarter threatened the peace of our country. WASHINGTON, who never hesitated when urged by a sense of duty, obeyed the call of the government. He again aban doned his beloved retirement, hazarded a reputation, consummate in every point of view, and assumed the command of the armies. His military companions who had frequently witnessed the mag nanimity of his conduct in seasons of adversity, as well as of tri umph, felt the full force of their country's appeal to arms, whilst WASHINGTON was their leader. In this momentous crisis of our affairs, by the inscrutable de crees of Heaven, he was snatched from America and the world. Under this pressure of calamity, which more peculiarly oper ates upon the sensibilities of this society, their only consolation is derived from the animating reflection, that although he is summoned to the enjoyment of the happy destinies of a future state, the bright example of his virtues and talents will still sur vive, and the inheritance of his name prove a future incentive to heroes and legislators, who will strive to emulate his fame, and merit the glory he has acquired. REPORT OF COMMITTEE, UPON THE STATE OF THE INSTITUTION, AT THE MEETING, MAY, 1800. General Bloomfield, from the committee appointed to examine the records of the society and report to this meeting the state of the institution, made report as follows : The committee, appointed to examine the records of the soci ety and to report to this meeting the state of the institution, as relative to the alteration of the constitution, which was proposed by the general meeting held in the city of Philadelphia, in the year 1784, beg leave to report, That on inspecting the documents in the possession of the sec retary general, they do not find that any additional communica tions have been made from the several state societies, since the circular letter from the general meeting of 1796, on the subject of the proposed alteration above referred to. From the silence which the state societies have observed, after the pressing circular letters of the general meeting, your com mittee are led to conclude, that they do not accede to the pro posed reform ; and your committee conceive therefrom that they are authorised to report to the general meeting — That the institution of the society of the Cincinnati, remains as it was originally proposed and adopted by the officers of the American Army at their cantonments on the banks of the Hud son River, in 1788. Joseph Bloomfield, J Enos Hitchcock, \ Committee. Eben. Huntington. ) May 7th, 1800. 29 Which report, on motion of General Smith, seconded by Colonel Lawrence, was unanimously adopted. It was moved by Major Pinckney, seconded by General Howard, That a majority of the state societies, which shall convene in general meeting, is competent to recommend alterations in the constitution, which alterations, being afterwards assented to by seven state societies, shall be binding on all the state societies, — Provided, the consent to such alterations be reported, by the societies agreeing to the same, to the next general meeting. They ayes and noes on the foregoing resolution being taken by state societies, are as follows : Massachusetts, No. Rhode Island, No. Connecticut, No. New York, No. New Jersey, No. Pennsylvania, No. Maryland, Divided. South Carolina, Divided. So it passed in the negative. On motion of General Smith, seconded by General Hunt ington, It was resolved, that the next meeting of the general society be held at the seat of the government of the United States, on the first Monday of May, 1802. Adjourned. WM. JACKSON, Secretary general. 30 GENERAL TRIENNIAL MEETING. City op Washington, May, 1802. Seven states not being represented, no business was done ex cept to recommend that the next triennial meeting be held in Philadelphia. TRIENNIAL MEETING. Philadelphia, May, 1805. Gen. Elias Dayton, Chairman. Three state societies only being represented, nothing was done but to elect officers of the general society. GENERAL MEETING. Philadelphia, Nov. 1848. The Secretary General reported in pursuance of a previous order, that he found nothing touching the election or terms of members, since the recognition of the original institution in May, 1800, except tho following extract from minutes of General Meeting, held May 4th, 1829, viz. : " A question having arisen whether, in case of a member having no male issue except a grandson, the issue of a daughter, such grandchild shall be preferred to (male) collaterals, the so ciety conceives the true construction of the constitution to be that the grandson shall be preferred, he being in the direct line of descent." At this meeting the following resolutions were adopted on motion of Colonel Scott, of New Jersey, seconded by Colonel Robinson, viz. : That a committee be appointed 31 1st. To inquire and report to this Society if it be not expedi ent and proper to suspend, alter or abrogate the limitation with regard to the admission of members. 2d. To inquire and report what alterations in the by-laws are necessary and proper on the subject of the admission of members. And the committee was appointed, to consist of the Chairman Mr. Daveis, Colonel Scott and Governor Fish. At the Regular Triennial Meeting in the city of New York, May, 1851, the committee named in the above proceedings, presented separate reports, which were drawn up without the advantage of previous consultation and concurrence, and which were ordered to be blended and united with certain provisional ordinances, relative to the succession and admission of members, to be presented for the consideration and adoption of the several state societies ; and such ordinances were accordingly framed and submitted to those societies. At the Triennial Meeting at Baltimore, May 17, 1854, Del egates present from every state society. It appearing, from the secretary general's report of the com munications made to him upon the subject, that several state societies had not concurred in the ordinances relative to the suc cession and admission of members proposed to their action at the last general meeting, it was announced by the President general (according to the minutes ordered to be corrected at the ensuing meeting at Charleston, S. C, in 1855,) that the same, not having received the assent of all the state societies, have failed to be adopted. The final action of the general society will be found herein after in connection with the proceedings of the society of Mas sachusetts, in relation to the succession and admission of mem bers. And it has not been thought necessary to do more, in re lation to the previous action of the general society on this subject, than to refer to the records of the general society for a fuller account thereof. 82 A special meeting of the general society was held at Trenton, N. J., May 21, 1856, at which delegates from every state society were present. The President general the Vice-President general and Mr. Tilghman were appointed a committee to prepare a report for the next Triennial meeting on the subject of the constitution of the society and all matters properly relating thereto. Triennial General Meeting, at Boston, May 27, 1857. Present, delegates from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The committee on Foreign members made a report of progress and was continued. The committee on the constitution of the society and matters relative thereto reported progress; and after some discussion had upon the subject of these appointments, on motion of Mr. Sever, of Massachusetts, seconded by Mr. Thompson, of New York, the committee was continued, and empowered to print and distribute their report in anticipation of the next meet ing of the society. EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI OF MASSACHUSETTS. The first meeting of the subscribing members was holden at the cantonments of the Massachusetts line, on the banks of the Hudson, on the 9th of June, 1783 ; and at the adjourned meet ing on the 20 th of the same month, the State Society was or ganized by a choice of president and the other officers, together with a standing committee for the year, and by directing the mode in which they were to discharge the powers and duties intrusted to them. The next meeting was holden at Boston, on the 18th of Feb ruary, 1784. At this meeting five delegates were elected to at tend the general meeting in Philadelphia ; and a committee of three for each county in the commonwealth was chosen to in quire into the situation of distressed members. At the annual meeting on the 5th of July, 1784, the in stitution, as altered and amended at the general meeting of the delegates from the state societies at Philadelphia, on the 3d of May, of that year, was submitted to the members present for their consideration and confirmation. And it was voted to petition the legislature to grant a charter of incorporation to the society. It was also determined that the right of joining the society . should be limited to the present month, with the exception of those officers who had previously applied to sign the constitution ; and with the further exception 5 34 of tho officers of the navy, who were allowed one year more for that purpose. Annual meeting, July 4, 1786. The society voted to give special instructions - to - their delegates respecting the general constitution, as altered and amended at Philadelphia in May, 1784. On the 11th of October of this year, in consequence of a dangerous insurrection in the state, the society passed a num ber of resolves, expressive of their abhorrence of the nefarious acts of the insurgents,,. and of their determination to support the government at every hazard ; and also agreed upon a petition to the legislature, respecting the depreciated state of their funds and public securities.. At a special meeting on the 11th of Apeil, 1787, the com mittee of thirteen, who at the preceding July meeting were ap pointed to draw up instructions for the delegates to the next triennial meeting of the general society, were authorized as a standing committee to meet monthly, to examine the claims of candidates for admission, and to transact all such other matters as, might come before them for the best interests of the society ; five members to constitute a quorum. The general powers of this committee were indefinite. This was the origin of the standing committee, to which the administration of the funds and the general affairs of the society have been, since, uniformly intrusted. At this meeting, it was voted that an oration should be de livered before the society on the 4th of the ensuing July ; and the standing committee were authorized to solicit and appoint a member for this purpose, and at their discretion to direct all the necessary arrangements suitable to the occasion.* At the annual meeting on the 4th ofr July, 1787, it was re solved, that a committee of thirteen be annually chosen, to be * There were six of these Orations, delivered by the following members: — General Brooks - - ia 1787 General Hull ... u 1788 Doctor Whuwell " 1739 Colonel Tudor - « 1790 Doctor Eustis - - « 1791 Thomas Edwards, Esq: - " 1792 The four first of which were printed. ^5 called the standing committee, with similar powers to those given the committee the preceeding year ; and that the officers of the society should be members thereof, ex officio ; and that five members should constitute a quorum for transacting business. The proceedings of the general meeting holden at Philadelphia were read ; and it was voted that the recommendation included in said proceedings, for a special general meeting on the first Monday in May next ensuing, should be complied with. At the annual meeting on the 4th op July, 1788, a letter from the. delegates to the general society was read, and referred to the standing committee, to act thereon according to their best discretion. At the annual meeting on the 4th of July, 1789, a vote passed, granting relief to a distressed member ; the first instance of the bounty of the society having been solicited. Four dele gates were selected to attend the general meeting the following May, who were instructed to strictly follow the instructions given to the delegates to the triennial meeting in 1786. At the annual meeting, July, 1790, a circular letter from the secretary-general was read. Five delegates were appointed to at tend the general meeting at Philadelphia,and the standing commit tee was directed to give instructions to the members who should attend the general meeting, conforming to those formerly given by the society. The public securities belonging to- the society were ordered to be registered in the books of the society, and the treasurer to give bond to the satisfaction of the standing committee for the faithful discharge of his trust. At the annual meeting, July 4, 1791, the state of the funds was laid before the society. Circular letters from the secretary- general accompanied with the proceedings of the general society holden at Philadelphia in May, were read and referred to the stanc • edings of the extra genej now chosen were auth< t° such subjects as were intended to be thus aided by our original association ; not more than twenty dollars to be granted to an individual, nor more than one-fourth part of the annual interest of the funds to be thus appropriated. 36 At the annual meeting, July, 1792, it was determined that"- no person in future should be admitted a member but by ballot. At this meeting the vote passed of ordering that the standing committee of the last year, should serve as such for the ensuing year. At the annual meeting, July 4, 1793, the proceedings of the general society at the fourth triennial meeting were laid before the society, and were referred for consideration to the next an nual meeting. A standing committee was chosen by ballot, and invested with the usual powers. At the annual meeting, July 4, 1794, an assistant-secretary and an assistant-treasurer were chosen ; and it was ordered that in future the expenses of the annual dinner should be defrayed out of the interest created by the funds. And the treasurer was directed to reserve a sufficient sum for the expenses of the annual festival of the society, and that portion of the interest ap propriated to the benevolent purposes of the society, and to vest the remainder in public stock. The original diplomas then on hand were ordered to be delivered to the members applying for the same, at two dollars each, and it was ordered that the money thence arising should be appropriated to refund the same sum to those members who had paid four dollars for their certificates. At a special meeting of the society on the 3d day of February, 1796, five delegates were chosen to attend the general meeting,* any three of them, and no more, to go on. And the treasurer was directed to advance to each gentleman who should proceed, one hundred dollars, and their whole expenses were to be defrayed by the society. It was further voted, that such amendments as should be agreed upon at the general meeting, shall become a part of the institution, and binding on the several state societies, as soon as the same shall be ratified by nine of those societies ; but that no alteration with respect to the funds shall be admit ted, so as in any way to affect the exclusive possession and en tire control of the same, as now invested in each separate state association. At the annual meeting, July 4, 1796, it was voted that the standing committee distribute the entire annual interest of the funds, not otherwise appropriated by the society, among the un- 37 fortunate members, or their widows or orphans, at such times and in such proportions, as the committee shall think proper. And in order that distant objects may not suffer from a want of information of the time and place of distribution, the committee were instructed to give public notice of their meetings for this purpose, to whom applications might be made, and when the money granted should be paid, in order that the bounty might be as equally and extensively shared, as originally contemplated by the institution. - At the annual meeting of July 4, 1798, an address was voted to the President of the United States, on the critical and menacing aspect of the country, as it respected the French Republic, and pledging the society to support their government with all their energies. At the annual meeting July 4, 1799, Voted, that a delega tion of three members be sent to the general meeting at Phila delphia the ensuing May ; and that this meeting be adjourned to the third Wednesday in January following; and that the standing committe be directed and empowered to report what measures should be adopted in consequence of the circular letter from the triennial meeting, and of the following letter and pro ceedings of the state society of South Carolina. 1LETTER FROM THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI OF THE STATE OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. To the President and Members of the SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI in the Stale of Massachusetts. Gentlemen, By a resolution of the Society of the Cincinnati, established in the state of South Carolina, we herewith transmit a copy of a report for the perpetuation of the same, recommended by a com mittee appointed to consider the most eligible plan for the ac complishment of so desirable an event, and adopted accordingly. We consider it as a duty to our brethren and fellow soldiers in the several states throughout the Union, together with the communication of the report in question, to give a brief state ment of the reasons which caused it to be sanctioned by the full est approbation of the society, and confidently hope, that they will appear to them as to ourselves, strongly impressive /of the necessity which gave them birth. It is a melancholy truth, that in a climate but too apt to in crease the infirmities of human nature, and sap the constitution of man — that deaths have been particularly frequent among the soldiers of the Revolutionary war. Already enfeebled by the se verity of service, the encroachments of disease have been rapid, and fatally destructive, insomuch that by far the greater pro portion of original members, composing the state society, have been hurried by its progress to an untimely grave ; and to the few who yet existed (without the application of some effectual remedy) no prospect remained but its speedy and total extinc tion. Under such circumstances, nothing could appear more natu ral than that men originally associated in the noblest cause that ever did honor to humanity, animated by the same spirit, in a virtuous struggle for liberty, their friendships increased by their difficulties, and often cemented with their blood, should wish to see renewed in their posterity, those ties of affection which iii the hour of contention lightened the calamities of war, and en hanced, when peace and independence were obtained, by the ex change of reciprocal good offices, every blessing they bestow. To our country, every institution that can cherish in the youthful mind an ambition to excel in honorable pursuits, must necessarily be of the highest importance. To those who aro deemed worthy, the door is now opened for admission ; and at a critical period like the present, when the heart of every Amer ican youth beats high with just indignation at the insults offered his country, wo hope that an opportunity of admission into our ancient society will operate as a strong incentive to activity and vigorous exertion, that cannot fail to produce the most decidedly beneficial effects. We think it, in addition to these motives, only necessary to add — That our funds collected for the purposes of benevolence and humanity, and hitHerto appropriated to the relief of such of 39. ir unfortunate brethren as have sunk under the pressure disease or misfortune, were likely to pass into other hands, am be diverted into different channels. To. avoid which, and for the reasons already declared, the report has met with the sanc tion of our society, and we fondly hope will be counienanced by the approbation of our fellow, soldiers throughout United America. With the highest respect an esteem, we are, gentlemen, your most obedient servants. Alexander Garden, ) William Read, S Committee. J. Reid, ) Charleston, May 23, 1799. From the Journals of the SOCIETY OF THE CINCIN NATI of the State of South Carolina. " March 4, 1799. The committee who were appointed at the last meeting to digest the report of the committee, for perpetu ating the society, as agreed the. 25th ult., reported the same, which was read, adopted, and is as follows ; REPORT " That it be recommended as a line of conduct for this society in future to observe, should the general society not think proper to adopt a system for perpetuating the same — " 1. That all the sons of original members, and all the male descendants, of any original members, whether such descent be derived through a male of female branch, or of such officers, as having served with reputation, died during the last, war, or hav ing been entitled to become members,: died within six months after the army was disbanded, i who may be judged worthy of becoming its, members and supporters,, may be, elected into this society on application, after attaining the age of twenty-one years, provided three-fourths of. a legal quarterly meeting are in his favor. That each member so elected shall pay into the hands 40 of the treasurer, for the use of the fund, the sum of thirty dollars. " 2. That all the officers, commissioned, staff, or brevet, who havo served in the army or navy of the United States since the peace with Great Britain, for six years, and who still continue therein, or who, after having served as aforesaid for six years, left the service with reputation, or who shall have been deranged by any act or resolution of the Congress of the United States, after having served with reputation for three years, and all those who are or shall hereafter be appointed to a command in the army or navy of the United States, commissioned, brevet, or staff, and who shall have served therein with reputation for six years, or who shall be deranged by any act or resolution of Con gress, after a service with reputation of three years, may be ad mitted into this society, upon application, by election, provided three-fourths of a legal quarterly meeting are in his favor, and upon payment of one month's pay into the treasury of this so ciety, according to the respective ranks of the applicants for ad mission. " 8. No election shall be valid, without the name of the can didate shall be openly proposed, at a regular quarterly meeting previous to the quarterly meeting, at which the ballot shall be held. TESTIMONIAL OF HONOR. Special meeting of the society, 15th Jan., 1800. Ordered, that the members of the society continue to wear a black crape cockade in the hat till the 5th day of July next, as a badge of mourning for their deceased president-general, GEORGE WASHINGTON; and that an oration be delivered, by a member to be appointed by the standing committee, at the anniversary meeting in July, commemorative of the American revolution, and of the heroic virtues and talents which distin guished the eventful life of that illustrious man. 41 At this meeting the Standing Committee made the following report, viz: The standing committee of the society of the Cincinnati of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to whom was referred a circu lar letter from the general meeting held in Philadelphia, May 24, 1799, together with a letter from the society of South Car olina, dated May 23, 1799, and sundry other proceedings of the general meeting, report as follows : By the first institution of the society, formed A. D. 1783, the officers of the American army associated " to endure as long as they shall endure, or any of their eldest male posterity, and in failure thereof, the collateral branches who may be judged wor thy of becoming members," &c. By this institution, the eldest male branches of officers who died in the service, had also a right to become members. In the year 1784, an alteration of the original institution was proposed by the general meeting, and transmitted to the several state societies. By this constitution, the hereditary suc cession was done away without substituting any means of preserving the existence of the society. On the 4th of July, 1784, the institution, " as altered and amended," was accepted by the society of Massachusetts. July 4, 1786 : The Massachusetts society voted as follows, viz : " That the vote of the society, passed July 4, 1784, accept ing the institution as altered and amended, be reconsidered so far as to give instructions to the delegates to be chosen to the next general meeting respecting the said institution." In April, 1787, instructions were given. These instructions provided that vacancies should be supplied by elections from the eldest male heirs of deceased members, and that no altera tions should be made by virtue of which the funds could be removed from the possession and control of the state societies. With these instructions, delegates went on from Massachusetts. Nothing done. In 1789, they were given again in substance. Nothing done. In 1791, continued ; and nothing effected. The general meeting recommended to the state societies to 6 42 pass votes rendering valid the proceedings of seven states pres ent at a general meeting. This was in 1793. By which it appears, that, as the vote of Massachusetts, " accepting the institution as altered and amended," was after wards reconsidered, and as a number of the other state societies did not accept the same, the society rests on the original insti tution of A. D. 1783. The eommittee now propose the following votes for the consideration of the society : 1. In lieu of the hereditary succession provided by the original institution, it is the opinion of this society, that vacan cies should be supplied by an election of members by ballot, in which the eldest male heir of a deceased officer should be con sidered the candidate, and that the assent of three-fourths of the members present at a regular meeting, should be necessary to his admission ; and in case such candidate should fail to be admitted by the before mentioned majority, the next eldest male heir should become the next candidate, and so on until an election should be effected. 2. That all such alterations and amendments of the institu tion of the Cincinnati as shall be concurred in by the represen tatives of seven state societies present in the next general meeting, shall be obligatory, and inviolably observed by every state society ; excepting that no alteration or amendment shall be made or become obligatory by virtue of which the funds shall be rempv e(l from the possession and control of the state societies. 3. That the delegates to the next general meeting be fur nished with an attested copy of the preceding votes for their instruction and government ; and that in any other alterations which may be proposed, the society confide in their discretion and judgment to make such decision as shall promote the honor and interests of the institution. Which report, having been read and cl°nsi°-eredJ was accept ed and confirmed by the society. Annual meeting in July, 1800. 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CO ,H _ o .fl a -fa ^.^ Cp- cn -: ta "ft fflCO EGCD a a O M .1 fflCD fl eaa o ta O ca rt .3 - O i-s 3 ffl 1-5 3ffl gCD& a CCCDaca 3 ffl 1-3 flCD H ftea 2 2 rJ CO i-s rJ 3 O 2 o J; .a t- a ft — ffl — ffl ffl S ^s S pfl co -a o .a M O O n* o •-< (--j r-J Ph -J "t. -fa ^- "t3 *- r ft ft a ft .2 fe d ft == t- rt .J fl a S | 2 fl c ^ j -g S r 7 8 g _- ffl -, ^ g ffl a g a c" c" bo W cn r1 ffl ffl ffl a •- * 13 fa fa fa 2 co m fa fa fa p. fl pH flfl ea ca ca ca ffl ffl ffl n a 2 -o 2 p a i-s Ph i-s fe i-° ffl" ffl" CQ ph a a a . S3I3I rtrtrtrteDO)© :t2 it- :fl rfl .5 -Sfe^^iS^^ £££££ 74 ELECTED AS MEMBERS, BUT ADMISSION NOT COMPLETED Bailey, Barnard C. Uncle, Capt. Luther. Clark, Samuel C. 1829 Grandfather, Col. Wm. Hull, Eustis, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Father, Maj. Gen. Benjamin. Parker, Isaac 1830 Brother, Lieut. Elias. Remick, Timothy 1838 Sawyer, James L. 1850 Thatcher, Thomas 1812 Brother, Surgeon James. Vose, Thomas P. MEMBERS OF OTHER STATE SOCIETIES, JOINING BY REMOVAL AND RESIDENCE. Joseph Clark, Andrew Craigie, Henry Dearborn, Timothy Pickering, Lieutenant, New Hampshire. Apothecary General. Colonel, New Hampshire. Quarter Master General. — < -»¦-» . HONORARY MEMBERS.— ELECTED.- John C. Warren, William H. Prescott, Daniel Webster, 1851. (?)