Relations between the Continental Congress and the Delaware legislature, 1776-1789
Date
1941
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
“The Relations between the Continental Congress and the Delaware Legislature, 1776-1789” are of particular interest to the historian, because during these years Delaware and the twelve other former colonies were practically independent states loosely joined in a continental league, regulated, after 1781, by the Articles of Confederation. The governing body of this league of states was the Continental Congress, to which they all sent delegates and in which each state was entitled to one vote. In such a loose confederation, Congress was largely dependent upon the state legislatures for compliance with its various recommendations and it is this relationship applied to one state only that is the subject of this paper. ☐ In regard to politics, the first topic to be considered, one of the most difficult problems confronting the Delaware legislature was the maintenance of a steady representation in Congress. The refusal of the ablest leaders to serve as delegates often led to the choice of politicians of mediocre ability. The selection of non-resident delegates solved the problem of attendance but shamed the state. Throughout the period, conflict between radicals and conservatives, affected the composition of delegations, there being some evidence that insecurity of tenure increased the unwillingness of men of ability to accept an annual appointment. ☐ The financial relations of the Delaware legislature and the Continental Congress may be variously interpreted, according to the types of Congressional requisitions that are considered. On the whole, Delaware gave a fair degree of financial support to the central government. ☐ To the requests of Congress for a regular income through control of imposts and supplementary funds, Delaware was entirely compliant. To the military requisitions of Congress, Delaware’s response was generally satisfactory except as far as the militia was concerned. Delaware’s treatment of the disaffected was was lighter and more humane than that of most of the states, but Congress’ early rears of insurrection were eventually calmed through the vigorous patriotic action of the state. ☐ All in all, the only candid summary seems to be that the Delaware legislature rendered Congress a fair amount of support. The General Assembly was usually desirous of cooperation with Congress, but its cooperation was hindered by partisan politics and by the frequent lack of representatives in Congress who might have explained its actions to that body.