The Board of Treasury, established by the Continental Congress in 1776, was a standing committee of five members responsible for superintending the Treasury and finances of the United States. In 1781, its duties were assumed by Robert Morris as...
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The Board of Treasury, established by the Continental Congress in 1776, was a standing committee of five members responsible for superintending the Treasury and finances of the United States. In 1781, its duties were assumed by Robert Morris as Superintendent of Finance. Congress re-established the Board of Treasury as a committee of three members in 1784 to replace the position of Superintendent. The new Board existed until the creation of the Department of the Treasury in September, 1789. Board commissioners during the period represented in this volume were Arthur Lee (1740-1792), Walter Livingston (1740-1797), and Samuel Osgood (1748-1813). The Reports of the Board of Treasury are the Board's copies of reports and advisements submitted to Congress, dated 1785 April 25 to 1787 September 28, as maintained in one bound volume (488 pages) labelled "A." Many reports are in the handwriting of Commissioner Walter Livingston. The reports advise Congress on financial matters at the national level, and on monetary claims against the United States, sent to the Board for review. Claims were petitioned by military personnel, government employees, diplomatic agents and civilians, seeking payment of salaries or debt, compensation for losses, or other reimbursements. Most claims originated from the Revolutionary War.
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