July 3, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783
1 Nassau Hall
Princeton, NJ 08544
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| Nassau Hall Princeton, New Jersey July 3, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783 |
There are three flat-arched doors on the north side giving access by a flight of steps to the three separate entries (an entry refers here to the hallway on each floor running the full length of the building). At the center is a projecting section of five bays surmounted by a pediment with circular windows, and other decorations. The only ornamental feature above the cornice, is the cupola, standing somewhat higher than the twelve fireplace chimneys. Beyond these there are no features of distinction.
The simple interior design is shown in the plan, where a central corridor provided communication with the students' chambers and recitation rooms, the entrances, and the common prayer hall; and on the second floor, with the library over the central north entrance. The prayer hall was two stories high, measured 32 by 40 feet, and had a balcony at the north end which could be reached from the second-story entry. Partially below ground level, though dimly lighted by windows, was the cellar, which served as kitchen, dining area (beneath the prayer hall), and storeroom. In all there were probably forty rooms for the students, not including those added later in the cellar when a moat was dug to allow additional light and air into that dungeon.[b]
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Nassau Hall, New American Magazine, March 1760 |
The Move from Independence Hall to Nassau Hall, Princeton, NJ: A Summary
In the summer of 1783, the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) faced a dramatic crisis that led to the relocation of the federal government from Independence Hall in Philadelphia to Nassau Hall in Princeton, New Jersey. This decision underscored the fragile state of the nation under the Articles of Confederation, as the young republic struggled with financial instability, unresolved Revolutionary War debts, and a growing need for centralized authority.
The Mutiny and Crisis in Philadelphia
By June 1783, tensions over unpaid military wages boiled over into mutiny. On June 21, 1783, Continental soldiers stationed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, marched to Philadelphia, joined by approximately 300 troops from the city’s barracks. The mutineers surrounded Independence Hall, where both the USCA and Pennsylvania Executive Council were in session, and issued an ultimatum demanding immediate payment of their back wages. President Elias Boudinot urgently appealed to Pennsylvania’s Executive Council for militia support, but President John Dickinson hesitated, fearing local soldiers would sympathize with the mutineers [1].
The mutiny grew increasingly volatile as armed soldiers brandished their muskets and threatened Congress. Despite efforts by Major General Arthur St. Clair and Alexander Hamilton to mediate, Congress refused to negotiate directly, wary of setting a dangerous precedent. With no assurances of protection from Pennsylvania authorities, Congress adjourned and exited Independence Hall under duress, facing mockery and obstruction from the mutineers [2].
The Decision to Relocate to Princeton
Recognizing the untenable situation in Philadelphia, President Boudinot acted swiftly to ensure Congress's safety. He reached out to military and political leaders, including General George Washington, who condemned the mutiny and ordered reliable troops to restore order. Meanwhile, Boudinot turned to his New Jersey connections, including Governor William Livingston, to secure a new location for Congress. Livingston pledged New Jersey’s full support, expressing confidence in the state’s ability to protect the federal government [3].
On June 24, 1783, Boudinot issued a proclamation announcing Congress’s relocation to Princeton. The College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) offered its facilities, and Nassau Hall was selected as the meeting place. Boudinot’s ties to Princeton—including his role as a college trustee and his wife’s family connections—reinforced his decision. The relocation reflected not only practical considerations but also the strong local support for Congress in Princeton [4].
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National Collegiate Honor’s Council Partners in the Park Independence Hall Class of 2017 at the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Sydney Cannon is holding Presidential Proclamation issued on June 24, 1783 by USCA Elias Boudinot that moves the Seat of Government from Philadelphia to Princeton, New Jersey due to a military mutiny. The proclamation appears as a a full front page printing in the Connecticut Journal dated Wednesday, July 9, 1783, New Haven, CT, which was printed by Thomas and Samuel Green. - - For More information please visit NCHC Partners in the Park 2017 |
The Impact of the Relocation
The move to Nassau Hall was both a practical and symbolic response to the vulnerabilities exposed by the mutiny. It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the lack of federal authority to ensure the security of its institutions. This crisis emphasized the need for a stronger national government, contributing to the eventual drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 [5].
Congress’s reception in Princeton demonstrated the community’s commitment to supporting federal authority. New Jersey leaders, including Vice President of the Council John Cox, rallied local inhabitants to protect Congress, issuing resolutions that denounced anarchy and pledged to safeguard civil governance. Nassau Hall became a temporary but secure home for Congress, allowing the nation’s leaders to continue their work uninterrupted [6].
The First Session of Congress in Nassau Hall, June 30, 1783
The relocation of the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) to Nassau Hall in Princeton marked a pivotal moment in the fledgling nation’s history. On June 30, 1783, the first session of Congress convened in its new temporary capital, and Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson detailed his journey and impressions in a vivid letter to his wife, Hannah. His correspondence offers a firsthand glimpse into the challenges and atmosphere surrounding Congress’s stay in Princeton.
Charles Thomson’s Journey and Initial Impressions
Thomson’s letter begins with a recounting of his journey to Princeton:
“Dear Hannah, By nine o’clock, the evening I left you, I arrived at Bristol, where I met the Minister on his return. … Next day I started a little after three and was in the boat at Trenton ferry before six. The ride thus far was exceedingly pleasant, the morning serene, and the air cool and refreshing. At Trenton I shaved, washed & breakfasted … As soon as I had breakfasted I set forward and travelling easy I arrived at Princeton about eleven” [7].
Upon arriving, Thomson describes Princeton as a modest yet charming town:
“The town is small not much larger than Newark and the chief part of the houses small & built of wood. There are a number of genteel houses around & in the neighborhood. With respect to situation, convenience & pleasure I do not know a more agreeable spot in America” [8].
Thomson’s account of Nassau Hall, however, reflects his disappointment with Congress’s new accommodations:
“As soon as I had dressed I went to the College to meet Congress. I was conducted along an entry (which runs from one end to the other through the middle of the college) & was led up into the third story where a few members were assembled. Whether it was design or accident that led me this way, I know not. But it had the effect of raising my mortification & disgust at the Situation of Congress to the highest degree. For as I was led along the entry I passed by the chambers of the students, from whence in the sultry heat of the day issued warm steams from the beds, foul linen & dirty lodgings of the boys” [9].
The conditions of Nassau Hall and the temporary arrangements for Congress were far from ideal. Thomson noted:
“I found the members extremely out of humour and dissatisfied with their situation. They are quartered upon the inhabitants who have put themselves to great inconveniencies to receive them into their houses & furnish them with lodgings, but who are not in a situation to board them” [10].
The Setting and Economic Impact of Congress in Princeton
Despite initial discomfort, Congress adapted to its new surroundings. Regular sessions were held in Nassau Hall’s library room, located above the building’s main entrance. For formal events and significant occasions, Congress used the chapel on the main floor. This temporary relocation of the national government brought both challenges and opportunities for Princeton and its inhabitants.
The presence of Congress transformed Princeton from a quiet hamlet into a bustling hub of activity. As one contemporary observer noted:
“It had leaped at a bound into national importance; from a ‘little obscure village’ it had within the week ‘become the capital of America.’ And where the ‘almost perfect silence’ of a country hamlet was wont to reign, now nothing was ‘to be seen or heard but the passing and rattling of wagons, coaches and chairs’” [11].
The influx of Congressmen and their entourages spurred economic growth, as Princeton sought to meet the demands of its distinguished guests. Local merchants began importing luxuries from Philadelphia to cater to the tastes of Congress:
“To supply the metropolitan taste of Congressmen the produce of Philadelphia markets was brought up every week, with the result that the village street now echoed to the unfamiliar ‘crying about of pineapples, oranges, lemons, and every luxurious article both foreign and domestic’” [12].
Conclusion
The relocation of Congress from Independence Hall to Nassau Hall in Princeton marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, reflecting both the resilience and adaptability of the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) during a tumultuous time. Charles Thomson’s candid reflections highlight the logistical and personal challenges faced by Congress, while the economic and cultural changes in Princeton underscore the profound impact of hosting the nation’s capital. The events of June 1783 revealed the fragility of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation, exposing the challenges of balancing state and federal authority.
The temporary stay at Nassau Hall symbolized the determination of Congress to continue its work despite adversity, navigating the fledgling republic through its growing pains with unity and perseverance. This chapter in American history not only showcased the commitment of Congress to uphold governance in the face of internal threats but also fueled momentum for constitutional reform. By addressing these vulnerabilities, the nation took significant steps toward shaping a stronger, more centralized authority, laying the groundwork for the enduring stability of the United States.
Footnotes
[a] Varnum Lansing Collins, , Princeton. New York:Oxford University Press, 1914, p. 82[b] Henry L Savage,., ed., Nassau Halls, 1756-1956, Princeton: Princeton University Press,, 1956.
- Journals of the United States in Congress Assembled, June 21, 1783.
- The St. Clair Papers: The Life and Public Services of Arthur St. Clair, p. 116.
- Connecticut Journal, June 24, 1783; Governor William Livingston to President Elias Boudinot, June 23, 1783.
- Letter from Elias Boudinot to Elisha Boudinot, June 23, 1783.
- Connecticut Journal, June 26, 1783; London Chronicle, reprinted proclamation of Congress's relocation.
- John Cox and Resolutions of Trenton, June 24, 1783; Nassau Hall invitation from the College of New Jersey Governors, June 25, 1783.
- Letters of Delegates to Congress, Smith, Paul H., et al., eds. Letters of Delegates to Congress, 1774-1789. 25 volumes, Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1976-2000). Charles Thomson to Hannah Thomson, June 30. 1783..
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- . Collins, p. 57 references a letter of Ashbel Green, a senior in college, to his father, July 5th, 1783 cited in H. C. Alexander, Life of J. A. Alexander (1870), Vol. I, p. 16, as well as the Independent Gazeteer of November 1st, 1783 Contemporary accounts of Congress’s stay in Princeton, quoted in The History of Nassau Hall.
- Ibid.
June 30 (Monday):
- Reconvenes at Princeton, NJ: Congress officially resumes its sessions in Princeton, after fleeing from Philadelphia due to security concerns related to the mutinies.
July 1 (Tuesday):
- Directs General Robert Howe to Suppress Mutiny: Congress orders General Robert Howe to take command and suppress the ongoing mutiny, signaling a stern response to military unrest.
- Adopts Report Explaining Congressional Response to the Mutiny: A formal explanation is issued outlining the actions taken by Congress to address the mutiny and restore discipline within the military.
July 2 (Wednesday):
- Thanks New Jersey Officials for Their Reception of Congress: Congress formally thanks New Jersey authorities for their hospitality in accommodating Congress’s emergency relocation to Princeton.
July 9-11 (Wednesday-Friday):
- Debates Proposals for Paying Arrears Due to Continental Troops: Congress continues to struggle with how to meet its obligations to unpaid soldiers, a key source of unrest.
July 16 (Wednesday):
- Orders Recall of Commissioners Investigating British Embarkations from New York: With the war’s end, Congress recalls commissioners who had been monitoring British evacuations from New York.
- Directs Secretary Thomson to Maintain Record of Unrepresented States: Congress instructs Secretary Charles Thomson to keep detailed records of any states that fail to send delegates to congressional sessions.
July 23 (Wednesday):
- Receives Philadelphia Address Inviting Congress' Return: Philadelphia officials formally invite Congress to return to the city, hoping to restore the nation's capital after the recent mutiny-induced exodus.
July 28 (Monday):
- Returns Noncommittal Response to Philadelphia Address: Congress issues a cautious and noncommittal reply to Philadelphia's invitation, reflecting ongoing concerns about security and stability.
- Directs General Washington to Attend Congress: Congress calls on General Washington to make a personal appearance to address matters related to the disbandment of the army and the security of the nation.
- Relieves General Howe's Detachment Ordered to Suppress Pennsylvania Mutiny: Congress formally releases General Howe's troops from their duties after quelling the Pennsylvania mutiny.
July 29 (Tuesday):
- Ratifies Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Sweden: Congress ratifies the treaty, expanding diplomatic and commercial ties with Sweden.
July 30 (Wednesday):
- Directs Superintendent of Finance to Publish Regulations for Receiving "Morris Notes" in Payment of Taxes: Congress authorizes Robert Morris to issue financial notes that could be used for tax payments, an effort to stabilize the nation’s finances.
August 1 (Friday):
- Rejects Motion to Adjourn to Philadelphia: Despite ongoing discussions, Congress decides against moving back to Philadelphia, reflecting concerns over security.
August 6 (Wednesday):
- Authorizes Distribution of "Necessities" to Delaware Indians and Friendly "Northern Nations": Congress approves aid to Native American tribes allied with the United States, part of its ongoing diplomacy with indigenous groups.
August 7 (Thursday):
- Orders Preparation of "an Equestrian Statue of the Commander in Chief": Congress commissions a statue of General Washington, recognizing his pivotal role in securing independence.
August 9 (Saturday):
- Authorizes Furloughing Additional Continental Troops: As demobilization continues, Congress orders more troops to be sent home on furlough.
- Continues Subsistence for Hazen's Canadian Regiment: Congress agrees to continue financial support for the remaining soldiers of Colonel Moses Hazen’s Canadian regiment.
August 13-14 (Wednesday-Thursday):
- Debates Motion for Returning to Philadelphia: Discussions continue on whether Congress should return to Philadelphia, with no final decision made.
August 15 (Friday):
- Receives Proceedings of the Court-Martial of the Philadelphia Mutineers: Congress reviews the legal proceedings related to the mutiny, further highlighting the unrest within the army.
August 18 (Monday):
- Directs Superintendent of Finance to Report Estimate of the Continental Debt: Robert Morris is tasked with delivering a comprehensive assessment of the nation's war debts.
August 26 (Tuesday):
- Conducts Audience with General Washington: General Washington appears before Congress to discuss the disbanding of the army and other military matters.
August 28 (Thursday):
- Debates Ordinance for Prohibiting Settlement of Indian Lands: Congress debates a crucial ordinance designed to prevent unauthorized settlement on lands belonging to Native American tribes, reflecting ongoing tension over westward expansion.
September 1 (Monday):
- Receives Pennsylvania Assembly Resolves for Returning to Philadelphia: Congress receives another formal request from Pennsylvania to return to its previous capital in Philadelphia.
September 10 (Wednesday):
- Orders Renewal of Committees to Oversee the Executive Departments: Congress renews its various oversight committees tasked with ensuring the efficient operation of the nation's executive departments.
September 13 (Saturday):
- Adopts Stipulations Concerning the Cession of Virginia's Western Land Claims: Congress agrees to terms under which Virginia will cede its vast western land claims to the federal government, a critical step in managing post-war expansion.
- Confirms Acquittal of Leaders of the Philadelphia Mutiny: Congress formally clears the leaders of the Philadelphia mutiny of wrongdoing, offering some resolution to the crisis.
September 16-19 (Tuesday-Friday):
- Debates Massachusetts' Call for Retrenchment of Continental Expenses: Massachusetts calls for significant cuts to the national budget, leading to intense debates within Congress over the country's finances.
September 22 (Monday):
- Adopts Proclamation Regulating the Purchase of Indian Lands: Congress adopts a measure designed to regulate the sale and purchase of Native American lands, aiming to prevent fraudulent transactions.
September 24 (Wednesday):
- Adopts Secret Order Authorizing Washington to Discharge Continental Troops "as He Shall Deem Proper and Expedient": Congress grants Washington full authority to discharge troops from the army as he sees fit, reflecting continued trust in his leadership.
September 25 (Thursday):
- Reaffirms Commitment to Commutation of Half Pay Claims: Congress reasserts its commitment to honoring the financial claims of officers who had been promised half-pay pensions.
- Proclaims Treaty with Sweden: Congress formally announces its ratification of the treaty with Sweden, solidifying diplomatic relations.
September 29 (Monday):
- Lifts Injunction of Secrecy on Most Foreign Dispatches: Congress agrees to make many of its previously secret foreign communications public, promoting transparency.
September 30 (Tuesday):
- Promotes Continental Officers Not Promoted Since 1777: Congress takes action to promote officers who had been overlooked for advancement during the war, addressing long-standing grievances within the military.
October 1, 1783 (Wednesday):
- Debates Instructions for Ministers Abroad: Congress focuses on refining instructions for its diplomatic representatives in Europe, addressing ongoing negotiations concerning trade and the implementation of the peace treaty.
October 3 (Friday):
- Debates Indian Affairs: Congress engages in discussions about policies related to Native American tribes, specifically addressing frontier security, trade, and territorial rights in the post-war period.
October 6-9 (Monday-Thursday):
- Debates Location of the Continental Capital: For four days, Congress debates where the permanent seat of the federal government should be located. Various states propose sites, each seeking to host the nation’s capital.
October 8 (Wednesday):
- Receives Quaker Petition for Suppression of the Slave Trade: A petition from the Quaker community, urging Congress to take action to suppress the transatlantic slave trade, is formally received. This reflects growing antislavery sentiment in some circles of the new republic.
October 10 (Friday):
- Resolves to Leave Princeton; Debates Location of the Capital: Congress officially resolves to move from Princeton and continues debating where the future capital should be located.
October 15 (Wednesday):
- Adopts Resolves Regulating Indian Affairs: Congress passes a set of resolutions concerning the regulation of Indian affairs, establishing guidelines for trade and territorial relations with Native American tribes as the United States expands westward.
October 17 (Friday):
- Debates Location of the Capital: Further discussions take place about where to establish a permanent national capital, reflecting regional tensions and competing interests among the states.
October 18 (Saturday):
- Adopts Thanksgiving Proclamation: Congress issues a proclamation calling for a national day of thanksgiving, marking the peace and independence achieved after the Revolutionary War.
October 21 (Tuesday):
- Adopts Two Capital Locations - Congress to Meet Alternately "on the Banks of the Delaware and Potomac": In an effort to satisfy regional interests, Congress votes to establish the national capital at two alternating locations—one along the Delaware River and the other on the Potomac River.
October 22 (Wednesday):
- Orders Distribution of the Peace Treaty to the States: Congress instructs that the Treaty of Paris, which officially ends the Revolutionary War, be distributed to all states for their review and implementation.
October 23-24 (Thursday-Friday):
- Debates Peacetime Military Arrangements: With the war over, Congress deliberates the size and structure of a peacetime military, considering how best to maintain security with reduced forces while addressing the concerns of the states.
October 27-28 (Monday-Tuesday):
- Fails to Convene Quorum: On both days, Congress is unable to assemble the necessary number of delegates to conduct official business.
October 29 (Wednesday):
- Adopts Instructions for Negotiating Commercial Treaties: Congress approves guidelines for its diplomats engaged in negotiating trade agreements with foreign nations, focusing on securing favorable terms for American commerce in the post-war economy.
October 30 (Thursday):
- Authorizes Pennsylvania to Negotiate Indian Lands Purchase: Congress grants Pennsylvania the authority to negotiate the purchase of Native American lands within its borders, part of the ongoing efforts to manage westward expansion.
October 31 (Friday):
- Ratifies Fiscal Contract with France; Holds Audience with Dutch Minister Van Berckel: Congress ratifies a financial agreement with France, acknowledging debts owed from wartime support. Later, Congress formally receives Dutch diplomat Peter Johan Van Berckel, the Netherlands having been an important ally during the war.
November 1, 1783 (Saturday):
- Orders Post Office Theft Inquiry; Adopts Rules to Improve Congressional Attendance: Concerned about mail theft, Congress orders an inquiry into the security of the Post Office and adopts rules aimed at improving attendance in Congress, reflecting frustration with frequent lack of quorum.
November 3, 1783 (Monday):
- Convenes New Congress; Elects Thomas Mifflin President (Elects Daniel Carroll Chairman in the President's Absence): A new session of Congress is convened, and Thomas Mifflin is elected as its president. In his absence, Daniel Carroll is chosen to serve as chairman.
November 4, 1783 (Tuesday):
- Authorizes Discharge of the Continental Army - "Except 500 Men, with Proper Officers": Congress formally orders the disbandment of the Continental Army, retaining only 500 men to serve as a small standing force. This marks the end of the revolutionary army's active service.
- Adjourns to Annapolis, to Reconvene on the 26th: Congress decides to move to Annapolis, Maryland, and adjourns, planning to reconvene later in the month.
For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features Stanley and Christopher Klos presenting America's Four United Republics Curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum, [download it here].
September 5, 1774 | October 22, 1774 | |
October 22, 1774 | October 26, 1774 | |
May 20, 1775 | May 24, 1775 | |
May 25, 1775 | July 1, 1776 |
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
July 2, 1776 | October 29, 1777 | |
November 1, 1777 | December 9, 1778 | |
December 10, 1778 | September 28, 1779 | |
September 29, 1779 | February 28, 1781 |
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781 | July 6, 1781 | |
July 10, 1781 | Declined Office | |
July 10, 1781 | November 4, 1781 | |
November 5, 1781 | November 3, 1782 | |
November 4, 1782 | November 2, 1783 | |
November 3, 1783 | June 3, 1784 | |
November 30, 1784 | November 22, 1785 | |
November 23, 1785 | June 5, 1786 | |
June 6, 1786 | February 1, 1787 | |
February 2, 1787 | January 21, 1788 | |
January 22, 1788 | January 21, 1789 |
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions
USCA | Session Dates | USCA Convene Date | President(s) |
First | 03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781* | 03-02-1781 | |
Second | 11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782 | 11-05-1781 | |
Third | 11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783 | 11-04-1782 | |
Fourth | 11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784 | 11-03-1783 | |
Fifth | 11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785 | 11-29-1784 | |
Sixth | 11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786 | 11-23-1785 | |
Seventh | 11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787 | 02-02-1787 | |
Eighth | 11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788 | 01-21-1788 | |
Ninth | 11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789** | None | None |
* The Articles of Confederation was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781. The USCA convened under the Articles of Confederation Constitution on March 2, 1781.** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the Constitution of 1787's federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.
Philadelphia | Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774 | |
Philadelphia | May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776 | |
Baltimore | Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777 | |
Philadelphia | March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777 | |
Lancaster | September 27, 1777 | |
York | Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778 | |
Philadelphia | July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783 | |
Princeton | June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783 | |
Annapolis | Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784 | |
Trenton | Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784 | |
New York City | Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788 | |
New York City | October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789 | |
New York City | March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790 | |
Philadelphia | Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800 | |
Washington DC | November 17,1800 to Present |
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