Scope and Content: During the Revolutionary War, rapid depreciation of currency caused pay to soldiers to become significantly reduced in value. In response to pleas from the Massachusetts troops in the Continental Army, and from Congress, the Massachusetts General Court passed Resolves 1779-80, c 446 (Feb. 6, 1779), which pledged to adjust wages at the end of the war based on actual prices of commodities. Additionally, to encourage soldiers to reenlist at the end of their initial term of service, Resolves 1779-80, c 371 (Oct. 1, 1779) promised bounties and prompt pay adjustments to those who reenlisted, appointing a committee (thereafter usually called the Committee to Settle with the Army) to revise amounts owed up to Jan. 1, 1780, for those officers and soldiers who were part of the state’s quota of the Continental Army. Resolves 1779-80, c 765 (Jan. 12, 1780) set up depreciation tables indicating, by month in which the payment was made, how much reimbursement was owed, based on the value of commodities at that time. St 1779-80, c 29 (Jan. 13, 1780) authorized the treasurer to issue notes (called depreciation notes; see: Massachusetts. Treasury Office Certificates of Anti-Monopoly Loan of 1780, Anderson MA 20-22, 58 ((M-Ar)1599X)) to pay the balances owed officers and soldiers, over future years, with interest. Those officers or soldiers still in service were paid in four equal parts over 1781-1784; those not in service were paid over 1785-1788. –In addition to determining the amount of pay owed to each soldier or officer, the committee was directed, per Resolves 1779-80, c 791 (Jan. 14, 1780), to deduct amounts already given to soldiers in the form of, e.g., bounties, wages, clothing, supplies provided to families. Throughout 1780, numerous resolves were passed to include others who served in various capacities and sought depreciation money, but were not considered part of the state’s quota of the Continental Army. Clarification of eligibility was verified by Congress in some cases to ensure that Massachusetts would ultimately be reimbursed for these charges by the federal government. –Later adjustments were made for pay owed for 1780, with Resolves 1780, Jan 1781 Sess, c 216 (Mar. 8, 1781) directing the pay to soldiers and officers, on behalf of Congress, in three equal payments, with interest, in 1784, 1785 and 1786. Other reimbursements and deductions to be included were detailed on preliminary forms in Resolves 1780, Apr Sess, c 191, May 18, 1781. The Treasurer issued notes (Massachusetts. Treasury Office. Army specie notes, Anderson MA 29-31, 1782 ((M-Ar)2311X)) to pay these balances.
Arrangement: Arranged by regiment
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