The following resolution passed by the Confederation Congress on January 14, 1784, suggests some of the troubles that result from a conflict among formerly close friends. What is the Congress trying to persuade the state governments to do? Why do you suppose they made such recommendations? Why do you suppose the Congress had to resort to such a resolution?

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RESOLVED unanimously, nine states being present, That it be and it is hereby earnestly recommended to the legislatures of the respective States, to provided for the restitution of all estates, rights and properties which have been confiscated, belonging to real British subjects, and also of the estates, rights and properties of persons resident in districts, which were in the possession of his Britannic Majesty's arms, at any time between the 30th day of November 1782, and the 14th day of January 1784, and who have not borne arms against the said United States; and that persons of any other description, shall have free liberty to go to any part or parts of any of the Thirteen United States, and therein to remain twelve months unmolested in their endeavours to obtain the restitution of such of their estates, rights and properties as may have been confiscated: And it is also hereby earnestly recommended to the several states, to reconsider and revise all their acts or laws regarding the premises, so as to render the said laws or act perfectly consistent not only with justice and equity, but with that spirit or conciliation which on the return of the blessings of peace should universally prevail: And it is hereby also earnestly recommended to the several States, that the estates, rights and properties of such last mentioned persons should be restored to them, they refunding to any persons who may be now in possession, the bona fide price (where any has been given) which such persons may have paid on purchasing any of the said lands, rights or properties since the confiscation.
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View the original document from Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789. Use your browser's Back Button to return to this point.