Scope and Content Note
The papers of William Maclay (1737-1804) span the years 1789-1791 and consist of a three-volume journal and a note to John Nicholson. The journal details Maclay’s experiences as a senator from Pennsylvania in the first United States Congress. Maclay described legislative and procedural debates relating to questions such as protocol for ceremonies, relations between the House and the Senate, the tariff of 1789, the judiciary bill, compensation for members of Congress, Baron von Steuben’s accounts, assumption of state debts, Alexander Hamilton’s report on public credit, the creation of a national bank, and the establishment of a national mint. Also included are personal observations and accounts of social life of members of Congress. The first volume includes drafts of letters to Tench Coxe, Samuel Meredith, Richard Peters, and Benjamin Rush.