seven Hundred and Seventy-eight, and in the third year of the independence of America.

On the part and behalf of the State of New Hampshire.

JOSIAH BARTLETT,

JOHN WENTWORTH, JUNR. August 8, 1778.

On the part and behalf of the State of Massachusetts Bay.

On the part and in behalf of the State of Rhode Island and Providence

Plantations.

WILLIAM ELLERY,

HENRY MARCHANT,

JOHN COLLINS.

On the part and behalf of the State of Connecticut.

TITUS HOSMER,

ROGER SHERMAN,

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON,

ANDREW ADAMS.

OLIVER WOLCOTT,

On the part and behalf of the State of New York.

JAS DUANE,

FRAS LEWIS,

WILLIAM DUER,
GOUVR MORRIS.

On the part and in behalf of the State of New Jersey.

JNO WITHERSPOON,

NATHL SCUDDER, Nov. 26, 1778.

On the part and behalf of the State of Pennsylvania.

ROBT. MORRIS,

DANIEL ROBERDEAU,

JONA BAYARD SMITH,

WILLIAM CLINGAN,

JOSEPH REED, July 22nd, 1778.

On the part and behalf of the State of Delaware.

THO. M'KEAN, Feb. 12, 1779.

JOHN DICKINSON, May 5, 1779,

NICHOLAS VAN DYKE,

On the part and behalf of the State of Maryland.

On the part and behalf of the State of Virginia.

RICHARD HENRY LEE.

JOHN BANISTER,

JNO HARVIE,

FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE.

THOMAS ADAMS,

On the part and behalf of the State of North Carolina.

JOHN PENN, July 21, 1778,

CORNS. HARNETT,

JNO. WILLIAMS.

On the part and behalf of the State of South Carolina.

ORDINANCE OF 1787.

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES NORTHWEST OF THE RIVER OHIO.

[THE CONFEDERATE CONGRESS, JULY 13, 1787.]

SECTION 1. Be it ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, That the said Territory, for the purpose of temporary government, be one district, subject, however, to be divided into two districts, as future circumstances may, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient.

SEC. 2. Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the estates both of resident and non-resident proprietors in the said territory, dying intestate, shall descend to, and be distributed among, their children and the descendants of a deceased child in equal parts, the descendants of a deceased child or grandchild to take the share of their deceased parent in equal parts among them; and where there shall be no children or descendants, then in equal parts to the next of kin, in equal degree; and among collaterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the intestate shall have, in equal parts among them, their deceased parents' share; and there shall, in no case, be a distinction between kindred of the whole and half blood; saving in all cases to the widow of the intestate, her third part of the real estate for life, and one-third part of the personal estate; and this law relative to descents and dower, shall remain in full

force until altered by the legislature of the district. And until the governor and judges shall adopt laws as hereinafter mentioned, estates in the said territory may be devised or bequeathed by wills in writing, signed and sealed by him or her in whom the estate may be, (being of full age,) and attested by three witnesses; and real estates may be conveyed by lease and release, or bargain and sale, signed, sealed, and delivered by the person, being of full age, in whom the estate may be, and attested by two witnesses, provided such wills be duly proved, and such conveyances be acknowledged, or the execution thereof duly proved, and be recorded within one year after proper magistrates, courts, and registers, shall be appointed for that purpose; and personal property may be transferred by delivery, saving, however, to the French and Canadian inhabitants, and other settlers of the Kaskaskies, Saint Vincents, and the neighboring villages, who have heretofore professed themselves citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs now in force among them, relative to the descent and conveyance of property.

SEC. 3. Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That there shall be appointed, from time to time, by Congress, a governor, whose commission shall continue in force for the term of three years, unless sooner revoked by Congress; he shall reside in the district, and have a freehold estate therein, in one thousand acres of land, while in the exercise of his office:

SEC. 4. There shall be appointed from time to time, by Congress, a secretary, whose commission shall continue in force for four years, unless sooner revoked; he shall reside in the district, and have a freehold estate therein, in five hundred acres of land, while in the exercise of his office. It shall be his duty to keep and preserve the acts and laws passed by the legis