David Brearley, William Houston, William Patterson to the Council and General Assembly of New Jersey (June 1, 1787)

That the Convention now sitting in Philadelphia, of which they are Members on the Part of New Jersey, have found it indispensibly necessary to employ a Secretary, a Messenger, and a Doorkeeper.

That to defray the Wages of these Persons and the Expence of Stationary etc. some Funds will be requisite and the Convention possess none of any Kind.

That as Congress have recommended the Meeting, they will no Doubt ultimately discharge the necessary Expenses attending it, but that there is little or no Prospect that they will be again in Session until sometime after the Convention rises.

That the Proportion of New Jersey will be, upon a rough Estimate, about five Shillings a Day, and, to Appearances the Convention will sit about two or three Months.

The Subscribers therefore pray, that the Honourable the Legislature will authorize them to draw on the Treasury, not exceeding a certain Amount, of which they, in their wisdom, will determine, for the Purpose of paying the Wages and Expenses aforesaid as far as the Proportion of the State shall require; the Account to be settled on proper Vouchers to be taken for what is paid and disbursed.

David Brearley William Paterson William Houston