By the United States in Congress assembled, February 17, 1783 : Whereas by the eighth article of the confederation and perpetual union, it is agreed and declared, that all charges of war ... shall be defrayed out of a common treasury ... Resolved, that the legislature of each state be, and they are hereby required, to take such measures as shall appear to them most effectual for obtaining a just and accurate account of the quantity of land in such state ...