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N THE CUSTODY OF THE
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.
SHELF N°
^ZMi^^^
JOURNALS
O F
CONGRESS.
CONTAINING
THE
PROCEEDINGS
From January i, 1776, to January i, 1777.
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF CONGRESS.
VOLUME II.
ro RK.ro W N: [Pennsylvania] Printed by JOHN DUNLAP.
M,DCC,LXXVIIir
X
In C O N G R E 's S,
MAY 2d, 1778.
RESOLVED,
THAT the Committee appointed to fuperintend the publication of the Journals of Congrefs be impowered and infVrudled to employ JohJj DuNLAPto continue to print the faid Journals, inllead of Robert Aitken.
' Extract from the Minutes,
CHARLES THOMSON^ Secretary*
X t -i
JOURNALS
O F
CONGRESS.
Monday, January i, 1776.
A Letter from governor Tnimbull, dated the twenty-third of December, being received, was read.
The Congrefs took into confideration the report of the commit- tee on captain Selleck's petition, which was agreed to, as follows :
That they have maturely confidered the petition, and have exa- mined captain Simeon Selleck particularly thereon, and are of o- pinion, that the petitioner be allowed, as a compenfation for his cxpences, trouble and rifle in taking the goods at Turtlebay, for the ufe of the United Colonies, the fum of 333 dollars and one- third ; and that the committee of Fairfield be direfted to take into their poffeflion, for the ufe of the faid Colonies, all the goods ta- ken by captain Selleck, which are not already delivered by him, and to forward the two boxes offaltpetre, now in captain Sel- leck's cuftody, to the powder-mill in Ulfter county, to be manu- faftured into gun-powder, for the Continental fervice.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the com- mittee on Lord Stirling's letters, after debate thereon,
Refolved, That it be recommitted.
The Congrefs proceeded to the eleftion of an adjutant for the battalion raifed in Fennfylvania, and the ballots being taken, and examined,
John Patterfon was elefted.
Refolved, That the Preiident fign commillions to the field- officers appointed by the Provincial Congrefs of North-Carolina, to command the two battalions, direfled to be raifed in that co- lony by this Congrefs, and that fuch commiffions bear like date with thofe iffued to the faid officers by the faid Provincial Con • grefs of North-Carolina.
Vol. II. A Refolved,
2 Journals of Congress."
Refolved, That, in cafe of vacancy occafioned by the death or removal of a colonel or inferior officer, the Provincial Convention of North-Carolina, or, in their recefs, the Provincial Council, appoint another perfon to fill up fuch vacancy, until a commiffion fhall iflue from this Congrefs ; and that they return to this Con- grefs a lift of the names of the perfon or perfons fo appointed.
The Delegates of New- York, having received new powers from their Convention, laid the fame before Congrefs, as follows:
<' /« Provincial Congress, iVfou-Toryf, Decetnber 21 ^ 1775. " Refolved, That the prefent Delegates of this colony in Con" tinental Congrefs be requefted to make fuch an arrangement a- mong themfelves, as that five of them only continue at Congrefs, and reprefent this colony at any one time ; and that in c^fe of the neceffary abfence of any one or two of the Delegates fo attending, according to fuch arrangement, that three or four of them be a quorum, and enabled to reprefent the colony during fuch abfence. " A true Copy from the Minutes y
JoHM M'Kesson, Secretary.**
The committee to whom the letters from General Wafhington, and the intercepted letters were referred, brought in their report, which being taken into confideration, the Congrefs came to the following refolutions.
Refolved, That the prefident of the Provincial council of North - Carolina, and of Georgia be requefted to procure committees of their feveral bodies to repair immediately to Charles-town, and there to confer with a committee of the Council of Safety of South - Carolina upon weighty and important matters relative to the de- fence and fecurity of thefe colonies.
Refolved, That it appears, the Britifh miniftry and their agents have meditated and are preparing to make attacks upon Charles- town in South-Carolina, and feveral places in Virginia and pro- bably in North-Carolina ; and that it be recommended to the con- ventions or committees of fafety of the two former colonies, and to the Provincial Council of the other by all poffible means to make a vigorous defence and oppofition ; and that it be farther recommended to the Committee of Safety of Virginia and the Pro- vincial Council of North-Carolina to meet together and confer and conclude upon fuch operations, as they may think moft for their mutual intereft.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, January 2, 1776. The committee of claims reported, that there is due, To James Chambers, the fum of 25.8 dollars for his exr pences from Cambridge.
To
J AN tJ il R T, 177^. 3
To Judah Alden, 50 dollars, advanced on account of expences in attending the French gentlemen.
Ordered, That the above be paid.
Refolved, That general Schuyler be direfted to have brigadier general Prefcot, lately made prifoner by the Continental forces in Canada, taken into cuftody, and fafely and fecurely kept until the further orders of this Congrefs.
Refolved, That a copy of the above be fent immediately to ge- neral Schuyler ; and that the general be informed by letter of the reafons which induced the Congrefs to give fuch orders.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due to Eg- bert Dumond, on account of expences in bringing the prifoners, taken at St. Johns, from Kingfton, in New-York government, to Lancafter, in Pennfylvania, the fum of 2326.2 dollars.
Ordered, That the fame be paid.
The Congrefs took into conlideration the report of the commit- tee on the petition of captains Paddock and Coffin, and after de- bate,
Refolved, That the prayer of faid petition be not granted.
The committee on the ftate of New York brought in their re- port, which was read.
The report of captain Motte, with regard to the difpofition of the officers taken prifoners at St. Johns, was laid before Congrefs, and read.
The committee, to whom the report on Lord Stirling's letters was recommitted, brought in their report, which being taken in- to confideration, the Congrefs thereupon came to the following refolutions.
Refolved, That the Prefident acquaint his lordfhlp, that the Congrefs has provided againft the inconvenience of vexatious ar- refts of the men inlifting in the Continental fervice.
Refolved, That the barracks in the colony of New-Jerfey be .prepared for the reception of fuch of the battalions as may not be •in readinefs to proceed to New-York, and that the minifterial •troops or prifoners at prefent occupying them, be accommodated in the faid colony, in fuch manner as the Committee of Safety for faid colony fhall think moft prudent and convenient.
That Mr. Lowry, the commiflary, be direfted to fupply the faid battalions with ftockings, and that the delegates for the co- lony of New-Jerfey tranfmit to Lord Stirling fix dozen printed copies of the articles of war.
That conlidering not only the defencelefs condition of the co- lony of New-Jerfey for want o^ammunition in cafe of an hoflile in- vafion of that colony, but the evident want of the affiftance of thofe battalions for the defence of New-York, where an attack of the enemy is moft probably to be apprehended, a requifition be
made
4 Journals OF C An GREss,'
made by the Congrefs to the Committee of Safety of Pennfylvania of four hundred weight of powder for the faid battalions.
That the fame firewood, camp equipage and barrack utenfils be allowed to each of the New-Jerfey battalions as are allowed to the battalion raifed in Pennfylvania.
That the hundred ftand of arms fupplied by the colony of New -York for the New-Jerfey battalions, be paid for by the Convention of New- Jerfey ; and that, in order to enable the faid Convention to make fuch payment, as well as to furnifh fuch of the men belonging to the faid battalions, as are yet unprovided, with arms, the farther fum of looo dollars be advanced to the faid Convention ; and that the price of the arms be deduAed out of the wages of the privates belonging to the faid battalions.
That Lord Stirling be direfted to feize and fecure all the am- munition and warlike ftores belonging to the enemy, which now are or hereafter may be imported into the colony of New-Jerfey, and keep them till he fhall receive the orders of Congrefs refpeft- ing them : And further that he do, from time to time, give aid and protection to all the friends of America, who may be employ- ed in importing into the faid colony ammunition, or other commo- dities not prohibited by the affociation and refolves of this Con- grefs.
Whereas it has been reprefented to this Congrefs, that divers honefl and well meaning, but un-informed, people in thefe Colo- nies have, by the art and addrefs of miniflerial agents, been de- ceived and drawn into erroneous opinions refpefting the American caufe, and the probable ifliie of the prefent conteft;
Refolved, That it be recommended to the different Committees, and other friends to American liberty, in the faid Colonies, to treat all fuch perfons with kindnefs and attention ; to confider them as the inhabitants of a country determined to be free, and to view their errors as proceeding rather from want of information than want of virtue or public fpirit ; to explain to them the origin, nature and extent of the prefent controverfy ; to acquaint them with the fate of the numerous petitions prefented to his majefty, ■as well by Affemblies as Congreffes, for reconciliatio nand redrefs of grievances ; and that the laft from this Congrefs, humbly re- quefling the fingle favour of being heard, like all the others, has proved unfuccefsful ; to unfold to them the various arts of admi- niftration to enfnare and enflave us, and the manner in which we have been cruelly driven to defend, by arms, thofe very rights, liberties and eflates, which we and our forefathers hadfo long en- joyed unmolefted in the reigns of his prefent majefty's predeceffors. And it is hereby recommended to all Conventions and Affemblies in thefe Colonies liberally to diftribute among the people the pro- ceedings of this and the former Congrefs, the late fpeeches of the great patriots in both houfes of parliament relative to American grievances.
January, 1776. 5
grievances, and fiich other pamphlets and papers as tend to eluci- date the merits of the American caufe, the Congrefs being fully perfuaded that the more our right to the enjoyment of our ancient liberties and privileges is examined, the more jull and necefiary our prefent oppofition to minifterial tyranny will appear.
And with refpeft to all fuch unworthy Americans as, regardlefs of their duty to their Creator, their country and their pofterity, have taken part with our oppreffors, and, influenced by the hope or poffeffion of ignominious rewards, ftrive to recommend themfelves to the bounty of admin iftration, by mifreprefenting and traducing the conduct and principles of the friends of Ameri- can liberty, and oppoiing every meafure formed for its preferva- tion and fecurity.
Refohed, That it be recommended to the different Affemblies, Conventions and Committees or Councils of Safety in the United Colonies, by the moft fpeedy and effectual meafures to fruftrate the mifchievous machinations, and reftrain the wicked practices of thefe men : And it is the opinion of this Congrefs, that they ought to be difarmed, and the more dangerous among them ei- ther kept in fafe cuftody, or bound with fufficient fureties to their good behaviour.
And in order that the faid Affemblies, Conventions, Commit- tees or Councils of Safety may be enabled with greater eafe and facility to carry this refolution into execution,
Refolved, That they be authorized to call to their aid whatevei" Continental troops, llationed in or near their refpeftive Colonies, may be conveniently fpared from their more immediate duty; and the commanding officers of fuch troops are hereby direfted to af- ford the faid Affemblies, Conventions, Committees or Councils of Safety all fuch affiftance in executing this refolution, as they may require, and which, confiftent vi^ith the good of the fervice, may be fupplied.
Refolved, That all detachments of Continental troops, which may be ordered on the bufinefs in the foregoing refolution men- tioned, be, while fo employed, under the direftion and eontroul of the Affemblies, Conventions, Committees or Councils of Safe- ty aforefald.
Refolved, That It be recommended to all the United Colonies, to aid each other (on requeft from their refpeftive Affemblies, Conventions, Committees, or Councils of fafety and County Com- mittees) on every emergency, and to cultivate, cherlih and in- <;reafe the prefent happy and neceffary union, by a continual inter- change of mutual good offices.
And whereas the execrable barbarity, with which this unhappy war has been conduced on the part of our enemies, fuch as burn- ing our defencelefs towns and villages, expofmg their inhabitants, without regard to fex or age, to all the mifei-Ies which lofs of pro- perty,
6 Journals of Congress.
perty> the rigour of the feafon, and inhuman devaftation can In- flid, exciting domellic infurreftions and murder*, bribing favages to defolate our frontiers, and calling fuch of us as the fortune of war has put in their power, into goals, there to languifh in irons and in want, compelling the inhabitants of Bofton, in violation of the treaty, to remain confined within the town expofed to the in- folence of the foldiery, and other enormities, at the mention of which decency and humanity will ever blufh, may juflly provoke the inhabitants of thefe Colonies to retaliate,
Refohed, That it be recommended to them to continue mindful that humanity ought to diftinguifli the brave, that cruelty fhould find no admiffion among a free people, and to take care that no page in the annals of America be ftained by a recital of any aftion which juftice or chriflianity may condemn, and to reft 'afTured that whenever retaliation maybe neceffary or tend to their fecurity,thi8 Congrefs will undertake the difagreeable taflc.
Refolved, That the Affemblies, Conventions, or Committees, or Councils of fafety be requefted forthwith to tranfmit to this Con- grefs, copies of all the petitions, memorials, and remonftrances, which have been by the refpedlive colonies prefented to the throne or either houfe of parliament, lince the year 1762, and that they alfo inform the Congrefs, whether any and whatanfwers were giv- en to them.
Refolved, That Mr. Bartlettbe appointed one of the Committee of claims, in the room of Mr. Langdon, and Mr. S. Adams, in the room of Mr. Culhing, who have leave of abfence.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-nfiorrow,
Wednesday, January 3, 1776.
A letter from general Wafhington, dated the 25th of December, with fundry papers enclofed, was read.
The Committee of fafety for Pennfylvania having recommended fundry gentlemen to be field officers of the four battalions ordered to be raifed in fald colony, the Congrefs proceeded to the eledlion of colonels, and the ballots being taken and examined, the follow- in o- c-entleraen were chofen,
A'rthur St. Clair, Efq. John Shee, Efq. Anthony Waine, Efq, Robert Magaw, Efq.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the Secret Committee, came to the following refolutions :
Refolved, That the following goods and ftores ought to be im- ported as foon as poffible, for the ufe of the United Colonies, viz.
6o,oco ftriped blankets.
1 20,000 yards of 1 cloths, brown and blue, from 3J- to 6/ fter.
10,000 yards of do. different colours for facings, at 4/.
5,000 pieces of duffils, or fome fuch cloth.
100 m. forted needles.
SO
January, 1776. 7
50 m. do. none fine.
10 m. do. for fail -cloth.
3,000 pieces of raven's duck.
3,000 pieces ticklenburgs.
1,500 pieces oznaburgs.
1,000 pieces vitrey.
4,000 pieces Hamburg dowlas.
20,000 ftand of arms.
300 tons of lead.
1,000,000 of flints.
1500 boxes of tin, and wire properly forted for it.
Medicines, furgeon's inftruments, lint and bandages, in the whole to the amount of ^ 2000 fterling.
500 fheets of copper of different forts.
Rejolvcd, That the Secret Committee be empowered and dire(Sled to purfue the mod efFeftual meafures for importing the foregoing articles.
Refolved, That the farther confideration of this report be poll- poned.
The Committee of claims reported that there Is du«.
To capt. Edward Motte, for expences, 6"^. in condu£ling the prifoners taken at St. John's, from Kingfton, in the colony of New-York, to Lancafter, in Pennfylvania, a ballance of 367.7 dollars.
To Robert Erwin, waegfon-mafter, for carriage of cloathing- and medicines to Dobb's ferry and to Cambridge, 222.6 dollars.
Ordered, That the faid accounts be paid.
The Committee on the ftate of New-York brought in a farther report, which being taken into confideration, was agreed to as follows :
Whereas a majority of the inhabitants of Queen's county, in the colony of New- York, being incapable of refolving to live and die freemen, and being more difpofed to quit their liberties than part with the little proportion of their property neceffary to de- fend them, have deferted the American caufe, by refuiing to fend deputies as ufual to the Convention of that colony ; and avowing, by a public declaration, an unmanly defign of remaining inaflive ,fpeftators of the prefent conteft, vainly flattering themfelves, per- haps, that (hould providence declare for our enemies, they may purchafe their mercy and favour at an eafy rate; and on the other hand, if the war ihould terminate in favour of America, that then they may enjoy, without expence of blood or treafure, all the bleflings refulting from that liberty, which they, in the day of trial had abandoned, and in defence of which, many of their more virtuous neighbours and countrymen had nobly died: and althoueh the want of public fpirit obfervable in thefe men rather excites pi- ty than alarm, there being little danger to apprehend either from
tiieir
9 Journals of ConCress.
tlieir prowefs or example, yet it being reafonable, that thofe who refufe to defend their country, fliould be excluded from its protec- tion, and prevented from doing it injury.
Refohed, That all fuch perfons in Queen's county aforefaid, as voted againft fending deputies to the prefent Convention of New- York, and named in a lift of delinquents in Queen's county, pub- lifhed by the Convention of New-York, be put out of the protec- tion of the United Colonies, and that all trade and intercourfe with them ceafe ; that none of the inhabitants of that county be permitted to travel or abide in any part of thefe United Colonies, out of their faid county, without a certificate from the Convention or Committee of fafety of the colony of New-York, fetting forth, that fuch inhabitant is a friend to the American caufe, and not of the number of thofe who voted againft fending deputies to the faid Convention ; and that fuch of the faid inhabitants as Ihall be found out of the faid county without fuch certificate, be appre- hended and imprifoned three months.
Refohed, That no attorney or lawyer ought to commence, pro- fecute, or defend any aftion at law of any kind, for any of the faid inhabitants of Queen's county, who voted againft fending depu- ties to the Convention, as aforefaid; and fuch attorney or lawyer as fhall contravene this refolution, are enemies to the American caufe, and ought to be treated accordingly.
RefrJved^'!That the Convention or Committee of fafety of the co- lony of New-York be requefted to continue publiftiingfor a month, in all their Gazettes or news-papers, the names of all fuch of the inhabitants of Queen's county, as voted againft fending deputies; and to give certificates, in the manner before recommended, to fuch others of the faid inhabitants, as are friends to American liberty.
And it is recommended to all Conventions, Committees of fafety, and others, to be diligent in executing the above refolutions.
Refohed, That colonel Nathaniel Heard of Woodbridge, in the colony of New-Jerfey, taking with him five or fix hundred minute- men, imder difcreet officers, do march to the weftern part of Queen's county, and that colonel Waterbury of Stanford, in the colony of Connefticut, with the like number of minute-men, march to the eaftern fide of faid county ; that they confer together, and endeavour to enter the faid county on one day; that they proceed to difarm every perfon in the faid county, who voted againft fend- ino- deputies to the faid Convention, and- caufe them to deliver up their arms and ammunition on oath,and that they take and confine, in fafe cuftody, till further orders, all fuch as refufe compliance.
That they apprehend and fecure, till further orders, the perfons named as principal men among the difaffefted in the faid county, in a fummons for their appearance before the Convention of New- York, iffued the 12th of December laft, viz.
Of
January, 177^. ^
Of Jamaica townfhip>capt. Benjamin Whitehead, Charles Arden, Jofeph French, Efq. Johannes Polhemus.
Newtown, Nathaniel Moor, John Moor, fen. Samuel Hallet, John Moor,jun. William Wey man, John Shoals, Jeroraus Rapalje. Flufhing, John Willet.
Hamftead, Juftice Gilbert Van Wyck, Daniel KifTam, Efq. of Cowneck, capt. Jacob Mott, Thomas Cornhill, of Rockaway, Gabriel G. Ludlow, Richard Hewlct, capt. Charles Hicks, Dr. Samuel Martin, Juftice Samuel Clowes.
Oyfter-bay, Juftice Thomas Smith, of Hog-ifland, Juftice John Hewlet, capt. George Weeks, Dr. David Brooks, Juftice John Townfend,
and all fuch other perfons who fhall be found in arms, or who fliall pppofe the carrying the above refolutions into effeft, as the faid colonel Heard or colonel Waterbury may think prudent to detain. Refolved, That it be recommended to the faid colonel Heard and colonel Waterbury, to execute the buiinefs intruftcd to them by the foregoing refolutions, with all poffible difpatch, fecrefy, or- der, and humanity.
Refohed, That the fum of 500 dollars be forthwith tranfmitted, with certified copies of thefe refolutions to each of them the faid colonel Heard and colonel Waterbury, and that they on their re- turn report to this Congrefs a true ftate of their expenditure and proceedings.
A letter from the Committee of Frederic, In Maryland, brought by the officer who had the charge of bringing down Connolly and his aflbciates, was laid before Congrefs, and read.
Refohed, That it be recommended to the Committee of fafety of Pennfylvania to carry into execution the refolution of Congrefs for confining faid Connolly and his aflbciates in the goal of Philadel- phia, and that they take their examination. Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, January 4, 1776. Refohed^ That an additional battalion be raifed in the county of Cumberland, in the colony of Pennfylvania, to confift of the fame number of men and officers, and to have the fame pay and allow- ance as the others raifed in faid colony.
Refohed, That one company of each of the five battalions lafl: ordered to be raifed in Pennfylvania, confift of expert rlfflemen.
Refohed, That It be recommended to the Committee of fafety of Pennfylvania to fee the foregoing refolutions carried into execution. Refohed, That in all elcclions of officers by Congrefs, where more than one are elefted on the fame day to commands of the fame rank, they fhall take rank of each other according to their eleAIon, and the entry of their names in the m.inutes, and their commiffions ftiall be numbered to ftiew their priority.
The Congrefs then proceeded to the eledion of other field-offi- VoL. II. B cerg
%o Journals oi? Congress.
cers of the four battalions ordered to be raifed in Pennfylvania, and the ballots being taken and examined, the following gentlemen were chofen,
Lieutenant-colonels, Lambert Cadwallader, William Allen, jun. Francis Johnfon, Jofeph Penrofe, Efqrs.
Majors, Jofeph Wood, George Nagle, Henry Bicker, Nicholas Hauficker, Efqrs.
The Committee of claims report that there is due,
To James Whitehead, for provifions for the prifoners taken on board the Rebecca and Mary, the fum of 64 dollars.
To the Committee of New-Brunfwick, per account rendered the fum of 214.9 dollars, to be paid to William Livingfton, Efq; and by him forwarded to the faid Committee.
To Furman and Hunt, of Trenton, for provifions, horfe hire, &c. the fum of 68.2 dollars.
. To the Committee of infpeftion and obfervation of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, for 187,046 flints, by them purchafed a- greeable to the order of Congrefs the fum of 737 dollars.
To fundry perfons, per lift, for figning the Continental bills of credit, the fum of 1 165.7 dollars, and that an order be given to the treafurers for the payment of the fame, agreeable to the faid lift.
To the Committee of Frederic-Town, Maryland, for expences incurred by Connolly, Cameron and Smith, during their confine- ment, the fum of 74 dollars, and that the fame be paid to the de- legates of Maryland.
Ordered, That the faid accounts be paid accordingly.
Refolved,' That a Commiffary be appointed to provide the three companies ordered to Northampton, in Virginia, with rations while on their march, and during their ftay in that country.
That the appointment of faid commiflary be deferred till to-mor- row.
The Congrefs refumed the confideration of the report of the Committee on the ftate of New- York; whereupon,
Refohed, That the fame be poftponed till to morrow, and that the delegates of New- York be defired to requeft the attendance of the gentlemen fent to Congrefs by the Convention of their colony.
Refohed, That major Prefton have liberty to chufe the place of his refidence confiftent with former refolutions of Congrefs, and that the prcfident take his parole.
The Committee appointed to confider what allowance ought to be made to officers who are prifoners, brought in their report.
Ordered, That the fame be taken into confideration on Saturday next.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow,
Friday, January 5, 1776. Thei-e belnga vacancy in the firft of the Pennfylvania battalion*
by
January, 1776. in
by the promotion of capt. Allen, the Congrefs proceeded to the ^ledlion of a perfon to fupply faid vacancy, and the ballots being taken, Benjamin Davis, oldefl lieutenant in faid battalion, was e- ledled.
Refolvedy That the fum of ten thoufand dollars be ftrack, for the purpofe of exchanging ragged and torn bills of the Continen- tal currency; that the bills, making this fum, be of the fame de- nominations, printed under the infpeftion of the fame perfons, and figned and numbered by the fame ligners, as the lall emiffion, and that they be lodged in the treafury, to be applied to the fole pur- pofe aforefaid.
Refohed, That all Committees, and others, who have had pub- lic money put into their hands, lay upon the table an account of the expenditure of the fame.
The Committee appointed to confider the letter of gen. Wafii- ington, dated the ibth of December, and the enclofed papers, brought in a report upon that part which relates to James Lovell, who has long been, and ftill is, detained a clofe prifoner in Bofton by order of gen. Howe, which being taken into confideration, was agreed to, and is as follows..
That it appears to your Committee, that the faid Mr. Lovell bath, for years paft, been an able advocate for the liberties of A- merica and mankind; that by his letter to gen. Walliington, which is a part of faid enclofed papers, he exhibits fo ftriking an inftance of difmterefted patriotifm, as ilrongly recommends him to the particular notice of this Continent.
Whereupon Refolved, That Mr. James Lovell, an inhabitant of Bofton, now held a clofe prifoner there, by order of gen. Howe, has difcovered under the fevereft trials the warmeft attachment to public liberty, and an inflexible fidelity to his country ; that by his late letter to gen. Wafhington, he has given the ftrongeft evidence of difmterefted public affeftion, in refufing to liften to terms offer- ed for his relief, till he could be informed by his countrymen that they were compatible with their fafety and honour.
Refolved, Thdt it is deeply to be regretted that a Britilh gene- ral can be found degenerate enough fo ignominioufly and cruelly to treat a citizen, who is fo eminently virtuous.
Refolved, That It be an inftru6lion to gen. Waftilngton to make an offer of gov. Skene in exchange for the faid Mr. Lovell and his family.
Refolved, That gen, Waftilngton be dcfired to embrace the firft opportunity which may offer, of giving fome office to Mr. Lovell equal to his abilities, and which the public fervice may require.
Ordered, That a copy of the foregoing refolutions be tranfmitted to the general as fpeedily as poffible.
- Refolved, That the prefident write to gen. Wafhington, and de- fire him to inform Congrefs what rank the aids de-camp of the gene- ral
12 ^ Journals OF Cong^ess^
ral officers fhould have in the army of the United Colonies.
The Committee of claims reported, that there is due to Adam Fifher, forexpences attending his conducing Conolly and Cameron from Frederic, in Maryland, to Philadelphia, and his charges back again for himfelf and the men, the fum of 156 dollars.
Ordered, That the fame be paid.
The Congrefs having conferred with the gentlemen fent by the Convention of New- York, refumed the confideration of the report of the Committee on the ilate of that colony, and the fame was a- greed to.
Whereupon, Refolved, That no farther fortifications be ere£led at Martler's-Rock, on Hudfons river, and that a point of land at Puplopen's kill, on the faid river, be, without delay, effedually fortified.
Refolved, That it be recommended to the Convention, or in their recefs to the Committee of Safety, of New-York, to carry' into ex- ecution the above refolution.
Refolved, That the delegates of New-Jerfey and Connefticut be directed to take the neceffary fteps for carrying into execution the refolutions of Congrefs pafied on Wednefday laft, refpefting the in- habitants of Qiieens county.
A memorial from the inhabitants of the town of Newport was prefented to Congrefs, and read.
Ordered, That the fame be referred for confideration till to-mor- row.
Refolved, That Mr. Paine be added to the Committee on general Schuyler's letters.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Saturday, January 6, 1776.
Information being given to Congrefs that a quantity of powder was arrived at Great-Egg-Harbour; of which a part was addrefled to Congrefs by Mr. Parfons, a part configned to Mr. Webfter of Philadelphia, and a part to another gentleman in faid city.
Refolved, That the fecret Committee be directed to get the pow- der addrefled to Congrefs removed to Philadelphia, and to purchafe, for the ufe of the United Colonies the other parcels of powder.
Refolved, That one ton of the powder arrived be delivered to the Committee for fitting out armed veflels, for the ufe of faid armed vefiels.
A letter from the Committee of Lancafter, dated the 3d of Ja- nuary, was received, and read.
Alfo a letter from an officer in Lifbon^ dated the 23d of O6I0- ber laft.
Refolved, That thefe letters, as well as the laft received from 3L.ancafter and thofe formerly received from Lifbon, be referred to the Committee of correfpondence.
' Th«
January, 177^. 13
The Congrefs refumed the confideration of the memorial from the inhabitants of Newport, and the papers accompanying it; and thereupon came to the following refolution,
Refolved, That the faid memorial be referred to the confideratioa of the General AfTembly of the colony of Rhode-Ifland.
The Committee to whom it was referred to confidcr how the fhare of prizes, allotted to the captors, ought to be divided between the officers and men, brought in their report, which being takea into confideration, was agreed to as follows.
Refolved, That the commander in chief have one-twentieth part of the faid allotted prize-money taken by any fhip or ihips, armed TeiTs] or vefiels, under his orders and command.
That the captain of any fmgle ihip or armed veffel, have two twentieth parts for his (hare, but if more fhips or armed veffels be in company when a prize is taken, then the two twentieth parts to be divided amongft all the faid captains.
That the captains of marines, lieutenants of the {hips or armed veffels, and mailers thereof {hare together, and have three-twen- tieth parts divided among them equally 01 all prizes taken when they are in company.
That the lieutenants of marines, furgeons, chaplains, purfers, boatfwains, gunners, carpenters, the mailers mates and the fecre- tary of the fleet fhare together, and have two twentieth parts and one half of a twentieth part divided among them, equally of all prizes taken when they are in company.
That the following petty warrant and petty officers viz. (allow- ing for each fhip fix raidfhipmen, for each brig four midlhipmen, and each {loop two midfhipmen, one captain's clerk, one furgeon's mate, one fteward, one failmaker, one cooper, one armorer, two boatfwain's mates, two gunners mates, two carpenters mates, one cook, one cockfwain, two fergeants of marines for each {hip, and one fergeant for each brig and {loop) have three-twentieth parts di- vided among them equally, and when 'a prize is taken by any ihip or veffel on board or in company of which the commander in chief is, then the commander in chief's cook or cockfwain to be added to this allottment, and have their {hares with thefe lafl mentioned.
That the remaining eight-twentieth parts and one half of the twentieth part, be divided among the reft of the {hip or fiiips com- panies, as it may happen, {hare and fhare alike.
That no officer or man have any fhare but fuch as are aftually on board their feveral veffels when any prize or prizes are taken, excepting only fuch as may have been ordered on board any other prizes before taken, or fent away by his or their commanding officers. The Committee on gen. Schuyler's letters, &,c. brought in afar- ther report which was read.
Refolvedy That the confideration thereof be poflponed to Mon- day next.
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A letter from gen. Schuyler, dated the 30th of December, en- clofing copies of letters from gen. Montgomery and gen. Woof- ter being received, was read.
Adjourned to Monday next, at ten o'clock.
Monday, January 8, 1776. ^ ^ A letter from general Schuyler, dated the 26th of December,
enclofing a copy of a letter from general Montgomery, dated De- cember 5th, and a lift of the ordinance fent to Cambridge, alfo a letter from Baltimore, enclofing an affidavit of captain Horn, being received, were read.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the Com- mittee on general Schuyler's letters, thereupon came to the follow- ing refolutions,
Refolvedy That fhipwrights be immediately fent from New- York and Philadelphia to general Schuyler,, or the commander in chief of the forces at Ticonderoga, to be employed by him in conftrufting a number of batteaus, not exceeding one hundred, for tranfporting troops with their baggage from that place into Canada, whenever it may be found neceffary.
That a fufficient number offuitable men be engaged for rowing faid batteaus ; and that a large quantity of provifions and ftores be fent this winter to fort George. , That general Schuyler be defired to have the river St. Law-
rence, above and bclov/ Quebec, well explored, and to determine upon proper places for oppoling by armed boats, or otherwife, a- iiy attempts of the enemy to penetrate that country by the river ; and that he give order for conftrufting fpeedily as many fuch boats as he fhall judge neceffary.
That two fhipwrights be immediately fent from Philadelphia to be employed under the dii-e£tion of the Committee of Infpeftion at Albany, in conftrufting fcows for facilitating the paflage over Hudfon's rivei".
Refohed, That the provlilon heretofore made for an hofpltal in the northern army when it was more numerous than it is now, is fufficient.
Refohed, That the Convention of New-York be defired to fend three thoufand bufliels of fait, befides what general Schuyler hath already ordered to be brought to Ticonderoga.
Refohed, That the governor of Connefticut, the general affem- blies of Maffachufetts-Bay and New-Hampfhire and the conven- • lion of New- York, be written to forthwith, by the delegates of the fald colonies refpeftively, to furnifh general Schuyler with the, account of money paid to any perfons in the army under his com- mand, fpeclfying the names of thofe to whom the money was paid by their order.
Refohed, That the contrad made by general Schuyler to allow
one
January, 1776. i^
one twelfth part of a dollar per day, for billeting money to every- one of the men, who re-Inliftin the northern army, until they can march to the place, where provifions may be delivered to them, be ■made good.
Rejohed, That the officei's of the northern army be accountable for fuch public ftores iffued to them, as may be loft through care- leflhefsby their i-efpeftive corps, and that the value thereof be de- duced out of the pay of thofe who have embezzled or wafted the fame.
Refolved, That this Congrefs does approve of the raifing a bat- talion of Canadians and of the appointment of James Livingfton, Efq; colonel thereof.
. Rejohed, That nine battalions, including that of Canadians un- der colonel Livingfton, be kept up and maintained the prefent year for the defence of Canada.
' Refolved, That the firft Pennfylvania battalion under colonel Bull, and the fecond New-Jerfey battalion under colonel Maxwell, be ordered to march immediately to Albany, and there put them- felves under the command of general Schuyler, and that the orders given for the march of three companies of colonel Bull's battalion to Accamack and Northam.pton be countermanded.
And to make up the reft of the battalions voted for the defence of Canada, that one battalion be raifed in New-Hampfhire, one in Connefticut and one in New- York ; that two battalions be formed out of the troops now in Canada, and that general Mont- gomery be defired to recommend proper perfons for officers in faid battalions ; and that one of the five battalions lately ordered to be raifed in Pennfylvania, be deftined for Canada.
Refolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to devifc ways and means for furniftiing the battalions deftined for Canada, with provifions, and for expediting their march.
The members chofen, Mr. Floyd, Mr. Deane and Mr. M'Kean.
Refolved, That the farther confideration of the report be defer- red till to-morrow.
Information being given to Congrefs that about fifty-feven tons of falt-petre were arrived at Philadelphia and about fifteen tons of powder at New-York for fale.
Refolved, That the fecret committee be direfted to treat for the purchafe of the falt-petre and enquire how it may be moft fpeedi- ly manufactured into powder and report to Congrefs.
That Mr. P. Livingfton, Mr. Alfop, Mr. Jay and Mr. Lewis be directed to purchafe, on the beft terms they can, for the ufe cf the United Colonies, the powder arrived at New- York, and for- ward the fame with all poffible expedition, under a guard to the camp at Cambridge.
Refolved, That the Convention or Committee of Safety of Ma- ryland
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ryland be requefted to order three companies of the minutc-mcn in the fervice of that colony to march immediately from thence to the counties of Accamack and Northampton, in Virginia, inftead of the forces that were dire&ed to go thither from Pentifylvania, and to lay before Congrefs the accounts of their fubfiltance and pay, which Ihall be paid out of the Continental treafury.
Refolved, That the Committee of Safety of Pennfylvania be de- fired to fend five hundred pounds weight of powder to the colonj of Virginia for the ufe of the forces to be employed in the counties ef Accamack and Northampton.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, Ja-nuary g, 1776.
A letter from Mr. M. Tilghman, with fundry papers inclofed, alfo feme difpatches from governor Franklin, and a letter from C. Skinner, which were intercepted, were laid before Congrefs, and read.
Refolved, That a letter be written to Mr. Tilghn:ian, informing him that the Hornet and Wafp are under orders to fail to the capes of Delaware, and that fuch veffels, as are ready to fail, may take the benefit of that convoy.
That the Committee for fitting out armed veffels be directed to give orders to the captains of the Hornet and Wafp to take under their convoy fuch veflels as are ready to fail.
The Committee of Claims reported that there is due.
To Michael Conolly, for expences in conducing captain Johft- Livingfton and lieutenant Anftruther from Kingflon to Lancafter, the fum of 250 dollars.
To Richard Butler, for neceffkries furnifhed to five Indians^ the fum of 49.3 dollars.
To Jofcph Copperthwaite, the fum of 419.6 dollars, for expence.s ■ in conducing caQi to Cambridge.
Ordered, That the above be paid.
Refolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to enquire into the conduft of the officers who are prifoners, and the manner in v/hich they are at prefent fubfifted, and report thereon.
The m.embers chofen^ Mr. W. Livingfton, Mr. Dyer, and Mr. Floyd.
Ordered, That a certified copy of the intercepted letter of Mr. Cortland Skinner be fent to the Committee of Safety for Nev»r- Jerfey.
That orders be fent to lord Stirling to take with him a fuffi- ctent force, and immediately apprehend and keep in fafe cuftody the faid Cortland Skinner, of Amboy, till further orders from this Con srefs.
" That
January, 1776". ly
Tliat lie carry fai'd Cortland Skinner before the Committee of Safety of the colony of New- Jerfey for examination.
That the faid Committee be defired to tranfmit his examination to Congrefs.
Refolved, That the militia raifed in the counties of Orange and Ulfter, in the colony of New- York, by order of the Congrefs, for the fupport of the fort lately erefted on Hudfon's river, be difcharged, except thofe ftationed in the fort, who (hall alfo be difcharged whenever other troops arrive there to fiipply their places ; and that it be recommended to the Committee of Safety of faid colony to fee that this refolve be carried into execution.
Refolved, That 500,000 dollars be fent to the pay-mafter gene- ral for the ufe of the army in the Maffachufetts-Bay.
That the Delegates of Pennfylvanla be direfted to count and forward the fame with all convenient fpeed under a guard of an officer and two men.
The Congrefs refuming the confideration of the report of the Committee on general Schuyler's letters, &c. thereupon came to the following refolutions,
Refolved, That colonel V. Schaick, lieutenant colonel Yates, and major Ganfevoort be continued in the fervice of the United Colonies, and that they take the command of the battalion to be levied in the colony of New-York.
That captain Lamb be appointed commander of the artillery in the northern department with the rank of major, and that he be allowed 50 dollars per month from the firft day of the prefent month, as a reward for his aftlvlty and fpirlted conduft in the laft campaign.
That no poftage be paid for any letters to or from private fol- diers, while enofagred in aftual fervice in the defence of the United Colonies ; and that fuch letters be franked by fome perfon autho- rized for that purpofe, by the commanding officer of the depart- ment.
That a letter be written to general Schuyler by the Prefident, informing him, that it is the opinion of Congrefs, he (hould pro- ceed to have the conduft of lieutenant Halfey enquired into by a court-martial, giving him previous notice to appear in his own de- fence, and that fuch fentence fhould be paifed on him, as fuch court martial fhall think juft, and if the faid lieutenant Halfey fhall decline to fubmit his conduft to fuch examination and fen- tence, that then all arrears of pay due to him be iiopped; to ena- ble him to give difcharges to fuch officers as have quitted the fer- vice ; to affure him that we have great confidence in his attention to the public intereft, and rely that he will give to the proper offi- cers in his department fuch orders, as will procure indemnifica- tion to the public for any embezzlement or wafte of Its ftores, or monies ; to empower him to remit to fuch of the troops raifed In
Vol. II. C the
J 8 Journals of Congress.
the colony of New- York, as may re-Inlift, any right we may have to ftop wages for under deaths delivered to them ; to defirc he will communicate to Mr. Price the fenfe this Congrefs have of his friendly offices to general Montgomery, in favour of the Ameri- can caufe, to return him our thanks for the fame, and affiire him immediate raeafures (hall be taken for replacing the monies he has advanced j to notify to colonel Eafton our approbation of his late fervices, and that we fhall retain in our minds a juft fenfe of them.
That general Schuyler be direded to appoint Mr. John M'Pher- fan a major in one of the battalions ordered to be raifed out of the troops in Canada.
That a conduAor of artillery, a fuperintendant of the arms, a barrack-mafter, and ftore-keeper be appointed to the northern army, and that general Schuyler be defued to recommend proper perfons to Congrefs for thofe offices.
That the deputy pay-mafter general have liberty to appoint un- der him two affiftant pay-mailers, who fhall each rceive 26I dol- lars per month, for their trouble and fervices.
That all the officers and foldiers in the northern department be paid in perfon by the deputy pay-mafter general, or the affiftants to be appointed by him in confequence of the foregoing refolve.
That a communication be forthwith opened between Skenesbo- rough and fort Ann, and that Woodcreek be cleared for that pur- pofe.
That it be recommended to the Committee of fafety of the pro- vince of New-York to appoint proper perfons to enquire into the propriety and practicability of obftrufting or leiTening the depth of water in the Narrows, or in any other place at the entrance of New- York, or of any way of fortifying thatpafs, fo as to prevent the entrance of the enemy ; and alfo to enquire whether the depth of water in Hudlon's river, below the battery, may not eafily be leffened, fo as to prevent large fhips paffing up, and to make an ef- timate of the expence, and report their proceedings in the prem.if- ' fes immediately to Congrefs.
That to-morrow be affigned for the choice of two brigadier ge- nerals, viz. one for the army in Mafiachufetts-Bay, and the other for the army in the northern department.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, January 10, 1776.
A letter from Rachel Stelle, with an account for the fubfiftencc of officers, was laid before Congrefs.
Ordered^ That the fame be referred to the committee on the con- du6l of officers, &c.
Refolved, That the commiffioners for Indian affairs in the north- ern department be direfted to pay the rev. Mr. Wheelock 500 dol- lars, agreeable to a refolution of Congrefs pafledthe i2th day of July lalt. The
January, 1776. 19
The committee appointed to devife ways and means for facilitat- ing the march of the battalions dellined for Canada, brought in their report, which was read, and the Congrefs therewith concur- ring,
Refolved, That three firfl lieutenants, eight fecond lieutenants, one enfign, and a quarter-mafter, be appointed to fupply the vacan- cies in colonel Bull's battalion.
That for the faid battalion there be provided 688 caps, 688 •pair of mittens, 688 pair of ftockings, 688 pair of leggings, 688 pair of fhoes, 688 haverfackti, 688 flings for firelocks, i2oolhirts, 688 waiftcots, 500 pair of breeches, 300 blankets, 64 pitching axes, and 9 baggage waggons.
That for colonel Maxwell's battalion there be provided 688 ha- verfacks, 688 cartouch boxes, and crofs belts, 688 tomahawks> 64 pitching axes, and 9 baggage waggons.
That both battalions be paid up to the firft day of February- next.
That the battalions march by companies, and that the compa- nies follow each other at the diftance of one day's march; that the quarter-mafters and commiflaries precede their refpeftive battalions a few days, in order to provide lodgings and provifions on the road.
That the colonels be allowed fix rations.
Lieutenant-colonels, five ditto.
Majors, 4 ditto.
Captains, 3 ditto.
Subaltern and ftaff ofScers, p^o ditto, or money in lieu thereof.
That it be recommended to the Committee of fafety of Penn- fylvania to fupply colonel Bull's batta;U9n with the foregoing ar- ticles, or fuch of them as they have not already provided them with, agreeable to former refolutions of Congrefs ; and that all the articles furnifhed the men, more than thofe allowed io lieu of boun- ty, be dedudled out of their pay.
That Thomas Lowry be dire6led to provide the articles for col. Maxwell's battalion, and that all the articles furnifhed the men, more than thofe allowed in lieu of bounty, be dedu.dled out of their pay.
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of Thomas Lowry, for the fum of 35,000 dollars, for the ufe of thq battalions raifed in New-Jerfey, he to be accountable for the fame.
Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congrefs proceeded to the elettion of two brigadier generals, and the ballots being taken and examined, Jofeph Fry, Efq. was elected for the army in the MatTachufett'sBay, Benedict Arnold, Efq. for the army in the Ekorthern department.
The Committee of fafety for Pennfylvania, having recommend- ed
2b Journals of Congress.
ed a number of perfons for field officers to the fixth batt'alion order- ed to be raifed In faid colony, the Congrefs proceeded to the elec- tion, and the ballots being taken and examined,
William Irwine, Efq. was elefted colonel,
Thomas Hartley, Efq. lieutenant-colonel,
James Dunlap, Efq. major.
Refolved^ That another battalion be raifed in New-Jerfey, on the fame terms as the other two raifed in the faid colony.
Refolved, That the pay of the troops ferving in and deftined for Canada, be the fame as that of the army at Cambridge ; and that this pay commence to the Pennfylvania and New-Jerfey battalions, from the time they fet out on their march to Canada,
The Congrefs confidering the great dillance from colonel Heard lo colonel Waterbiiry, the difficulty of co-operating with each other in their expedition into Qu^een's county, thereupon,
Refolved, That lord Stirling be defired to furnifh colonel Heard with three companies under his command, who are to join colonel Heard with the minute-men by him raifed, and proceed as foon as may be on the expedition into Queen's county, for which colonel Heard and colonel Waterbury were appointed, and that colonel Heard be defired to fend immediately an exprefs to colonel Water- bury with a copy of this refolution, and inform him that his fervice will not be required on this occafion.
Refolved, That a committee of five be appointed to take into confideration the flate of thefe Colonies, and report as foon as poffible what number of forces in their opinion will be necelTary for the defence of the fame.
The members chofen, Mr. Duane, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Hooper, -Mr. E. Rutledge, and Mr. Wilfon.
Refolved, That the colony of North-Carolina be fupplied with one ton of powder by the Secret Committee.
The Committee of claims reported that there is due,
To the Committee of .the upper diftri£t of Frederic county, Maryland, the fum of 800.1 dollars, to be paid to Daniel Hefler; of which 571 dollars to be charged to captain CrefTop's company, 771 dollars to captain Price's company, and the remainder to the Continent.
To Furman and Hunt, for provifions, &c. furnifhed to prifoners, the fum of 178.2 dollars.
To William Shad, for attendance as melTenger to the 4th of December, 1775, the fum of 52 dollars.
Ordered, That the faid accounts be paid.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, January 11, 1776. Refolved, 'Vh.z.t it be recommended to the Convention or Commit- tee of fafety of New- York, to endeavour to obtain a releafe of
lieutenant
y^
JAN U ARY, I77<^' 21
iieutenant Tiley, of brigadier Woofter's regiment, now
confined on board the Afia man of war, by exchanging for liim an officer of the fame rank of thr Britifli troops in our cuilody.
Refohed, That a Committee of three be appointed to prepare inftruftions to the officers in the recruiting fervice.
The members chofen, Mr. Wilfon, Mr. Dyer, and Mr. Harrifon.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the Com- mittee on the bills of credit, emitted by this Congrefs, thereupon came to the following reColution,
Whereas it appears to this Congrefs that feveral evil difpofed perfons, in order to obftruft and defeat the efforts of the United Colonies, in defence of their juft rights, have attempted to depre- ciate the bills of credit emitted by the authority of this Congrefs,
Refohed, therefore. That if any perfon ihall hereafter be fo loll to all virtue and regard for his country, as to refufe ro receive faid bills in payment, or obftrudl and difcourage the currency or cir- culation thereof, and fhall be duly convicted by the Committee of the city, county, or diftrift, or in cafe of appeal from their deci- fion, by the Affembly, Convention, Council or Committee of fafe- ty of the colony where he (hall refide, fuch perfon fhall be deemed, publifhed, and treated as an enemy of his country, and precluded from all trade or intercourfe with the inhabitants of thefe colonies.
Ordered, That the foregoing refolve be immediately publiflied.
Refohed, That an order be drawn on the treafurers, in favour of the Committee of Safety of Pennfylvaiiia, for the fum of 6coa dollars, for the ufe of the firil Pennfylvania battalion, the faid Committee to be accountable for the fame.
A reprefentation of the field officers of the Pennfylvania battali- ons, fetting forth the inconveniencies that will arife from the bat- talions conlifting of feven battalion-companies, was prefented to Congrefs and read.
Ordered, That the fame he referred for confideration till to- morrow.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, January 12, 1776.
The Committee of claims reported that there is due, ^
To Henry Dewfon, for provifions to captain Rofs's company, the fum of 27.5 dollars.
From Turbett Francis, Efq. one of the commiffioners for In- dian affairs in the northern department, a bailance in his hands a- mounting to 194 dollars.
To Volkert P. Douw, another of the commiffioners of faid de- partment, expences attending the treaty at Albany, a baliance amounting to 2 17 1.9 dollars, and that there will remain in his hands two matraffes', about fifteen gallons of wine, fome fpirits, and fome boards, belonging to the colonies.
Ordered,
22 Journals OF Congress.
Ordered, That the fums due' to Henry Dewfon, and Volkert P. Douw, Efq. be paid ; the latter through the hands of James Duane, Efq.
The Committee appointed to enquire into the conduft of the officers who are prifoners, and the manner in which they are at prefect fubfifted, brought in their report, which was agreed to, as follows :
Refolved, That the conduct of the officers at Trenton, though in other refpefts unexceptionable, is, as to their manner of living, exceedingly extravagant, they being boarded at taverns, and the innkeepers fupplying them in a luxurious manner, on the credit of the Continent.
That the Congrefs will, for the future, allow 2 dollars per week for the board and lodgings of officers, who are prifoners (for which fum they may have decent lodgings) to be repaid by the officers before they are releafed from their captivity.
That the accounts of the feveral innkeepers againft the officers be paid by the Continent, which are alfo to be repaid by the faid officers before their difcharge.
That no tavern keeper fupply the faid officers for the future on the credit of the Continent.
That the officers now at Trenton be direfted to remove to fome other place at a proper diftance from the public pofl-road.
That the officers at Trenton have liberty to chufe the places of their refidence, the choice being made confident with former re- folutions of Congrefs.
That a copy of the above refolutions, together with a copy of the refolution granting officers liberty to fell bills for their fubfiif- tence, be tranfmitted to the feveral Committees, where officers who are prifoners refide ; and that the faid Committees be direft- ed to apply to the faid officers for their bills to difcharge the debts already incurred, and alfo to inform them, it is expedled i;hey will from time to time draw for their future fubfiftence.
Ordered, That Rachel Stille's account for fubfiftence of officers to the 4th of January, 1776, amounting to 423.6 dollars, be paid.
The 'Congrefs refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole, to take into confideration the trade of the United Colonies, and af- ter fome time, the Prefident refumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported that the Committee had taken into confideration the matter to them referred, but not having come to a conclufion, defired leave fo fit again.
Refolved, That this Congrefs will to-morrow refolve itfelf into a Committee of the whole, to take into further confideration the trade of the United Colonies.
A memorial from the field-officers of the firft Pennfylvania bat- talion wasprefented to Congrefs.
Ordered, That the fame be referred till to-morrow.
The
January, i']']C. 23
The feveral matters to this day referred being pollponed, Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow.
Saturday, January 13, 1776.
A letter from general Wafhington, dated January the 4th, 1776 ; alfo a letter from the Committee of Safety of New- York, dated January the 3d, being received, were read.
Refolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to take into confideration the letter from the Committee of Safety of New- York, and to confer with Mr. Romans, and report to Congrefs.
I'he members chofen, Mr. Paine, Mr. Dyer, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Wythe, and Mr. W. Livingfton.
The Secret Committee having made report refpefting the pur- chafe of the falt-petre lately imported,
Refclved, That the faid Committee be diredled to purchafe the falt-petre on the beft terms they can, and have it manufaftured into gunpowder as foon as pofllble.
Refolvedy That the Secret Committee be diredled to fupply co* lonel Heard with 200 pounds of gun-powder, to enable him to carry into execution the orders of Congrefs.
Refolved, That John Morgan be promoted to the rank of firft lieutenant in one of the companies of colonel Bull's battalion.
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, Jannary 15, 1776. A paragraph of a letter from Peter Timothy, fecretary to the Provincial Convention and Committee of Safety of South- Carolina, dated January 5th, to C. Gadfon, Efq; was read, in- forming that the faid Convention have refolved to continue the De- legates, and have conftituted any two of them to be a quorum to reprefent faid colony.
A letter from general Wartiington, dated the 3 ift of December, 1775, v^ith fundry papers enclofed, among which a draught of capt. Matthews on the treafury of Virginia, for £ 100 lawful money advanced him by the general ; alfo two letters from lord Stirling, dated January 8th and i ith, and a letter from governor Trumbull, with three papers enclofed, being received, were read.
Refolved, That the letter from general Wafhington be referred to a Committee of three.
The members chofen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Wilfon.
That the letters from lord Stirling be referred to a Committee of five.
The members chofen, Mr. W. Livingfton, Mr. M'Kean, Mr. Floyd, Mr. Ward, and Mr, Alexander.
That the letter from governor Trumbull, with the enclofed pa- pers, be referred to the Committee appointed to confer with Mr. Romans. A letter
24 Journals OF Congress.
A letter from the Committee of Safety of New-York, dated January nth, 1776, was read.
Refolved^ That it be referred to the Committee on the ftate of the Colonies.
Rffohed, That a Committee of five be appointed to make an ef- tlmate of the number of cannon, that may be wanted for the de- fence of the United Colonies, and to devife ways and means for procuring them, and that it be an inflruftion to faid Committee to enquire what fized cannon can be call inthefe Colonics.
The members chofen, Mr. Wifner, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Ro- gers, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Paine.
RcTolved, That no bought indented fervants be employed on board the fleet, or in the army of the United Colonies, without the confent of their mailers.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due,
To Jacob Hiltzheimer, for exprefles, the fum of 356. i dollars.
To Jonathan Trumbull, jun. for his expences to Philadelphia", and returning to New-York with money, the fum of 99.7 dollars.
To Thomas. Apty, for boarding feveral prifoners, 109.6 dol- lars.
Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.
Refclved, That it 4ie recommended to the Committee of Safety of Pennfylvania to enquire into the characters of the recruits or privates taken on board the Rebecca and Frances tranfport, and to dilrnifs fuch of them as they judge may with fafety to the Co- lonies be difcharged.
The Congrefs refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole, to take into confideration the ftate of the trade of the United Colo- nies ; and, after fome time, the Prefident refumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported, that the Committee had taken into their farther confideration the matter to them referred, but that not having come to a conclufion, they dehred him to move for leave to jit again.
Refolved, That this Congrefs will, on Friday next, refolve it- felf into a Committee of the whole, to take into farther confide- ration the trade of the United Colonies'
Refolved, That captain Matthew's draft on the treafury of Vir- o-inia be delivered to the Delegates of that colony ; and that they be defired to receive the money, and pay the fame to the Conti- nental treafurers.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
TuEsDAV, January 16, 1776. The colony of Connefticut having appointed new Delegates, the fame attending, produced the credentials of their appointment, which were read, as follows,
«' At
JaNU A RY, 1776. 25
" At a general AJfejnhly of the governor and company of the Eng-
liJJj colom of ConJie^iicuty in Ne'vj- England, in Americay holden
at Neiu- Haven, in faid colony, on the fecond Thurfday of O^ober,
Anno Domini 1775.
" Refolved, by this Affembly, That Roger Sherman, Oliver Wolcott, Samuel Huntington, Titus Hofmer, and William Wil- liams, Efqrs. be, and they are hereby appointed Delegates to reprefent this colony at the General Congrefs of the United Colo- nies in America for the year enfuing, and until new be chofen, that is to fay, the faid Roger Sherman, Oliver Wolcott, and Sa- muel Huntington, Efqrs. do attend faid Congrefs, and on the failure of either of the faid gentlemen, by ficknefs, or othcrwife, then the faid Titus Hofmer, or William Williams, Efqrs. are to fupply the place or places of any or either of the faid three gen- tlemen firft named, in fuch manner, that three of faid Delegates, and three only, do attend faid Congrefs at any one time ; and the faid three Delegates, or any or either of them, who (hall be prefent in faid Congrefs, are hereby fully authorifed and impowered to re- prefent this colony in faid Congrefs, to confult, advife and re- folve upon meafures neceffary to be taken and purfued for the de- fence, fecurity and prefervation of the rights and liberties of the faid United Colonies, and for their common fafety ; and of fuch their proceedings and refolves they do tranfmit authentic copies, from time to time, to the General Affembly of this Colony. That the faid Delegates now appointed do repair to, and take their feats in faid Congrefs, by the firft day of January next, in cafe faid Congrefs fhall be then fitting, or as foon after as faid Congrefs (hall be convened ; and that the faid gentlemen who are now attending faid Congrefs in behalf of this colony, do continue in their faid office until the gentlemen now chofen, and directed to attend in manner aforefaid, fhall arrive at faid Congrefs. " A true copy of record, examined by
George Wyllys, Secretary.""
A letter from Mr. Lewis, dated January 8th, was read, re- commending a flranger to the notice of Congrefs.
Ordered, That the fame be referred to the Committee on the Qualifications of perfons applying for offices.
Refolved, That a member, in the room of Mr. Dyer, be added to the Committee appointed to draw up inftrudlions to the officers employed in the recruiting fervice.
Refolved, That the feveral petitions of gentlemen, praying to be appointed officers in the Pennfylvania battalions, be referred to the Committee on Qualifications.
Application being made in behalf of Mr. Juge and the owner of a veffel lately arrived in Delaware, for leave to export provifions to th;' amount of the cargoes by them imported,
Refolved, That this be referred to the Secret Committee.
Vol.. n. D Refolved,
26 Journals of Congrfss.
Refohed, That two members be added to the fecret Committee.
The members chofen, Mr. Hewes and Mr. Alexander.
The Committee on the ftate of the Colonies brought in a report, which being taken into confideration.
Refohed, That another battalion be raifedin the colony of North- Carolina, in order to defeat any attempt which may be made in op- pofition to the meafures recommended by the Continental Congrefs.
Refoived, That the farther confideration of the report be referred till to-morrow.
The Committee having defired leave to fit again, the fame was Sfranted.
Refohed, That to morrow be affigned for taking into confidera- tion, in a Committee of the whole, the propriety of opening the ports after the firft of March next.
The delegates of South-Carolina having informed the Congrefs, that their colony, being in wantof feaman, had given orders to oifer high wages to fuch as would engage in their fervice, defired the ad- vice and opinion of Congrefs on this matter.
Refohed, That it be referred to a Committee of five.
The membero chofen, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Huntington, Mr.Paiae, Mr. Morris and Mr. Floyd.
Refohed, That the naval Committee be empowered to purchafe a fmall vefiel for a tender.
The Committee appointed to procure powder from Providence, brought in a report, with an account of a cargo provided for that purpofe by Willing and Morris, amounting 103233.2 dollars; whereupon,
Refohed, That the faid Committee be authorifed to give fuch orders to the captain of the veffel, as they may think proper.
That an order be drawn on the treafurers, in favour of Willing and Morris, for the faid fum of 3233.2 dollars.
The Committee on gen. Wafhington's letters brought in a report which being taken into confideration, the Congrefs thereupon came to the following refolutions.
Refohed, That the paymafter general of the army at Cambridge be empowered to draw bills upon the Prefident of the Congrefs, or, in their recefs, upon the Committee of Congrefs for that pur- pofe appointed, for any fums of money which may be depofited in his hands not exceeding, in any one month, the monthly expence of the army, and that fuch bills counterfigned by the general or commander in chief of the faid army be accepted and paid.
That the free Negroes who have ferved faithfully in the array at Cambridge may be reinlifted therein, but no other.
That if gen. Wafhington think proper, colonel R. Gridley be continued chief engineer in the army at Cambridge.
That the pay of the afliftant engineers in the army at Cam- bridge be 26 dollars and two thirds per month.
The
January, 1776. 27
The Committee having defired leave to fit again, the fame was granted.
Refolved, That four members be added to the Committee on thcQualincatlons, &c. in the room of thofe abfent.
The members chofen, Mr. Wolcott, for Connedlicut, in the room of Mr. Dyer, Mr. Duane, for New- York, in the room of Mr. Jay, Mr. M'Kean, for the lower Counties on Delaware, in the room of Mr. Rodney, and Mr. Rogers, for Maryland.
Refolved, That Thurfday next be affigned for taking into confi- deration the report of the Committee on Indian affairs.
Refolved, That a lift of the Committees who have not reported, be prepared and laid on the table. Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednes-day, January 17, 1776. A Petition from Dr. Benjamin Church was prefented to Con- grefs, and read.
Refolved, That the fame be referred to a Committee of three. The members chofen, Mr. Harrifon, Mr. Paca, and Mr. Hooper. A petition from Ibbetfon Hamar, a prifoner at Trenton, was prefented to Congrefs and read, praying for leave to refide at Mr. Stainforth's near Prince-Town.
Refolved, That the fame be granted.
A memorial from the captains and fubalterns of the firft Penn- fylvania battalion was prefeijted to Congrefs and read complaining of the conduft of their colonel.
/2^yj/v^i/, That the fame be referred to the Committee of Quali- fications, and that they be diredled to hear the parties, and report to Congrefs.
Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congrefs refolved itfelf into a Committee of the whole, to take into confideration the pro- priety of opening the ports after the firft of March next, and after fome time, the Prefident refuraed the chair, and Mr. Ward repor- ted, that the Committee had taken into confideration the matter to them referred, and had come to a refolution, which he read in his place, and delivered in. The report being again read. Ordered, To lie on the table.
Refolved, That a Committee of five be appointed, to confider un- der what regulations and reftriftions the trade of the United Colo- nies ought to be carried on after the firft of March next.
The members chofen, Mr. Harrifon, Mr. Morris, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Adams and Mr. Sherman.
Refolved, That a member be added to the Committee appointed to confer with Mr. Romans.
The member chofen, Mr. Wolcott.
The Committee appointed to prepare inftruAions for the officers in the recruiting fervice brought in their report, which being taken
into
f
iS Journals of Congress.
into confideration, the Congrefs thereupon came to the following refolutions,
Refolved, That the colonels of the feveral battalions ordered to be raifed do immediately order their officers, on recruiting fervice to fuck parts where they are befk known, and have the greateft probability of fuccefs.
That the recruiting officers ought to be careful to inlift none but healthy, found and able bodied men, and not under fixteen years of age.
That the colonels of the feveral battalions aforefaid appoint fome place or places of rendezvous, to which the recruits may be fent, and where the battalions may be quartered.
That the greateft attention ought to be paid to the behaviour of the troops in quarters, that they may give no reafonable caufe of complaint.
That the quarters of the troops be duly difcharged once every week.
That an allovv'ance of one dollar and a third of a dollar per man be made to the recruiting officers in lieu of their expences in recrui- ting, exclufive of the fubfiftance money allovved them. And that in cafe any man be inlifted contrary to the foregoing regulations, the pay they may have received, and the fubfiftance money that may be paid for them, (hall be flopped from the pay of fuch recrui- ting officers.
That the colonels of the feveral battalions to be raifed in Penn- fylvania, befupplied with money for the recruiting fervice by the Committee of fafety of faid colony, and difburfe the fame to the feveral recruiting officers; the colonels and other officers to be ac- countable for what they ftiall receive, and all arrears, they may fall into, to be ftopped from their pay.
Refolved, That the fum of one dollar and one third of a dollar per man be allowed to the officers of the firft Pennfylvania battalion for each man by them inlifted, who fhall have pafled mufter.
Refolved, That the treafurers be empowered to advance to Mr. Regonville a fum not exceeding 400 dollars, taking his draught or bill on his agent in Canada for the fame.
A letter from gen. Schuyler, dated January the 13th, enclofing copies of letters from gen. Woofter, colonel Arnold, and others, were laid before Congrefs and read, containing an account of an unfuccefsful attempt made to gain pofleffion of Quebec by ftorra, on the 3 ift of December, and of the death of gen. Montgomery.
The Committee to whom the matter of South-Carolina, refpeft- ing the engaging of feamen, was referred, brought in their report, which was read- Adjourned to ten o'clock to morrow.
Thursday, January 18, 177^. The Committee to whom the petition of Dr. Church was referr-
■■ ^ ■ ed
January, 1776- 29-
ecl, brought in their report, which being taken into confideration
Refolved, That gov. Trumbull be defired to give order for the re- moval of Dr. Church to fome more comfortable place of confine- ment, than that where he now is, if fuch can be found in that co- lony; and that for the advancement of his health, the faid Dr. Church be permitted to ride out at proper feafons under a trully guard, who will be careful to prevent his carrying on any corref- pondence, or doing any a6l prejudicial to the fafcty and welfare of the United Colonies.
A letter from the Committee of Frederick-town, Maryland, en- cloling fundry intercepted letters, found upon Dr. John Smith, one of Connolly's aflbciates, being brought by the guard who had the charge of bringing down faid Smith, was laid betore Congrefs and read.
Rejohcd, That it be recommended to the Committee of fafety for the colony of Pennfylvania, to take the examination of faid Dr. Smith, and then commit him to fafe and dole confinement.
Refolved, That a Committee of five be appo,inted to take into confideration the letter from gen. Schuyler, of the 13th of Janua- ary, with the enclofures, and report thereon to Congrefs.
The members chofen, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Ward, and Mr. S. Adams.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, January 19, 1776.
Refolved, That five members be elefted for the Committee of claims in the room of thofe who are abfent.
The members chofen, Mr. Wolcott, for Connefticut, in the room of Mr. Deane, Mr. Floyd, for New-Yoi-k, in the room of Mr. Lewis, Mr. M'Kean, for the Lower Counties on Delaware, in the room of Mr. Rodney, Mr. Rogers, for Maryland, in the room of Mr. Johnfton, Mr. E. Rutledge, for South-Carolina, in the room of Mr Gadfden.
The committee to whom the letters from Lancafter were refer- red, brought in an anfwer which was read, and approved.
Ordered, That the fame be tranfcribed and forwarded.
The Congrefs took into confideration the report of the commit- tee on the matter of South-Carolina, refpefting feamen ; where- upon
Refolved, That it be recommended to capt. Cochran, who is ar- rived here for the purpofe of recruiting feamen, to purfue the fol- lowing plan in the inlifting fervice, in which he is employed by, the colony of South-Carolina.
That he offer to each able bodied feaman the yvages of eight dol- lars per month, and that he pay to them nine dollars bounty, andj upon their arrival in South-Carolina, the further bounty of five dollars.
That
3© Journals of Congress. '
That captain Cochran repair immediately to the camp at Cam'- bridge, and take the advice and direction of general Wafhington on this affair, and proceed to iiilift his feamen in fuch parts of the country, as will be the leaft prejudicial to the Continental fervice. That the prelment write to general Waftington, acquainting him with the fituation of South-Carolina, the neceflity that colony- is in for feamen, and defiring that he will pleafe to forward this fervice.
The Committee of claims reported that there is due, To the Committee of Berks county, for provifions, ammuniti- on, &c. furnilhed the riffle-companies, £ ii : 14 : 10, and for ne- ceffaries furnifhed the prifoners from St. John's, the fum of ^8:13:11, amounting in the whole X.o £ 20 : 8 : 9, equal to 54.5 dollars, to be paid to Dr. Jonathan Potts. Ordered, That the fame be paid.
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafurers In favour of the delegates of South-Caroiina, for the fum 10,000 dollars, which was appropriated for Indian afFairs in the fouthern department.
The Council of fafety for the three lower counties on Delaware having recommended fundry gentlemen for field- officers of the bat- talion ordered to be raifed in that colony, the Congrefs proceeded to an eledlion, and the ballots being taken, John Haflet, Efq. was elefted colonel, and Gunning Bedford, Efq. lieutenant-colonel. The Congrefs refuniing the confideration of the report of the committee on the ftate of the Colonies,
Refolved, That four battalions be raifed In the colony of New- York, for the defence of that colony, upon the farnc pay with thofe directed to be raifed in the colony of Pennfylvania ; and that they be ftationed as the commanding officer of the New -York depart- ment fhall think beft, to garrifon the feveral forts in that colony from Crown-point to the fouthvv'ard, and to prevent d.^predatlons upon Long-Ifland, and promote the fafety of the whole.
Ordered, That a copy of the foregoing refolution be tranfmltted to the Council of fafety of New- York; and that they be requefted with all poflible expedition to tranfmit to Congrefs the names of a number of gentlemen, at leaft two for each command, out of whom t-he Congrefs may eleft field-officers for faid battalions.
The Committee on qualifications brought in a report, which was agreed to, as follows :
That Roger Stayner and George Jenkins be appointed firft lieu- tenants in the firft Pennfylvania battalion.
That the two eldeft enfigns be promoted to be fecond lieute- nants in the room of the above.
That Robert Allifon be appointed an enfign In fald battalion. That Jacob Shallus be appointed quarter-mafter of faid batta- lion.
The
^ J A N U A R Y, 1776. 31
The committee appointed to hear the complaints of the officers, and col. Bull's defence, brought in their report, vvhlchi after de- bate, was referred till to-morrow.
The committee to whom general Schuyler's letter of the 13th of January, with the papers and letters enclofed, was referred, brought in a report, which was taken into confideratioa ; whereupon
Refolved, That "the American army in Canada be reinforced w'lth all poffible difpatch, as well for the fecurity and relief of our feiends there, as for better lecuring the rights and liberties not on- ly of that colony, but the other United Colonies.
That an exprefs be fent to the Committee of fafety of New-Jer- fey, and an application made to that of Pennfylvania, immediate- ly to quicken the officers employed in levying the forces direfted to be raifed in thofe colonies, and marched to Canada, and do all in their power to forward the fervice. And that the Committee of infpeiftion of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, be requefted forthwith to ufe their utmoft endeavours to aid Mr. J. Meafe in procuring of the houfeholders therein, fuch blankets as may be fpared from their refpedlive families, for the ufe of the battalion deftined for this important expedition at fo fevere a feafon, for which the owners fhall be allowed the value of fuch blankets ac- cording to the eftimation of the faid Committee of infpeftion. And that colonel Bull and colonel Maxwell do without delay march fuch of the companies of their battalions as are now ready, to ge- neral Schuyler.
That general Wafhington be requefted to detach from the camp at Cambridge one battalion, if the fervice there will permit him to fpare one, with orders to march with the greateft expedition poffible to Canada.
That for the more fpeedy raifing the battalions, ordered on the 8ih of January to be raifed in the colonies of New-Hampfliire, Connefticut, New-York, and Pennfylvania, for the defence of Ca- nada, it be recommended to the General Affemblies, Conventions, or Councils or Committees of fafety of thofe colonies refpectively, to exert their utmoft endeavours in raifing the faid battalions, upon the fame pay and fubfiftence as the army at Cambridge, and to funi'ili them with provifions., ammunition, and other neceifaries, for expediting their march to Canada. And for further encourag- ing the men more cheerfully to enter into the fervice of their coun- try, to give a bounty of fix dollars and two-thirds to every able botiied effective man, properly clothed for the fervice, and having a good firjieck, with a bayonet, and other accoutrements, and f^ur dollars to every foldier not having the like arms and accoutrements; the armt. to be fupplied by the colony, and the coft to be deduc- ted out of the foldiers pay ; and alfo to provide a blanket and ha- yerfack for every iniilted foldier, and moreover to advance one
monihs
32 JOURJ^ALS OF CoNGRESS.
montTi's pay to every officer and foldier before their march, that they may be able to purchafe neceffary cloathing.
That the firfl; two companies which fhall be complete of every battalion do march to that country lb foon as they fhall be ready, and be followed in the fame numbers, with like expedition, by the reft of the corps. And that it be recommended to the General Affemblies, Conventions, and Councils or Committees of fafety of th& colonies in which battalions are directed to be raifed, that they rcfpecftively attend to this bufinefs.
The Committee defired leave to fit again, which was granted.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Saturday, January 2C, 1776.
Refohed, That an order be drawn on the treafurers, in favour of the Committee of fafety for Pennfylvauia, for the fum of 1 5000 dollars, for the ufe of the five battalions to be raifed in faid colony; the faid committee to be accountable.
The Committee of claims reported that there is due,
To capt. Henry Shylock, for his expences in bringing Dr. John Smith from Hagar's-town, and for his expences in returning home, the fum of 89.3 dollars.
To John Nelfon, for his expences jn bringing the faid Dr. John Smith from the Little Meadov.'s to Hagar's-town, and for his trouble in attending him to this city, with allowance of expences in return in cj home, the fum of 75 dollars.
To Francis Johnfon, Efq. for fundry expences incurred by guards for powder, waggons, &c. the fum of 38 dollars.
To Thomas Dewees, for fupporting feveral prifoners the fuM of 43.2 dollars.
Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.
A memorial from colonel Bull was prefented to Congrefs and read, praying for leave, on account of ill treatment he had receiv- ed from many officers of his corps, to refign his commiffion.
The committee on general Schuyler's letter brousjht in a farther report, which being- taken into confidei-ation, the Congrefs came to the following refolutions,
Refolvedy That general Waftiington be defired to difpatch a ge- neral officer, if he can be fpared from the fervice at Cambridge, to command the army in Canada.
That it being neceffary to procure a large quantity of fpecie for the operations in Canada, which cannot be fucccfsfully carried on without that article, it be recommended to the General Affemblies, Conventions, and Councils or Committees of fafety upon the con- tinent, to employ proper perfons within their refpective colonies to colleit all tlie gold and filver coin they can, and inform Con- grefs of the fum collctled.
That
January, 1776. 33.
That it will not be expedient at prefent to fend a Committee of Congrefs to Canada :
That the Committee of Secrecy be defired to difpatch one tori of gun-powder with the firft companies that fhall march from Pennfylvania to Canada; and that governor Trumbull be defired to fend the like quantity of gun-powder with the firft detachment of forces directed to march thither from Connefticut :
That the lofles fuftained by captain Hazen be afcertained by Commiffioners to be appointed by the commanding officer in Cana- da, and that the Commiffioners report their proceedings, with the examination of the witneffes, and their own opinion thereuponj to Congrefs:
That the General Aflemblies, Conventions or Councils oi* Committees of Safety of the Colonies, in which forces are direct- ed to be raifed for the fervice of Canada, be defired to raife for the fame fervice, one company of matroflesj confifting of forty pri- vates, in each -colony, under proper officers; and where a compa- ny cannot be completed, to raife as many as they can, under fub- altern officers, in proportion to their numbers:
That general Woofter be defired to take pofleffion of the medi- cine cheft mentioned by colonel Campbell, to be claimed by doc- tor Beaumont, and if it appear to him to be private property, to pay the value thereof to the owner :
That the General Aflemblies, Conventions, or Councils or Committees of Safety be defired to take the moft effeftual mea- fures for recovering the arms, accoutrements, batteaus, tools, and other ftores of the Contineot, faid to have been carried off by fome of the foldiers, who have returned from Canada :
That 12,500 dollars be advanced to each of the General Aflem- blies or Council? or Committees of Safety of the colonies in which forces are direfted to be raifed for the fervice of Canada, for the purpofe of recruiting their refpeftive regiments:
That from the neceffity of the cafe, and to prevent delays, blank commiffions be iflued by the Prefident for the field-officers, captains and fubalterns, who are to command the battalions or- dered to be i-aifed for Canada, in New-Hampfliire and Connecti- cut, to be filled up with the names of fuch gentlemen, as fliall be judged moft proper by the Convention or Committee of Safety of New-Hampfliire, and by the Governor and Council of Connefti- cut:
That the foregoing refolution be not drawn into a precedent :
That exclufive of colonel Livingfton and his regiment already determined on, there be one thoufand Canadians more raifed. for one year, or during the prefent difputes, at fix dollars and two- thirds bounty and the ufual pay, which number fliall compofe four battalions, and form one regiment, five companies of fifty men to each battalion, one captain, one lieutenant, and one ^ign to . Vol. 11. E each
34 Jo U RN AL S OF Con GRKS s.
each company, and four majors, one lieutenant colonel and one colonel to the whole regiment :
That the Committee of Safety of Pennfylvania be defired to provide and difpatch lifes and drums to Canada, for the two regi- ments dire6led to be raifed in that colony.
Refolved, That orders be drawn on the treafurers, in favour of the Delegates of New-Hampfhire, for the above fum of 12,500 dollars; and in favour of the Delegates of Connefticut, for the like fum of 12,500 dollars; and in favour of the Delegates of New- York, for the like fum of 12,500 dollars ; for the ufe of the battalions to be raifed for Canada ; and that the faid Delegates be defired to forward the faid fums to their refpeftive colonies with all expedition ; the fcveral colonies to be accountable for the fame. Refohedy That the Prefident be dire£led to fend an exprefs to general Schuyler, with a letter, informing him of the meafures the Congrefs have taken for the defence of Canada, and defiring him to forward the fame to general Woofler : . That he likewife difpatch an exprefs, with the like information, to general Wafliington, to the governor of Connefticut, and the convention or council of Safety of New-Jerfey, New-York^ and New-Hampfliire.
The Committee on Qualifications, having recommended the following pcrfons for enhgns in the hrll Pennfylvania battalion, viz.
Nicholas Scii]], John Brice,
Jofeph Greenway, Richard Rice,
John Irvine, Major Wallbroon,
the fame were agreed to, and commiffions ordered to be give« them accordingly.
Refolved, That the fecret committee be direfted to fupply the delegates of New-Jerfey with 300 pounds of powder, for the ufe of colonel Maxwell's battalion.
Ordered, That Timothy Matlack deliver to the delegates of New-Jerfey, or their order, a quantity of flints, for the ufe of faid battalion, and ball or lead proportioned to 300 pounds of powder.
That the treafurers with all expedition fend a trufty perfon with £ 1000 in Continental bills to Samuel Patterfon, Efq; and receive in exchange for the Aime fo much in filver and gold. Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
MoxDAV, January 22, 1776. Sundry letters, viz. one from e;eneralWafhington, of the 11th of January, two from lord Stirling, one of the i8th and another of ^ the T 9th of January, one from gen. Schuyler, of the loth of Janu- ary,and onefrom the committee of Trenton^of the 19th of January, alfo a petition from John Sparling, being received, were read.
Refolved,
January, 1776. 3^
Refohsd, That the above letters be referred to a Committee of three.
The members chofcn, Mr. W. Livingfton, Mr. Hooper, ar.d Mr. Adams.
Refolved, That the Prefident be empowered to employ a private iecretary, to be paid by the United Colonies.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due,
To Benedict Arnold, on account of his expences in his expedi- tion againfl Crownpoint and Ticonderoga, a baliance amounting to 819 dollars, to be paid to Silas Deane, Efq;
Ordered, That the fame be paid.
Refolved, That the Committee of Trenton be defired to fend general Prefect and captain Chace under a guard to Philadelphia.
Refolved, That a Committee of three be appointed, to confider a proper method of paying a juit tribute of gratitude to the me- mory of general Mont£;;omery :
The members chofen, Mr. Livingfton, Doftor Franklin and Mr. Hooper.
The Congrefs proceeded to the eleftion of field-officers for the fecond Canadian regiment, and
Mofes Hazen, Efq; was elected colonel, Edward Antil, Efq; lieutenant colonel.
Refolved, That the United Colonies will indemnify colonel Ha- zen for any lofs of half-pay he may fuftain in confequence of his entering into their fervice.
Refolved, That the appointment of majors, captains, and fub altern and ftaff-ofiicers in the fecond Canadian regiment, be left to the commander in chief in Canada, with the advice of the ge- neral officers in that country, and of colonel Hazen, lieutenant colonel Antil, and Mr. Price.
The Congrefs refumed the conlideration of colonel Bull's ap- plication, for leave to refign his commiffion.
Refolved^ That leave be granted him.
The Congrefs then proceeded to the eleftion of a colonel for the firft Pennfylvania battalion, in the room of colonel Bull, and John Philip de Haas was elefted.
A memorial from captain Duncan Campbell, a prifoner, being prefented to Congrefs, and read ;
Refolved, That the Committee of Safety of Pennfylvania be empowered to take his parole, and that he have leave to refide at Lancafter.
Application being made in behalf of lieutenant M'Donnald, for leave to come to Philadelphia, and remain there five days, in or- der to tranfach fome neceffary bufinefs ;
Refolved, That leave be granted.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
TUESDAY,
^6 Journals of Congress,
Tuesday, January 23, 1776.
A letter from general Schuyler, of the 14th of January, enclol- ing a letter from general Arnold, was read ;
Ordered, That the Secretary draw up a narrative of the repulfc our troops met with, and of the lofs fuftained in their unfuccefsful attempt on Quebec, and lay the fame before Congrefs.
Refolvedy That a Committee of three be appointed to prepare a letter to the inhabitants of Canada.
The members chofen, Mr. Livingfton, Mr. Lynch and Mr. Wilfon.
Refolved, That the articles of war be tranllated into French, and 500 copies fent to Canada.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due.
To Adam Ekel, for Waggonage from Lancafter to Cambridge with captain Smith's company of rifle-men, a ballance of 43.3 dol- lars.
To Deborah Siddens, for proyifions for captain Rofs's compa- ny, the fumof 15.3 dollars.
To John Jervis, for ferriage, horfe hire, &c. the fum of 12 dollars.
To the Committee of Romboiet Precinft, in Dutchefs county, in the colony of New- York, the fum of 129.4 dollars.
To Robert Erwin, for waggonage, the fum of 67 dollars.
To Timothy Matlack, for cafh by him paid to Archibald Dick, the expences of a guard over a powder waggon, 16.4 dol- lars.
Ordered, That the faid accounts be paid.
The Congrefs took into confideration the report of the Com- mittee on Indian affairs, which, after debate, was recommitted.
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafurers, in favour pf the.Committee of Safety of the Three Lower Counties on Dela- ware, for the fum of. 3 000 dollars, for the ufe of the battalion o;-- dered to be raifed in that colony; the faid Committee to be ac- countable for the expenditure.
Adjourned to ten 6'clock to-n^orrow.
.Wednesday, January 24, ,1776.
A letter from the Committee of Trenton, of January the 27^^.^ was read.
The Secretary laid before Congrefs an account of the repulfe our troops met with in their attempt on Quebec, the 31ft of De- cember, which was read.
Ordered, That the fame be publi'fhed.
Refolved, That fuch of the^ foldiers, ordered to Canada, as gre married, and are defirous of having part of their pay given to their wives, be indulged ; and that the captains or paymafter be diredl- ed, in future payment of fuch foldiers, to deduct fuch part of their monthly pay. Refolved s
January, 1776. 37
Refohed, That the prefident be dire^ed to inform general Schuyler, that the return of cannon mentioned in his letter of De- cember 2ift, is miflaid, and that therefore he is defired to make a return as foon as poflible of all the cannon and artillery at Crown- ,point and Ticonderoga, exclufive of thofe taken by colonel Knox for general Waftiington.
Refohed, That Mr. Bankfon be appointed a firft lieutenant ia the room of Mr. Morgan, who is in the country.
Information being given to Congrefs that fome foldiers in the firft Pennfylvania battalion, now under orders to march to Cana- da, are not fupplied with arms :
Refohed, That the commanding officer of faid battalion be di- re&ed to make a return of the arms of faid battalion, and how many are wanting, to the prefident of the Committee of infpefti- on and obfervation for the city and liberties of Philadelphia :
That the faid committee be defired to ufe their utmoft influence to provide good arms for fuch of faid battalion as may want them.
Refohed, That a committee of feven be appointed to confider the propriety of eftablifhing a war-office, and the powers with, which the faid office fhould be vefted.
The members chofen, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Franklin, Mr. E. Rut- ledge, Mr. Harrifon, Mr. Ward, Mr. S. Adams, and Mr. Morris.
The committee appointed to prepare a letter to the inhabitanta of Canada reported a draft, which being read and confidered, was approved.
Ordered, That the fame be immediately tranflated and printed-
Refohed, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of Carpenter Wharton, for the fum of 1000 dollars, to enable him to fupply the lirft Pennfylvania battalion with provifions on their march to Albany ; .he to be accountable.
Refohed, That a committee of five be appointed to prepare an addrefs to the inhabitants of the United Colonies.
The members chofen, Mr. Dickinfon, Mr. Wilfon, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Duane, and Mr. Alexander.
Refohed, That an order be drawn on the treafurera in favour of colonel Hazen, for the fum of 533* dollars, he to be accountable.
That a like order be drawn in favour of colonel Antil, for the fum of 200 dollars.
That the fum of 2666f dollars, in fpecie, be advanced to colonel Hazen, for the ufe of the battalion to be by him raifed in Canada, he to be accountable.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, January 25, 1776. Sundry letters, viz. one from the Committee of Trenton, dated the 23d of January; one from Ibetfon Hamar, and from Dr. Rich- 3rd Huddlefton, of the fame date ; and one from the Committee pf
Lancafter,
38 Journals OF Congress.
Lancaller, of the 226. of January, were read,, and referred to the Committee of correfpondence.
A letter from colonel Maxv?ell, refpe&lng the unprepared ftate of his battalion, being read,
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafui'ers, in favour of the Committee of Trenton, for the fum of 4000 dollars, to purchafe ai'rns for colonel Maxwell's battalion, the faid committee to be ac- countable
Refohed, That the prefident write to the faid committee, and to Mr. Lowry, ilimulating them to furnifn colonel Maxwell's batta- lion with the articles neceffary for their march ; and that the prefi- dent write to colonel Ma:iwell, and diredl him to fend forward to Albany the firft company that can be got ready, and that he caufe the other companies to march with like expedition, one at a time, as fail as they can be got ready.
Refol-jed, That a committee of three be appointed to take the examination of brigadier general Prcfcot and captain Chace, who are arrived at Philadelphia, and report to Congrefs.
The members chofcn, Mr. Adams, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Sherman.
The committee appointed to confxder of a proper method of pay- ing a juft tribute of gratitude to the memory of general Montgo- mery, brought in their report, which was agreed to as follows :
It being not only a tribute of gratitude juftly due to the memo- ry of thofe who have peculiarly diftinguifhed themfelves in the glo- rious caufe of liberty, to perpetuate their names by the moft du- rable monuments ereiled to their honour, but alfo greatly condu- cive to infpire pollerity with an emulation of their illuftrious ac- tions;
Rcfohcd, That to exprefs the veneration of the United Colonies for their late general, Richard Montgomery, and the deep fenfe .they entertain of the many lignal and important fervices of that gallant officer, who, after a feries of fucceflcs, amidft the moft dif- couraging difficulties, fell at length in a gallant attack upon Que- bec, the capital of Canada; and to tranfmit to future ages, as ex- amples truly worthy of imitation, his patriotifm, conduft, bold- nefs of enterprize, infupcrable perfeverance, and contempt of dan- ger and death ; a monument be procured from Paris, or any other part of France, with an iufcriotion facred to his memory, and ex- sreffive of his aimable charaiter and heroic alchievements. A.nd. that the Continental treafurers be directed to advance a fum not ex- ceeding/ 300 fterling, to Dr. Benjamin Franklin (vvho is defired to fee this rcfolution properly executed) for defraying the expence thereof.
That Dr. Smith be defired to prepare and deliver a funeral ora- tion in honour of general Montgomery, and of thofe officers and foldier?, who fo raagnanimouHy fought and fell with him in main- taining the principles of American liberty.
Refohed,
January, 1776. 39,
Refohed, That the direcllon of the fleet fitted out br order of Congrefs, be left to the naval committee.
A letter from general Wa(hington, I dated the 14th of January, being received, was read, and referred to the committee of corre- fpondence.
Refohed, That Mr, James Meafe be appointed a commifTary to fupply the battalions ordered to be raifed in Pennfylvania with the articles allowed by Congrefs; and that he be allowed for his trou- ble, one and one-fourth per cent, in full of all charc^es for the mo- ney pafling through his hands, and that he give fecurity for the jufl and faithful expenditure of the fame.
That Mr. Lynch and Mr. Allen take the fecurity. Refohed, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of the delegates of North -Carolina, for the fum of r. 0,000 dollars, for the ufe of the battalions ordered to be raifed in that colony.
The committee appointed to take the examination of general Prefect and capt. Chace, made report of their proceedings :
Refohed, That the faid committee be direcled to make farther enquiry into the character and conduct of general Prefcot, and in- fpedl the letters of general Schuyler and general Montgomery con- cerning him.
Refohed, That colonel Roberdeau be requcfled to relieve the guard from Treriton, who have charge of general Prefcot and cap- tain Chace, with a trufty guard from his battalion.
Refohed, That the fortification at Crownpoint be not repaired; and that the fortrefs at Ticonderoga be repaired and made defen- fible; and that general Schuyler be defired to make return to Con- grefs as foon as may be, of the fize and number of cannon, that will be neceflary to fortify that place. Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, January 2G, 177^-
A letter from general Lee, dated the 3 2d of January, cnclofini:^ a letter from the Committee of fafety of New-York, vras received and read.
Refohed, That a committee of three be appointed to repair to New-York, to confult and advife with the Council of fafety of that colony, and with general Lee, refpefting the immediate de- fence of the city of New- York ; and that general Lee be direded to follow the determination of the faid committee thereupon :
That it be an inftruftion to the faid committee, in cafe the city cannot be defended, that they earneftly recommend it to the Inha- bitants immediately to remove their moH valuable efFefts to aplac2 of fafety :
That the faid committee be farther inuructcd to confuft with general Lee and the Committee of fafety of New-York, about the fortifications on Pludfon's river, and about fortifying the pafs at Hellgate : The
40 Journals OF Congress.
The members chofen, Mr. Harrifon, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Allen*
Refolved, That a committee of three be appointed to confider ■what allowance ought to be made for paying the troops raifed in New-Jerfey and Pennfyjvania :
The members chofen, Mr. Ward, Mr. Harrifon, and Mr. Allen.-
Refolved, That an order be dravi'n on the treafurers, in favour of the commiffioners for Indian affairs in the middle department, for the fum of i ooo dollars, the faid commiffioners to be account- able.
A petition from fundry perfons, refpeding the inlifting appren- tices, was prefented and read.
A letter from Pitt(burg, dated the 15th of January with en- clofed papers, was read.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Saturday, January 2'], 1776.
A letter from general Wafhington, dated the iQth of Januaryji one from the Committee at Trenton, dated the 24th, one from lord Stirling, dated the 25th, and one from T. Lowry, dated the 24th of the fame month, were read:
Refolved, That the fame be referred to Mr. Wythe, Mr. Sher- ftian, Mr. Ward, and Mr. S. Adams.
The Committee of claims reported that there is due.
To colonel C. Wynkoop, for expences in bringing a party of prifoners from St. John's, the fum of 765. 7 dollars, of which 86.2 dollars ought to be charged to the officers of the faid party of pri'* foners :
Ordered^ That the fame be paid.
Refolved, That the Committee of infpeftion of Efopus or Kingn fton be directed to fupply the prifoners thei^e with neceffary cloath- ing, and alfo to provide them with lodging and provilions, not ex- ceeding the rations allowed to privates in the continental army, on the moft reafonable terms they can.
Refolved, That a committee of five be appointed to take into confideration the report of the commiffioners for Indian affairs in the middle department, and the ftate of the Indians in feid depart- ment:
The members chofen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Paine, Mr. Wilfon, Mr. Dnane, and Mr. Roofers.
Refolved, That a commiffion iffue to Cayafliota, giving him the rank of a colonel, and that a filver gorget be prefented to him.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the com- mittee on the cafe of Mr. Juge,
Refolved, That Mr. Juge be permitted to export the manufac- tures or produce of the colony of Maryland (horned cattle, hogs, ffieep, and poultry excepted) to any port or place whatfoever, (except to Great-Britain, Ireland, Britifli ifles, the Britifh Weft- Indies,
January, 1776. 41
Irtdies, and except for the fupply of the Britifli army or navy in America) to the amount of the canvas imported by him into the faid colony ; the faid value to be afcertained by the Committee of infpeftion and obfervation for the county of Baltimore :
Refolved, neverthelefs, that the indulgence in this inftance ought not to be drawn into example, the fame being granted to Mr Juge on account of the peculiar circumftances of his cafe; and that the faid Mr. Juge be enjoined by the aforefaid Committee of Baltimore, to avoid, if poffible, all Britifh fhips of war and armed cutters on his voyage.
A memorial from H. Keppele and John Steinmetz was prefented to Congrefs, and read.
Refolved, That the fame be referred to a committee of three. The members chofen, Mr. Ward, Mr. Alexander, and Mr. Wythe.
Refolved, That a committee of three be appointed, to take into
confideration the matter of inlifting apprenticfes and perfons in debt.
The members chofen. Mi-. Paine, Mr. M'Kean and Mr. Wythe.
The committee to whom the treaty held with the Indians at
Albany, and the letter from V. P. Douw, Efq; were referred,
brought in their report : whereupon,
Refolved, That in order to preferve the confidence and friendfhip of the Indians, and to prevent their fuffering for want of the ne- ceffaries of life, a fuitable afTortraent of indian goods, to the a- mount of^ 40,000 fterling, be imported on account and rifle of the United-Colonies :
That the faid goods, when imported, be divided among the <iifFerent departments in the following proportions, viz. for the Northern Department, comprehending Canada, £ 13)333:6:8 fterling ; for the Middle department the like value ; and the refidue for the Southern department :
That in order to pay for the faid goods, a quantity of produce of thefe colon'es be exported to fome foreign European market, where it will fell to the beft advantage:
That the fecret committee be empowered to contract with pro- per perfons for importing faid goods, and for exporting produce to pay for the fame :
That the faid goods, when imported, be dilivered to the com- miflioners of indian affairs, for the refpettive departments, or iheir order, in the proportions before mentioned:
That the refpeftive commiffioners, or fuchof themas can con- veniently affemble for that purpofe, ihall, as the goods arrive, fix a price, adding to the firft coft intereft, the charge of infurance, and all other charges, and alfo a commlffion not exceeding two and an half per cent, on the firft coft, for their own care and trouble in receiving, ftoring and felling them to the Indian traders; but fuch commiffioners as are at the fauic time members of Congrefs, ftiall Vol. II, F not
43 Journals of Congress.
not be burthened with this part of the bufinefs, nor receive any part of the aforefaid commiffion :
That no perfon fhall be permitted to trade with the Indians without h'cence from one or more of the commiflioners of each rcf- pedlive department :
That all traders fhail dift»ofe of their goods at fuch ftated rea- fonable prices, as fhall be fixed and afcertained by the commiflio- ners, or a majority of fuch as can conveniently aflemble for that purpofe, in each refpeftive department, and fhall allow the Indians a reafonable price for their fkins and furrs and take no unjuft ad- vantage of their diflrefs and intemperance; and to this end they fhall refpeAively, upon receiving their licences, enter into bond to the commiflioners, for the ufe of the United Colonies, in fuch pen- alty, as the afting commiflioners or commiffioner fhall think pro- per, conditioned for the performance of the terms and regulations above prefcribed :
That to fuch licenfed traders only the refpedlive comraifSoners fhall deliver the goods, fo to be imported, in fuch proportions as they fliall judge will beft promote a fair trade, and relieve the ne- ceflities of the Indians :
That every trader, on receiving the goods, fliall pay to the commiflioners in hand the price at which they fhall be eflimated; and the commiflioners fhall, from time to time, as the money fhall come to their hands, tranfmit the fame to the continental treafu- rers, deducing only the allowance for their trouble as aforefaid:
That the trade with the indian nations fhall be carried on at fuch pofls and places only as the commiflioners for each depart- ment fhall refpecftively appoint :
That thefe refoiiitions ihall not be conflrued to prevent or debar any private perfon from impoi'ting goods for the indian trade, un- der the reflriftions expreffed in the allociation.
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, January 29, 1776.
A letter from gov. Trumbull, dated January the 20th, being received, was read.
Rcfolved, That an order be dravrn on the treafurers, in favour of Mr. James Meafe, commifTary, for the fum of 5 oco dollars, for the ufe of the battalions ordered to be raifed in Pennfylvania.
The committee to whom were referred the letter from gen. Wafhington, dated the 19th infl. with the papers therein menti oned, and the letter from lord Stirling, dated the 24th, and the letter from the committee at Trenton, dated the day laft menti- oned, brought in their report; whereupon,
Refohed, That the applications, made by gen. Wafnington to the governments of New-H?.mpfliire, Maflachufetts-Bay, and Connec- ticut, in fuch an exigency, to raifc a regiment in each of thofc colo
nies
J^xVUARY, 1775. 43
Bi'es for the fervice of Canada, were prudent, confident with his duty, and a farther manifeftation of his commendable zeal for the good of his country ; that the ready attention of the faid govern- ments to thofe applications, and the alacrity with which they un- dertook, and the expedition with which they proceed in the bu- finefs, are additional proofs of their meritorious attachment to the common caufe, and may produce fignal public advantages; and that it be recommended to the General Affembly of Maffachufetts- Bay, to raife the like numlier of matrofles, and in the like manner, and that boththefe and the additional regiment there be inlifted oij the fame terms as thofe directed to be raifed for this fervice in New- Hampfhire, Connefticut, New-York, and Pennfylvania; and for this purpofe that 12,500 dollars be advanced to the delegates of MafTachufetts-Bay, and forwarded by them with blank military commiflions for the field officers, captains and fiibalterns, fignedby the Prefident to the faid general aifembly :
That the three regiments to be raifed in New-Hampfhire, Ma- flachufetts-Bay and Connecticut, for the fervice in Canada, be exclulive of the thirteen Intended to reinforce the army at Cam?- bridge :
That the lofs of and damage to fuch fire arms belonging to the foldiers in the fervice of the Continent, as (hall happen, not through carcleflhefs or mifbehaviour, the value beiiig afcertained in a pro- per manner, to be provided by the general aflemblies, con%'enti- ons or councils or committees of Safety of the United Colonies re- fpe<9:ively, be made good to the owners; and that their arms, after their time of fervice expired be not detained from them:
That the alertnefs, activity and good condufl of lord Stirling, and the forwardnefs and fpirit of the gentlemen, and others, from Elizabeth-town, who voluntarily aSifted him in taking the fhip Blue Mountain Valley were laudable and exemplary; and that hi§ lordlhip be direfted to fecure the capture until the further order of the Congrefs ; and that in the mean time he caufe fuch part of the loading, as would otherwife perifh, to be difpofed of by fale.
The committee defired leave to fit again, which was granted.
A petition from Dr. Wheelock, being laid before Congrefs, was read, and referred to the commiteee on Indian affairs in the middle department.
The committee of claims reported, that there is due,
To Hugh M'CIenahan, an exprefs from Pittfburg, for expen- ces, &c. the fum of 46.2 dollars.
Ordered, That the fame be paid.
Refolved, That gen. Prefcot be committed to, and kept ^n clofe confinement in the goal of Philadelphia, till further orders of Con- grefs.
That capt. Chafe be remanded to Trenton, and permitted to rer fide with the other officers on his parole.
A
44 Journals OF Congress.
A memorial and propofal of capt. John Nelfon, refpefting a company of riffle-men was prefented to Congrefs, and read.
Refolved, That a committee of three be appointed, to confer with capt. Neh^'on.
The members chofen, Mr. Morton, Mr. Wifncr and Mr Sher-
Adjournad to ten o'clock to morrow.
Tuesday, January 30, 1776. "Refolved, That Dr. Cadvvalader and Dr. Shippen jun. be defired to infpeft the room of the goal where gen. Prefcot is confined, and enquire into the ftate of his health,, and reportthereon to Congrefs.
The committee appointed to conferwith capt. Nelfon, brought in their report, which was taken intoconfideration, and thereupon,
Refolved, That capt. Nelfon's company of riffle-men now raifed confining of one capt. three lieutenants, four fergeants, four cor- porals and feventy privates, be inlifled for the fervice of Canada, on the fame terms as the other troops ordered for that fervice, and that they march to Canada, and join a regiment there as foon as poflible ; that they be allowed one quarter of a dollar per day, for their fubfiftance on their march to Albany.
That fix dollars and two thirds of a dollar bounty be paid to each non commiffioned officer and foldier, who is furniflied with fufficient arms, accoutrements and cloathing for the fervice, upon their entering into the fervice of the Colonies, and one month's pay to the commiffioned officers.
That 900 dollars be advanced to faid capt. Nelfon for that pur- pofe, and for the fubfiftance of faid company to Reading :
That the fum of 700 dollars be fent to the committee of in- fpeftion at Reading; that faid committee pay one month's wages to the non commiffioned officers and foldiers upon their arrival there, and deliver the refidue of faid fum to capt. Nelfon, for the fubfiftance of faid company in their march from thence to Albany; he to account for what money he receives with gen. Schuyler.
The officers of faid company are John Nelfon captain, Mofes Dicker firft lieutenant, Adam Ott fecond ditto, Ifaac Newkirk third ditto.
The committee to whom gen. Waftiington's letter of the 14th of January, was referred brought in their report, which was ta- ken into confideration, and thereupon,
Refolved, That all the tent-cloth which can be procured in Phi- ladelphia and New- York be purchafed for the Congrefs, and that the quantity neceffary for the enfuing campaign in the army before Bofton^ be forwarded thither, if fo much is to be had :
That it be recommended to the feveral affemblies in New-Eng- land, to affift the general in procuring arms ; and that the thanks of the Congrefs be given to fuch of them as have already done fo:
That Mr. James Meafe, in Philadelphia, and Mr. Lewis, Mr.'
Alfop
Januaky, 1776. 4=5
Alfop, and Mr. L. Morris, in New-York, be direded to carry the former refolution into execution.
The committee on the enliftment of apprentices, &c. brought in their report, and the fame being taken into confideration,
Refolved, That no apprentice whatfoever be inlifted within the colonies of New-Jerfey, Pennfylvania, the counties on Delaware or Maryland, as a foldier in the army or navy of the United Colo- nies, without the confent af his mailer or miftrefs firfl: obtained in ■writing; and that all apprentices now inlifted as foldiers in the faid army or navy, without fuch confent, be immediately difcharged from the fervice, on the application of their mafters or miftrefles, upon payment of all juft and reafonable charges of their inliftment:
That it be recommended to all creditors, whofe demands againfl any perfon who is inlifted, or ftiall inlift, in the continental fer- vice, fhall not amount to the value of 35 dollars, not to arreft any fuch debtor till the expiration of the time for which he is inlifted.
That every perfon under the age of twenty -one years, inlifting himfelf in the army or navy aforefaid, may, within twenty-four hours after fuch inliftment, obtain his difcharge, by refunding the money received from the recruiting officer, and returning fuch ne- ceflaries as may have been fupplied him. by the officerj or the value thereof in m.oney.
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafurers for the fum of 1000 dollars, to difcharge a draught of the paymafter general, for fo much depofited v/ith him, for the ufe of the United Colonies.
Refolved, That a committee of five be appointed to take into confideration an application from the Committee of fafety for New- York.
The members chofen, Mr. Ward, Mr. Paine, Mr. Paca, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Rodney.
Refolved, That the naval committee be impowered to draw on the treafurers for a fum not exceeding 30,000 dollars, in order to difcharge fundry debts by them contracted.
Refolved, That Mr. R. Morris be added to the committee of fe- cret correfpondence.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, January -^^i, 1776.
Sundry letters, viz. one from lord Stirling, dated the 27th of January ; one from the Committee of Trenton, of the 30th, one from colonel St. Clair, of the 27th, and one from colonel Max- well of the 31ft of the fame month, were laid before Congrefs and read.
Refolved, That a committee of two be appointed to confer with colonel Maxv/ell refpefting the ftate of his regiment, and report the means of facilitating and haftening his march.
The members chofen, Mr. Livingfton and Mr. Wilfon.
A report
4^ Journals of Congress,
A report from Dr. Cadwalader and Dr. Shippen, refpedling the room where general Prefect is confined, and the ftate of the general's health, was laid before Congrefs and read.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the letter from colonel St, Clair, refpedling the enliftment of fome of the prifoners at Lancafter,
Refolved, That the prifoners who have been enlifted into the continental army be difcharged, and that no more be inlifted.
Ordered, That a copy of the foregoing i-efolve be fent to the committee of Lancafter.
The committee to whom fundry letters were referred, on the 2 7thin{lant, brought in a farther report ; whereupon
Refolvedy That Mr. Barbaric, owner of the floop and cargo faid to have been taken by the enemy, and retaken by one of the con- tinental veffels of war, ought to make and profecute his claim to the fame before the court appointed or to be appointed, by the go- vernment of the colony to which the faid floop and cargo were car- ried, to hear and determine caufes civil and maritime, where a procefs ought to be inftituted to confirm the recapture, and adjuft the falvage.
The committee appointed to confer with colonel Maxwell brought in their report ; whereupon
Refolved, T\id^t Mr. Thomas Lowry, comraiffary for the battali- ons inNew-Jerfey,be direftedto procure all neceffaries, except arms, for colonel Maxwell's I'egiment immediately; and that the coft of the cloathing and other articles abfolutely elfential, which the non- commiflioned officers and privates are to pay for, be by the faid commiflary procured forthwith, the coft thereof to be dedufted out of the pay of the faid non-commiffioned officers and foldiers ; and that the convention or committee of fafety of New-Jerfey get the arms already ordered with all poffible expedition, and af- ford Mr. Lowry all affiftance in the execution of the above :
That the company in the faid regiment which is neareft being furniftied, be fupplied by any arms and neceffaries in the faid bat- talion, and marched for Canada, and that the other companies be furnlfhed, and marched as foon as poffible.
The Conerefs taking' into confideration the letter from lord Stirling,
Refolved, That the private adventures of the captain and mates of the tranfport Blue Mountain Valley be delivered to them, and that they be permitted to return to England.
The delegates for Maffachufett's-Bay laid before Congrefs an account of their appointment, by which it appears, that the hon. John Hancock, Efq. Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Mr. Eldrige Gerry, Efqrs. are elected to reprefent the faid colony in Congrefs, for the year 1776.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday
February, 1776. 47
Thursday, February i. 1776.
ReJohed,Thzt an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of the delegates of Virginia, for the fum of 333 1 dollars, for the ufe of Mr. J." Walker, one of the commiflioners for indian affairs in the fouthern department, the faid delegates to be accountable.
Refo/ved, That a member be added to the committee on the ftate of the treafury, in the room of Mr. Cufhing:
The member chofen, Mr. S. Adams.
Re/olved, That general Prefect be allowed the attendance of hi* fervant, and of a phyfician, in cafe his health require it.
Rejolved, That the committee of fafety for Pennfylvania be de- fired to take the parole of fuch officers who are prifoners now in Philadelphia, and order them to their refpeftive places of refi- dence.
The Congrefs took into confideration the report of the commit- tee on eftabliihing pofts and exprelTes, and after debate,
Refolved, That the farther confideration thereof be poftponed; and that in the mean while Dr. Franklin be dire6ted to write to the poft-mafters, and enquire on what terms exprefles can be pro- cured.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, February 2. 1776.
Two letters from general Schuyler dated 2 2d and 2^th January, 1^ accompanied with an account of his expedftion to Tryon county, and enclofmg fundry difpatches from Canada, and other papers, being received, were read, and referred to Mr. Wythe, Mr. E. Ilutledge, and Mr. M'Kean.
A receipt of general Schuyler for ^.7829:9:0 Pennfylvania currency, equal to 20878.5 dolla s,fent him by order of the 30th of December was laid before Congrefs.
A letter from colonel Wayne being read,
Refolved, That colonel Wayne be direfted to quarter his batta- lion in and near Chefter, until the farther orders of Congrefs, or of a committee of Congrefs, for that purpofe appointed.
Ordered, That the fecretary deliver Mr. J. Meafe a copy of co- lonel Wayne's letter, fo far as refpefts the fupplying his battalion with neceffaries.
The committee to whom the memorial of M. Afpden was refer- red, brought in their report, whereupon,
Refolved, That Mr. Matthias Afpden be permitted to export in the floop Tryal, configned to him from Port au Prince, the pro- duce or manufaftures of thefe colonies, (horned cattle, flieep, hogs, poultry, and lumber for making caflcs excepted) to Port au Prince, to the amount of 1800 pounds, Pennfylvania currency :
That the above perraiffion be not drawn into precedent, and
that
48 Journals of Congress.
that Mr. Afpden take every poflible precaution to avoid all Britiflj men of war and cutters on the voyage.
The committee to whom the memorial of Keppele and Stein- metz was referred, brought in their report, whereupon
Refolved, That the Memorialifts have no juft claim to fatisfafti- on or reparation for the lofs of their fhip and cargo, feized by one of the king's fhips of war, and detained by admiral Qreves and ge- neral Howe, either out of the continental treafury, or out of the value of the cloathing fent hither to fupply the Britifli troops at Bofton, and intercepted and difpofed of to the ufe of the Ameri- can army.
Refolved, That a committee of three be appointed to take an account of the prifoners, the names of the officers, and their places of refidence, and report the fame to Congrefs :
The members chofen, Mr. M'Kean, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Wifner.
A memorial from the rev. Mr. Samfon Occam was read, and referred to the committee on indian affairs.
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday next.
Monday, February 5. 1776.
Refolved, That general Schuyler be directed to have the arms of fuch of the troops marching to Canada, as pafs through Al- bany, carefully examined there; and fuch of them as are deficient, and want repair exchanged for the good effeftive arms taken from the tories, and to order thofe exchanged and left, to be repaired. '
The committee to whom general Schuyler's letters were refer- red, brought in their report, which was taken into confideration, and thereupon,
Refolved, That general Schuyler has proceeded in difarming fuch inhabitants of the county of Tryon, in the colony of New- York, as were difaffefted, and providing for the future tran- quility of thofe parts, with fidelity, prudence, and difpatch, and at the fame time with a proper temper towards that deluded people, and thereby performed a meritorious fervice :
That the cheerfulnefs and ready affiftance of thofe who accom- panied general Schuyler in his march to the county of Tryon, and their ufeful fervices in that expedition, difcovered fuch a patriotic fpirit, that it is hoped none of them will allow their countrymen to entertain a fufpicion that any ignoble motive adluated them, by requiring a pecuniary reward, efpecially when they were employed in fuppreiiing a mifchief in their own neighbourhood :
That the refolution of Congrefs of the 8th of laft month, for fending fhip-wrights from the cities of New- York and Philadel- phia, to build batteaus at Ticonderoga, be fuperfeded; and that general Schuyler be defired to employ any fuch artificers, as he ihall think proper, in that bufinefs :
That general Schuyler be defired to iffue warranto for compleat-
February, 1776. 49
itig the regiment direfted to be raifed in New-York for the fervice of Canada; and that it be recommended to the convention of that colony to appoint fuch officers thereof, as general Schuyler hath nominated:
That the appointments by general Schuyler of Mr. Hubbard Brown to be conductor of artillery, Gyfbert Marfelis, Efq. to be barrack-mafter, Mr. Peter Schuyler to take charge of the arms, and Mr. Philip Van Ranfelajr, to be ftore-keeper at Albany, be confirmed ; and that general Schuyler be defired to inform Con- grefs of the proper falaries to be annexed to thofe offices :
That General Schuyler be defired to procure llcilful perfons to affift general Woofter in exploring the river St. Lawrence, and to conftruft the armed boats to be kept there, according to a former refolution ofCongrefs:
That the bounty given by general Schuyler for encouraging men to enter into the Canadian fervice be approved, in confideration of the fevere climate and inclement feafon :
That by the refolution of Congrefs of the 8th of laft month, refpefting the provifions and ftores to be fent to fort George, it was intended as general Schuyler underftood it, that he fhould bf fupplied with fuch of thofe articles as he Ihould require :
That general Schuyler be defired to employ fuch batteau-men as are in or near Albany, inftead of thofe it was recommended to the convention of New- York to procure, upon the beft terms he can, and to acquaint Congrefs for what wages they will ferve:
That captain Wyncoop be employed under commo-
dore Douglafs, in the naval department.
Ordered t That general Schuyler's narrative of his march into Tryon county be publifhed in the news-papers.
The committee to whom the memorial of Samfon Occum, one of the Mohegan Indians, in Connefticut, was referred, brought in their report; whereupon,
Refolved, That a friendly commerce between the people of the United Colonies and the Indians, and the propagation of the gof- , pel, and the cultivation of the civil arts among the latter, may- produce many and ineflimable advantages to both ; and that the commiffioners for Indian affairs be defired to confider of proper places in their refpeftive departments for the refidence of minlftei'S and fchoolmafters, and report the fame to Congrefs :
That the commiffioners for Indian affairs in the northern de- partment be defired to enquire of Mr. Jacob Fowler of the Mon- tauke tribe of Indians on Long-Ifland, and Mr. Jofeph Johnfon of the Mohegan, upon what terms they will refide among the Six Nations of Indians, and inflruft them in the Chriftian religion.
Refolved, That Mr. Dohicky Arundel, who was recommended to the notice of Congrefs by Mr. Lewis, be defired to repair to general Schuyler, and that general Schuyler be dir«6ted to exa-
VoL. II. G mine
5» Journals of Congress.
mine him, and if he finds him capable, and fuitably qualified, to employ him in the artillery fervice in Canada.
Dr. Cadwallader having, in a letter to the prefident, reprefent- ed, that being fent for by general Prefect laft Saturday night, he found him in a dangerous ftate of health ; and farther expreffing an apprehenfion, that the dampnefs of the room may endanger the general's life, if he remains there long ; it was thereupon
Rsfolved, That Dr. Cadwallader be defired to have proper lodg- ings provided for general Prefcot ; and that general Prefcot be removed from the goal to faid lodgings, and there kept under a guard :
That the commanding of&cer of the troops in the barracks of Philadelphia, be direfted to keep a proper guard over general Prefcot.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, February 6. 1776.
A letter from the committee of fafety for New- York was read> informing that general Clinton arrived there on the 4th inft. but that it was apprehended his deftination was to the fouthward.
Ordered, That a copy of faid letter be fent to the fouthern co- lonies.
The Congrefs being informed that colonel Heard having per- formed the fervice enjoined him, was ready to make report of his proceedings;
Refohed, That a committee of three be appointed to confer with colonel Heard, and receive his report.
The members chofen, Mr. Crane, Mr. E. Rutledge, and Mr. M'Kean.
A petition from fundry captains of the New-Jerfey battalions was laid before Congrefs and read, whereupon ;
Refohed, That the fum of one dollar, and one third of a dollar, be allowed to the officers of the two firft New-Jerfey battalions, for every recruit by them raifed, and that has paffed mufter.
A letter from the committee of Reading in Berks county, was read, mentioning the arrival of a number of prifoners, anddefiring to know how they are to be fupported ;
Refohed, That the fame be referred to the committee appointed to contract for fupplying the prifoners.
Refohed, That tw^o members be added to the faid committee in the room of thofe abfent.
The members chofen, Mr. Wilfon and Mr. Wolcott.
The committee on the regulations of trade after the firft of March next, brought in their report, which was read.
Refohed, That the fame be referred to Thurfday next, then to be confidered in a committee of the whole.
Refohsdi That general Schuyler be defired to encourap-e futlers
to
February, i77(?. 51
to attend the army in Canada; and that they return fuch fpecie as they fhall receive for the articles they fupply it with, to the com- miffary, who fliall draw orders, counterfigned by the general, for the amount thereof, upon the Prefident ; by which a fiifficient ftock may be in hand to pay off the foldiers, and the rifk and ex- pence offending money for that purpofe may be avoided.
The committee appointed to confer with colonel Heard, laid before Congrefs a lift of nineteen perfons taken into cuftody by him agreeable to the orders of Gongrefs, and brought co Philadelphia: alfo two oaths taken by a number of the inhabitants of Long If- land ; one upon delivering up their arms, and the other refpetting their future conduft.
The names of the prifoners are, Benjamin Whitehead, Jofeph French, John Polhemus, Nathaniel Moor, Samuel Hallet, Willi- am Weyman, John Shoals, John Willet, Gilbert Van Wyck, Da- niel Kiflam, Jacob Mott, Gabriel G. Ludlow, Charles Hicks, Samuel Martin, Samuel Clowes, Thomas Smith, George Weeks, David Brooks, John Townfend.
Refolved, That the faid prifoners be fent to New-York, and de- livered to the order of the convention of that colony, who are re- quefted to confine or fecure the faid prifoners, until an enquiry be had by the convention into their conduft, and report thereof made to this Congrefs.
. Ordered, That the com.mittee confer with colonel Heard about the mode of fending the prifoners to New-York.
The committee of claims reported that there is due,
To George Kennedy, on fundry certificates by him produced the fnmof 427. 1 dollars, of which 338.9 dollars being for riffles, &c. furnifhed to captain Morgan's company of rifflemen from Vir- ginia, ought to be charged to faid company, and the remainder to the continent.
Ordered, That the fame be paid.
Refolved, That a committee of five be appointed to bring in a refolution refpefting the exportation of naval ftores for the public fervice.
The members chofen, Mr. Hewes, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Ward, Mr Paine, and Mr. S. Adams
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, February 7. 1776. Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in farour of Peter Webbers, an exprefs, for the fum of 8 dollars, for the time he has been detained in town.
Two letters from Lord Stirling, one of the 2d and the other of the 5th of this month, with fundry papers enclofed were read. Refolved, That the fame be referred to a committee of three. The members chofen, Mr. Chafe, Mr. Rutledge,and Mr. Wythe.
The
52 Journals of Congress.
The Congrefs took into confideration the report of the commit- tee on the letter from the committee of fafety for New-Jerfey, re- fpefting the prifoners; and after debate,
Refolved, That the fame be re-committed to the committee who brought it in, and to the committee appointed to take an account of the prifoners :
That it be an inftruftion to the committee to examine the capi- tulations entered into with the prifoners at the time of their fur- render, to have the paroles of the officers taken, to order them to their refpedive places of refidence, to fee that the capitulations be duly obferved, and the orders of Congrefs refpedling the prifoners punftually carried into execution, and finally to make a return to Congrefs of the paroles of the officers, their names and places of refidence, and alfo the number of privates and where placed.
As only three of the former committees are now prefent, viz. Mr. Adams, Mr. M'Kean, and Mr. Smith :
Refolved, That two more be added.
The members chofen, Mr. Wilfon and Mr. Wpkott.
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of Mr. James Meafe, for the fum of 10,000 dollars, for the ufe of the battalions ordered to be raifed in Pennfylvania, he to be account- able :
That a like order be drawn in favour of the naval committee, for the fum of 20,000 dollars, to enable them to difcharge the debts by them contraded, the faid committee to be accountable :
That the fum of 250,000 dollars be fent to the pay-mafter ge- neral, for the ufe of the army at Cambridge.
The committee on the letter from Reading reported, that they have had a conference with David Franks, Efq. agent to the con- traftors for viftualling the king's troops, who fays he will order rations to be iflued to the prifoners lately brought to Reading ; whereupon,
Refolved, That D. Franks, Efq. be permitted to viftual the prifoners at Reading, and to feli his bills to defray the expencc thereof:
That dire<?i:ion6 be given to Henry Holler to furnifti faid prifon- ers with fuel and other neceffaries.
A memorial from Murray, Sanfom, and co. Jacob Watfon, and Frederic Rhinelander of the city of New- York, was prefented to Congrefs and read.
Refolved, That the fame be referred to a committee of three.
The members chofen, Mr. Lee, Mr. Nelfon, and Mr. Read. A petition of Pierre L'Farque being prefented to Congrjefs and jfead,
Refolved, That it be referred to the fecret committee. Refolved, That a committee of three be appointed to examine the Journals and rep.ort a lift of the matters yet unfiniflied.j
The
February, 1776.
The members chofen, Mr. E. Rutledge, Mr. Duane Smith. ~ Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow-
Thursday, February 8. 1776.
Refolved, That the money voted yefterday be fent to the pay- mafter general, under the care of colonel Bull, and two other trufty perfons.
The treafurers tranfmitted to Congrefs an account of fundry draughts by them paid, viz.
1775. -^uguft 23. One in favour of John Meafe by general Wafhington, for 266| dollars.
Nov. 27. One in favour of Dr. Franklin, by James Warren, for 7 1 1 1 dollars.
1776. Feb. 2. One in favour of Cox and Furman, by ditto, for 1000 dollars.
Feb. 6. One in favour of John Beane, by ditto, for 750 doUars-
Ordered, That the above fums be charged to the account of James Warren, the pay-mafter general.
Refolved, That a committee of three be appointed to contrafl with a proper perfon to fupply colonel Wayne's battalion with the rations allowed them :
Alfo with a proper perfon to fupply the Pennfylvania troops on the weft fide of the Sufquehannah ; and with a proper perfon to fupply the battalion ordered to be raifed in the counties on De- laware, while in that government.
The membero chofen, Mr. Morton, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Wilfon.
The committee of claims reported that there is due.
To Tench Tilghman, for efcorting money from Philadelphia to general Schuyler, the fum of 286.9 dollars.
To Azariah Dunham on fundry certificates for provifions to fe- veral riffle companies, 25.8 dollars.
To Melchior Meng, for waggon-hire, in carrying money to Cambridge, the fum of 76 dollars.
To Mofes Gale, for the entertainment of captain Cluggage's company of riffle-men, 9.7 dollars, to be paid to Henry Wifner, Efq.
To John B. Scot, for expences in conducing general Prefect from Trenton to Philadelphia, 14.3 dollars.
To George Bunner, for waggon hire, in carrying mone)'^ from Philadelphia to general Schuyler, laft November, 39 dollars.
To Dennis Sneeden, for ferriage, provifions, &c. the fum of 50.6 dollars, to be paid to John Alfop, Efq.
To Jefle Jones for horfe-hire, 8.7 dollars, to be paid to Mr. Dealing.
To Mark Bird for neceflarles to prifoners, 5.8 dollars.
To George Meade and co. on feveral certificates, 104.4 dollars,
of
52,. Journals of Congress.
of wLich 99.2 being for rifles furniflied to captain K. Stevenfon's company, ought to be charged to faid company.
Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.
The committee farther reported, that Mr. M'Kean had laid be- fore them an account of the application of 40 dollars put. into his hands by Congrefs, by which it appears that there remains in his hands the fum of 15.4 dollars.
Ordered, That the fame be paid to Timothy Matlack, he to be accountable.
The committee on the difpofition of the prifoners reported the form of a parole to be figned by the officers, which being read was agreed to, as follows :
I being made a prifoner of war by tlie army of the
thirteen United Colonies in North- America, do promife and en- gage, on my word and honour, and on the faith of a gentleman, to depart from hence immediately to in the province of
being the place of my eleftion; and there, or within fix miles thereof, to remain during the prefent war between Great- Britain and the faid United Colonies, or until the Congrefs of the faid United Colonies, fhall order otherwife ; and that I will not direftly or indireftly, give any intelligence whatfoever to the ene- mies of the United Colonies, or do or fay any thing in oppofition to, or in prejudice of, the meafures and proceedings of any Con- o-refs for the faid Colonies, during the prefent troubles^ or until i am duly exchanged or difcharged.
Given under my hand, this day of A. D.
The fecret committee, to whom the petition of Mr. Pierre L'Farque was referred, brought in their report; whereupon,
/?<?/5/t;t'rt',ThatMr.PierreL'Farquebe permitted to load the Hoop, in which he imported a fmall quantity of powder and arms, with the produce of thefe colonies, (horned cattle, (heep, hogs, poul- try, and lumber for making caflis excepted) and export the fame to Martinique. And that the faid Mr. Pierre LTarque do take every poffible precaution to avoid all Britlfh men of war and cut- ters on the voyage, and ufe his utmoft endeavours to import into thefe colonies the powder and arms mentioned in his memorial> and propofed to be imported by him.
The committee on the memorial of Sanfom, Murray, and co. &c. brought in their report, which was read, and ordered to lie on the table.
A memorial from the committee of fafety of Penufylvania, re- fpefting the erecting of powder-mills, was prefented to Congrefs
and read ;
Ordered to He on the table.
Refohed, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of Dohicky Arundel, for the fum of 100 dollars, and that he be di- refted immediately to repair to general Schuyler :
That
February, 1776. ^s
That a quarter caflc of powder be delivered to captain Craig of colonel St. Clair's battalion, for the ufe of his company:
That the fum of 12,000 dollars be advanced to the convention or committee of fafety of New- York, for the ufe of the four bat- talions ordered to be raifed there ; that the fame be tranfmitted by the delee^ates of that colony, the faid convention or committee of fafety to be accouutable.
A memorial from Dr. Connolly, together with a letter from Dr. Benjamin Rufh, refpefting the ftate of faid Connolly's health, was prefented to Congrefs and read ; v/hereupon
Refolved, That the faid J. Connolly be allowed at fuitable times to walk in the Prifon-yard or hall, the goal-keeper taking efpecial care to prevent his efcape.
The inhabitants of Richmond county in the colony of New- York, having refufed to fend deputies to reprefent them in pro- vincial convention, and otherwife manifefted their enmity and op- pofition to the fyftem and meafurea adopted for prefei'ving the li- berties of America ; and as a juft punishment for their inimical conduft, the inhabitants of that colony, having been prohibited by the convention from all intercourfe and dealings with the inha- bitants of the faid county, and this Congrefs being informed by the committee of fafety of that colony, that the freeholders of the faid county did afterwards, without any oppofition, elett deputies to reprefent them in provincial convention; but as the proceedings againil them had been fubmitted to the confideration of Congrefs, it was apprehended the deputies could not be received, until the fenfe of Congi-efs thereupon fhould be communicated.
Refolved therefore. That it be referred to the faid provincial convention to take fuch meafures refpefting the admiflion of the deputies, and revoking the Interdift againft the inhabitants of faid county, as they (hall judge moil expedient; provided that the faid deputies and major part of the inhabitants of faid county fhall fub- fcribe the Aflbciation entered into in that colony.
Refolved, That Monday the 19th day of this Month be afligned for Dr. Smith to deliver a funeral oration in honour of general Montgomery, and of thofe officers and foldiers who fo magnani- mously fought and fell with him in maintaining the principles of American liberty.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, February 9, 1776. Mr. Elbridge Gerry from the Maffachufets Bay attended and produced a certificate of the appointment of delegates from that co-- lony; which was read, and is as follows :
" In Council, January 18, I77*^» Whereas John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Ro- ert Treat Paine, and, Elbridge Gerry, Efquiie, have been
chofen
56 Journals of Congress.
chofen by joint ballot of the two houfes of affembly, to reprefent the colony of Maffachufetts-Bay in New-England, in the Ameri- can Congrefs, until the firft day of January, A. D. 1777.
Refolved, That they, or any one or more of them, are hereby fully empowered with the delegates from the other American co- lonies to concert, direft, and order fuch farther meafures, as fliall to them appear beft calculated for the eftablifhment of right and liberty to the American colonies, upon a bafis permanent and fe- cure, againft the power and art of the Britilh adminiftration, and guarded againft any future encroachments of their enemies, with power to adjourn to fuch times and places, as fhall appear moft conducive to the public fafety and advantage.
Read and accepted. Sent donxmfor Concurrefice.
John Lowell, Dep. Sec. pro tern.
In //if? House (p/" Representatives, January 18, 1776. Read and concurred. And the fecretary is hereby direfted, as foon as may be, to fignify to each of thofe gentlemen their ap- pointment, with an attefted copy of this order. Sent up for Con- currence.
James Warren, Speaker, /« Council, January \%, 1776. Read and concurred.
John Lowell, Dep. Sec. pro tern, A true Copy, Attejl. Perez Morton, Dep. Sec.^^
Simdry letters being received, were laid before Congrefs and read, viz.
Two from general Wafhington, one of the 24th and the other of 30th of January, enclofing a copy of one to general Schuyler, 27th January, and a number of intercepted letters :
Three from general Schuyler, 29th and 3 ift January, and ift of February, enclofing copies of two letters from colonel Arnold, and fundry other papers : ^ _
One from governor Trumbull, 3d February, with fundry pa- pers enclofed ;
Refolved, That the foregoing letters be referred to a committee of five.
The members chofen, Mr, Chafe, Mr. J. Adams, Mr, Penn, Mr. Wythe, and Mr. Rutledge.
Two letters from the convention of New-Jerfey, of the 6th of February were read ; the one refpefting tea, was referred for con- fideration to Monday next ; the other recommending perfons for field-officers of the third battalion, ordered to be raifed in that colony : Whereupon the Congrefs proceeded to eledion, and
EHas Dayton was ele6led colonel.
Anthony
February, 1776. 57
' Anthony Walton White, lieutenant-colonel.
Francis Barber, major.
A memorial from Mr. Kirkland was prefented to Congrefs and read.
- Ordered to lie on the table.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the com- mittee on the fecond memorial of Sanfom, Murray and company, &c.
- ReColvedt That the memorialifts be permitted to make fale of their cargo of wheat, in Conne£l;icut, or elfe to proceed on their original voyage to Falmouth in England, and a market under the office, papers and clearances, which the faid veflel failed with from New- York, in September laft ; and alfo fubjed to the former reftriftions of Congrefs refpefting the appointment of a comman- der.
The Congrefs being informed of the arrival of fome arms, pow- der and faltpetre :
Refolvedy That the committee appointed on the 13th of laft month to purchafe the faltpetre then imported, &c. be diredled and impowered to take every neceffary meafure to have the faltpe- tre now arrived manufadlured into gun-powder with all poffible expedition :
That two tons of the powder now arrived, belonging to the United Colonies, be delivered to the committee of fafety for Penn- fylvania, in part of the powder borrowed of them :
That one ton of faid powder be delivered to the delegates of North-Carolina, in confequence of a former order of Congrefs, which has not yet been complied with :
That the committee appointed for manufacturing the faltpetre into gnn-powder be diredled to enquire into the Hate and quanti- ty of the arms, powder and faltpetre now arrived, and report to Congrefs.
A memorial from Stacy Hepburn was prefented to Congrefs an(3 read.
Refolved, That it be referred to a committee of three :
The members chofen, Mr. M'Kean, Mr. Nelfon, and Mr. Penn.
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday next.
Monday, February 12, 1776.
A letter from general Lee, dated the 9th inft. being received, was read, wherein he informs, that a tranfport with troops was arrived at New- York, that more might be expedled, and there- fore that a farther reinforcement was neceffary to fecure and de- fend that place ; whereupon,
Refolved, That it be recommended to the convention or com- mittee of fafety of New-Jerfey immediately to fend detachments of
Vol. II. H their
58 Journals of Congress.
their minute men equal to a battalion, under proper ofiicers, to» New-York, there to be under the command of major general Lee :
That it be alfo recommended to the committee of fafety for Pennfylvania, immediately to fend detachments of the four bat- talions of affociators in Philadelphia to New- York, there to put themfelves under the command of ffeneral Lee.
Refolved, That the colonels of the battalions ordered to be raifed in Pennfylvania, be directed to make an immediate return to Con- grefs of the men inlifted, the places where they now are, and the manner in which they are appointed.
Refolved, That the fecret committee be direfted to fend to New- York one ton of the powder belonging to the United Colonies, and that the fame be delivered to the order of general Lee :
That the faid committee be empowered to purchafe for the ufe of the United Colonies, on the beft terms they can, what powder and arms arrive, belonging to private perfons ; and that they fur- nifh with good arms fuch of the three remaining companies of the firft Pennfylvania battalion deftined for Canada, as may want them, in order that they may immediately proceed on their march.
Refolved, That fifty tons of falt-petre be delivered by the fecret committee to the committee of fafety for Pennfylvania, who are requefted to have the fame manufactured into gun-powder, in the cheapeft and moft expeditious manner; and that this Congrefb will confirm any contraAs made for the above purpofe:
That ten tons of falt-petre be by them fent to Mr. J. R. Living- fton's mill in the colony of New-York, and that Mr. Livingfton be defired to manufacture it into powder as foon as poffible, and to enlarge his works, if it can conveniently be done:
That ten tons of falt-petre be alio by them fent to the council of the colony of MafFachufetts-Bay, and that they be defired to have it manufailured into gun-powder, with all poffible expedition, and fent to general Walhington for the ufe of the army under his com- mand.
Refolved, That it be recommended to the committee of infpcfti- on for the county of Cheiler, to aid colonel Wayne in procuring blankets for his battalion.
The Congrefs being Informed that a gentleman was arrived from Canada, who had matters of importance to communicate :
Ordered, That the committee of correfpondence confer with him, and report to Congrefs.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, Fehruary 13, 1776.
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of John Chapman, for the fum of 8co dollars, to difcharge a draught of the pay-mailer general, in favour of William Thorn'-
fon
February, 1776. 59
fon Efq. dated the 28th of December laft; and that the fame be charged to the account of the payrmafter general.
Sundry letters being received were read, viz.
One from the convention of New-Jerfey, dated the loth, and one from Meffrs. Dayton and Barber of the 12th, and one from captain John Nevill, dated Pittfbnrgh, of the ift of this month, and one from John Gibfon, dated 20th of January laft.
Refolved, That the two laft letters be referred to the committee on the indian affairs in the middle department:
That a committee of three be appointed to take Into confidera- tion the two former letters.
The members chofen, Mr. Smith, Mr. Bartlett, and Mr. Adams,
Refolved, That an order for Sooo dollars be drawn on the trea- furers In favour of the committee of lafety for the three lower counties on Delawaze, for the ufe of the battalion railing in that government, the faid committee to be accountable :
That an order for 10,000 dollars be drawn ou the treafurers In favour of James Meafe, for the ufe of the Pennfylvania battalions ; he to he accountable :
That Mr. Meafe be direcred to fupply the troops In the barracks near Philadelphia, with wooden bowls, buckets, and other necef- farles.
Refolved, That it be recommended to the committee of fafety for Pennfylvania, in cafe the barracks near Philadelphia cannot contain all the troops raifed in faid colony, that they caufe part of them to be quartered in the peft-houfe and old goal of this city.
Refolved, That an order be drawn oa the treafurers, in favour of colonel Bull, for the fum of 150 dollars, to defray his expences in carrying money to Cambridge, he to be accountable.
The committee on the petition of Stacy Hepburn brought in their report, which was agreed to, as follows :
That the faid petitioner be permitted to load the floop Dolphia with the produce of thefe colonies, (live ftock and lumber for making caflcs excepted) and to tranfport the fame to Hifpaniola, he promifing to ufe his utmoft endeavours to remit the amount of faid cargo in military ftores, into fome port of this continent, as foon as poffible.
The committee appointed to prepare a refolutlon for the expor- tation of naval ftores brought In the fame, which was agreed to as follovrs :
Refolved, That when naval ftores fhall be wanted In any of the United Colonies, the aiTem.bly, convention, or committee of fafety of fuch colony, may intruft a proper perfon or perfons to import the fame, taking fufiicient fecurity of him or them, that they will faithfully ufe their beft endeavours to Import the fame into fuch port or ports as the faid affembly, convention, or committee of fafety fnall diredl, and as much as poffible to avoid all Britifh men
of
6o Journals of Congress.
of war and cutters; giving him or them, a certificate or certifi- cates of the naval ftores wanted, and alfo of his having given the faid fecurity : And that it be recommended to the convention, council of fafety, and committees of obfervation and infpeftion of North-Carolina upon receiving fuch certificates, to permit the per- fon or perfons producing the fame, to export to the colony apply- ing for the fame, the naval ftores wanted by fuch colony :
That it be further recommended to the faid convention, council of fafety, and committees of infpection and obfervation in North- Carolina, to give permiffion to fuch veflels as may have arrived in that colony for thofe articles, or fuch of the veffels belonging to that colony, as they may think proper, to export naval ftores to any of the United Colonies, taking fecurity as in the other cafes above mentioned.
Refolved, That the pay and fubfiftance of two of the battalions ordered to be raifed in the colony of Virginia, commence from the firft day of November laft ; from which time they have been in ac- tual fervice.
The convention of Virginia having recommended perfons for field officers of the fix battalions ordered to be raifed in that colony, the Congrefs proceeded to an eleftion, when Patrick Henry, Efq. was elefted colonel )
William ChrIftian,Efq lieutenant colonel C of the firll battalion, Frank Eppes, Efq. major. j
William AVoodford, Efq. colonel "^
Charles Scott, Efq. lieutenant-colonel C of the fecond do. Alexander Spotswood, Efq. major j Hugh Mercer, Efq. colonel ~\
George Weedon, Efq. lieutenant-colpnel > of the third do. Thomas Marfhall, Efq. major j
Adam Stephen, Efq. colonel '^
Ifaac Reade, Efq. lieutenant-colonel C of the fourth do," Robert Lawfon, Efq. major. J)
William Peachy, Efq. colonel ^
William Crawford, Efq. lieut. -colonel C of the fifth do. Jofiah Parker, Efq. major. j
Mordecai Buckner, Efq. colonel ^
Thomas Elliot, Efq. lieutenant-colonel v of the fixth do. James Hendricks. Efq. major Jt
Ordered, That the prefident fill up commiffions to the above oifi- cers, and that he fend blank commiffions to the convention of Vir- ginia, to be by them filled up with the names of the officers ap- pointed by them in the faid battalions, under the rank of a major.
Refolved, That the deputy mufter-mafter general be diredled to mufter the battalion raifed in the three lower counties on Dela- ware, and alfo thofe raifed in Pennfylvania, and make return to Congrefs.
Refolvedf
F E B R tX A R T, I 77<^« 6l
Refohed, That a committee of five be appointed to' confider in- to what departments the middle and fouthern colonies ought to be formed, in order that the military operations of the colonies may be carried on in a regular and fyftematic manner.
The members chofen, Mr. Lynch, Mr. W:lfon, Mr. Penn, Mr. Harrifon and Mr. Alexander.
Refohed, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of the delegates of Virginia for the fum of 20,000 dollars for the ufe of the battalions, ordered to be raifed there, the convention of that colony to be accountable.
Refohed, That Mr. M'Kean be defired to requeft the commit- tee of infpeftion and obfervation for the city and liberties of Phi- ladelphia not to proceed in paffing any cenfures on the venders, and ufers of tea, till further orders from Congrefs.
Refohed, That the detachments marching from Philadelphia to New- York, under the command of colonel Dickinfon be allowed for fubiiftance while on their march, the fum of one dollar, and one third of a dollar per week for each of the privates, and non- commiffioned officers ; and that the commiffioned officers be al- lowed in proportion according to the rations allotted to them, and that they receive the fame pay as the four Pennfylvania battalions, from the time they begin their march.
That a committee of three be appointed to confider the bell method of fubfifting the troops in New- York, and what fum of money it will be necelTary to fend thither, and alfo what fum ought to be advanced to colonel Dickinfon.
The members chofen Mr. Sherman, Mr. Duane and Mr. Wilfon.
A petition from Mr. Bernard Romans was prefented to Con- grefs and read.
Refohed, That it be recommended to the convention of New- York to pay Mr.. Bernard Romans up to the 9th day of the pre- fent month.
Refohed, That an order for 600 dollars be drawn on the trea- furers in favour of Samuel Fairlamb (who has contraded to fup- piy colonel Wayne's battalion, quartered in and near Chefter at the rate of feven ninetieths of a dollar per ration) to enable him to execute his contraft, he to be accountable.
The committee appointed to prepare an addrefs to the inhabi- tants of the United Colonies, brought in a draught which was read.
Ordered to lie on the table.
Refohed, That captain Gordon upon giving his parole, be per- mitted, while he remains in town, to vifit general Prefcot at proper feafons.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-J^orrow.
Wednesday.
^i Journals of Congress.
Wednesday, February 14, 1776.
Refolved, That two of the brafs fix pounders at New- York be- longing to the United Colonies, be fent to Virginia for the ufe of the forces there.
Sundry letters being received were read; 4/- One from general Schuyler of the 7th of this month ; one from general Woofter of 29 January, and one from general Arnold of 24th of faid month.
Refolved, That the foregoing letters with the papers enclofed, be referred to a committee of three.
The members chofen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. J. Adams and Mr. Chafe.
A letter from the committee of Amboy dated roth of this month, was read and referred for confideration till to-morrow.
The committee of claims reported that there is due.
To John Ware for conducing a French gentleman from Har- wick townfhip in Suffex county to Philadelphia, the fum of 13.2 dollars.
Ordered that the fame be paid.
Application being made by fome of the mailer carpenters em- ployed in building the continental frigates to fome members of this houfe, informing that about fifty of their journeymen and ap- prentices had engaged as voluntiers to march with the battalion of affociators for New- York, and that their zeal for the public fer- vice was fuch, that they canngt be pei-fuaded to defift by any ar- guments or influence of faid builders ;
Refolved, That the fpirit and zeal of the faid journeymen and apprentices is highly approved of by Congrefs ; but neverthelefs it is the opinion of this Congrefs, that the public will be more ef- fentially fervedby their continuing at work on the faid continental frigates, and that therefore all the carpenters journeymen and ap- prentices employed as aforefaid be requefted to remaia iu that fer- vice, as there is no doubt but other alfociators will complete the number wanted.
The Congrefs refolved itfelf intoa committee of the whole, to take into confideration the report of the committee on the regula- tions and reftri6tions under which the ports fliould be opened after the firft day of March next, and after fome time fpent thereon the prefident refumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported, that the committee had taken into confideration the matter referred to
them, but not having come to a conclufion, defired leave to fit
. o
again.
Refolved, That this Congrefs will to-morrow refolve itfelf into a committee of the whole, to take into farther confideration the report of the committee on the reftridions and regulations of trade after the firfl of March next.
The
February, 1776. 63
The committee of correfpondence, who were ordered to confer with the gentleman from Canada, brought in their report which was read.
Rejolvedy That the confideration thereof be referred till to- morrow.
The committee appointed to confider the beft method of fubfift- ing the troops in New-York, laid their report on the table.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, Feoruary 15, 1776.
Refolved, That the fecret committee deliver one hundred and fifty ftand of arms to colonel Maxwell, for the ufe of fuch of the companies of his battalion as want them, in order that they may immediately proceed to Canada.
The committee to whom the letters from the convention of New-Jerfey, and from the field officers of the third battalion, ordered to be raifed in that colony, were referred, brought in their report, which was read and agreed to as follows :
Refolved, That colonel Heard be direfted to furnifh colonel Dayton with fuch of the arms lately brought from Long-Ifland, as are or may be made fit for fervice, or fo many of them as colo- nel Dayton may defire :
That 30,000 dollars be advanced to Thomas Lowry on ac» count ; and that he be fully authorized to procure all neceflaries (except arms) ordered by Congrefs, for the three battalions raifed or to be raifed in the colony of New-Jerfey :
That the convention or committee of fafety of New-Jerfey be allowed from the continental ilock, half a ton of powder, out of which they are to re-pay what has been borrowed from Elizabeth- Town, Somerfet, Woodbridge, and Brunfwick :
That to the fame convention or committee of fafety be advanced tbe further fum of 5000 dollars for the purpofe of compleating the three battalions there with arms, which they are defired to accom- plifh with all poffible expedition.
Refolved, That two tons of the powder belonging to the conti- nent be delivered to the delegates of Virginia for the ufe of the forces in that colony.
Sundry letters by colonel Ritzema being received were read, viz.
One from general Lee dated the i ith, and one from general Schuyler of the 4th of this month, with one from general Woof- ter of the 27th January.
Refolved, That the faid letters be referred to the committee to whom the letters received yefterday were referred, and that the faid committee be directed to confer with colonel Ritzema, and report to Congrefs.
Information
64 Journals OF Congress.
Information being received that general Clinton was gone from New- York, the Congrefs came to the following refolutlon :
The Congrefs have a proper fenfe of the fpirit and patriotifm of the aflbciators of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, in cheerful- ly offering and preparing to march, in order to affift in the defence of New-York ; but as the danger, which occalioned an applica- tion for their fervice, is at prefent over,
Refolvedy That their march to New-York be fufpended.
Refolved, That a paymafter be appointed for the troops in Vir- ginia, and that his pay be 50 dollars /><?r month.
The Congrefs then proceeded to the eledlion, and Benjamin Harrlfon, jun. of Berkley was chofen.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the com- mittee of correfpondence,
Refolved, That a committee of three, (two of whom to be members of Congrefs) be appointed to repair to Canada, there to purfue fuch inftruftions as fhall be given them by Congrefs :
The members chofen. Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Mr. S. Chafe, and Mr. C. Carroll of Carrollton.
Refolved, That Mr. Carroll be requefted to prevail on Mr. John Carroll to accompany the committee to Canada, to affift them in fuch matters as they Ihall think ufeful :
That this Congrefs will make provifion to defray any expences which may attend this meafure.
Refolved, That eight tons of powder be immediately fent to Ca- nada, for the ufe of the forces there.
The committee of claims reported that there is due.
To Richard Smith for provifions furnifiied by fundry perfons in New- York government to captain Rofs's company of rifHe men, the fum of 28.8 dollars :
To Michael Connolly on account of expences in bringing the women and children belonging to the 26th and 7th regiments from Efopus to Reading, the fum of 1082.8 dollars:
To colonel Simes on account of expences in bringing the bag- gage of the 26th and 7th regiments from Walpack to Lancafter and feveral other fmall expences, the fum of 569 dollars :
To Thomas M'Enry for 800 canteen flraps, the fum of 133-^ dollars.
Ordered, That the faid accounts be paid.
The committee to whom the letter from the committee of fafe- ty of New-York of the 3d of January, and the letter from gover- nor Trumbull of the 6th of the fame month were referred, brought in their report, which was taken into confideration, whereupon
Refolved, That no farther works be erefted on Martler's rock, but that thofe already erciled there befupported and garrifoned :
That
February, 1776. 65
That a fafcine battery to mount heavy cannon, not exceeding eighteen in number, be thrown up on the Gravel Hill eaftward of Martler's rock, marked in the draught LL, fo as to command the weft point, the reach down the river from the weft point, and part of the reach up the river; and that a convenient road be o- pened from this battery to the barracks on Mertler's rock:
That a redoubt of earth and fafcines be built on the eminence on the eaft fide of the river oppohte to the weft point marked in the draught A to mount thirty guns :
That it be recommended to the convention or committee of fafe- ty of New- York to forward the battery at Pooplopen's kill; and that the faid battery be made of earth and fafcines, and to mount a number of guns, not exceeding forty :
That fuch of the continental troops as are or may be ftationed at the aforefaid places, be employed in erecting thefe works and batteries under the direction of the engineer :
That it be recommended to the convention or committee of fafety of New- York to profecute the difcovery of the lead mine at New Canaan; and that a copy of the report of Jofeph Hopkins to the general aflembly of Connecticut refpefting this mine be fent to them.
The Congrefs took into confideration the report from the com- mittee of the whole houfe, and after debate
Refolved, That the fame be re-committed.
Refolved, That this Congrefs will to-morrow morning refolve itfelf into a committee of the whole, to take into confideration the propriety of opening the ports, and the reftritlions and regula- tions of the trade of thefe colonies after the firft of March next.
Refolved, That the committee on ways and means to procure cannon, be direfted to enquire what quantity of brafs can be pro- cured, and that they be empowered to contradl for the fame.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, February \fi, 1776.
Refolved, That the fecret committee be directed to fiirnifh co- lonel St. Clair's battalion with arms, and that the prefident write to colonel St. Clair, and dire£l him to ufe the utmoft diligence in getting his battalion ready, and to march the companies, one at a time, as faft as they can be got ready, to Canada, v/ith all poffi- ble expedition.
The committee appointed to make an eftimate of the cannon wanted, for the defence of the colonies, and to devife ways and means for procuring them, &c. brought in their report, which was read, and ordered to lie on the table.
Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congrefs refolved itfelf into a committee of the whole, to take into confideration the pro- priety of opening the ports, and the reftriftions and regulations of
Vol. n. I the
66 Journals OF Congress.
the trade of thefe colonies after the firft of March next ; and after fome time the prefident refumed the chair, and Mr. Ward re- ported that the committee had taken into confideration the matter referred to them, but not having come to a conclufion, defired. him to move for leave to fit again.
Re/olved, That this Gongrefs will, to-morrow morning, refolve itfelf into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther confideration the propriety of opening the ports, and the reftric- tions and regulations of trade after the firft of March next.
The committee to whom general Waftlington's and general Schuyler's letters were referred, laid their re|)ort on the table.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Saturday, February 17, 1776.
Refolved; That an order for ten thoufand dollars be drawn on the treafurers in favour of James Meafe, fbrtheufe of the Penn- fylvania battalions, he to be accountable.
That colonel James Irviue, of the fixth Pennfylvania battalion, be authorized andimpojvered to purehafe good arms for the ufe of his battalion, the price of the fame to be deduced out of the pay of the men.
The committee on the ftate of the treafury brou^t in a report which was read.
Refolved, That a ftanding committee of five be appointed for fuperintending the treafury :
That it be the bufinefs of this committee,
To examine the accounts of the treafurers, and from titne to time report to Congrefs the ftate of the treafury :
To confider of ways and means for fupplying gold and filver for the fupport of the army in Canada :
To employ and inftruft proper perfons for liquidating the pul> lie accounts, with the different paymafters and commiflaries in the continental fervice, and the conventions, committees of fafetyand others who have been or ftiall be intrufted with the public money ; and from time to time to report the ftate of fuch accounts to Con- grefs :
To fuperintend the emifllon of bills of credit :
To obtain from the diiferent alTemblies and conventions of the United Colonies, accounts of the number of Inhabitants in each colony, according to the refolution of Congrefs on that lubje6t.
The members chofen, Mr. Duane, Mr. Nelfon, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Smith and Mr. Willing.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the com- mittee on the treafury ;
Refolved, That a farther fum of four millions of dollars be e- mitted on the fame fecurity, as the fums heretofore emitted by Congrefs have been:/
That
February, 1776. 67
That the committee for fuperfntending the treafury be direfted to confider the numbers and denominations of the bills, in which it will be proper to emit the above four millions, and report to Con- grefs.
The committee appointed to confider into what departments the middle and fouthern colonies ought to be divided, brought in their report which was read.
The committee to whom fundry letters from brigadier general Arnold, brigadier general Woofter, major general Schuyler, and major general Lee were referred, brought in their report, which was taken into confideration; whereupon,
Refolved, That major general Lee be directed immediately to repair to Canada, and take command of the army of the United Colonies in that province :
That major general Schuyler be direfted to repair, as foon as his health will permit, to New- York, and take the command of the forces and conduct; the military operations there ; and that the prefident inform him by exprefs of thig arrangement and the rear ions that led to it:
That it be recommeaded to the convention or committee of fafety of New- York, to fupply general Lee with a quantity of fuitable cannon not exceeding twelve; and one or more mortars, if to be had, with balls, -fhells, and other neceiTaries for the fiege or affault of Quebec ; and that they affift him in forwarding the fame with all poffible expedition :
That the regiment of Canadians, the railing of which is men- tioned in brigadier general Arnold's letter of the 12th of January laft, to have been put on foot by him, receive the fame pay and be fubjeft to the fame regulations as the other forces employed in Canada, and be accounted part of the number defigned to be raif- cd for that fervlce :
That the appointment of captain Ranfalier to be deputy
mufter mafter general of the forces in Canada, be confirmed :
That the appointment of John Halfted, Efq; to be commilTa- ry for the army before Quebec, be confirmed :
That major i^eneral Schuyler be direfted to have provifions ftored in proper ptlaces near Hudfon's river, between Albany and the Highlands, to fupply fuch troops as it may be neeeffary to call out of the country :
That the offer made by general Schuyler to pay at the rate of four fhilllngs per day, for each of the fleds hired to forward the Pennfylvania and New-Jerfey forces in their maixh to Canada, be complied with:
That the officers in the coiitinental armies be enjoined to ufe their utmoft diligence in preventing every kind of plunder ; and that all who fhall offend herein be puniftied according to the firidleft difcipllne :
That
^8 Jo URNAL s OF Con gress.
That the refolves of Congrefs for encouraging futlers, to at- tend the army in Canada, be publifhed with the information that houery, fhoesj coarfe linens, foap, rum, fugar, and wine are much wanted there :
That a few artificers fuch as armourers, fmiths, carpenters, harnefs -makers and wheel-wrights, with proper perfons to fuper- intend them, be forthwith fent to Canada:
That it be recommended to the convention of New-York, that fuch of the officers, who ferved faithfully in Canada the laft cam- paign, as are willing to continue there, be preferred in the new levies of the colony of New- York to others.
Refolved, That a committee of three be chofen to prepare in- ftrufhions for the committee appointed to go to Canada.
The members elected, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Whythe and Mr. Sherman.
Refohed, That this Congrefs will, on Tuefday next, refolve it- felf into a committee of the whole, to take into confideration the propriety of opening the ports, and the reftridlions and regulations of trade, after the firft of March next.
Refolved, That the committee appointed to purchafe fundry ar- ticles of cloathing for the northern army, be directed to contract for good ftrong fhoes for the army in Canada.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the com- mittee, on the method offubfifting the troops in New- York, &c.
Refolved, That the fum of thirty-five thoufand dollars, be ad- vanced to the convention, or committee of fafety of New-York, for the fupport of the troops employed in the defence of that colo- ny ; the faid convention or committee of fafety, to be accountable for the expenditure thereof ; and that an order be drawn on the treafurers for the above fum, in favour of the delegates of that co- lony, who are diredted to forward the fame :
That it be recommended to the convention or committee of fafe- ty of New-York, to contract with proper perfons for fupplying the faid troops with the rations allowed by Congrefs, and with fuel and other neceflaries, on the moft rcafonable terms in their power.
The committee of claims reported that there is due,
On an account exhibited by the committee of Frederic county, Maryland, to be paid to S. Chafe, and W. Paca, Efqrs. the fum of 860.9 dollars ; of which 268.4 being for rifles, &c. furnirtied captain Creffap's company of riflemen, ought to be charged to the faid company, and the remainder to the continent :
To Nicholas Hower, for waggonage, the fum of 74.4 dollars, and that the fame ought to be paid to Daniel Hower.
Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
MoNDAy,
February, i77<?. 6^
Monday, February 19. 1776.
Met according to adjournment, and having attended the orati- on delivered in honour of general Montgomery, and of thofe offi- cers and foldifrs who magnanimoufly fought and fell with him, in maintaining the principles of liberty ;
Adjourne^l to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday. February 20. 1776. The convention of New-Jerfey having made a new choice of de- legates to reprefent that colony in Congrefs, three of faid dele- gates attending, produced their credentials, which were read as follows :
*' In Provhicial Convention, N'eiv-Jerfey, Bru7tfv:ick, l^:th Fe- bruary, 1776. Refdved, on motion, unanimoufly, That William Livingllon, John de Hart, Richard Smith, John Cooper, and Jonathan Dick- enfon Sergeant, Efqrs. be delegates to reprefent this province iii the Continental Coagrefs, for the fpace of one year, or until others fhall be legally appointed in their ftead, and that they or any three or mere of them, have full and ample power to confent and aerce to all raeafures which fuch Congrefs fhall deem necefTary; and this province bind themfelves to execute, to the utmoft of their power, all refolutions which the faid Congrefs may adopt. And further, if the faid Congrefs fnall think necefTary to adjourn, we do autho- rife our faid delegates to reprefent and aft for this province, in any one Congrefs to be held by virtue of fuch adjournments, dur- ing their delegation.
A true copy from the 7nhniteSi
William Paterson, Secretary."^ A letter from general Lee, of the i7thin{lant, was read. A memorial from a number of .the inhabitants of Northumber- land, in the colony of Pennfylvania, with fix papers therein en- clofed, -was prefented to Cona;refs and read : Alfo,
A petition from fundry inhabitants near Pittfburg, was prefent- ed and read.
Refohed, That the above memorial and petition be referred to a committee of five.
The members chofen, Mr. Hewes, Mr. W. Livingfton, Mr. Paca, Mr. E. Rutledge, and Mr. Chafe.
Lieutenant Brasher, who had the orders of general Schuyler to conduft a number of Canadian prifoners to New-Jerfey or Penn- fylvania, having e::ecuted his orders, laid his inflrutlions before Congrefs which were read. Alfo, Mr- Shallus, quarter-mafter of the lirfl Pennfylvania battalion, having had orders to conduct certain prifoners dov.-n from Kingfton, and having executed his orders, laid his inilru6tion3 before Congrefs, which were read.
Refolvsd,
^o Journals of Congress.
Refolved, That thefe be referred to the committee on the prifon- ers.
Refolved, That the fecret committee be diredled to deliver to colonel Maxwell, or order, twenty ftand of arms for the ufe of his battalion, he to be accountable for the fame.
The Congrefs took into confideration the report of the commit* tee on the ways and means of procuring cannon ; whereupon
Refolved, That two hundred and fifty, twelve pounders, fixty, nine pounders, and fixty-two, four pounders be purchafed for the life of thefe colonies :
That the committee on the ways and means of procuring can- non be empowered to purchafe or contrail for making the fame :
That a new member be added to that committee.
The member chofen, Mr. W. Livlngfton.
The committee of claims reported that there is due.
To Michael Connolly, expences for waggon-hire, carrying the prifoners baggage from Bethlehem to Reading, and his own ex- pences four days, the fum of i6o dollars.
To Richai-d Howell, for tranfportation of powder to Burling- ton, the fum of 34I dollars.
Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.
Refolved, That colonel Wayne be directed to march with his bat- talion to New- York, and put himfelf under the command of ge- neral Lee, or the commanding officer there.
The Congrefs being informed that two prifoners taken at Chamblee, and who had leave to flay at Newark in the province of New-Jerfey, on condition of their making gun-locks, for the ufe of the United Colonies, are not employed in that work;
Refolved, That the faid two prifoners be ordered to Philadel- phia, and put under the direftion of Mr. Rittenhoufe, to carry on the above bufmefs.
The Congrefs being informed that a quantity of powder belong- ing to the United Colonies was arrived at Brunfwick in New-Jer- fey,
Refolved, That Mr. Lewis, Mr. Alfop, and Mr. P. Livingflon, be diredled to forward the faid powder under a guard, with all poffible expedition, to general Wafhington, for the ufe of the ar- my under his command.
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of M. la Junefle, for the fum of 250 dollars, for his fervices in behalf of the United Colonies.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, February zi. lyjS. The committee of claims reported that there is due, To Shallus, for his expences in conducing prifoners
from Albany to Trenton, the fum of 17I dollars :
To
February, 1776. 71
To Cafpar Shaaf, for waggonage, the fum of 104 dollars, and that the fame ought to be paid to S. Chafe, and W. Paca, Efqrs.
Ordered, That the faid accounts be paid.
Two letters from general Schuyler of the 10th and 13th inft. being received were read.
Refolved, That the fame be referred to a committee of three.
The members chofen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Harrifon, and Mr. S. Adams.
A letter from the committee of fafety for Pennfylvania, of the 20th inft. refpefting the prifoners at Lancafter, was read,
Refolved, That the fame be referred to the committee on the prifoners.
The committee on the treafury to whom it was referred to con- fider the numbers and denominations of the bills, &c. brought in their report, which was confidered and agreed to, as follows :
That the four millions of dollars now to be emitted, confift of the following denominations. -
600,000 oi one-Jixth of a dollar. lOO.ooo
600,000 of cne-third do. 200,000
600,000 of one-half do. 300,000
600,000 of tnvo-thirds do. 400,000
130.436 oi one dollar. 130,436
130.437 o{ two do. 260,874 130,436 of /^r^e do. 391,308 130,435 of /par do. 521,740
65,217 of /ff^ do. 326,085
65,217 ofy/.v do. 39 [,302
65,217 offeven do. 456,519
65,217 of f/g^^/ do. 521,736
3,182,612 4,000,000
That the plates engraved for the two former emiffions, be ufed in the new emiffion of the bills from one to eight dollars inclufive, and that thofe bills be expreifed in the following words. No. Dollars.
This bill entitles the bearer to receive Spanifh milled
dollars, or the value thereof in gold or filver, according to a re- folution of Congrefs, paffed at Philadelphia, February 17. 1776:
That the faid bills be figned by two ligners, and each different denomination numbered from No. 1. progreffively :
That one plate with proper devices be engraved for the fmaller bills now to be emitted, under the value of one dollar :
That the form of the bills be as follows ;
One of a dollar, according to a refolution of Congrefs
paffed at Philadelphia, February 17. 1776.
That each of thefe bills be figned by one figner only, and that each different denomination be nnmbered from No. i. progreffive- ly, as aforefaid : That
72 JoPRNALS OF CoNGRESS,
That Michael Hillegas, Richard Bache, and Stephen Pafchall, Efqrs. be appointed and authorifed to infpeft the prefs :
That before they enter upon their office, they fhall refpedtively take an oath or affirmation to be adminiftered to them by any ma- giftrate, " well and faithfully to execute the truft repofed in them by a refolution of Congrefs, as infpeftors of the prefs, according to the befl of their ildll and judgment." A certificate of which oath or affirmation (hall be delivered to the committee on the trea- fury :
That each of the faid infpeftors refpeftively, fiiall be allowed two dollars a day for their ferviccs, while they fhall be employed in infpefting the prefs, in the execution of the faid truft.
Refoived, That the committee on the treafury be diredled to have the foregoing refolntions carried into execution with all convenient difpatch.
The committee for receiving the applications for offices in the continental army reported, that they have nominated Mr. Lewis Durham for furgeon to the third battalion now raifing in the co- lony of New- Jerfey, and recommend him to the Congrefs for ap- pointment to the faid office.
Refoived, That the report be agreed to, and that a commlffion be granted to Mr. Lewis Durham accordingly.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, February 22. 1776.
Two letters from general Wafhington, both of the 9th of this month, being received and read,
Refoived, That the faid letters be referred to a committee of the whole Congrefs.
Accordingly the Congrefs refoived itfelf into a committee of the whole, to take into coniideration the letters juft received from general Wafliington, and after fome time the prefident refumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported that the committee had taken into confideration the lettei's referred to them, but not having come to a conclufion, defired him to move for leave to fit again.
Refoived, That this Congrefs will to-morrow refolve itfelf into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther confideration the letters from general Wafhington.
Information being given by a delegate from New- Jerfey, that the regiment of militia, ordered by the convention of that colony to march for the defence of New-York, in confequence of the re- folve of Congi-efs of the J2thinftant, wanted arms, with which they could not be furnifned, unlefs the Congrefs would fupply them out of the public flock; the Congrefs took this matter into confideration, and being of opinion that it would not be proper to fparethe public arms, which are wanted for the battalious raifing in the continental fervicc,
Refohedi
PfiBRUART, 1776!. '>j-^
Rejohed, That the march of the faid battalion of militia be countermanded.
Refohed, That orders ifTue to quicken colonel Wayne in get- ting his battalion ready ; and that, as faft as he can get a company properly equipped, he caufe it immediately to march to New-York. Refohed, That the prefident be direcled to write to the con- vention of New- York, and defire them to inform Congrefs what progrefs they have made in raifing the four battalions recommend- ed to be raifed in that colony for the defence of the fame. Acjjpyrni^d to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, February z-i,. ^TT^.
Gplonel Braxton, a delegate from Virginia, attending, produc'
ed the credentials of his appointment, which were read, as follows:
« yirghiia, in Cofivention, December 15. 177 5.
The Convention, according to the order of the day, proceeded
to the appointment of a delegate to reprefent this colony in the
-General Congrefs, in the room of the late honourable Peyton
Randolph, Efq. and the members having prepared tickets with
the name of the delegate to be appointed, and put the fame into
the ballot-box, Mr. Thomas Ludwell Lee, Mr. Carrington, Mr.
Digges, Mr. William Cabel, and Mr. Carter of Lancafter were
appointed a .committee to. examine the ballot-box, and report on
whom the majority fell, and it appearing from their report, that
there was a majority of the whole convention in favour of Carter
Braston, Efq.
Refohed, therefore. That the faid Carter Braxton, Efq. be appointed a delegate to reprefent this colony in the room of the late honorable Peyton Randolph, Efq. A Copy, John Tazewell, clerk of the convention."
Refohed, That the fecret committee be directed to return to the committee of fafety of Pennfylvania, the arms borrowed of them for the ufe of the continent.
The committee of claims reported that there is due. To Francis Daymon, for tranflating into French the rule,? and .articles for the better regulating the continental troops the fum of 13* Dollars :
To Monfr. Mefplet for printing the military rules, and French Letters to the inhabitants of Canada, the fum of 44 Dollars:
To colonel Harrifon, for expences of himfelf, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Allen, on their journey to New-York, the fum of 150.9 Dollars:
To Jeremiah Traxler, for provifions, 5:c. for Indians who were in Philadelphia in December laft, the fum of 40.8 dollars, and that the fame ought to be paid to Mr. Kachlein :
To fundry perfons for riffles furnilhed capt. Morgan's company the fum of 1 18.3 dollars which ought tobe paid to colonel Nelfon, and charged to the faid company : -*
Vol. IL K ^ To
^4 Journals ofCongIress^
To Clement Biddle, for fhot-pouches, powder-horns, and bul- let-moulds, purchafed by him for the Canada regiment, the fum of 1 169,3 dollars :
To fundry perfons for blanket's fupplied capt. Price's company ■the fum of 32.9 dollars, and that the fame ought to be paid to George Read, Efq :
To capt. Little, for prdvifions for guards attending capt. Camp- bell, the fum of 9.5 dollars:
To Chriftian Rhorbeck for neceffaries furnifhed to feveral prifo- ncvsofthe 7th and 26th Regiments, the fum 9.4 dollars, and that the fame ought to be paid to Adam Rimmel :
To Henry Shits, for riffles, &c. furnifhed to capt. Stevenfofi's company the fum of 7 8.6 dollars, to be charged to the faid company:
To Abraham Ebrafhcr, forattending feveral French nobkfTcjfrom Albany to Briftol, the fum of 32 dollars.
Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.
Refohed, That a committee of five be appointed to contraft for the making of muflcetsand bayonets for the ufe of the United Colo- nies, and to confider of farther ways and means of promoting and encouraging the manufafture of fire arms in all parts of the United Colonies.
The members chofen,Mr. Paine, Mr. Wilfon, Mr. Huntington, Mr. Lee and Mr. L. Morris.
Refohed, That the letter of Mr. Chriftopher Liffingwell, dated the 29th of November 1775. with fundry papers relating to the ' cargo of the brig Nancy, be referred to a committee of three.
The members chofen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Huntiugton, and Mr. Gerry.
Refoived, That the fecret committee be empowered for the pur- pofe of procuring arms and ammunition, to export the produce of • thefe colonies, equal to the amount of that by them exported in two veflels lately taken by the enemy.
Refolved, That the committee, for fuperintending the Treafury, be authorized to employ one or more clerks for ftating, keeping, and liquidating the public accounts under their diredlion, and to provide books and a fuitable office for that purpofe:
That they have power to call upon the different committees of Congrefs, affemblies, conventions, councils, or committees of fafety, continental officers, and private perfons, who have been or fhall be intrulled with public money, for their accoimts and vouchers, and for fuch other materials and information, as the faid commmittee on the treafury fliall judge to be ufeful, in ftating, checking and auditing the public accounts.
Refolved, That it be recommended to the feveral affemblies, con- ventions, councils, or committees of fafety, and committees of correfpondence and infpeftion in the L^nited Colonies, to exert themfeives in devifing farther ways and means of promoting and en- couraging
February, 1776. 75
couraging the manufacture of fait petre, and of introducing that jnanufafture into private families :
That it be recommended to the affemblies and conventions in the United Colonies, that they immediately eftablllh public works in each and every county, in their refpedlive colonies, at the expence offuch colonies, for the manufafture of falt-petre, and appomt committees of their own members immediately to fet up fuch ma- nufaftures :
That it be recommended tothe affemblies and conventions, coun- cils, or committees, of fafety, of every colony forthwith to ereft powder mills in their refpe&ive colonies, and appoint committees to build fuch mills, and procure perfons well fkilled in the manu- fafture of powder, at the expence offuch colonies:
That a committee ofthls Coagrefs to conCft of one member from each colony be appointed to.conijder of further ways and means of promoting and encouraging the maaufaftures of fait petre, fulphur and gunpowder in thefe colonies, and to corefpond with the feve- ral affemblies and conventions, and councils or committees of fafe- ty in the feveral colonies, that Congrefo may be, from time to time, truly informed of the progrefs made in thefe manufafturea.
The members chofen, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Paine, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Huntington, Mr.L. Morris, Mr. Sergeant, Mr. Humphreys, Mr, Read, Mr. Paca, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Hewes, Mr. E. Rutledge, and Mr. BuHock.
Ordered,Th.2it the above rcfolutions refpecling falt-petre, &c. be publifhed.
It being reprefented that capt. Harman has inlifted into his com-' pany, and carried with him to Canada, thirteen fervants v/ithout the confent of their mafters ;
Refolved, That a committee of three be appointed to enquire in- to this matter, and to report to Congrefs.
The members chofen, Mr. Wilfon, Mr. Willing, Mr. Wythe-
Refolved, That this Congrefs will on Monday next refolve itfelf into a committee of the whole, to take into confideration the letters from ^'^'^' Wafhington &c.
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, February 26, 1776.
A letter from gen. Lee, datted 22d inftant was read.
Refolved, That the fame be referred to a comniittee of three.
The members chofen, Mr. M'Kean, Mr, J. Adams, and Mr. L. Morris.
Refolved, That an order be drawn oij the treafurers in favour of Carpenter Wharton for the fum of 6goo dollars he to be accoun- table.
A Petition from lieutenant Jocelyn Feltham of the 26th regi- rnent, who was taken prifoner at Ticonderqga was prefented and
read
^5 Journals of Congress.
read, praying leave to go to Europe for the recovery of his health.
Refolved, lliat the prayer of his petition be granted.
A reprefentation from the committee of infpeftion and obferva- tion of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, relative to veffels loa- ded for Great Britain, Ireland, and the Britilh Weil-Indies, was prefented to Congrefs, and read, vi'hereupon,
Refolved, That no veffel loaded for Great Britain, Irelandj or the Britifh-¥7eil-Indits, be permitted to fail until the "further order of Congrcis; and that it be recommended to the different committees of infpedlion and obfervation to fee that this refoltttioa be carried into execution.
Ordered, That the above refol ve be publifhed.
Refolved, That a committee of five be appointed to examine and report the numbers and circuraftances of the permits, and the de- . :ftination of the veffels, to which fnch permits have been granted, for exporting the produce of the colonies, in confequence of the irti- portation of ammunition and warlike ftores ; and that the repre- fentation of the committee ofinfpetlion and obfervation for the ci- ty and liberties of Philadelphia on this fubje-61 be refer ed to the faid committee.
: The members ehofen. Mr. Duane, Mr. Chafe, Mr. Wilfon, Mr. Xiivingflon, and Mr. Wythe.
A letter from the convention of New- Jerfey, dated February -24111 ■was read ;
Refolved, That the fame be referred to the committee to whom the letter from gen Lee, was this morning committed.
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the treafurers in favour of the delegates of Maryland for the fum of twenty two thoufand dol- lars, to be by them exchanged for geld and fjver, aoad paid back (into the treafury.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to morrow.
Tuesday, February Z'], 1776.
i??yo/t'f^. That Monf. Regonville be permitted to go to BriiftcS and {"pend a week with his relations there, and that, after that, he return to Philadelphia.
Refolved, That the fum of JOO dollars be paidto Monf Dugan for hisfervices in the caufeof the United Colonies in Canada, and that it be recommended to the commanding officer of the forces of the United Colonies in that province, to advance him to a poll in the army fuitable to his merit and fervices.
The committee, to v.'hom the letters from Chriftopher Lefiing- -well and others concerning the brigantine Nancy commanded by Thomas Davis and her cargo were referred, brought in their re- -Tjort, which being taken into confideration;
Refolved, Thatthe cafe of the faid brigantine and cargo, pertain-
February, 1776. 77?
eth to the judicature eftablifhed in the colony of Connefticut for hearing and determining matters of the fame kind.
The Congrefs taking into confideration the report of the com- mittee appointed to co.nfider into what departments the middle and fouthern colonies ought to be formed ;
Refohed, That New-York, New-Jerfey, Pennfylvania, the Lower Counties on Delaware, and Maryland, be put into one de- partment under the command of one major general, and two brigadiers general with proper ftafr :
That Virginia, North Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, be put into one other department, under the command of one major general, and three brigadiers general with proper flaff :
That Friday next be affigned for the cleftion of the majors general, brigadiex's general, and ftafF officers in the foregoing de- partments.
Refohed, That it be recommended to the convention of New- Jerfcy, to have the cargo of the tranfport Blue Mountain Valley landed, and fecured in fame fafe place till further orders of Con- grefs.
The order of the day being renewed.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, February 28, 1776.
Hefolvedt That general Lee be direfted not to proceed to Cana- da, until he receive further orders from Congrefs.
The committee to whom the letters from general Lee and the convention of New-Jerfey were referred, brought in their report which was read.
Refohed, That the confideration thereof be poftponed till to- morrow.
Refohed, Thait the fecret committee be direfted to repay to the delegates of North-Carolina, the four hundred weight of powder borrowed of that colony.
The committee on prifoners, to whom the letter from the com- mittee of fafety of Pennfylvania was referred, brought in their re- port, which wastaken into confideration, and thereupon
Refohed, That the committee of infpe6lion and obfervation, for the county of Berks in Pennfylvania, be authorifed and requefted to contrail upon reafonable terms for the fubfiilence of fuch of the prifoners now in Reading, as are not fupplied by Mr. Franks, together with the women and children belonging to all the pri- foners there, and for fupplying them with fire-wood and other things abfolutely neceffary for their fupport :
That the committees of infpeftion and obfervation for the coun- ties, diftrifts, or towns affigned for the refidence of prifoners, be impowered to fuperintend their condu6i, and in cafes of grofs mif- behaviour to confine them, and report to Congrefs the proceedings had on fuch occafions. Ordered^
78 Journals of Congress.
Ordered, That the foregoing refolve be publiQied.
Refolved, That the committee of fafety of Pennfylvania, agree- able to the offer made by them of their fervice, of which Congrefs have a proper fenfe, be authorifed to diftribiite the officers, who are prifoners in Lancafter, in fuch places within the province of Pennfylvania, as to that committee fhall feem moft proper ; tak- ing their parole, which if they I'efufe to give, the faid Qommittee are impowered and direfbed to confine them ; and that in executing this refolve, the faid committee have regard to the refolutions heretofore made by Congrefs, with i-efpeft to prifoners and their relidence.
A petition of Anthony Marmajou, matter and owner of the brig Little Polly of the ifland of Martinique, was prefented to Congrefs and read, whereupon
Refolved, That Monfieur Marmajou be permitted to load the brigantine Little Polly, in which he imported a fmall quantity of powder and arms, with the produce of thefe colonies (horned cat- tle, fheep, hogs, poultry, and lumber for making cailis excepted) and export the fame to Martinique; and that the faid Anthony Marmajou do take very poflible precaution to avoid all Brltilh men of war and cutters on his voyage ; ^nd that he ufe his utmoft endeavours to import into thefe colonies the powder and arms mentioned in his petition.
Refolved, That an order be drawn on the tre^furers, ii) favour of Mr. J. Meafe, for the fum of twenty thoufand dollars, he to be accountable.
The committee, to whom the letters from general Schuyler, dated the loth and 13th of February, and the papers there men- tioned were referred, brought in their report, which was taken into confideration, whereupon
Refolved, That a fufEicient quantity of fteel be fent to general Schuyler, or the pommanding officer at Albany, for the armour- ers and the blackfmiths who are appointed to go and work for the Indians, and that the delegates of Ne\y-Jerfey be defired to pro- vide and forward the fame :
That an account of the money paid to the Pennfylvania troops, ■who have marched to Canada, be fent to general Schuyler:
That the deputy mufter-mafter general, Gunning Bedford, Efq; be direded to repair to his poft forthwith in the northern army in Canada, and that he mufter the troops once in every month, and make returns to Congrefs and the commanding officer :
That the orders given by general Schuyler, in his letter of the 1 2th inftant, to lieut. colonel Warner be approved.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday'
February, 1776. 79
Thursday, February 29, 1776.
The colony of New Hampfhire having appointed delegates for the prefent year, William Whipple, Efq; one of the faid dele- gates attended and produced the credentials of their appointment, which were read as follows :
" Colony o/" New Hampfhire, /«//',? HousE of Representa- tives, January 23, 1770.
" Voted, That Jofiah Bartlett, John Langdon, and William Whipple, Efqrs. be and hereby are appointed delegates to repre- fent this colony in the Continental Congrefs at Philadelphia, for the term of one year from this time, any one of them in the ab- fence of the others to have full power to reprefent this colony, and that not more than tv^o of them attend at one time. Sent up for concurrence.
P. White, Speaker, In Council, ecdef?i die.
Read and concurred.
E. Thompson, Secretary. A true Copy from the Journal of Council.
Attejl. E. Thompson, Secretary.'^
A letter of the 14th from general Wafliington, inclofing a let- ter from lord Drummond to general Robinfon, and fundry other papers, was read.
Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congrefs refolved itfelf into a committee of the whole, to take into confideration the let- ter from general Wafnington of the 9th iflftant, and the trade of the colonies after the ift of March ; and after fometime the prefi- dent refumed the chair, and Mr. Ward repoi-ted that the commit- tee not having come to a concluiion, defired him to move for leave to fit awain.
o
P.efjlved, That this Congrefs will, to-morrow, refolve it- felf into a committeof the whole, to take into farther confideration the letter from general Wafliington, and the trade of the colonies.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow. .
Friday, March i. 1776.
A letter from the Committee offafety of New Hampfhire, with a petition from the faid colony, and fundry other papers were read,
Refolved, That the fame be referred to a committee of three.
The members chofen, Mr, Wythe, Mr. Braxton, and Dr. Franklin.
A petition from the inhabitants of Falmouth being prefentcd was read.
Rfiolved, That it be referred to a committee of three.
The members chofen, Mr, W. Livingflon, Mr. Read, and Mr. Paca.
A letter from J. Meafe commifTary, with fundry Queries, to which
he
StD Journals OF Cong RE ss-i.
he vequefls the anfwers of Congrefs, that he may know how to condu(B: the bufinefs intruded to him, was laid before Congrefs and read.
Refohed, That the fame be referred to a committee of three.
The members chofen, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Paine, aB4 M^"- Hewes.
A memorial of the merchants, traders, and others, of the city of Philadelphia, was prefented and read.
Refohed, That it be referred to a committee of the whole.
The general aflembly of MafFachiifetts-Bay having tranfmitted to Cone,refs a ftateof the accounts of their colony againft the con- tinent.
Refohed^ That the fame be referred for liquidation to the com- mittee of claims.
Refolved, That an addition of thirty four dollars a month be ad-, ded to the pay of Jofeph Reed, Efq. fecretary to gen. Wafhing- ton, on account of the extraordinary fervices at prefent attending that office, by reafon of the General's diredtion of the naval depart- ment.
Refohed, That this Congrefs will to morrow refolve kfeJf into a committee of the whole, to take into confideration the letter of gen. Wafhington, of the 14th, with the papers enclofed.
Rejohed, That the fecret committee be direfted to treat witji the awners of fome medicines lately imported, and to purchafe the fame on the moft reafonable terms for the ufe of the continent.
Refohed, That major gen. Lee be appointed to take the com- mand of the continental forces in the fouthern department.
The Congrefs proceeded to theeleftion of fix brigadier generals, and the ballots being delivered in and examined, the following gentlemen were choien.
John Armftrong, Efq.
William Thompfon, Efq.
Andrew Lewis, Efq.
James Moore, Efq.
The right honorable William, earl of Sterling.
Robert Hov/e, Efq.
Refohed, That brigadier gen. Armftrong be directed to repair to South-Carolina, brigadiers Lewis and Howe to Virginia, and briga- dier Moore to North-Carolina, and to take the command of the forces in thofe refpeftive Colonies, until they receive further orders from Congrefs or afuperiorofficer.
Refohed, That brigadier gen. Thompfon be direcSted to repair to New-York.
The orders of the day being poftponed.
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday,
March, 177 <^- S^i
Monday, March ^. 1776.
Refolved, That Mr. Alfop be aopointed a member of the commit- tee of claims in the room of Mr. Lewis who is abfent, aixd Mr. Whipple in the room of Mr. Bartlett, who defires to be excufed from that fervice.
Refolved, That in cafe of the ab fence of any {landing member of the committee of claims, the delegates of the colony to which he belongs, be impowered to nominate one of their number to a£l in the ftead of the abfent member, till his return.
Sundry letters and papers were received and read, viz.
A letter from the convention of New- York, of 28th February inclofing a recommendation of gentlemen for field officers of the four battalions ordered to be raifed in that colony :
Re/b/ved,Thnt the fame be referred for confideration till to-morrow.
A memorial from fundry merchants of Montreal, refpefting the Indian trade.
A refolution of the committee of infpeftion for the county of <
Accomac.
Two letters from brieadier general Woofter of the nth and
o o
13th February, with feven papers enclofed.
Two from brigadier general Arnold, one of the ill, and the o- ther of the 1 2th of February.
Four from general Schuyler dated the 15th, 20th, 2lil, and 23d i^:<«^
of the fame month. " ' " f-
One from general Lee of the 29th.
One from the convention of New-Hampfhire, of the 8th.
And one from the committee of fafety of Pennfylvania.
Refolved, That the memorial from the merchants of Montreal, be referred to a committee of five.
The members chofen, Mr. Wilfon, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. W. Livingfton, Mr. L. Morris, and Mr. Tilghman.
That the refolution from the committee of Accomac, be refer- red to the committee of the whole Conorefs.
That the letters from major generals Lee and Schuyler, and from brigadier generals Woofter and Arnold be referred to the comm.ittee appointed to prepare Inftruftloins for the commlflioners going to Canada.
That the other letters be referred for confideration till to-morrow.
The committee appointed to examine and report the number and clrcumftances of the permits granted for exporting produce &c. brought in their report, which was taken into confideration ; whereupon,
Refolved, That the reftraint be taken off, which by a refolve of the 26th of laft month was laid upon vefi'els loading or loaded with produce for Great-Britain, Ireland, or the Britilh Weft-Indies in confequence of permlffions granted for arms and ammunition im- ported into thefe colonies.
Refolved, That the fecret committee be direfted with all poflible
Vol. II. L expedition
82 Journals of CongJress.
expedition to feed, under a guard, ten tons of powder to Cambridge; for the ufe of the army under the command of gen. Wafhington.
The committee to whom the memorial from fundry inhabitants of Northumberland, and the petition from the inhabitants near Pittiburgh were referred, brought in their report, which was read :
Ordered, to h'e on the table for the perufal of the members.
Refolved, That colonel Beletre, major Longeuil, and capt. Lot- biniere, three of the Canadian prifoners who are at Briftol in Penn- fylvania, be permitted to come to Philadelphia, to confer with the committee on pirifoners.
The order of the day being renewed.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to morrow.
Tuesday, March 5. 1776. ♦•^ Two letters from gen. Schuyler, dated the 26 and 27 February,
♦ with four papers inclofed, among which was ^letter from James
X /^^*J^ ^\ Deane to gen. Schuyler, of the 24th of the fame month, were re-
''^ ceived and read.
Refolved., That the letter from James Deane be referred to a com- mittee of three.
The members chofen, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Wythe, and Mr. W. Livinp-fton.
The Congrefs took into confideration the report of the com- mittee on the memorial from the inhabitants of Northumberland, &c. whereupon,
ReJllvedjA^ the faid memorial relates merely to dlfputes between the memorialifts and other inhabitants of faid county, and to com- plaints againftjuftices of the peace of the faid county, and as the common courts of judicature, and efpecially the legillature of the colony of Pennfylvania are altogether competent for remedying the grievancies complained of, that the faid memorial with the pa- pers therewith delivered, betranfmitted to the affembly of faid co- lony.
The Congrefs then refolved itfelf into a committee of the whole, to take into confideration the letter from gen. Wafhington of the I4fh of February, and the papers inclofed, and after fome time the prefidcnt refumed the chair, and Mr. Harrifon reported, that the • committee have had under confideration the letter and papers to them referred, but have come to no refolution thereon.
Refolved, That the letter from gen. Wafhington, fo far as it has not been confidered by the committee of the whole, be referred to the committee to whom his other letters of the 24th and 30th of January were i-eferred.
The order of the day being renewed.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, March 6. 1776. A letter from gen. Wafhington of the 26 February was read.
' Refolved,
March, i77<?. 83
Refolved, That it be referred to the committee to whom his other letters are referred.
A letter from J. Palmer inclofing a report of a committee of the general affembly of MaiTachufetts-Bay refpefting lead, was read;.
kefylved. That the committee appointed on the 3 ift of July laft, to enquire in all the colonies after virgin-lead, leaden-ore, and the belt method of collefting, fmelting, and retining it, and alfo th' cheapeft and eaficli methods of mpking fait in thefe colonies, he difcaarged, and that the hulinefs of the faid comniittee be referred to ttie committee ^ppomtedonthe 2id of February laft, to coulider of farther \4'ays and means of promoting and encouragmg the m.a- nufafture of lait pctre, &c.
Refoivsd, That the letter from J. Palmer with the inclofed report be referred to the lalt mentioned committee.
A letter from gen. Wafhmgton dated 18th and 2 ill of Februa- ry laft, inclofing the proceedings of a council of war was read.
Refolved, That brigadier gen. Thomas be appointed to com- mand the forces in Canada, and that gen. Waffjirigton be directed to order him immediately to repair to that province.
Refolved, That brigadier gen. Thomas be pro.moted to the rank of a major general, and that a commiiTion be fent to him accordingly.
Ordered, That the preiident acquaint gen. V/afhington by ex- prefs of this arrangement.
iLcjhlved, As funary members of the marine comm.ittee are ab- fent, that their places be fupplied by Mr. Kiuit'^^Sn for Con- necticut, Mr Sergeant for Nev.'-Jerfey, Mr. Flarrifon for Virginia, and Mr. E. Rutledge for South Carolina.
Refolved, That the fecret committee de direfied to fend five tons of powder to New- York for the ufe of the continental troops there, and five tons of powder to the fouthern department for the ufe of the troops in faid department :
That the faid committee be direfted to return to the colony of Maryland the powder borrowed by Mr Harrifon, and to the colo- ny of New-York and to the committee of fafety of Pennfylvania the powder borrowed of them :
That the faid committee be directed to deliver to the delegates of the Delaware government one ton of powder, for which they are to be accountable, and to the delegates of New-Jerfey one ton of powder, for which that colony is to be accountable.
Refolved, That the prefident inform gen. Schuyler, that the Congrefs judge it neceftary he ftiould remain at Albany to make the proper arrangements refpefting the army deftined for Canada, and therefore that he eftablifii his head quarters at Albany until further <