THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
GIFT OF
COMMODORE BYRON MCCANDLESS
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
JOURNALS OF THE
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS
1774-1789
EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL RECORDS IN THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS BY WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD CHIEF. DIVISION OF MANUSCRIPTS
Volume V. 1776
June 5-October 8
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1906
June, 1776 417
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1776
A letter of the 2d from Major General Putnam, with sundry letters and papers enclosed, was laid before Con- gi-ess, and read:^
Resolved, That the same be referred to the Committee on Prisoners.
A letter from the committee of Greenwich, in Cumber- land county, in New Jersey, dated 3 instant, was laid before Congress and read, informing that the sloop Betsey and Ann, Benjamin Tucker, master, from Bermudas, was arrived there with 1700 bushels of salt, and two puncheons of Rum, which he is desirous of exchanging for provisions, which the inhabitants of the islands of Bermudas are in extreme want of :^ Whereupon,
Resolved, That the said master be allowed to exchange his cargo for provisions, and to export the same, under the inspection and direction of the committee of Green- wich, who are desired to take an oath, or such other secu- rity as they think proper, of the said master, that he will carry the same to the islands of Bermudas, and will use his utmost endeavours to avoid all English men of war and cutters.
The Congress took into consideration the report from the committee of the whole: Whereupon,
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to con- sider what is proper to be done with persons giving intel- ligence to the enemy, or supplying them with provisions :
The members chosen, Mr. J[ohn] Adams, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson, Mr. [Edward] Rutledge, Mr. [James] Wilson, and Mr. R[obert] R. Livingston.
' This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 159, folio 11. ' This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 58, folio 211.
418 Journals of Congress
Resolved^ That the deputy commissaries general, deputy- quarter masters general, deputy adjutants general, and deputy muster masters general, make regular returns and reports to Congi"ess, and to the respective officers to whom they are deputies, at least once a month, and that the principals also make returns to Congress at the same periods. _ _
That the pay master general, and the aeputy paymas- ters general, make monthly returns to Congress of their expenditures, and the state of the military chests in their several departments :
Resolved, That the flying camp be under the command of such continental general officers as the commander in chief shall direct :
That expresses be established between the several con - tinental posts :
Resolved, That the militia, when in service, be regu- larly paid and victualled in the same manner as the con- tinental troops :
Resolved, That a pay master be appointed to each regiment. That it shall be the duty of the regimental pay masters to keep all the accounts of their respective regiments, and to observe such rules and orders as shall be given them in command by the general or com- mander in chief, and that each of them be allowed for this service dollars per month. '
Resolved, That the aids de camp of the commander in chief rank as lieutenant colonels :
That the aids de camp of major generals rank as majors, but not to take rank of regimental or brigade majora.'
That Robert Hanson Harrison, Esq- have the rank of lieutenant colonel in the continental army :
^On the margin is "not agreed to in committee." The paragraph ia f oimd in Charles Thomson's minute on the proceedings in committee of the whole, in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, VI, folio 193.
' The last clause is taken from the Thomson minute.
June, 1776 419
Resolved, That the assistant quarter masters general be allowed captain's pay :^
That the pay of the regimental surgeons be augmented to thirty three dollars and one third of a dollar a month. ^
Resolved, That a committee, to consist of one member from each colony, be appointed, to consider of ways and means of establishing expresses between the several con- tinental posts :
The members are, Mr. [Josiah] Bartlett, Mr. S[amuel] Adams, Mr. [William] Ellery, Mr. [Oliver] Wolcott, Mr. [Francis] Lewis, Mr. W[illiam] Livingston, Mr. [Benjamin] Franklin, Mr. [CaBsar] Rodney, Mr. [John] Rogers, Mr. [Carter] Braxton, Mr. [Joseph] Hewes, Mr. [Thomas] Lynch, jun. and Mr. [Button] Gwinnett.
The Congress then proceeded to the election of an adju- tant general and quarter master general, to fill up the vacancies in those offices ; when the ballots being taken and examined,
Joseph Reed, Esq- was elected adjutant general; and
Stephen Moylan, Esq^ was elected quarter master gen- eral.
Resolved, That Joseph Reed, Esq- have the pay of 125 dollars a month, and the rank of colonel :
That Stephen Moylan, Esq' have the pay of 80 dollars a month, and the rank of colonel.
Resolved, That the election of majors general be post- poned.
Resolved, That no person shall be appointed to any place of profit, unless the person to be appointed shall have a majority of the voices of the colonies represented at the time of Election.
' In the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, VI, folio 177, ia a sheet contain- ing these two paragraphs in the writing of Charles Thomson. An endorsement " Resolution agreed on by the Committee of the whole Congress, June 3, 1776."
420 Journals of Congress
The Congi-ess then proceeded to the election of two brigadiers general, when the ballots being taken, the following gentlemen were elected: viz.
John Whitecombe, Esq'
Hugh Mercer, Esq^
Resolved, That this Congress will to morrow again resolve itself into a committee of the whole to take into then- farther consideration the report of the Committee of Conference.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned.
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1776
Sundry letters and papers being received, were laid before Congress and read.
Two letters from Major General Schuyler, of the 31 May and 1st June.
A letter from the commissioners in Canada, of the 27 and 28 May.
Three letters from General Thomas, two to the com- missioners in Canada, 15 and 20 May, and one to General Wooster, 27 of the same month :
Three from Brigadier General Arnold, to the commis- sioners in Canada, of the 17, 25, and 27 May, enclosing cartel || entered into between him and Captain Foster, || for exchange ||of prisoners :||
One from Brigadier General Thompson, of the 25 of May, to the said commissioners.^
' The letters of Schuyler are in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 153, II, folios 179, 186. That of the commissioners is in No. 166, foUo 53. Those of Arnold are in No. 162, folios 68, 72, 74. A copy of the articles of capitulation is in No. 29, foUo 251.
June, 1776 421
Resolved, That a copy of the letter from the commis- sioners in Canada be sent to General Washington ;
Resolved, That Brigadier General Wooster be directed immediately to repair to Headquarters at New York :
That the letters just received [and read,] be referred to a committee of 5 :
The members chosen, Mr. [Roger] Sherman, Mr. [George] Wythe, Mr. [Jonathan D.] Sergeant, Mr. F[rancis Lightfoot] Lee, and Mr. [Button] Gwinnett.
Resolved, That the Standing Committee for Indian Affairs be directed to devise ways and means for carrying into effect the resolution of the 3d, empowering the General to employ in Canada a number of Indians, not exceeding two thousand.
The committee to whom was referred an extract of a letter from a gentleman in Bermuda, dated 26 April, and continued to May 1, to a gentleman in Philadelphia, brought in their report, which was read, and the same being taken into consideration.
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The Congress took into consideration the speech pre- pared by the committee to be delivered to the Indians, which was agreed to : ^
Resolved, That the delivery of this speech be deferred for some days.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due,
To Captain William West, for expences in conducting money to Williamsburg, horse hire, &c. included, the sum of £82 5 10=219 40/90 dollars:
To Melchior Meng, for twenty one days hire of his wag- gon and horses carrying money to Virginia, the sum of £15 15=42 dollars:
'This report is printed under June 11, p. 430, post.
422 Journals of Congress
To Benjamin Towne, the sum of £9 17 3=26 27/90 dol- lars for cartouch boxes, being so much paid him less than the price contracted for :
To Robert Porter, for accoutrements for Colonel Hart- ley's regiment, the sum of £7 0 6=18 66/90 dollars, and that the same ought to be paid and charged to the said regiment :
To John Kuntz, the sum of £8 0 10=21 40/90 dollars, of which sum there is due, for entertaining General Lee's giiard, the sum of £4 0 0 ||=10 60/90 doUars,|i and for expresses, the simi of £4 0 10 ||=10 70/90 dollars :||
To Michael Staddleman, for entertaining General Lee's guards, the sum of £4 5 9=11 39/90 dollars:
To Benjamin Smith, for board and accommodations for prisoners at Trenton, the sum of £11 12 10=31 4/90 dol- lars. This money became due before the regulation of Congress, for determining the price of theii- board, took place :
That there is due for expences in apprehending Henry Edwin Stanhope and George Gregory, who broke theii' parole and ran away from Northampton, i|in Connecticut, || the sum of £14 5 3, lawful money of Connecticut, = 47 48/90 dollars, and that the same ought to be paid and charged to the said Stanhope and Gregory :
Ordered, That the said accounts be paid to J. Hancock, Esq^
The Marine Committee having recommended sundry gentlemen for captains and subaltern officers for the ships building or built for the continent, the same was taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That Thomas Thompson be appointed cap- tain of the frigate built in New Hampshu*e :
John Hopkins, and Samuel Tomkins, for those build- ing in Rhode Island :
June, 1776 423
Christopher Miller, for one of those built in New York :
Nicholas Biddle, John Barry, Thomas Read, Charles Alexander, for the four ships building in Philadelphia :
James Nicholson for that building in Maryland.
That the names of the thirteen ships be, the Congress, Randolph, Hancock, Washington, Trumbull, Raleigh, Effingham, Montgomery , Warren, Boston, Virginia, Prov- idence, and Delaware.
Resolved, That Israel Turner be first lieutenant ; Joseph Doble, second lieutenant; Mark Dennet, third lieutenant, of Captain Manly 's ship.
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be empowered to affix the names to each particular ship, and determine the vessel which each captain is to take command of :
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be empowered Hand directedll to consider the propriety of building two more ships of war, and their size, and report to Congress.
Resolved, That three members be added to the committee appointed to devise ways and means for raising 10 mil- lions of dollars, voted the 6th of May :
IIThe members chosen, || Mr. [Carter] Braxton, Mr. R[obert R.] Livingston, and Mr. [Matthew] Tilghman.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be instructed forthwith to fit out two fast sailing vessels and load them with provisions to be sent immediately to supply the inhabitants of the islands of Bermudas, and that the com- mittee of Secret Correspondence be directed to take such measures as they may think proper by those vessels, to discover the state of those islands and the disposition of their inhabitants; and that the Marine Committee be instructed to take such measures as they may think proper for purchasing, manning, arming and fitting at the said islands two sloops of war for the service of the United Colonies.
424 Journals of Congress
Resolved^ That the remainder of the report lie on the table for consideration.
Resolved, That doctor Jonathan Potts be employed as a physician and surgeon in the Canada department, or at Lake George, as the general shall direct; but, that this appointment shall not supersede Dr. Stringer.
Resolved, That an express be sent to Hugh Mercer, Esq' who was yesterday appointed a brigadier general, with his commission, and that he be desired immediately to repair to head quarters, at New York.
A memorial of Jacob Ummensetter was presented to Congress, and read :
Resolved, That it be referred to the committee appointed to contract for casting cannon.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned.
Adjourned to 10 o' Clock to Morrow.
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1776
The committee to whom was referred the letter from Eseck Hopkins, commodore of the continental fleet, dated Providence, May 22d, brought in their report, which, being taken into consideration, was agreed to; Where- upon,
Resolved ,^\ia.i Mr. Charles Walker, of New Providence, ought to be paid the value of the sloop Endeavour, together with four tons of lignum vita?, and one hundred cedar posts, taken by the said commodore, for the use of the colonies, and the damages the said Walker has sus- tained by the taking and detention of said vessel, lignum vitee and posts ; the said Walker giving a full acquittance for the said vessel, goods and damages.
Resolved, That the governor and Council of the colony of Connecticut be requested to appoint judicious and in-
Jtme, 1776 425
different persons to appraise the vessel and goods aforesaid, at the time when they were taken into the service of the colonies, and to estimate the full damages sustained by the said Mr. Walker, and report it to this Congress forth- with, that the said Walker may be indemnified by this Congress.
Resolved, That the said Walker have his election to receive his vessel again, and the hire of her, and his dam- ages, or the value of her to be ascertained as aforesaid.^
The Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on the resolutions of the convention of South Carolina, respecting the batallions raised in that colony; and, after some debate.
Resolved, That it be recommitted.
Information being given that complaint is made with respect to the powder manufactured at Mr. 0[swald] Eve's mill:
Resolved, That Mr. [Henry] Wisner, Mr. [Robert Treat] Paine, and Mr. R[obert R.] Livingston be a committee to enquire into the defect, and take measures to have it remedied.
Certain resolutions Hrespecting independency] | being moved and seconded.
Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.
That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.^
'The original of this report, in the writing of John Adams, is in the Papers of the Coniinenlal Congress, No. 19, III, folio 169.
' This resolution, in the writing of Richard Henry Lee, is in the Papers of the Con- tinental Congress, No. 23, folio 11. It has the following endorsement in three writ- ings: "Besolved that it is the Opinion of this Com. that the first Resolution [Benja-
426 Journals of Congress
Resolved, That the consideration of them be referred till to morrow morning ; and, that the members be enjoined to attend punctually at 10 o'Clock, in order to take the same into consideration.
The committee to whom was referred the consideration of an attempt made to counterfeit the bills of credit, emit- ted by Congress, brought in their report :
Tl^e Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the attempt made to counterfeit the Bills of Credit emitted by Congress, Beg Leave to report, that it appears to the Committee by sundry affidavits, the Confessions of the parties charged, and other papers, that Elizabeth Vandine, the wife of Henry Vandine, of Morris County, in the Prov- ince of New Jersey, with the Privitj' of her said Husband, has coun- terfeited several Bills of the Continental Currency, some of which were passed by the said Vandine, and others of them by his wife, and that the said Vandine and his wife were, for the said offence, committed to the goal of the Coimty of Morris by order of the Committee of the Township of Morris. Whereupon your Committee came to the follow- ing Resolutions:
That it be recommended to the provincial Convention of the Province of New Jersey to direct the said Heur}- Vandine to make satisfaction to such persons as have been injured by taking the said counterfeit bills.
That the said Henry and Elizabeth remain in Confinement, or be let out on good Bail for their appearance to abide their trial for the above offence, as to the said Convention shall seem most proper.
That it be recommended to the respective Legislatures of the United Colonies to pass Acts of Legislation for making the continental Bills of Credit a lawful tender in all payments, and for the most effectual preventing the counterfeiting thereof. '
\\ Ordered, To lie on the table for consideration. ||
min Harrison] be postponed to this day three 'sreeks, and that in the mean time [Charles Thomson], least any time sh* be lost in case the Congress agree to this reso- lution [Robert K. Li\-ingston], a committee be appointed to prepare a Declaration to the effect of the said first resolution [Charles Thomson]." The postponement was made t'j give an opportunity to the Delegates from those Colonies which had not aa yet given authorit)' to adopt this decisive measure, to consult their constituents. The motion was seconded by John Adams.
' This report, in the writing of William Li%-ingston, is in the Papers of the Continen- tal Congress, No. 26, folio 7.
June, 1776 427
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned, Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1776
The Congress took into consideration the resolutions moved yesterday :
Resolved, That they be referred to a committee ot the whole [Congress.] Whereupon,
The Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole to take into consideration the resolutions referred to them ; and, after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. [Benjamin] Harrison reported, that the committee have taken into consideration the mat- ter to them referred, but not having come to any resolu- tion thereon, desired leave to sit again on Monday next.
Resolved, That this Congress will, on Monday next, at 10 o'clock, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration the resolutions referred to them.
On petition of John Bayard, Joseph Deane, and William Erskine, || being presented to Congress, and read,||
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to sell lithe petitioners 1 1 550 lb. of powder, and 400 lb. of swivel and grape shot, for the use of their privateer Hancock, and also 750 lb. ||of powder|| before applied for.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned.
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock on Monday.
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1776
Sundry letters and papers were laid before Congress, and read ;
Two from General Washington, of the 7 and 8, together
428 Journals of Congress
with copies of twenty letters and papers from General Schuyler and others:^
A letter from the commissioners in Canada, May 17 ; and,
One from Herman Allen.
Resolved^ That the said letters and papers be referred to the committee appointed on the 6th, to consider sundry letters that day read.
A letter from Stephen Moylan, expressing his grateful thanks to Congress for appointing him to the office of quarter master general ; and
Also a letter from the convention of New York of the 7th, llwere laid before Congress, and read.|i^
Resolved, That the pay of the continental troops, in the middle department, be henceforth the same as that of the troops in the eastern.
Resolved, That this Congress will to morrow morning proceed to the appointment of a deputy pay master gen- eral for the eastern department.
Agreeable to order, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consid- eration the resolutions to them referred; and, after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. [Benjamin] Harrison reported, that the committee have had under consideration the resolutions to them referred, and have come to a resolution, which he read.
The Congress took into consideration the report from the Committee of the whole : Whereupon,
Resolved, That the consideration of the first resolution be postponed to this day, three weeks [July 1], and in the mean while, that no time be lost, in case the Congi-ess agi'ee thereto, that a committee be appointed to prepare a
• The letters of Washington are in the Papers of the Conthuntal Congress, No. 152, II, folios 5 and 9. They are printed in Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 113, 115.
^ The letter from the convention of New York is in the Papers of the Cordinenial Congress, No. 67, I, folio 364.
June, 1776 429
declaration to the effect of the said first resohition, which is in these words: "That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown: and that all political connexion between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
Resolved^ That the committee be discharged.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned,
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock to Morrow.^
TUESDAY, JUNE ii, 1776
Sundry letters were laid before Congress, and read.
2 letters, from General Washington, of the 9th and 10th,
Resolved, That the same be referred to the committee appointed on the 6th.
A letter from H. E. Stanhope, of the 11, and one from E. Webb, of the 12 May, both dated from Northampton Gaol; also, one from Mrs. Connolly, [were read:]^
Resolved, That these be referred to the Committee on Prisoners.
Resolved, That the sum of one hundred and fifty dol- lars be paid the Indian interpreter [Thomas Polmer] for his services, and to defray his expences.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to consider of a compensation to the secretary for his services :
The members chosen, Mr. J[ohn] Adams, Mr. [Ed- ward] Rutledge, and Mr. [Joseph] Hewes.
' "Congress never were so much engaged as at this time; business presses on them exceedingly. We do not rise sometimes till six or seven o'clock." William Wliip- ple to John Langdon, 10 June, 1776.
' The letters of Washington are in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folios 17 and 25. They are printed in Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 119, 129. That of Stanhope is in No. 78, XX, folio 33. That of E. E. Webb is in No. 78, XXIII, folio 277. That of "Suky " [Susannah] Connolly is in No. 78, V, folio 47.
430 Journals of Congress
Resolved, That an order for 10,000 dollars be drawn on the Treasurers, in favour of Carpenter Wharton, for the use of the Pensylvania batallions, he to be accountable.
The present being provided for the Indians, they were called in, and the speech agreed to, was delivered as follows :
Brothers,
We hope the friendship that is between us and you will be firm, and continue as long as the sun shall shine, and the waters run; that we and you may be as one people, and have but one heart, and be kind to one another like brethren. Brothers,
The king of Great Britain, hearkening to the evil counsel of some of his foolish young men, is angry with us, because we will not let him take away from us our land, and all that we have, and give it to them, and because we will not do every thing that he bids us;^ and hath hindered his people from bringing goods to us; but, we have made provision for getting such a quantity of them, that we hope we shall be able to supply your wants as formerly. Brothers,
"V\'e shall order all our warriors and young men not to hurt you or any of your kindred, and we hope 3"ou will not suffer any of your young men to join with our enemies, or to do any wrong to us, that nothing may happen to make any quarrel between us. Brothers,
We desire you to accept a few necessaries, which we present you with, as tokens of our good will towards you."
The presents being delivered, the Indians begged leave to give a name to the president; the same being granted, the Onondago chief gave the president the name of Karanduawn, or the Great Tree, by which name he informed him the president will be known among the Six nations.
' In the original report thia sentence follows: "he hath taken up the hatchet to strike us, and given money to a people who are strangers to us, to come from a far country, and fight against us."
' This report, in the writing of George Wythe, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 30, folio 351. It was presented and agreed to on June 6.
June, 1776 431
1 1 After which the Indians took their leave and with- drew.ll
Ml'. Cbaoc, one of the CommiBBionors being arrived from Canada brought a letter from General Sullivan, dated from St. John's, 1st. June was laid before Con- gress, and read.
Resolved, That Colonel Shee and Colonel Magaw, be ordered immediately to march with their regiments to New York.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to lend the committee of safety of Pensylvania, 4 tons of powder.
Resolved, That letters be immediately sent, by express, to the several colonies who are to furnish militia for the defence of New York, acquainting them with the neces- sity of forwarding the supplies with all possible despatch.
Resolved, That the committee, to prepare the declaration, consist of five members :
The members chosen, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson, Mr. J[ohn] Adams, Mr. [Benjamin] Franklin, Mr. [Roger] Sherman, and Mr. R[obert] R. Livingston.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and digest the form of a confederation to be entered into between these colonies :
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare a plan of treaties to be proposed to foreign powers.
Mr. [Samuel] Chase, and Mr. [Charles] Carroll, [of Carrollton,] two of the commissioners being arrived from Canada, attended, and give an account of their proceed- ings, and the state of the army in that country.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned,
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
15664— VOL V— 06 2
432 Journals of Congress
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1776
Colonel Roberdeau, in behalf of the owners of the pri- vateers which have taken some prizes, on board of which is a quantity of dollars to the amount of 22,000, having tendered to Congi-ess the moiety belonging to them, in exchange for continental dollars [bills of credit,]
Resolved^ That theu' offer be accepted, and that appli- cation be made to the agent for the men, for the moiety belonging to them, and that continental money be given them in lieu thereof.
The Congress proceeded to the election of a deputy pay master general for the eastern department, and, the ballots being taken,
Ebenezer Hancock was elected unanimously.
Resolved, That the sum of 150,000 dollars be sent to Mr. E. Hancock, deputy pay master general, for the use of the continental troops in the eastern department.
The committee, to whom Colonel Hand's letter, of the 3d of May last, was referred, brought in theu" report, which was taken into consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee that dollara
be advanced to Colo. Hand for pnrchasingthc Riffles of such men as will not re inlist in the Riffle Regiment.
Resolved, That General Washington be directed to order the riffles of such men belonging to the riffle regiments as will not re-inhst, to be purchased, and that the General order the payment out of the military chest.^
That the riffle regiment be allowed a drummer and fif er to each company :
That 9,000 dollars be advanced to Colonel Hand, to pur- chase an uniform for the riffle regiment, the said sum to be stopped from the pay of the said regiment.^
' This paragraph, in the writing of John Hancock, was to be substituted for that struck out.
'This report, in the writing of Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant [?], is in the Papers of (he Continental Congress, No. 19, III, folio 21.
June, 1776 433
Resolved^ That Captain Grier, who is returned from Virginia with his detachment, and a number of recruits, be directed to join the batallious on their march to New York, and that Carpenter Wharton be directed to supply them with rations.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to deliver to Colonel Magaw, for the use of his batallion, the 191 arms sent up by Captain Berry.
The Congress then proceeded to the appointment of the committees voted.
Resolved, That the committee to prepare and digest the form of a confederation to be entered into between these colonies, consist of a member from each colony:
for New Hampshire Mr. [Josiah] Bartlett
Massachusetts Mr. S[amuel] Adams
Rhode Island Mr. [Stephen] Hopkins
Connecticut Mr. [Roger] Sherman
New York Mr. R[obert R.] Livingston New Jersey
Pensylvania Mr. [John] Dickinson
Delaware Mr. [Thomas] McKean
Maryland Mr. [Thomas] Stone
Virginia Mr. [Thomas] Nelson
North Carolina Mr. [Joseph] Hewes
S. Carolina Mr. [Edward] Rutledge
Georgia Mr. [Button] Gwinnett
Resolved, That the committee to prepare a plan of treaties to be proposed to foreign powers, consist of five members :
The members chosen, Mr. [John] Dickinson, Mr. [Benjamin] Franklin, Mr. J[ohn] Adams, Mr. [Benja- min] Harrison, and Mr. R[obert] Morris.
434 Journals of Congress
The Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on a war office: Whereupon,
Resolved^ That a committee of Congress be appointed by the name of "A Board of War and Ordnance," to consist of five members.^
That a secretary and one or more clerks, be appointed by Congi-ess, with competent salaries, to assist the said board in executing the business of their department :
That it shall be the duty of the said board, to obtain and keep an alphabetical and accui-ate register of the names of all officers of the land forces in the service of the United Colonies, with their ranks and the dates of their respective commissions ; and also regular accounts of the state and disposition of the troops in the respective colo- nies; for which purpose, the generals and officers com- manding in the different departments and posts, are to cause regular returns to be made into the said war office :
That they shall obtain and keep exact accounts of all the artillery, arms, ammunition and warlike stores, be- longing to the United Colonies, and of the manner in which, and the places where, the same shall, from time to time, be lodged and employed; and that they shall have the immediate care of all such artillery, arms, am- munition, and warlike stores, as shall not be employed in actual service; for preserving whereof, they shall have power to hii'e proper magazines at the public expence:
That they shall have the care of forwarding all de- spatches from Congress to the colonies and armies, and all monies to be transmitted for the public service by order of Congi-ess ; and of providing suitable escorts and guards for the safe conveyance of such despatches and monies, when it shall appear to them to be necessary :
' In the original report the committee recommended the name " Board of War," and left the number of members blank.
June, 1776 435
That they shall superintend the raising, fitting out, and despatching all such land forces as may be ordered for the service of the United Colonies :
That they shall have the care and direction of all pris- oners of war, agreeable to the orders and regulations of Congress :
That they shall keep and preserve, in the said office, in regular order, all original letters and papers, which shall come into the said office by order of Congress, or other- wise, and shall also cause all draughts of letters and de- spatches to be made or transcribed in books to be set apart for that purpose, and shall cause fair entries, in like manner, to be made, and registers preserved, of all other business which shall be transacted in the said office :
That before the secretary, or any clerk of the war office shall enter on his office, they shall respectively take and subscribe the following oath, a certificate whereof shall be filed in the said office :
I, A. B. do solemnly swear, that I will not directly or indirectly, divulge any matter or thing, which shall come to my knowledge, as (secretary) of the board of war and ordnance, for the United Colonies, (or clerk of the board of war and ordnance,) established by Congress, without the leave of the said board of war and ordnance, and that I will faithfully execute my said office, according to the best of my skill and judgment. So help me God.
That the said board of war be authorized to hire suit- able apartments, and provide books, paper, and other necessaries, at the continental expence, for carrying on the business of the said office.'
The committee to whom the several letters, from the commissioners in Canada, and Major General Schuyler, with the papers enclosed therein, were referred, brought in their report, which was read :
' This report, in the writing of James Duane, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 27, folio 1.
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The commissioners to Canada also brought in a report in writing, which was read :
Resolved., That the said two reports be referred to the committee of the whole Congress.
Congress then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the several reports to them referred ; and, after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. [Benjamin] Har- rison reported, that the committee have taken into con- sideration the matters to them referred; but, not hav- ing had time to go through, desired him to move for leave to sit again.
Resolved, That this Congress will, to morrow, again resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration the reports referred to them.
Adjourned to 10 o' Clock to Morrow.^
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1776
A letter from Mr. [Thomas] M'Kean, dated 2 o' Clock this morning, and a letter from the committee of Lewis - town, of the 11th, was laid before Congress, ||and read:||^
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to forward one ton of gun powder, and a proportionable quantity of lead, if to be got, to the committee of safety of the counties on Delaware, for the use of the militia in that government :
Resolved, That it be recommended to the assembly of Pensylvania, immediately to order a batallion of the pro- vincial rifflemen to march to the assistance of the militia in Delaware govei-nment:
' "Richard Smith, Esquire, one of the Delegates for this Colon}', in the Conti- nental Congress, asking leave to resign his seat there on account of indisposition;
" Ordered, That his resignation be accepted." Journal New Jersey Convention.
'This letter of McKean dated from Newcastle, half past 2 A. M., is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, XV, folio 57. That from Lewis Town is in No. 70, folio 575.
June, 1776 437
Resolved, That it be recommended to the assembly, or committee of safety of Delaware government, to cause all the disaffected, in their colony, to be disarmed, and the arms to be disposed of agreeable to a former resolution of Congress :
Resolved, That the commanding officer of the riffle bat- allion of associators in this city, be requested to order a company of said batallion to escort the powder sent to Delaware government, until they shall reach the provin- cial batallion of rifflemen, ordered to march to the assist- ance of the militia of Delaware government.
A letter from James M'Lene, chairman of the committee of Shippensburg, enclosing certain resolutions respecting some powder they have stopped, which was sent by Mr. [Lewis] Morris to Mr. George Morgan, at Pittsburg, was laid before Congress and read.^
Resolved, That the president return an answer, and inform the committee, that the powder was ordered by Congress to be sent to George Morgan, Esq', and request them to use their endeavours to have the same forwarded, with all safety and despatch, to said G. Morgan, at Pittsburg.
A letter of the 11 from the convention of New York was laid before Congress and read.
Resolved, That the same be referred to the committee appointed on the 6th. ^
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to stop the exportation of any salted provisions, which they may have ordered to be made at New York.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to deliver 100 lb. of powder to the order of the committee appointed to contract for making cannon.
' This letter, from the committee of Cumberland County, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 69, 1, folio 133. 'This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 67, I, folio 216.
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Resolved 1 That an order for 600 dollars be drawn on the treasurers, in favour of Captain James Grier, he to be accountable for the same, and to render an account thereof to the pay master general, upon his arrival at New York,
Resolved, That the pay of the secretary of the Board of War and Ordnance, be at the rate of 800 dollars per annum.
Congi-ess then proceeded to the election of the com- mittee to form a Board of war and ordnance, and the ballots being taken, the following members were chosen:
Mr. J[ohn] Adams, Mr. [Roger] Sherman, Mr. [Ben- jamin] Harrison, Mr. [James] Wilson, and Mr. E[dward] Rutledge :
Richard Peters, Esq. was elected secretary of said board.
The Committee on Qualifications having recommended Doctor Benjamin Allison as surgeon to the first Pensyl- vania batalliou now in Canada ;
George Tudor to be captain of the company lately commanded by Captain Walter Stewart, in the third Pensylvania batallion ;
Mr. John Duguid, as a first lieutenant in the said third batallion ;
Mr. Harman Stout, as a second lieutenant in the said batalhon ;
Mr. Andrew Graydon, as an ensign in the said batallion :
Capt De Lausay (a French Gentleman) has produced to the Com- mittee credentials of his having been a captain in the French Service, and comes well recommended. It is submitted to Congress whether or not they will grant his prayer, in appointing him a Lieutenant Colonel.'
The Committee would be glad to have a list of Officers, that they may be proper Judges of their Seniority.^
'Against this paragraph has been written "not Considered." *This report, in the writing of [?], is in the Papers of the Continental Congrest, No. 23, folio 373.
June, 1776 439
Resolved, That the said report be agreed to, and that commissions be granted to them accordingly.
The Congi-ess then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into theii' farther consideration the reports to them referred, and after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. [Ben- jamin] Harrison reported, that the committee have had under their farther consideration the matters to them referred, but not having had time to go through the whole, desu'ed him to move for leave to sit again.
Resolved, That this Congress will, to morrow, again resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration the reports to them referred.
The Marine Committee having reported, that complaints are made against Commodore Hopkins, Captain Saltonstal, and Captain Whipple, for breach of orders, and other mal- practices:
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to inform Commodore Hopkins, Captain Saltonstal, and Cap- tain Whipple, of the complaints lodged against them, and order them immediately to repair to Philadelphia, to answer for their conduct.
Resolved, That in case the enemy's men of war attempt to come up the river [Delaware,] that the Secret Commit- tee be empowered and directed to deliver such a quantity of powder as to them shall seem necessary, to the committee of safety of Pensylvania.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned.
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.^
' "John De Hart, Esquire, one of the Delegates in the Continental Congress, ask- ing leave to resign his seat on account of the situation of his family and affairs; '^Ordered, That his resignation be accepted." Journal New Jersey Convention.
440 Journals of Congress
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1776
Resolved, That an order for 1500 dollars be drawn on the treasurers in favour of George Evans, commissary, for the use of the continental troops in Delaware government, he to be accountable.
A letter of the 10, from the committee of safety of Maryland, was laid before Congi-ess and read ; also,
A letter of the 16 of May, from the commissioners in Canada, recommending Major Dubois to the notice of Congress for promotion.^
Resolved, That the commanding officer in the barracks be directed to deliver the prisoner in his custody to the committee of safety of Pensylvania, who are desired to treat him agi-eeable to former resolutions of Congress.
A letter from General Washington, of the 13, enclosing two letters from General Schuyler, of the 8, with sundry letters and papers, enclosed; one fi'om S. Kirkland and one from the convention of New York, were laid before Congi-ess and read:'-
Resolred, That the same be referred to the standing committee on Indian affairs, and that they be directed to sit forthwith.
A letter from W. Livingston, of the 13, enclosing a letter from Thomas Little, of the 2d, was laid before Con- gress and read :
Resolved, That the same be referred to the committee appointed to enquire into and remedy the complaints of the powder made at Mr. Eve's mill.
' The letter from the Council of Safety of Maryland is in the Papers of the Continen- tal Congress, Xo. 70, folio 29.
'The letter of Washington is in the Papers of the Continental (bngress, No. 152, II, folio 29. It is printed in Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 139. That of Schuyler is in Xo. 153, II, folio 192.
June, 1776 441
The committee to whom were referred the letters from Genera] Washington, of the 9th and 10th, and a letter from the president of the provincial convention of New York, with the papers enclosed, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention of the colony of New York, to make effectual provision for detecting, restraining, and punishing disaffected and dan- gerous persons in that colony, and to prevent all persons from having any intercourse or correspondence with the enemy; and that General Washington afford his aid therein, when necessary.
RoBolvcd, That it ia the opinion of thiia Committee that it be recommended to the Aaacmblica, Conventions or Councila or Committees of Safety in the roapootivc Colo nica, to prohibit and prevent the exportation of salted Pork, and Beef, and auch other Articlca of provision as may be wanted for the uae of the Army.
Ricaolvcd, That when Brigadier General Wooater arrivca at New York ho be employed where the Commander in Chief ahall judge hia aervioea may be moat uaeful.^
Whereas, it has been represented to this Congress, that great quantities of salted beef and pork have been pur- chased for exportation, which, if not restrained, may ren- der the supplies of the army difficult and uncertain :
Resolved, therefore. That no salted beef or pork, except as much as may be necessary for the use of the crew, be exported from any of the United Colonies, in any vessel, under any pretence whatever, until the farther order of this Congress.'^
' This report, in the writing of Roger Sherman, is in the Papers of the Continental Co7igress, No. 36, IV, folio 173.
^ These two paragraphs, in the writing of John Hancock, are endorsed on the back of the report. The adopted paragraphs were printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 June, 1776.
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The committee appointed to consider of a compensation to the secretary, for his services, brought in their report, which was agreed to, as follows:
That the sum of one thousand sistj^ sis and two thirda of a dollar two hundred dollars be granted and paid, out of the public treasury, to Charles Thomson, secretary to the United Colonies, in consideration of his faithful serv- ices for one year, ending the 10th day of May last.
The committee to whom General Washington's letter of the 15, and General Schuyler's of the 8th, were re- ferred, brought in theu' report, which was taken into con- sideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That General Schuyler and the other com- missioners for Indian affairs in the northern department be directed immediately to hold a conference with the Six Nations; to engage them in our interest upon the best terms that can be procured, and treat with them on the principles and in the decisive manner mentioned in his letter :
That General Schuyler's preparations for immediately taking post at Fort Stanwix, and erecting a fortification there, be approved of; and that General Washington be instructed to give him directions for carrying that meas- ure into execution.
That Copies of the Resolutions of Congress upon the Matters afore mentioned be transmitted to Generals Washington and Schuyler.'
Resolved, That the Committee on Spies be du'ected to revise the rules and articles of war, and to make such additions and alterations as they may judge proper, and lay the same before Congress for their consideration.
A petition from Mrs. Gardner, was laid before Congress, and read :
Resolved, That it be referred to the Committee on Spies.
' This report, in the writing of James Wilson, is in the Papers of the Continental Oon- ffress, No. 19, VI, folio 215.
June, 1776 443
A memorial from the committee of safety of Pensyl- vania was presented to Congress, and read; setting forth, that a committee of the assembly, accompanied by the general officers lately in town, and a skilful engineer, have viewed the river Delaware, and the fortifications and defences erected at the expence of the colony of Pen- sylvania to oppose and prevent the passage of the enemy's' ships; and that they have judged it necessary, for far- ther security, that a redoubt should be erected at Billings - port, on the New Jersey side, and that a boom should be there thrown across, or some other obstructions fixed in the channel ; and praying, as the place for the redoubt is out of their government, and their colony has expended a very large sum for the defence of the river, that the Con- gress would direct these works to be done at the conti- nental expence;' Whereupon,
Resolved., That the committee of safety of Pensylvania be empowered, at the continental expence, to erect the redoubt, and to fix the boom, or other obstructions, at the places aforesaid :
Thomas Bates, blacksmith, proposing to supply the con- tinental troops with a quantity of camp kettles, of sheet iron @ one and 1/3 dollar each, provided he can have credit for five tons of sheet iron :
Resolved, That Timothy Matlack, Esq' be directed to write to Thomas May berry, of Mount holly, the manu - facturer of sheet iron, to send down to him five tons of sheet iron, for which he will be paid on the delivery; and, that T. Matlack be directed to receive said iron, and deliver it out, as it may be wanted, to Thomas Bates, and receive the kettles as fast as made.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned,
Adjourned to 10 o' Clock to Morrow.
' This memorial is in the minutes of the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania, X, 575.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1776
Sundry letters were laid before Congress, and read, viz.
One from Mr. [Thomas] M'Kean of the 13 ;
One from Mr. R[ichard] Peters:
One from General Washington of the 14, enclosing copy of a letter from General Schuyler of the 10, and sundry other papers :
One from Governor Trumbull, of the 10, with sundry papers enclosed:^
One from David Waterbury, of the 6, with sundry ac- counts enclosed :
Resolved, That the letter from D. Waterbury, with the papers enclosed, be referred to the Committee of Claims.
A letter from the committee of safety of Virginia, of the 5, informing of the arrival of five tons of powder, on account of the continent, ||wasread:|| Whereupon,
Resolved, That one half of said continental powder be left in Virginia, and the other half forwarded to the com- manding ofl&cer in South Carolina.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to take into consideration the state of Georgia, and report thereon to Congi-ess :
The members ctiosen, Mr. [Stephen] Hopkins, Mr. [Benjamin] Harrison, and Mr. S[amuel] Adams.
The Marine Committee having recommended
Mr. Hector M'Neal to command the fi'igate Boston, and
Mr. John Brown a lieutenant of the same.
Thomas Grennel to the command of the frigate Mont- gomery,
Resolved, That the gentlemen recommended be approved, and that commissions be gi-anted to them accordingly.
' The letter of Washington is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, n, foUo 33. It is printed in Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 142. That of Thomas McKean is in No. 78, XV, folio 59. That of Governor TrumbuU is in No. 66, I, folio 181. That of Peters is in No. 78, XVIII, foUo 65.
June, 1776 445
A memorial from the owners of four private ships of war, fitted and fitting out in Philadelphia, was laid before Congress, and read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The Committe of Claims reported, that there is due.
For expences of sick men belonging to the 6th Pensyl- vania batallion, the sum of £21 17 6=58 30/90 dollars, and that the same ought to be paid to Captain Samuel Benezet.
To Hugh Hodge, for sundry necessaries for the sick of the third Pensylvania batallion, the sum of £12 16 3= 34 15/90 dollars:
To Robert Erwin, waggon master for transporting salt petre from Egg harbour to Cooper's ferry, the sum of £79 0 10=210 70/90 dollars:
To Peter Aguew, for repairing arms for the fifth Pen- sylvania batallion, the sum of £4 5 6=11 36/90 dollars.
That Peter Noble, a soldier belonging to Colonel Hin- man's batallion, (Captain Watson's company) who was taken prisoner near Montreal, with Colonel Allen, ought to have the sum of 40 dollars advanced to him, and his receipt taken for the same, as part of his pay :
Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.
It being represented to Congress, that a number of offi- cers, whose troops left them last winter in Canada, and who remained and served there during the whole winter, were returned, and were desirous of being some way employed and provided for :
Resolved, That their case be referred to the Committee of War and Ordnance, who are desired to sit as soon as conveniently they can, and report thereon to Congress.
Resolved, That the president write to Governor Trum- bull, desiring, that he will deliver to the agent of the Coun- cil [committee] of safety of Pennsylvania, the cannon and trucks ordered by Congress to be taken from thence [New
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London,] and that he be informed, the Congress expect this resolution will be immediately complied with.
Resolved, That the letters from Governor Trumbull, and from General Washington and General Schuyler, be referred to the Committee of War and Ordnance.
Resolved, That the report of the committee on General Washington's letters of the 9th and 10, which was left unfinished, together with the amendments moved and seconded, be referred to the committee of the whole Con- gress.
The Congress then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the several reports referred to them; and, after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the chau', and Mr. [Benjamin] Harri- son reported, that the committee have had under consid- eration the several reports to them referred, and have come to sundry resolutions, which they ordered him to report; but, not having had time to go through the whole, desu-ed him to move for leave to sit again.
The report from the committee of the whole being delivered in.
Resolved, That a committee of three four be appointed to digest and arrange the several resolutions reported, in order to be laid before Congi-ess ; and that the committee of the whole be discharged of the reports, so far as they relate to the cartel entered into between General Arnold and Captain Foster ||for an exchange of prisoners, || and that the same be referred to the committee now to be appointed :
The members chosen, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson, Mr. [Carter] Braxton, Mr. [Robert Treat] Paine, and Mr. [Arthur] Middleton.
Resolved, That this Congress will, on Monday next, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into
June, 1776 447
their farther consideration the several reports to them referred. Adjourned to 10 o'Clock on Monday next.
MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1776
A letter of the 7th of May from Brigadier General Ai'mstrong, and a letter of the 6 [of June] from the committee of Albany, were laid before Congress, and read:^
The Committee of war and ordnance, to whom the letter of Governor Trumbull of June 10th, was referred, brought in their report, which was taken into considera- tion: Whereupon,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the governor and assembly of Connecticut, to send the two batallions men- tioned in said letter as raised, one for Boston, and one with a view to for New York, into Canada forthwith, as proposed in said letter ; and that a batallion of militia be sent to Boston, instead of the one intended for that place :
That blank commissions be sent to Governor Trumbull, for the officers of the batallion raised with a view to for New York; the present exigency requiring this measure, the same not to be drawn into precedent :
That 10,500 dollars be paid into the hands of the dele- gates of Connecticut, to be sent to that colony, to defray the expence of raising the said regiment :
That Governor Trumbull be informed, that Congress are of opinion, that the provision made by the late act of assembly of Connecticut, for the purpose of engaging one third of the militia on the sea coast, and one fourth in the interior part of that colony, for the defence thereof, and of the neighbouring colonies, will, by no means, answer the object the Congress had in view by their resolution of the
' Armstrong's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 162, folio 243. 15664— VOL V— 06 3
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3d of June; and request, that such steps be taken by the assembly of that colony, as shall seem to them most likely to carry into effect the said requisition.
Resolved, That commissions be granted to the ofl&cers appointed by the assembly of Connecticut for the regi- ment ordered to be raised in that colony, for the service of the continent.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to sell two tons of gun powder to the convention of New Jersey, for the use of their militia.
The committee appointed to digest and methodize the resolutions entered into by the committee of the whole, having performed that service, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Gr. 1.^ — Resolved, That an experienced general be im- mediately sent into Canada, with power to appoint a deputy adjutant general, a deputy quarter master general, and such other officers as he shall find necessary for the good of the service, and to fill up vacancies in the army in Canada, and notify the same to Congress for their approbation; G. 2. that he also have power to suspend any officer there, till the pleasure of Congi'ess be known, he giving his reasons for so doing in the orders of suspen- sion, and transmitting to Congress, as soon as possible, the charge against such officer: provided, that this power of suspending officers and filling up vacancies, shall not be continued beyond the fii'st day of October next :
That General Washington be directed to send Major General Gates into Canada, to take the command of the forces in that province:^
' These letters and figures are taken from Jefferson's manuscript report, in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 19, VI, folio 181. I believe that G. refers to such paragraphs as were suggested by Gates; C. to those of Congress or its commit- tees; S. to those of Schuyler, and W. to those of Washington.
' This paragraph is not in Jefferson's report.
June, 177 G 449
G. 3. That no officer siittle or sell to the soldiers, on penalty of being fined one month's pay, and dismissed the service with infamy, on conviction before a court martial :
G. 4. That the baggage of officers and soldiers be regu- lated conformably to the rules in the British armies :
G. 4b. That all sales of arms, ammunition, cloathing, and accoutrements, made by soldiers, be void :
G. 5. That no troops employed in Canada be disbanded there ; that all soldiers in Canada, ordered to be disbanded, or whose times of inlistment being expired, shall refuse to re-inlist, shall be sent, under proper officers, to Ticon- deroga, or such other post on the lakes as the general shall direct, where they shall be mustered, and the arms, accoutrements, blankets, and utensils which they may have belonging to the public, shall be delivered up, and deposited in the public store : ^
G. 6.^
G. 7. That a deputy muster master general be immedi- ately sent into Canada :
G. 8. That the local commissaries and quarter masters, appointed at the different garrisons or posts, shall make weekly returns to the general of the provisions and stores in the places at which they may happen to be stationed :
G. 10.^ That the general to be sent into Canada be directed to view Point au f er and to order a fortress to be erected there, if he should think proper.
C. 1. That the general officers, deputy quarter master general, local commissaries, pay master in Canada, and
'As laid before the Committee of the Whole this paragraph closed as follows: " after which they shall be disbanded, and permitted to return to their respective homes."
^This paragraph, relating to the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Potts, is stricken out of the Jefferson report, having been printed under June 6, p. 424, ante.
" G. 9 is printed on p. 394, ante.
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all other persons there, who have received public monies, be ordered, without delay, to render and settle their ac- counts; on which settlement, no general officer shall receive pay as colonel of a regiment, nor field officer as captain of a company:^
S. 1. That General Schuyler be directed to make a good waggon road from Fort Edward to Cheshire's; to clear Wood creek, and to construct a lock at Skenesborough, so as to have a continued navigation for batteaus from Cheshire's into Lake Champlain; to erect a grand maga- zine at Cheshh'e's and to secure it by a stockaded fort ; to erect a saw mill on Schoon creek; to order skilful persons to survey and take the level of the waters fall- ing into Hudson's river near Fort Edward, and those which fall into Wood creek and interlock with the former, particularly Jones' run and Half way brook, the latter of which is said to discharge itself into Wood creek at Cheshu'e's; S. 2. that he be directed to have a gi-eater number of boats and hands kept on Hudson's river, at the different stations between Albany and Fort Edward, in order to save the expence of waggonage; S. 3. that he be empowered to appoint proper officers to superintend the carriage by land, and transportation by water, of provi- sions, military stores, and other things into Canada, that neither waste or delay may arise therein; S. 4. that he build, with all expedition, as many gallies and armed ves- sels as, in the opinion of himself and the general officer to be sent into Canada, shall be sufficient to make us in - disputably masters of the lakes Champlain and George ; and that, for this purpose, there be sent to him a master carpenter acquainted with the construction of the gallies used on the Delaware, who shall take with him other carpenters, and models also if requisite ; S. 5. and that it
'C. 2, 3 and 4 are printed under June 18, p. 463, post.
June, 1776 451
be submitted to General Schuyler, whether a temporary fortification or entrenched camp, either at Crown point or opposite Ticouderoga, may be necessary :
W. 1. That the commissary general be directed to sup- ply the army in Canada with provisions, and to appoint proper officers under him to receive and issue the same at the several posts, taking the directions of the general; W. 2. that he be empowered to contract with proper per- sons in Canada for supplying the army there with fresh provisions ; that he be directed to purchase for them a quantity of Albany peas, and to furnish as much biscuit as may be necessary; W. 3a. and that his pay be raised to 150 dollars a month :
W. 3b. That the quarter master general be directed to provide and forward such tents, cloathing, and utensils as are wanted for the army in Canada, subject to the direc- tion of the commander in chief :
W. 4. That General Washington be directed to send into Canada, such small brass or iron field pieces as he can spare; W. 5. that he be instructed to issue orders that no certificates be given in future by any but brigadiers, quarter masters and then- deputies, or a field officer on a march, or officer commanding at a detached post:^
W. 10. Resolved, that it is the opinion of thiia Committee that General Washington bo authorised to fill up vacancica in the army by issuing commissions to such officers under the rank of field officers, as he shall think proper to supply such vacancy; he making a monthly return to Congress of such appointments which, unless disapproved of by Congress on such return, shall stand confirmed; and that blank commissions be sent to the General for that purpose.
W. 11. Resolved, that the pay of such of the soldiers at New York as have been enlisted at five dollars per month bo raised to six dollars and two thirds per month.
'The paragraphs W. 6, 7 and 8 are under June 21, p. 472, post. W. 9, relating to Colonel Burbeck is under May 25, p. 392, ante. W. 12, grants the bounty printed under June 26, p. 483, post.
452 Journals of Congress
W. 13. That letters be written to the conventions of New Jersey and New York, and to the assembly of Connecticut, recommending to them to authorize the commander in chief in the colony of New York, to call to the assistance of that colony, when necessity shall require it, such of the militia of those colonies as may be necessary; and to afford him such other assistance as the situation of affau'S may require; W. 1-4. and, that it be further recommended to the convention of New York, to empower the said commander in chief to impress carriages and water craft, when necessary for the public service, and also to remove ships and other vessels in Hudson's and the East rivers, for the purpose of securing them from the enemy :
W. 15. That General Washington be permitted to employ the Indians whom he may take into the service of the United Colonies, piu-suant to a resolution of Con- gress of the 25th of May last, in any place where he shall judge they will be most useful ; and that he be authorized to offer them a reward of one hundred dollars for every commissioned officer, and of thu-ty dollars for every private soldier of the King's troops that they shall take prisoners in the Indian country, or on the frontiers of these colonies.
R. 5. That the companies of rifflemen from Vu-ginia and Maryland be regimented, and that the regiment be compleated to the original number of the Pensylvania bataUion:^
R. 6a. That the Pensylvania batallion of rifflemen be compleated to then- original establishment :
R. 6b. That two companies of the forces now in the Delaware government be ordered to Cape May :
* From this paragraph to that concerning the inventory of ordnance stores taken by Captain Manly, is in the Jefferson report, mentioned in note on p. 395, ante.
June, 1776 453
R. 7. That the committee, appointed to contract for cannon, be directed to procure a number of brass or iron field pieces, to be made or purchased immediately :
R. 8. That the committee, appointed to provide medi- cines, be directed to send a proper assortment of medicines to Canada : ^
R. 9. That Mr. James Mease be directed to purchase and forward to the quarter master general in New York, as much cloth for tents as he can procure :
R. 10. That the committee appointed to provide stock- ings and shoes for the troops in Canada, be directed to purchase such other articles as may be wanted for the use of the soldiers in Canada, and send the same to Albany, that they may be forwarded to the army in Canada, and that they be particularly attentive to provide, in time, a sufficient number of leathern breeches and under waist- coats, and such other winter cloathing as may be neces- sary for them -^
R. 11. That the said committee be directed to forward, with all expedition, to the quartermaster in Canada, such shoes as are already provided :
R. 12. That prisoners, taken by continental arms, be not exchanged by any authority but the Continental Congress :
R. 13. That all vessels which sailed from the port or harbour of Boston, whilst the town of Boston was in possession of the enemy, having on board effects belonging to the enemies of America, and which have been or may be seized, be liable, together with the said effects, to con- fiscation, in the same manner and proportions as have been heretofore resolved by Congress :
' In the Jefferson report this paragraph read: "Resolved, That a proper assortment of medicines be sent to Canada." Against it Harrison has written " Com';'' already appointed to provide medicines."
^In the Jefferson report, Harrison has written against this paragraph: "Com'^ to the Com';'' of which Mr. Shearman [Koger Sherman] is Chairman."
454 Journals of Congress
R. 14. That the continental agents in the respective col- onies, where no courts have been established for the trial of captures, have power, and be directed, to dispose, at public sale, of such articles of a perishable nature, as shall be taken from the enemies of America, and that the money arising fi-om such sale, be liable to the decree of such court whenever established :
That the inventory of the ordnance stores, taken by Captain Manly, be sent to General Washington, and that he be requested to appoint a person on the part of the colonies, to join one on the part of Captain Manly and his crew, who, having first taken an oath for that purpose, shall proceed to value the same, and if they cannot agi-ee in the value, they shall call in a third person to determine the sam^e; that the report of such persons be retui'ned to Congress so soon as may be, and the value of the stores belonging to Captain Manly and his crew, be thereupon transmitted to them.
Resolved, That it be referred to the delegates of Mary- land, Pensylvania, New Jersey, and New York, to devise the mode of raising the battalion of Germans voted the 25 of May last.
Resolved, That the consideration of the remainder of the report be postponed till to morrow.
The committee, to whom was referred, the cartel between Brigadier General Arnold and Captain Foster, for the exchange of prisoners, and the several papers relating thereto, brought in their report, which was read :
The Committee to whom were recommitted the Cartel between Brig-adier General Arnold and Captain Forster, for the exchange of prisoners, and the several papers relating thereto, have had the same under their consideration, and agreed to the following report:
Your committee having proceeded to make enquiry into the facts relating to the agreement entered into at St. Anne's, between Briga- dier General Arnold and Capt. Forster, find a part of them well
June, 1776 455
authenticated, and others not, yet being apprehensive that silence on the part of Congress may be construed by some into a ratification of the said agreement, they have thought it best to state the same as they appear at present, Tvitli such resolutions as they will justify if found true, reserving final decision till the whole truth shall be accurately enquired into and transmitted to Congress.
Your Committee on the best information they have been able to obtain, find
That on the Slth day of May last a party of the enemy, consisting as is said of about 600 men, under the command of Capt. Forster, attacked a post at the Cedars, held by a garrison of 350 Continental forces, then under the command of Major Butterfield.
That the said post was secured by a stockade [of wood?] to cover the garrison fi'om the enemy's musquetry, that there were mounted therein two feild peices, and that the enemy had no cannon.
That the said garrison had amnumition and provisions sufficient to have lasted them ten days, that they had reason to expect immediate a re-inforcement in a few days, which, on a requisition from themselves, was actually on it's way from Montreal, and moreover were so near the main body of the army that they could not doubt being joined by detachments from thence sufficient to oblige the enemy to retire.
That the enemy for two days kept up only a scattering fire, by which not a single man of the garrison was killed or wounded; and that on the- morning of the third day the garrison surrendered themselves prisoners of war, having capitulated only for the preservation of their own baggage from plunder, [and that their persons should not be delivered into the hands of the savages.] '
That the enemy broke the capitulation utterly and immediately on their part, plundering the garrison of their baggage, and even strip- ping the cloathes from their backs [and Delivering the Prisoners into the hands of the Savages.]'
That they then proceeded against the reinforcement which was on it's way, consisting of about 150 men under the command of Major Sherburne, that Major Sherburne and his party engaged and fought them with bravery : but being at length surrounded by numbers greatly superior, and informed that the fort and garrison were already in the hands of the enemy, they were obliged to surrender themselves pris- oners of war also: but whether on capitulation or not, your committee are not informed.
' Words in brackets in the writing of John Hancock.
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That after they had put themselves into the hands of the enemy, the said enemy murdered two of them, butchering the one with tomahawks and drovvning the other; and left divers others exposed in an island naked and perishing with cold and famine.
That by this time Brigadier General Arnold, who had been detached by Major General Thomas to relieve the fort at the Cedars, appi'oached and was making dispositions to attack the enemy.
ThatCaptn. Forster thereupon sent a flag [Notified]' General Arnold, notifying that if he attacked him, the prisoners, then 500 in number, would every man of them be put to death, and proposing at the same time an exchange of \j}risonerg.'\
[General] Arnold was extremely averse to entering on any agreement of that kind, and was at length induced to do it by no other motive than that of saving the prisoners from cruel and inhuman butch death, threatened in such terms as left no doubt it was to be perpetrated.
That an agreement was thereupon entered into between Brigadier General Arnold and Captn. Forster, bearing date at St. Anne's on the 27th day of May, whereby the sd. Forster stipulated that he would deliver up all the said prisoners except 16 some such as were Canadians, to Genl. Arnold; who agreed on the other part, that so many of equal rank and condition should be returned to the enemy of those taken by our arms on former occasions: that the prisoners so stipulated to be given up to the enemy were not in the possession of General Arnold, nor under his direction, but were at that time distributed through various parts of the continent under the orders of this house.
That Capt. Forster in violation of this agreement also detained a considerable number of the prisoners he had thus stipulated to deliver, and sent them into the Indian countries for purposes unknown.
Whereupon your Committee have come to the following resolutions:
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this Committee that plundering the baggage of the garrison at the Cedars, stripping them of their clothes [and delivering the Prisoners into the hands of the Savages,] ' was a breach of the capitulation on the part of the enemy, for which satis- faction ought to be demanded.
Resolved., that the murder of two of the prisoners of war -was a gross and barbarous violation of the laws of nature and nations, for which satisfaction should be made by the enemj', by delivering into our hands either Captain Forster, or the individuals concerned in committing the murder.
' Words in brackets m the writing of John Hancock.
June, 1776 457
Resolved, that the agreement entered into at St. Anne's was a mere sponsion on the part of Brigadr. Genl Arnold, he not being invested with powers for the absokite disposal of the Continental prisoners in general; and that therefore it is subject to be ratified or annulled at the discretion of this house, the sole representative of the United States of America [Colonies.] '
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this Committee that Major Sher- burne and his party having fought as men should do, so much of the said sponsion as relates to their exchange should be ratified and con- firmed bj' this house; and that an equal number of captives from the enemy, of the same rank and condition should be restored to them as stipulated by the said sponsion.
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee that [ ] the said sponsion as relates to the exidiange of Major Butterfield \and the] gar- rison surrendering with him, ought not to be ratified: because we should redeem none but those who will tight; and because too the said sponsion excepted the Canadian prisoners, and we will in no case admit a dis- tinction of countries among men fighting in the same cause.
Resolved, therefore that the said Major Butterfield and garrison should still be considered as prisoners of war, appertaining to the enem}', but as by the actual murder of two of the prisoners, and the threats at St. Anne's to put the others to death, the enemy are found capable of destroying their captives, the sd prisoners ought not to be put into their hands, but shoidd be permitted to remain in their own country: that in the mean time they shall not bear arms, nor otherwise act against the enemy, but are bound to demean themselves in all things in the manner of prisoners of war enlarged on their parole, and to hold themselves subject to be recalled by the enemy, whenever proper security shall have been given that their lives shall be safe.
Resolved, that previous to the delivery of the prisoners to be returned in lieu of Majr. Sherburne and those captivated with him, satisfaction be required from the enemy for the murder of the two prisoners, by delivering into our hands Capt. Forstcr, or the individuals concerned in perpetrating that horrid act; and likewise restitution for the plun- der at the Cedars taken contrary to the faith of the capitulation: and that till such satisfaction and restitution be made, the said prisoners be not delivered.
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee that if the enemy shall put to death, torture, or otherwise ill-treat any of the hostages in
1 Words in brackets in the writing of John Hancock.
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their hands, or of the Canadian or other prisoners captirated by them in the sei'vice of the United Colonies, recourse must be had to retaha- tion as the sole means of stopping the progi'ess of human butchery, and that for that purpose punishments of the same kind and degree be inflicted on an equal number of their subjects taken by us, till they shall be taught due respect to the violated rights of nations.
Resolved^ that it is the opinion of this Committee that a copy of this report be transmitted to the Commander in chief of the Continental foi'ces in Canada, to be \)y him sent to the British commander in chief of the Continental forcca in Canada to be by him sent to the British commander there: and that he moreover make further and diligent \iiiquh'y\ into the facts therein stated and such others as may \he obtained upon M<?] same subject and [report the] same duly authenticated [with all posjsible despatch [to Congress] for their final decision, and that in the mean time the prisoners delivered up by the enemj- abstain from bearing arms or otherwise acting against them.'
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The committee on the petition of Colonel Tiirbutt Francis reported, that they had met on the business re- ferred to them; but that the Indians refused to be exam- ined, or to give any evidence on the matter, which pre- vented theu" proceeding, wherefore they desired to be discharged : Whereupon,
Resolved, That they be discharged.
The Committee on Spies brought in their report, which was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The committee to whom the letters from William Pal- frey, Esq' pay master general, of the 19 of May and 3d of June II were referred, || brought in their report, which was read: Whereupon,
Resolved, as the opinion of this Committoo that dollars bo sent
to the Deputy Paymaster General in the Eastern Department for the Pay and other uses of the Troops there.
'This report, in the writing of Thomas Jefferson, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 29, folio 229. It differs much from the report as finally adopted by Congress, July 10, p. 533, pod. In the Jefferson Papers are notes of testimony taken in connection with the affair at the Cedars.
June, 1776 459
Resolved, That the said letters, with the weekly returns enclosed therein, be referred to the superintendents of the treasury, to be filed in the auditor general's office.^
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned,
Adjourned to 10 o' Clock to Morrow.^
TUESDAY, JUNE i8, 1776
Sundry letters were laid before Congress, and read, viz.
A letter from General Washington of the 16, enclosing
A letter from General Ward of the 9th, and Wm. Pal- frey of the 16th.
3 letters from General Schuyler of the 11 and 12:^
One letter from Brigadier General Sullivan of the 5 and 6, with three papers enclosed ; and
2 from Brigadier General Arnold of the 5 and 6 :
Resolved, That the foregoing letters and papers be referred to the Board of War and Ordnance.
A letter from William Palfrey, Paymaster General, of the 16 June, with a weekly return, ||was read : ||
Resolved, That this be referred to the superintendents of the treasviry.
A letter from Joseph Trumbull, commissary general, of the 17, informing, that he has found it necessary to order a quantity of flour to be purchased in Philadelphia, and that to pay for the same, he has drawn on the president
' This report, in the writing of John Adams, is in the Papers of the Continental Con- gress, No. 22, foHo 109.
â– ^ "The Affair of a Confederation of the Colonies is now unanimously agreed on by all the members of all the Colonies. . . . The affair of voting, whether by Colo- nies as at present, or otherwise, is not decided, and causes some warm disputes." Josiah Bartlelt to John Langdon., 17 June, 1776.
" The letter of Washington is in the Papers of the. Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folio 37. A second letter, dated the 17th, was read on the same day, and is in the same volume, folio 67. It is endorsed "private." Schuyler's letter of the 11th is in No. 153, II, folio 208.
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in favour of Mr. Matthew Irwin, for 60,000 dollars ; and, as he shall be under the necessity of giving orders for purchasing pork and flour in Philadelphia, desiring to know whether he may, from time to time, [continue] to draw on the president for the payment of those articles.^
Resolved, That the president be directed to pay such bills as are or may be drawn by Joseph Trumbull, Esq^ for the pui'pose abovementioued, and that the same, as paid, be charged to his account.
A letter from the committee of safety of Pensylvania, requesting the opinion of Congress, whether persons taken on board merchants' ships and river craft, ought to be ex- changed for seamen taken from the enemy's ships of war ?^
Resolved, That the president inform the committee of safety that the Congress judge it improper that such an exchange should take place. ^
Resolved, That Gunning Bedford, Esq' deputy muster master general, be pi'omoted to the rank of muster master general, and that he be directed immediately to repair to head quarters at New York.
Resolved, That General Washington be empowered and directed, to nominate and send a deputy muster master general to Canada.
Resolved, That two members be added to the board for superintending the treasury.
The ballots being taken, Mr. [Joseph] Hewes, and Mr. [Thomas] M'Kean were elected.
A memorial from Dr. [John] Morgan, director general and chief physician of the Hospital, was laid before Con- gress, and read : ^
' This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, XXII, folio 49. 'This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 69, I, folio 141. ' This concerned the exchange of Budden and Draper. See p. 399, ante. *This memorial is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, VI, folio 3.
June, 1776 461
Resolved, That it be referred to the committee ap- pointed to provide medicines.
The committee to whom the report on the resohitions of the convention of South CaroHua, respecting the batal- Uons raised in that colony, were recommitted, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration: Whereupon, the Congress came to the following resolu - tions :
Whereas the Congress, on the 4th day of November last, resolved, that for the defence of South Carolina, there be kept up in that colony, at the continental ex- pence, three batallions of foot; each batallion to consist of the same number of men and officers, to be upon the same pay, and under the same regulations as the conti- nental army; and, on the 25 day of March last, resolved, that the convention, or council of safety of South Caro- lina, be permitted to raise and embody two other batal- lions, and that they be on the pay, and at the expence of the continent, as soon as they shall be armed fit for service, and accordingly mustered ; and whereas the convention of South Carolina, on the 22d day of February last, or- dered that their council of safety return the thanks of that colony to the Continental Congress for their attention to its security ; that they state the peculiar circumstances and the heavy expences which have been and will be incurred by that colony in the measures necessary for their defence, and that they request the Continental Con- gress to allow that colony so much money as the expences of three batallions, upon the continental establishment, would amount to for one year, and to give continental rank to the officers of the three regiments raised in June, and of the regiment of artillery raised in November, from the dates of their respective commissions, or at least from
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the fourth day of November, when they resolved to allow that colony three batallions; and whereas, the delegates from that colony in Congress, have represented the pe- culiar circimistances and heavy expences of that colony ; and that the troops raised in it were inlisted for three years, upon a different establishment of pay, and under different articles of war, so as to render it inconvenient to place them, in all respects, upon the continental estab- lishment; therefore.
Resolved, That the batallion of artillery, and the two other batallions of foot, raised in South Carolina, and kept up in that colony for the defence of the same, be considered as continental forces, and allowed the same pay, rations and disbursements as other forces on the continental establishment :
That the two batallions, under the command of the Col- onels Gadsden and Moultrie, be allowed all the advan- tages of the continental establishment, from the 4th day of November last, and the regiment of artillery, from the time when the same was ordered to be raised by the Provincial Congress or convention of South Caro- lina:
That the two batallions of rifflemen, raised in and for the defence of the said colony, be considered as conti- nental troops from the 25 day of March last, and be enti- tled to all the advantages of the same :
That all the above mentioned troops be liable to the articles for the government of the forces in the said colony :
That the said forces be continued on the continental establishment until the expiration of their inlistment, unless they shall be sooner disbanded by Congress :
That not more than one third of the effective men of the abovementioned forces be ordered out of the said
June, 1776 463
colony, without the express order of Congress or the con- sent of the president of that colony/
Resolved, That Mr. [Thomas] Heyward, [Jr.] and Mr. [Lyman] Hall be added to the committee for providing medicines.
Resolved, That Mr. [John] Rodgers, be appointed a member of the marine committee.
Resolved, That a commissioner be appointed to settle in Canada the debts due on certificates, given by officers to the Canadians for carriages and other services ; and to set- tle the accounts for such goods, as may have been seized, through necessity, for the use of the army ; and that the isamo as goon as liquidated -be returned to the Board of Treasury, to bo by them finally confirmed and discharged. that it be given in instruction to him, to attend particu- larly to the case of Mr. Bernard ; and that, in settling the certified debts, he state carefully the names of all those who have given certificates, the nature of the service, and the time when performed, and return the whole, when settled and stated, to the committee of treasury, to be by them examined and discharged :
Resolved., That the deputy pay master general be directed to trans- mit to Congress copies of the particulars before mentioned on the original certificates, with the report and remarks of the Commissioners thereon."
That Thursday next be assigned for electing the said commissioner.
• "Enclosed are the resolutions of Congress respecting our Provincial forces. We wish they may be agreeable to your Excellency, to our Assembly, and to the officers of our Army; if they are not, there is nothing compulsory in them. Congress would not strictly comply with the request we were ordered to make on this sub- ject, lest they should establish a precedent which might be injurious to the general interest of America. We have, therefore, been obliged to vary our application, and to adopt such resolutions as seemed most likely to give satisfaction to the officers of our Army." South Carolina Delegates in Congress to President Rutledge, 9 July, 1776.
'These two paragraphs included C. 2, 3, and 4 of the Jefferson report on p. 450, ante. The second paragraph was not adopted by Congress. 15664— VOL V— 06 4
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Resolved, That no man in these colonies, charged with being a tory, or unfriendly to the cause of American lib - erty, be injm-ed in his person or property, or in any man- ner whatever disturbed, unless the proceeding against him be founded on an order of this Congress, or the As- sembly, convention, council or committee of safety of the colony, or committee of inspection and observation, of the district wherein he resides ; provided, that this resolu- tion shall not prevent the apprehending any person found in the commission of some act destructive of American liberty, or justly suspected of a design to commit such act, and intending to escape, and bringing such person before proper authority for examination and trial.
Ordered, To be published/
Information being given, that some of the officers, who were prisoners at Lebanon, in the colony of Pensylvania, have, in violation of the parole by them given and sub- scribed, made their escape,
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of "War and Ordnance to consider what steps are necessary to be taken on the occasion.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned,
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1776
Sundry letters and papers were laid before Congi-ess and read.
A letter from the convention of New Jersey of the 18th, enclosing an ordinance for raising 3,300 militia for the defence of New Fork, and their proceedings for appre-
' Printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 June, 1776.
June, 1776 465
bending William Franklin, Esq- late governor of that colony;^ Whereupon,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention of New Jersey, to proceed on the examination of Mr. Frank- lin, and if, upon such examination, they shall be of opin- ion that he should be confined, to report such opinion to this Congress, and then this Congress will du'ect the place of his confinement, they concurring in sentiment with the convention of New Jersey, that it would be im- proper to confine him in that colony.
The Board of War and Ordnance, to whom sundry let- ters and papers were referred, particularly one from Gen- eral Washington dated the 16, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the commissions granted by Brigadier General Sullivan, to sundry officers in Canada, mentioned in General Washington's letter, be approved and con- firmed, provided, General Gates and the general officers in Canada, on consultation, shall think the measure will conduce to the public service.
That 300,000 dollars be sent to the pay master general at New York, for the use of the army.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due.
To John Jervis, for horse hire, ferriages, &c. the sum of £12 8 4=33 10/90 dollars :
To John Bruce, the sum of £5 0 6=13 36/90 dollars, being the ballance of his bill for tin cartouch boxes :
To Joseph Fernauer, the sum of £6 7 9=17 3/90 dol- lars, the ballance of his bill for tin cartouch boxes :
To Sacheverel Wood, the sum of £70 4 8=187 26/90 dollars, for victualling prisoners confined in gaol by order of Congress :
' The proceedings of the convention of New Jersey on William Franklin are in the Journal of the Convention, June 14-16. The letter enclosing them is in the same volume, June 18.
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To George Reinhart, for hauling powder, arms, and bullets, the sum of £7 14 0=20 48/90 dollars :
To Thomas Harvey, for cash paid by him for guards of powder waggons, and also his bills for ferriages, the hire of a waggon, &c. the sum of £10 4 2=27 20/90 dollars, and that the same ought to be paid to Samuel Hillegas, Esq^
To Mary Thomas, for nursing and boarding two of Captain Benezet's men, in the small pox, the sum of £4 10 0=12 dollars:
Ordered, That the said accounts be paid.
A muster roll of the ninth Virginia batallion, com- manded by Colonel Fleming, taken the 31 May last, was laid before Congress: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the said batallion be taken into conti- nental pay from the said 31 day of May.
Resolved, That one ton of gun powder be sent to the colonel or commanding officer of said batallion :
Resolved, That the committee for preparing medicine chests, be directed to send a chest of medicines to the surgeon of said batallion.
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to carry into execution the resolution of the 17th, for send- ing carpenters to General Schuyler.
A memorial from the mates of the Hospital was laid before Congress and read : '
Resolved, That it be referred to the committee for pro- viding medicines.
Whereas it is indispensably necessary for the good of the service, that the soldiers of the United Colonies should be well provided with blankets and cloathing; therefore.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the assemblies and conventions of the United Colonies, forthwith to cause a
'This memorial is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, III, folio 167.
June, 1776 467
suit of cloaths, of which the waistcoat and breeches may be made of deer leather, if to be had on reasonable terms, a blanket, felt hat, two shirts, two pair of hose, and two pair of shoes, to be manufactured, or otherwise procured at reasonable rates, in their respective colonies, for each soldier of the American Army, inlisted therein for the present campaign, and that the same be baled, invoiced, and stored in suitable places, to be delivered to the order of Congress, or the commander in chief of the American Ai'my:
Resolved, That sufficient sums of money be granted to the assemblies and conventions aforesaid, on applying for the same, to enable them to discharge the demands arising from the purchase of the articles aforesaid :
Resolved, That the commander in chief of the American Army be empowered to draw on the said assemblies and conventions, for such articles of cloathing aforesaid, as he shall, from time to time judge necessary, and that the cost thereof be deducted from the pay of the soldiers who shall receive the same, by the proper officer for examining and discharging the accounts and pay rolls of the respective regiments.
The Marine Committee, to whom the petition of Wil- liam Adams, surgeon, was referred, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration:^ Whereupon,
Resolved, That the resignation of William Adams be accepted.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned.
Adjourned to 10 o' Clock to Morrow.
' This petition, dated May 28, 1776, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, I, foho 11.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1776
A letter of the 17 from General Washington, and a letter from the President of the convention of New Jersey, were laid before Congress, and read/
Resolved, That in order to give time to the several com- mittees, to prepare for the house the matters referred to them, it be a standing rule of CongTess, that adjourn- ments fi-om the Friday evening, be always to Monday morning, unless on any particular occasion, the Congress shall order otherwise.
A petition from Carpenter Wharton was presented to Congi-ess and read :
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War and Ordnance.
The Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on the cartel made between Brigadier General Ai-uold and Captain Foster, ||for exchange of prisoners ;|| and, after some debate, the farther consideration thereof was postponed till to Morrow.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to draw up rules and regulations for the conduct of Congi*ess lithe house dvuing debates : ||
The members chosen, Mr. [Edward] Rutledge, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson, and Mr. [Robert Treat] Paine.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due,
To Captain William Richards, for the detention of his shallop twenty days on the public service, the sum of £15=40 doUars:
To Robert Erwin, waggon master, the sum of £77 15 0= 207 30/90 dollars, for waggonage :
To David Williamson, for waggon hire, carrying Cap-
• The letter of Washington is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folio 63. That from the convention of New Jersey is in No. 68, folio 151.
June, 1776 469
tain James Grier's baggage from Fredericksburg to New- York, and returning home, the sum of £55 2 6=147 dollars :
To Abraham Mills, for nursing and boarding six sol- diers in the small pox, the sum of £12 14 8=33 86/90 dollars :
To Samuel Cooper, for ferriage and storage, the sum of £9 16 0=26 12/90 dollars:
To Leonard Stoneburner, for one team hauling Captain Williams's company's baggage 18 miles beyond Goshen, and two teams hauling Captain Jones's [company] 's bag- gage to Albany, the sum of £155 9 6=414 54/90 dollars:
On two certificates produced by Henry Wisner, Esq^ the sum of £4 6 3|| = 11 45/90 dollars, || expences of the first Pensylvania batallion, at Goshen, and that the same ought to be paid to Henry Wisner, Esq^ and charged to J. Shallus, quarter master of said batallion:
Ordered, That the said accounts be paid.
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to con- sider what provision ought to be made for such as are wounded or disabled in the land or sea service, and i-e- port a plan for that purpose :
The members chosen, Mr. [Robert Treat] Paine, Mr. F[rancis Lightfoot] Lee, Mr. [Lyman] Hall, Mr. [William] Ellery, and Mr. [Francis] Lewis.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned.
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock to Morrow.^
• The following minute is printed in tlie Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, X, 611 :
"In Congress, June 30, 1776.
"Robert Morris, one of tlie Delegates from the Province of Pennsylva'a, reminded the Congress that the Assembly of said Province had Adjourned on the 14th iust. , without having been able to Carry into Execution the Resolves of Congress of the 3rd Inst., for Raising 6,000 Militia for establishing a flying Camp; and then informed the Congress that their said Resolve, not being directed in Terms to the Committee of Safety, but address'd to the Colony, the said Committee were in doubt whether it
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FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1776
Resolved, That General Washington be directed to per- mit Brigadier General Wooster to return to his family in Connecticut.
Resolved, That the commanding officer of the Delaware batallion, be directed to send a proper guard, with the powder ordered to ||Colonel Fleming's regiment, on|| the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Resolved, That an order for 300,000 dollars be drawn on the treasurers, in favour of the Delegates of South Caro- lina, for the use of the continental batallions ordered to be raised in that colony; the said delegates to be account- able:
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due.
To Rowland Swan, a captain of his Britannic majesty's 7th regiment of foot, the sum of 36 dollars, for eighteen weeks' allowance, and 12 dollars for bringing his baggage from New York to Philadelphia, together with the bag-
would be expected from them to execute said Resolve, as they are in Recess of Assembly the Executive Body of this Province; He Also alledged that if the Con- gress expected the Committee to proceed in this Business it would be necessary or adviseable that they should recommend it expressly to them, for under the present Circumstances of the Province, he much doubted if they would be obeyed unless so authorized, and added that, if the Congress did not see proper to take further order in this matter, he hoped the Committee of Safety would always be held lilameless, as they now gave Congress this necessary information for the express purpose of having an Explicit declaration, if they were expected to act in this important busi- ness, which they were ready to undertake if so desired. This application was made by 5Ir. IMorris as declared, By order of the Committee of Safety, and after a debate of Considerable length, and two Motions made and seconded, one was withdrawn, the other determined in the Negative. In Consequence whereof, I have made this Memorandum immediately on the spot, to appear when it may be necessary, and to prevent blame being cast where it is not merited.
"Signed, Rob't Morkis.
" The above is a true state of Facta.
"Sign'd,
Joseph Hewes, 1
Edward Rctledge, \Delegaies in Congress."
T. Hope. [Stone] J
June, 1776 471
gage of Capt. Dundee, and three privates of the said regiment :
To Joseph Haight, for supplying the prisoners at Bur- lington with provisions to the 4 June instant, the sum of £89 5 0=238 dollars.
To Andrew M'Nair, the sum of £45 1 llrzl20 23/90 dollars for provisions, &c. for the 24 Indians, while at the state house, which was 20 days :
To Michael Clarke, for liquor for the above Indians, the sum of £10 8=27 66/90 dollars :
Ordered, That the said accounts be paid.
A letter of the 21, from the convention of New Jer- sey, was laid before Congress and read, together with sundry letters from the prisoners there ||in Burlington. ||
Resolved, That the pay of the commissioner to be sent into Canada be four dollars per day.
The Board of War and Ordnance, ||to whom was referred the case of the officers who served last winter in Canada, II brought in a report, which was taken into con- sideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That the convention of New York be requested to set on foot the raising another regiment on continental establishment, to serve for three years, or during the war, unless sooner discharged by Congress; and that in form- ing said regiment, they commission such officers as served the last campaign in Canada, and have not been yet pro - vided for :
That the said officers be informed that the commissions to be granted them, be on condition that they raise their companies to their full complement, or nearly thereto, and that their commissions be withheld from them until the said condition be complied with :
That it be recommended to the said convention to make suitable provision for Major Dubois, with whose good
472 Journals of Congress
conduct Congress are well satisfied, and that they return his [name,] with the names of the other field officers, for the approbation of Congress.
That a commission of lieutenant colonel be given to Major John Vischer, in Colonel John Nicholson's regi- ment, in the New York forces.'
The Congress then resumed the consideration of the report from the committee of the whole : Whereupon,
Resolved, That Greneral Washington be directed to order an enquiry to be made into the cauocs of the miacarriagcs in Canada conduct of the officers heretofore employed in the Canada department ; that the said enqiiiry be made at such times and places as, in his judgment, shall be most likely to do justice, as well to the public as to the individuals; and that the result of the said enquiry, together with the testimonies upon the subject, be transmitted to Congress: that, moreover, all officers accused of cowardice, plundering, embezzlement of public monies, and other misdemeanors, be immediately brought to trial: And whereas. Congress is informed that an opinion has prevailed that officers resigning their com- missions are not subject to trial by a court martial for offences committed previous to such resignation, whereby some have evaded the punishments to which they were liable, it is hereby declared that such opinion is not just."
• George Clinton thought this regiment would not have been ordered, " were it not with a view of providing for those officers who have much merit, from reen- gaging in the service of their country last fall, after the surrender of Montreal, and continuing through a most fatiguing and dangerous campaign in Canada during the winter." As to the recommendation of Major Dubois he said: "The Congress hav- ing heretofore left the appointment or recommendation of the oflBcers of new levies with the Provincial Congress, in which the same are raised, and being therefore loath now to break througli this rule, is (I am informed,) the only reason why fche officers to this regiment are not appointed here." To John McKesson, 25 June, 1776. In Journal of the Proceedings of the i\'e?« York Provincial Congress. See note under June 26, p. 481, post.
* This paragraph includes W. 6, 7, and 8 of the Jefferson report, p. 451, ante.
June, 1776 473
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned,
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock on Monday.
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1776
Two Letters from General Washington, of the 20 and 21, with sundry papers enclosed, were laid before Con- gress and read : ^ Whereupon,
Resolved, That a letter be written to the General, desiring him to put a stop to the raising the companies of Mohickan and Stockbridge Indians, mentioned in one of the enclosed papers ; and that a like letter be written to Governor Trumbull.
That the letters, with the enclosed papers, be referred to the Board of War and Ordnance.
A letter, from the convention of New Jersey, dated 21, with sundry papers, containing the questions proposed to Mr. William Franklin, his behavior ||on the occasion, || and the resolution of the Convention, " declaring him a virulent enemy to this country, and a person that may prove dangerous, and that the said William Franklin be confined in such place and manner as the Continental Congress shall direct;" Whereupon,
Resolved, That William Franklin be sent under guard to Governor Trumbull, who is desired to take his parole ; and, if Mr. Franklin refuses to give his parole, that Gov- ernor Trumbull be desired to treat him agreeable to the resolutions of Congress respecting prisoners.
Resolved, That Mr. Mease be directed to advance to Captain Matthew Smith, of the riffle batallion, 1,040 dol- lars, for the purpose of recruiting his company ; the said Captain Smith to be accountable.
* These letters are in the Popera 0/ iTie Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folios 75 and 79. That of the 20th is printed in Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 164.
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Resolved, That Mr. Mease, and the Committee of Claims, be dh-ected to forward to the pay master general, an account of the monies advanced and ordered to be charged to the riffle bataUion, or the respective riffle companies, in order that the same may be deducted, and stopped from theu' pay.
Information being given to Congress that a quantity of tents, which wei*e sent from Philadelphia for the use of the colony of Massachusetts bay, have been stopt at New York, by the order of the quarter master general :
Resolved, That the president write to the General on this subject, and desu'e him to order the said tents to be re- delivered, and forwarded to the colony of Massachusetts bay immediately.
Resolved, That a committee, to consist of a member from each colony, be appointed to enquire into the cause of the miscarriages in Canada:^
That the said committee have power to send for persons and papers:
The members chosen, Mr. [William] Whipple, Mr. [Robert Treat] Paine, Mr. [Stephen] Hopkins, Mr. [Roger] Sherman, Mr. [George] Clinton, Mr. [James] Wilson, Mr. [William] Paca, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson, Mr. [Joseph] Hewes, Mr. [Ai-thiu*] Middleton, and Mr. [Lyman] Hall.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due,
' In the Papers of the Covimental Congress, No. 36, TV, folio 171, is a paper in the writing of Charles Thomson, as follows: "That the Board of War and Ordnance be directed to inquire into the causes of the miscarriage in Canada and into the conduct of such officers as may have been accessory thereto, and report the same with the charges to Congress, together with their sentiments thereon." This, with several motions, was referred to the Committee of the Whole. In the same volume, folio 177, is a motion in the writing of James Wilson, as follows: " Resolved, That a com- mittee be appointed to enquire into the causes of the miscarriages that have hap- pened in Canada.
' ' Resolved, That this Committee be empowered to send for such Persons and Papers as may tend to throw Light upon the Subject before mentioned."
June, 1776 475
To Gunning Bedford, the sum of £75 15 0=202 dollars, of which sum £38 15 0 ||=103 dollars and 30/90ths,|| is for his pay and subsistence for two months ; and the remainder for a horse for the continental service :
Ordered., That the said accounts be paid.
Resolved, That the report on the cartel for exchange of prisoners, entered into between Brigadier General Arnold and Captain Foster, be recommitted.
The Congi'ess took into consideration the report of the Committee on Spies; Whereupon,
Resolved, That all persons abiding within any of the United Colonies, and deriving protection from the laws of the same, owe allegiance to the said laws, and are mem- bers of such colony; and that all persons passing through, visiting, or make a temporary stay in any of the said col- onies, being entitled to the protection of the laws during the time of such passage, visitation or temporary stay, owe, during the same time, allegiance thereto :
That all persons, members of, or owing allegiance to any of the United Colonies, as before described, who shall levy war against any of the said colonies within the same, or be adherent to the king of Great Britain, or others the enemies of the said colonies, or any of them, within the same, giving to him or them aid and comfort, are guilty of treason against such colony :
That it be recommended to the legislatures of the sev- eral United Colonies, to pass laws for punishing, in such manner as to them shall seem fit, such persons before described, as shall be proveably attainted of open deed, by people of their condition, of any of the treasons before described.
That it be recommended to the several legislatures of the United Colonies, to pass laws for punishing, in such manner as they shall think fit, persons who shall counter-
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feit, or aid or abet in counterfeiting, the continental bills of credit, or who shall pass any such bill in payment, knowing the same to be counterfeit.
Resolved, That the remainder of said report be recom- mitted.
The committee, appointed to consider what harbom's are proper to be fortified, brought in their report, which was read.
The Committee appointed to consider what Harbours are proper to be fortified, have attended that Service, and come to the following Resolutions, viz:
HeaoJoed, as the opinion of this Committee, that the Harbour of Cape Ann, in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, ought to be fortified, and to this End that Twenty Pieces of large Cannon, with Ten Eighteen Pounders and Ten Twenty four Pounders, be procured at the Conti- nental Expence and sent to that Place, and that the Commanding ofBcer in the Eastern Department be directed to order an Engineer to dispose of said Cannon to the best Advantage for the Defence of that Harbour, and also to order a sufficient Number of Troops there to do the necessary- Work.
Remlved, That Twenty two Pieces of heavy Cannon. Eighteen and Twenty four Pounders, be furnished at the Expence of the Continent for the Fortification of the Harbour of New London, and that Gov- ernor Trumbull be impowered to raise three Companies of Troops on the Continental. Establishment of Pay, Rations, and Disbursements, to be stationed at New London to Grarrison the Forts there and defend the Harbour.
Resolved, that the Marine Committee be impowered and instructed, to build, Man and equip two large Row Gallies for the Defence of little Egg Harbour, so called, in the Colony of New Jersey.'
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Resolved, That the said committee be empowered to draw on the Treasurers, for a sum of money sufficient to defray the expences of surveying and examining the ports.
> This report, in the writing of John Adams, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 28, folio 193. A report upon New York is printed later.
June, 1776 ill
A petition from Antoine Felix Wiebert was presented to Congress, and read :
Resolved, That the same, together with the papers accompanying it, be referred to the Board of War ||and Ordnance. II
The Board of War and Ordnance, to whom was referred a petition from Carpenter Wharton, brought in their re- port, which was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table : and that the president write to General Washington, and request him to inform Congress of the cost of a ration as furnished by the com- missary general.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned,^
Adjourned to 9 o' Clock to Morrow.
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1776
A letter from General Washington, of the 23, with sun- dry letters from Major General Schuyler, Brigadier Gen- eral Sullivan, Brigadier General Arnold, and others, were laid before Congress, and read:^
Resolved, That the same be referred to the Board of War and Ordnance ; who are directed to sit immediately, and report thereon as soon as possible.
A memorial from Captain Stephen Rowe Bradley was presented to Congress and read, together with sundry accounts :
Resolved, That the same be referred to the Board of Treasury.
'A memorial of Captain Elisha Painter was read this day. It is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, VI, folio 121. Also a petition from William Goddard, which was referred to the Board of War. It is in No. 42, III, folio 178, and bears an endorsement by Richard Peters: "24 P. M. Read before the Board of War and referred to farther consideration."
' The letter of Washington, with enclosures, is in the Papers of the Continental Con- gress, No. 152, II, folio 89. It is printed in Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 169.
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The Marine Committee having recommended Captain Samuel Nichols, to be advanced to majoi" of marines ; An- drew Porter, Joseph Hardy, Samuel Shaw, Benjamin Deane, and Eobert Mullin, to be captains of marines; Daniel Henderson, David Love, Franklin Reed, and Peregi-ine Brown, to be first lieutenants of marines ; James M'Clure, William Gilmore, Abel Morgan, and Hugh Mont - gomery, to be second lieutenants of marines ; John Stew- art to be captain ; Thomas Pownal, first lieutenant, and Richard Harrison, second lieutenant, of marines, for the frigate building in Maryland :
John Langdon, Esq!" as agent of prizes for the Colony of New Hampshire :
Resolved^ That the gentlemen recommended be ap- proved, and that commissions be granted to them accord- ingly.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to sell to John Maxwell Nesbit & Co. 125 lb. of powder, for the use of the privateer fitting out by them.
Resolved, That the committee appointed to contract for making musquets, be directed to consider on a bounty, or other means, for encouraging the making of musquets.
Adjourned to 4 o'Clock.
EODEM DIE, P. M.
A Declaration of the deputies of Pensylvania, met in provincial conference, was presented to Congress, and read ; expressing their willingness to concur in a vote of Congress, declaring the United Colonies Free and Inde- pendent States.
The Board of War and Ordnance, to whom the several letters received this morning were referred, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration ; Where- upon,
June, 1776 479
Resolved, That the number of men destined for the northern department, be augmented to 4 thousand :
That a colonel's commission be immediately issued to Major Dubois, with instructions forthwith to raise a regi- ment to serve for three years, or during the war, and that the corps of officers be composed of such as have served with credit in Canada; no officer to receive his commis- sion until his company be raised and armed ; the arms of the people inlisting themselves, to be valued by the com- mittees of the counties, where the companies are raised, and paid for by the continent, on their being mustered :
That it be earnestly recommended to the colony of New Hampshire, to send immediately one regiment of their militia; to Massachusetts bay, [to send] two regiments of their militia ; to Connecticut, [to send] one regiment of their militia to augment the troops destined for the northern department :
That letters be sent to the several assemblies of the colonies, from whence the several regiments of militia are and have been requested, earnestly pressing them to be expeditious in raising and equipping their troops, and requesting the several assemblies to take upon themselves the care of providing the said troops with cloaths, tents, and all necessary camp equipage, and assuring them that the United Colonies will be answerable for the expence of the same :
That a regimental pay master, who is not to be an officer of the army, be appointed by the said colonies to each of the said batallions, who shall keep all the accounts of his respective batallion, and to whom particular returns shall be made of the expence of cloathing the said batallion, in order that the same may be deducted out of the pay of the soldiers, for whom the articles shall have been pro- vided.
15664— VOL V— 06 5
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RcsolTod, That a oomraittcc be appointed immediately to repair to New York and confer with General Washing- ton and the other generals there, Vtitb power to agree upon and take the proper atepis for cariying into eseeution auob further measurca as on consideration of all cireum- stancea shall be judged moat adviseable in the preaent aituation of affairs in Canada and the neighbourhood of the lakca. on reconsideration next day ordered to be expunged.^
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned,
Adjourned to 9 o' Clock to Morrow.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1776
A letter from General Washington, of the 21 and,
A letter from Brigadier General Wooster, of the 26 were presented to Congi-ess, and read:'^
Ordered, That the letter from Brigadier General Wooster be ref eri'ed to the committee appointed to enquire into the causes of the miscarriages in Canada.
The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into consideration ; Whereupon,
Resolved, That Mons' Antoine Felix Weibert, who applies to be employed as an engineer in the continental service, be recommended to General Washington as a person who appears to be qualified to act in that capacity ; but, as he asks no more at present than to be placed in a situation, in which he may be enabled to evidence his abilities, the General be desii-ed to employ him in such
• This entry is written on the margin of the page.
' This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folio 8.5. It ia endorsed: "Read 26th, 27th. Read before Board of War and referred for farther consideration." The letter introduced the Chevalier de Kermorvan and M. de Ver- monet. The letter of Wooster, dated June 26, is in No. 161, folio 313.
June, 1776 481
way, as he shall judge will best conduce to the good of the service, and answer Mons. Weibert's request.
Resolved, That beating warrants bo forthwith made out to the following gentlemen be appointed officers of the batallion to be raised under Colonel Lewis Dubois ; their commissions to be given them as soon as their complement of men shall be raised :
Jacobus S. Bruyn, lieutenant colonel ; William Goforth, major; David Dubois, 1 captain, Elias Van Banschoten, 2d, Thomas De Witt, 3d, do., Isaac Wool, 4th do., Philip D. B. Bevier, 5th do., Richard Piatt, 6th do., Albert Pawl- ing, 7th do., and Cornelius T. Jansen, 8th do.; James Gregg, Aaron Austin, Jonathan Piercy, Evans Wherry, Garret Van Wagenan, Henry Vandenburg, Nathaniel Conklin, and Henry Dodge, as first lieutenants; Daniel Gano, as second lieutenant in the first company; John Coates, surgeon ; and Henry Dubois, adjutant.
Resolved, That the president write to the convention of New York, and explain to them, the reasons that induced the Congress to enter into the foregoing resolu- tions ; and to request the said convention to appoint the other officers of said batallion, and to use their best endeavours in equipping and forwarding the said batallion as soon as possible.^
'This action was reluctantly acquiesced in by the New York delegates in the Congress. In their letter to the New York Provincial Congress they thus explained the necessity:
"On receiving the late intelligence from Canada, respecting the repulse of the detachment of our army commanded by Gen. Thompson at Three Rivers, &c. the despatches containing this account, with the state of our army in Canada, were referred to the board of war, who, the same day, reported the necessity of reinforc- ing our army there with four regiments, &c; that to be raised in our Colony to be one; to expedite the raising of which, an arrangement of the officers was also reported and agreed to by Congress. We objected to this measure, and thought it our duty to withhold our assent, not only because it was, as we conceived, introducing a new precedent which might give offence, but might interfere with appointments which you might probably have made for the same regiment, in consequence of the former
482 Journals of Congress
Resolved., That the Marine Committee be empowered to purchase the armed brig Catharine, with her guns, tackle, apparel and furniture, as she now lies in Con- necticut.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due,
To Dr. Bond, the sum of £3 10=9 30/90 dollars for medicines and attendance for three Indians :
To Benjamin Armitage, for boarding and lodging Thomas Folmer, the Indian interpreter, twenty days, the sum of £4 12 1=12 25/90 dollars.
To Richard Cheneys, the sum of £1 16 10=4 82/90 dol- lars for victualling General Lee's guards, and that the same ought to be paid to John Morton, Esq-
To Anthony Welte, for provisions siipplied Captain Nelson's company, the sum of £6 16 6=18 18/90 dollars.
To Aaron Phips, the sum of £2 16 2=7 44/90 dollars for sundry expences of General Lee's guards:
To John Osborne, the sum of £3 0 0=8 dollars; of which sum 6 dollars is for three weeks boarding and
resolves. The pressing occasion and necessity of despatch were urged to support the measure; and it was alleged that as these appointments were made of particular persons who had merited it by former service, it interfered with no former rule; and even should the appointments be continued to the Provincial Congress, it would in this case only create unnecessary delay, as the same persons must be appointed by them to answer the design and meaning of this Congress expressed in their former resolve. We were persuaded, nay we are morally certain, considering the busy season of the year, which will enhance the wages of labourers, and the numbers of militia now in the service, that this regiment cannot possibly be raised in time to answer the end for which it is more particularly designed; and should our affairs in Canada grow worse, as we have reason to apprehend from present appearances, we feared lest delay, though unavoidable, and every misfortune which may befal our army in Canada, for want of a proper reinforcement, might by some be imputed to our Colony, notwithstanding your earnest exertions to carrj' in execution this impracticable and, as we conceive, ineffectual measure. We judged it, therefore, most prudent only to mention our reaiions for withholding our assent, without mak- ing a more pointed and strenuous opposition to the measure, thereby leaving the Colony in such a situation as not to incur any blame on this occasion." The letter was dated Jime 27, and was signed by George Clinton, Francis Lewis, William Floyd, Henry Wisner and John Alsop. Journal of the Proceedings of the New York Provincial Congress.
June, 1776 483
lodging a sick soldier, and two dollars for a coffin for one of Captain Vanzant's men :
To George Hawes, for waggon hire, &c. carrying money to Cambridge at the time Mr. Franks went, the sum of £26 8 4=70 40/90 dollars,
To Messrs. Hanson, Donaldson, and Franks, for carry- ing money to the camp in March last, the sum of £89 7 4=238 28/90 dollars:
To Isaac Sorrel, the sum of £10 2 1=26 85/90 dollars; of which sum £4 0 9||=10 69/90 dollars || is for the expences of the prisoners that were brought from North Carolina and the guard ; the remainder is for the expences of the guard that went with the powder, &c. to Colonel Miles, at Marcus hook.
To Mr. Henry Haller the sum of £242.1.4=645 46/90 Dollars, of which sum Captain John Nelson is to be charged
for two riffles £9. 0. 0= 24
expences of his company at Reading^ £4.17.5= 12|f
expences of the prisoners from St. Johns &c at
ditto to the 8 June i:201. 18.11 = 588^^
Mr. Haller's pay from 30 March to 7 June inclu- sive, 70 days, at 7/6 as commissary £%&. 5. 0= 70
Ordered, That the said accounts be paid.
Resolved, That a bounty of ten dollars be given to every non-commissioned officer and soldier, who will inlist to serve for the term of three years. ^
Resolved, That the resolutions passed yesterday, be enclosed to General Washington, and that he be desired to afford such assistance to the northern or Canada department, as he shall be enabled to do consistently with the safety of New York; and, from time to time, to give such directions as he may think expedient for the public service.
'This was W. 12. ia the Jefferson report, printed under June 17, p. 451, ante.
484 Journals of Coyigress
A paragrapli of a Letter from General Washington to one of the members, being laid before Congi-ess, and read :
Resolved, That the same be referred to the Board of War and Ordnance.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to supply the Marine Committee with one ton of powder, for the use of the vessel which they were this morning empowered to pui'chase.
Resolved, That Michael Hillegas, Esq- be empowered and directed to pay such sums of money as are or may be due to the several signers of continental bills of credit, for their services, agreeable to the resolve of Congi'ess for that purpose.
The committee to whom ||was referred]] the petition of WilUam Whiting, a soldier who was wounded in the con- tinental army at Quebec, brought in theu' report, ]|which was read:]] Whereupon,
Resolved, That the sum of twenty dollars be paid out of the public treasury to William Whiting, to enable him to retm-n to his family at Norfolk, in Connecticut.
The committee on the treasury, to whom were referred the petition and accounts of Stephen Row Bradley, brought in theii- report: Whereupon,
Resolved, That there be paid to Stephen Row Bradley the sum of 691J dollars, for the service of himself and his company, from the 15 day of January to the 25th of February, during which time they were employed in the service of the continent.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned,
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock to Morrow.
June, 1776 485
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1776
A letter from Governor Trumbull, of the 17tli, and
A petition from Colonel John Brown,
A petition from William Hoi ton, were read:
Resolved, That the petition of Colonel Brown be re- ferred to the Committee appointed to enquire into the causes of the miscarriages in Canada:^
That the petition from William Holton be referred to the Board of War and Ordnance.
Resolved, That an order for 24 dollars be drawn on the treasurers in favour of Major Bicker; he to be accountable.
Sundry letters from the southward, being received by express, were laid before Congress, and read, viz.
One from General Lee, dated Little River, 6 June, enclosing two letters, one from John Rutledge, Esq^ the other from General Armstrong to General Lee, dated Charleston, South Carolina, 4th of the same month, advising, that 51 sail of the enemy were arrived there, and lying in sight of the town :
One from Brigadier General Lewis, dated Williams - burgh, Jvme the 18th, enclosing one from General Lee, of the 6th, to him:^
Resolved, That the said letters be referred to the Board of War and Ordnance :
The Congress took into consideration the letter from Governor Trumbull; and, after some debate.
Resolved, That the farther consideration thereof be postponed; and, in the mean while, that Governor
'The letter from Governor Trumbull is in the. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 66, I, folio 185. The petition of John Brown is in No. 153, II, folio 319. That of William Holton is in No. 42, III, folio 321. It ia endorsed by Richard Peters: "28th. Read before Board of War and refd for further considn."
* This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 158, folio 69.
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Trumbull be desired to send to Congress, an account of the cannon left at New London by Commodore Hopkins, theii' number, size, bore and weight, and also an account of the other cannon there.
A letter from the commissioners for Indian affairs in the southern department, with sundry papers enclosed, was laid before Congi-ess, and read.
The Board of War and Ordnance, to whom the para- gi-aph of a letter from the General was referred, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That six companies of rifflemen, in addition to the three companies now at New York, be raised and the whole regimented ; and that a commission be gi'anted to Captain Stevenson, to be colonel of the regiment of rifflemen, which is to be inhsted for three years, unless sooner discharged by Congress ; the men to be allowed a bounty of ten dollars; and that the eldest captain, Moses Rawlins from Maryland, lately of the riffle companies be made a lieutenant colonel, and the captain of the other riffle company, Otho Holland Williams, major:
That four- companies of rifflemen, for the said regiment, be raised in Vu-ginia, and two in Maryland, the pay of the men to commence from the time they shall be armed and mustered: their arms to be appraised by the com- mittee of the county, and paid for by the United Colonies:
That General Washington be du'ected forthwith to send to this Congress a complete list of all the vacancies in the army, and the names of such officers as he can recommend for filhng them.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due.
To Robert Erwin, waggon master, the sum of £90 11 9:= 241 51/90 doUai's, a balance of three teams that went to North Carolina with powder ;
June, 1776 487
To Doctor Frederic Phile, for medicines and attend- ance on the 5th Pensylvania batallion, from the time of their embodying to the 13th of June, 1776, the sum of £199 14 3=532 51/90 dollars.
To John Bates, the sum of £25 10 1=68 dollars for camp kettles :
To Elizabeth Slaydon, the sum of £9=24 dollars, for nursing and boarding two soldiers, of which sum Captain Stewart is to be charged with £5 ||=13 30/60 dollars, || it being for nursing and boarding the man he wounded in the state house yard; the remainder to the continent; and that the above £9 0 0 ||=24 dollars || ought to be paid to Colonel Matlack :
To Rachel He wen, the sum of £2=5 30/90 dollars, for nursing and boarding two soldiers of the continental army:
That there be repaid to Robert Moore the sum of seven dollars, which was stopped out of his pay by Captain M. Smith; the same having been by him expended for pro- visions, when he was left sick by his company in Canada :
Ordered, That the said accounts be paid.
Resolved, That the pay of Doctor Huston, who was appointed surgeon to the 5th Pensylvania batallion, be stopped till farther orders of Congress, and that the pay master be notified thereof.
The committee to whom it was referred to devise a mode of raising the German batallion, voted on the 25 of May last, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That four companies of Germans be raised in Pensylvania, and four companies in Maryland, to compose the said regiment [battalion] :
That it be recommended to the committee of safety of Pensylvania, immediately to appoint proper officers for.
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and direct the inlistment of, the four companies to be raised in that colony :
That it be recommended to the convention, or, in theu' recess, to the committee or council of safety of Maryland, immediately to appoint proper officers for, and direct the inlistment of, the four companies to be raised in that colony:^
That the said companies be inlisted to serve for three years, unless sooner discharged by Congi'ess, and receive bounty, pay, rations, and all other allowances equal to any of the continental troops :
That the said companies be entitled to pay and subsist- ence from the time of inhstment:^
That the said companies, when raised, be formed into a batallion, under the command of such field officers as the Congi'ess shall appoint :
That the rank of the captains of the said companies be regulated as Congress shall hereafter direct :
That 5,000 dollars be sent to the committee of safety of Pensylvania, and 5,000 dollars to the convention, or, in theu' recess, to the committee of safety of Maryland, to defray the expence of raising the said companies.^
Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention, or, in their recess, to the committee of safety of Maryland, to appoint the officers, and forward, with all possible expedition, the raising the two companies of rifflemen.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned.
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock to Morrow.
'Printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette, 3 July, 1776.
' On the original report the following sentence was inserted by John Hancock, but afterwards stricken out; "their being armed, their arms to be appraised by the Com«* of the County in which they are raised, and paid for by the United Colonies "
' This report, in the writing of Samuel Chase, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 21, folio 45.
Jime, 1776 489
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1776
The Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition and accounts of Thomas Thomson, report,
That there ought to be paid to Thomas Thomson the sum of 750 dollars, in part of an account for lumber, said to have been delivered by Simon Metcalf to the forces belonging to the continent, at St. John's, in Canada:
Ordered, that the said account be paid.
A petition from Colonel James Easton was presented to Congress and read :
Resolved, That the same be referred to the committee appointed to enquire into the causes of the miscarriages in Canada.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due,
To Thomas Mayberry, 117 29/90 dollars, for plated iron :
Resolved, That the said sum be paid.
A petition of William Poole was presented to Congress and read :
Resolved, That it be referred to the committee for making provision for wounded and disabled soldiers.
Francis Hopkinson, Esq^ one of the delegates for New Jersey, attended, and produced the credentials of their appointment, which were read, as follows, viz. ,
In Provincial Congress, New Jersey,
Burlington, June ^V\ 1776. The Congress proceeded to the Election of Delegates to represent this Colony in Continental Congress, when Richard Stockton, Abraham Clark, John Hart, and Francis Hopkinson, Esqs. and Dr. John Witherspoon, were elected by Ballot, to serve for one Year, unless a new Appointment be made before that Time.
Resolved, That the following Instructions be given to the Delegates elected as aforesaid:
490 Journals of Congress
To Richard Stockton, Abraham Clarl-, John Hart and Francis Hop- kinsmi, Esquires, and the Reverend Dr. John Witherspoon, Delegates appointed to represent the Colony of New Jersey in Continental C<mgress:
The Congress empower and direct you, in the Name of this Colony, to join with the Delegates of the other Colonies in Continental Con- gress, in the most vigorous Measures for supporting the just Rights and Liberties of America; and, if you shall judge it necessary or expedient for this Pui-pose, we empower you to join with them in declaring the United Colonies independent of Great Britain, entering into a Confederacj' for Union and common Defence, making Treaties with foreign Nations for Commerce and Assistance, and to take such other Measures as may appear to them and you necessary for these great Ends; promising to support them with the whole Force of this Prov- ince; always observing, that, whatever Plan of Confederacy you enter into, the Regulating the internal Police of this Province is to be reserved to the Colony Legislature. By Order of Congress.
Samuel Tucker, President. Extract from the Minutes:
Wm. Patekson, Secretary.
In Provincial Congress, New Jersey,
Burlington, June 22^, 1776. Upon the Question. Whether one or more Delegates shall be a Quo- rum to lepresent this Province in Continental Congress, it was carried in Favour of one.
Extract from the Minutes. Wm. Paterson, S&f.
The Board of War brought in a report, which was read in these words :
Monsieur Le chevalier de Kirmovan, having produced to the Board indubitable credentials of his good charac- ter and superior abilities in the art of war, and particularly as an engineer, the Board resolved to recommend him to Congress as a person who can be much confided in ; and it is the opinion of the Board, that the committee of safety of Pensylvania be requested to employ him in planning and laying out the fortification agreed by Con- gress, to be erected at Billingsport, on the river Delaware.
June, 1776 491
The said report being again read,
Resolved, That the same be agreed to.
Resolved, That Mr. [Francis] Hopkinson be added to the committee for preparing a plan of confederation.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to sell to the committee of Salem county, in New Jersey, 300 lbs. of powder.
The committee appointed to prepare a declaration, &c. brought in a draught, which was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Declaration of Independence.^
FIEST DRAFT REPORTED DRAFT
A Declaration by the Represent- A Declaration hy the Repre-
atives of the United States of sentatives of the United States of
America in general Congress as- America, in GeneraP Congress
sembled. assembled.
When in the Course of human When in the course of human
Events it becomes necessary for events it becomes necessary for a
a People to advance from that one people to advance from that
Subordination, in which they have subordination in which they have
'The "first draft" is from a manuscript in the writing of John Adams, among the Adams Papers, as printed in the Writings of Thomas Jefferson (Ford), II, 42. It probably represents the original form of the paper, but the capitalization is Adams's, not Jefferson's. The "second draft" is from the manuscript in the Department of State, which has been reproduced many times in facsimile. I have given the text of this manuscript in full, showing the changes made during its consideration in committee and in Congress. In notes I give the more important differences to be found in copies of the Declaration which Jefferson prepared for his friends. That in the Madison collection is called "MS. A," and that in the Emmet collection is called "MS. B." The latter was probably intended to be a copy of the first form in which the Declaration left Jefferson's hand, and should be like the Adams manuscript. Differences exist, however, and only a definite statement from Jeffer- son could indicate the time at which this MS. B. was prepared. MS. A was doubt- less prepared at a later period, being embodied in the notes of debates in the Con- gress of 1776, prepared for Madison by Jefferson, " as a copy from his original notes." These original notes are in the Jefferson Manuscripts in the Library of Congress, 5th Series, III. Jeffer.son says that words with a "black line under them were struck out by Congress " — here distinguished by [ ].
' In MS. A this word is in brackets.
//
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hitherto remained and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the equal and independent Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the Causes, which impell them to the Change.
We hold these Truths to be self evident; that all Men are created equal and independent; that from that equal Creation they derive Rights inherent and unalienable; among which are the Preservation of Life, and Liberty, and the Pur- suit of Happiness; that to secure these Ends, Governments are insti- tuted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the governed; that whenever, any form of Government, shall become destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter, or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Founda- tion on such Principles, and or- ganizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall Seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happi- ness. Prudence indeed will dic- tate that Governments long estab- lished should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shown, that Mankind are more dis-
hithcrto remained, & to dissolve the political bands which have con- nected them with other another and to assume among the powers of the earth the equal & indc pendent separate and equal station to which the laws of nature & of nature's god entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the change the separation.
We hold these truths to be sa- crcd & undeniable self-evident; that all men are created equal. & independent; that from that equal creation they derive in they are endowed by their creator with equal rights some of which arc certain [inherent &] inalienable rights; that among which these are the preservation of life, Ss liberty, & the pursuit of happi- ness: that to secure these ends rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government shall becomes de- structive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, & to institute new gov- ernment, laying- it's foundation on such principles & organising it's powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety & happiness, pru- dence indeed will dictate that gov- ernments long established should
t/tme, 1776
493
posed to Suffer, while Evils are Sufferable, than to right them- selves, by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, begun at a distin- guish'd Period, and pursuing in- variably, the same object, evinces a Design to reduce them under ab- solute Power, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Suffer- ance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity, which con- strains them to expunge their former Systems of Government.
The History of his present Maj- esty, is a History of unremitting- Injuries and Usurpations, among which no one Fact stands Single or Solitary to contradict the uni- form Tenor of the rest, all of which have in direct object, the Establishment of an absolute Tyr- ann}' over these States. To prove this, let Facts be Submitted to a candid World, for the Truth of which We pledge a Faith, as yet unsullied by falsehood.
not be changed for light & tran- sient causes: and accordingly all experience hath shewn that man- kind are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accus- tomed, but when a long train of abuses & usurpations, [begun at a distinguished period, &] pur- suing invariably the same object, evinces a design to subject reduce them to arbitrary power, under absolute Despotism, ' it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off' such government & to provide new guards for their future secu- rity, such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; & such is now the necessity which constrains them to [expunge] alter their former systems of govern- ment, the history of his the pres- ent Majesty King of Great Brit- ain, ^ is a history of [unremitting] repeated injuries and usurpations, [among which no one fact stands single or solitary appears no soli- tary fact to contradict the uniform tenor of the rest, all of which [have] but] all having in direct ob- ject the establishment of an abso- lute tyranny over these states, to prove this let facts be submitted to a candid world, [for the truth of which we pledge a faith yet unsul- lied by falsehood.]
'Against these three words Jefferson has written "Dr. Franklin's hand writing,' but the insertion appears to have been made by Jefferson himself. ^Against these four words Jefferson has written: "Mr. Adams's hand writing.'
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He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing Importance, unless sus- pended in their operation, till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended he has neg- lected utterly to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large Districts of People, unless those People would relinquish the Right of Representation in the Legislature, a Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants only.
He has dissolved Representative Houses, repeatedlj', and continu- ally, for opposing with manly Firmness his Invasions on the Rights of the People.
He has refused, for a long Space of Time after such Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the legislative Powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their Exercise, the state remain- ing in the mean time, exposed to
he has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary for the public good:
he has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate & pressing importance, unless sus- pended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected utterly to attend to them.
he has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the leg- islature, a right inestimable to them, & formidable to tyrants only:
he has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncom- fortable, & distant from the de- pository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures:
he has dissolved Representative houses repeatedly [& continually] for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people:
when dissolved he has refused for a long space of time time after such Dissolutions ' to cause others to be elected, whereby the legisla- tive powers, incapable of annihi- lation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise, the state remaining in the mean time
' Against these four words Jefferson has written " Mr. Adams."
June^ 1776
495
all the Dangers of Invasion, from without, and Convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for naturalization of for- eigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their Migrations hither; and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has suffered the Administra- tion of Justice totally to cease in some of these Colonies, refusing his Assent to Laws for establish- ing Judiciary Powers.
He has made our Judges de- pendent on his Will alone, for the Tenui'e of their oiEces, and amount of their Salaries:
He has created a Multitude of new offices by a Self-assumed Power, and sent hither swarms of officers to harrass our People and eat out their Substance.
He has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies and Ships of War.
He has affected to render the military, independent of, and Su- periour to, the civil Power.
He has combined with others to
exposed to all the dangers of inva- sion from without, & convulsions within:
he has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; re- fusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither; & raising the conditions of new appropria- tions of lands:
he has [suffered] obstructed the administration of justice [totally to cease in some of these colonics states,] by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers:
he has made [our] judges de- pendant on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount & payment' of their sal- aries:
he has erected a multitude of new offices [by a self-assumed power,] & sent hither swarms of ' officers to harrass our people & eat out their substance:
he has kept among us in times of peace although our Conduct. ^ standing armies [& ships of war] without ettf the consent of our Legislatures:
he has affected to render the military, independent of & supe- rior to the civil power:
he has combined with others to
'Against these worda Jefferson has written " Dr. Franklin.'
' MS. A reads " new officers."
' These words were in the writing of John Adams.
15664— VOL V— 06- 6
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Journals of Congress
subject us to a Jurisdiction for- eign to our Constitution and unac- knowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent to their pretended Acts of Legislation; for quartering large Bodies of armed Troops among us; for protecting them by a Mock Tryal from Punishment for any Murders they should com- mit on the Inhabitants of these States; for cutting oflf our Trade with all Parts of the World; for imposing Taxes on us without our Consent; for depriving Us of the Benefits of Trial by Jury; for transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses; for taking away our Charters, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Government; for suspend- ing our own Legislatures and de- claring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever.
subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitutions and unac- knowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended acts of legislation, for quartering large bodies of armed troops among us;
for protecting them by a mock- trial from punishment for any murders which they should com- mit on the inhabitants of these states;
for cutting off our trade with all parts of the world;
for imposing taxes on us with- out our consent;
for depriving us in many cases' of the benefits of trial by jury;
for transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences;
for abolishing the free sj-stem of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government and enlarg- ing it's boundaries so as to render it at once an example & fit in- strument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonics [states] colonies;
for taking away our charters, abolishing our most important valuable Laws,'^ and altering fun- damentally the forms of our gov- ernments,
for suspending our own legis- latures and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever:
• MS. B. omits these three words.
' AgainEt this phrase Jefferson has written "Dr. Franklin."
June, 1776
497
He has abdicated Government here, withdrawing his Govei'nors, and declaring us, out of his Alle- giance and Protection.
He has plundered our Seas, rav- aged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People.
He is at this Time transporting large Armies of foreign Merce- naries to complete the Works of death, Desolation, and Tyranny, already begun with Circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation.
He has endeavoured to bring on the Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare is an undistinguished Destruction of all Ages, Sexes, and Conditions of existence.
He has incited treasonable Insur- rections of our Fellow Citizens, with the allurement of Forfeiture and Confiscation of our Property.
he has abdicated government here, [withdrawing his governors, & declaring us out of his alle- giance & protection:] by declar- ing us out of his protection & waging war against us.'
he has plundered our seas, rav- aged our coasts, burnt our towns & destroyed the lives of our people:
he is at this time transporting large armies of Scotch and other foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death desolation and tyranny already begun with cir- cumstances of cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages and totally un- woi'thy the head of a civilized nation:
he has constrained &c.'
he has excited domestic insurrec- tions amongst us and has endeav- ored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of war- fare is an undistinguished destruc- tion of all ages, sexes, & condi- tions [of existence:]
[he has incited treasonable in- surrections of our fellow -citizens, with the allurements of forfeiture & confiscation of our property:
He has constrained others,'' faH- ing into his hands taken captive
'MS. B. omits the words "and waging war against us."
^ Probably a note of insertion for locating in the final form the paragraph given below. MS. A. gives the final order of paragraphs, while MS. B. follows the earlier arrangement.
'MS. A reads "our fellow citizens."
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Journals of Congress
He has waged cruel War against human Nature itself, violating its most sacred Rights of Life and Liberty in the Persons of a distant People who never offended him, captivating and car lying them into Slavery in another Hemisphere, or to incur miserable Death, in their Transportation thither. This pi- ratical Warfare, the opprobrium of infidel Powers, is the Warfare of the Christian King of Great Britain.
He has prostituted his Negative for Suppressing every legislative Attempt to prohibit or to restrain an execrable Commerce, deter- mined to keep open a Markett where Men should be bought and sold, and that this assemblage of Horrors might want no Fact of distinguished Die
He is now exciting those very People to rise in Arms among us, and to purchase their Liberty of which he has deprived them, by murdering the People upon whom he also obtruded them: thus pay- ing off, former Crimes committed against the Liberties of one People, with Crimes which he urges them to commit against the Lives of another.
on the high seas to bear arms against their country, & to dc atroy — & — be — destroyed — by — the brethren whom they love, to be- come the executioners of their friends & brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands:
he has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating ifs most sacred rights of life & lib- erty in the persons of a distant people, who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither, this pi- ratical warfare, the opprobrium of injidel powers, is the warfare of the Christian king of Great Brit- ain determined to keep open a market where MEN should be bought & sold, ftfid he has pros- tituted his neg"ative for suppress- ing every legislative attempt to prohibit or to restrain this exe- crable commerce determining to keep open a market where MEN should be bought and sold: and that this assemblage of horrors might want no fact of distinguished dye, he is now exciting those very people to rise in arms among us, and to purchase that liberty of which he has deprived them, by murdering the people upon whom he also obtruded them: thus pay- ing off former crimes committed against the Uhe7'ties of one people, with crimes which he urges them to commit against the lives of another.]
June^ 1776
499
In every stage of these oppres- sions we have petitioned for re- dress, in the most humble Terms; our repeated Petitions have been answered by repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus marked by every Act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler of a People who mean to be free, future ages will scarce be- lieve, that the Hardiness of one Man, adventured, within the Short Compass of twelve years on)}', on so many Acts of Tyranny, with- out a Mask, over a People, fos- tered and fixed in the Principles of Liberty.
Nor have we been wanting in Attentions to our British Breth- ren. We have warned them from Time to Time of attempts of their Legislature to extend a Jurisdic- tion over these our States. We have reminded them of the Cir- cumstances of our Emigration and Settlement here, no one of which could warrant so strange a Preten- sion. That these were effected at the expense of our own Blood and Treasure, unassisted by the Wealth or the Strength of Great Britain; that in constituting indeed, our Several Forms of Government,
^ Against thia word Jefferson has written "
2 MS. B. reads "injury."
'MS. A. reads "scarcely."
*MS. A. reads "so undisguised."
^ This word should have been stricken out.
in every stage of these oppres- sions we have petitioned for re- dress in the most humble terms; our repeated petitions have been answered only ' by repeated inju- ries.* a prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people [who mean to be free, future ages will scarce" believe that the hardiness audacity of one man adventured within the short compass of twelve years only, on so many acts of tyranny without a mask to lay- build a foundation, so broad & undisguised,' for tyranny over a people fostered & fixed in prin- ciples of liberty freedom.]
Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren, we have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legis- lature to extend a' an unwarrant- able jurisdiction over [these our states] us. we have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration & settlement here, [no one of which could warrant so strange a pretension: that these were effected at the expence of our own blood & treasure, un- assisted by the wealth or the strength of Great Britain: that in constituting indeed our several
Dr. Franklin."
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Journals of Congress
we had adopted one common King, thereb}- laying a Foundation for Perpetual League and Amity with them; but that Submission to their Pailiament, was no Part of our Constitution, nor ever in Idea, if History may be credited; and we appealed to their Native Justice and Magnanimity, as well as to the Ties of our common Kin- dred to disavow these asurpations, which were likely to interrupt our Correspondence and Connection. They too have been deaf to the Voice of Justice and of Consan- guinity, and when occasions have been given them by the regular Course of their Laws of removing from their Councils, the Disturb- ers of our Harmony, they have by their free Election, re-estab- lished them in Power. At this very Time too, they are permit- ting their Chief Magisti-ate to send over not only soldiers of our fommou Blood, but Scotch and foreign Mercenaries, to invade and deluge us in Blood. These Facts have given the last Stab to agonizing affection, and manly Spirit bids us to renounce forever these unfeeling Brethren. We must endeavour to forget our for- mer Love for them, and to hold them, as we hold the rest of Man- kind, enemies in War, in Peace Friends. We might have been a free and a great People together
forms of government, we had adopted one common king, thereby laying a foundation for peipetual league & amity with them: but that submission to their parliament was no part of our constitution, nor ever in idea if history may be credited: and] we have appealed to their native justice & magna- nimity, [as well as to] & we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations which [were likely to] would inevitably interrupt our connection & correspondence & connection, they too have been deaf to the voice of justice & of consanguinity, [& when occasions have been given them, by the regu- lar course of their laws, of remov- ing from their councils the dis- turbers of our harmony, they have by their free election re-established them in power, at this very time too they are permitting their chief magistrate to send over not only soldiers of our common blood, but Scotch & foreign mercenaries, to invade & deluge us in blood destroy us. ' these facts have given the last stab to agonizing affection, and manly spirit bids us to re- nounce for ever these unfeeling brethren, we must endeavor to forget our former love for them, and to hold them as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends, we might have
'Against these two words Jefferson has written "Dr. Franklin."
Jane, 1776
501
out a Communication of Grandeur and of Freedom it seems is l)elow their Dignity. Be it so, since they will have it: The Road to Happiness and to Glory is open to us too; we will climb it, apart from them, and acquiesce in the Necessity which denounces our eternal Separation.
We therefore the representa- tives of the United States of America in General Congress as- sembled, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these States, reject and re- nounce all Allegiance and Subjec- tion to the Kings of Great Britain, and all others, who may hereafter claim by, through, or under them; we utterly dissolve and break off, all political Connection which may have heretofore subsisted between us and the People or Parliament of Great Britain, and finally we do assert and declare these Colo- nies to be free and independent States, and that as free and inde- pendent States they shall hereafter have Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, estab- lish Commerce, and to do all other
been a free & a great people to- gether; but a communication of grandeur & of freedom it seems is below their dignity, be it so since they will have it: the road to glory & happiness & to glory is open to us too; we will climb must tread it in a separately state apart from them, and] we must therefore acquiesce in the neces- sity which pi^ denounces our ever lasting Adieu! [eternal] separa- tion, and hold them as we hold the rest of mankind enemies in war, in peace friends!
We therefore the representa- tives of the United States of America in General Congress assembled appealing to the supreme judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions do in the name & by authority of the good people of these [states] colonies, [reject and renounce all allegiance & subjection to the kings of Great Britain' & all others who may hereafter claim by, through, or under them; we utterly dissolve & break ofi' all political connection which may have heretofore hav^e subsisted between us & the people or par- liament'^ of Great Britain; and finally we do assert and declare these colonies to be free and inde- pendant states, and that as free & independant states, they shall
' Against this paragraph Jefferson wrote "a different phraseology inserted.' 'MS. B. reads "parliament or people."
502 Journals of Congress
Acts and Things which independ- hereafter have full power to levy ent States ma_v of Right do. And war conclude peace, contract alli- for the Support of this Declai-a- ances, establish commerce, & to tion, we mutually pledge to each do all other acts and things which other our Lives, our Fortunes, independant states may of right and our Sacred Honour. do. And for the support of this
declaration] we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our for- tunes, & our sacred honour.
A petition from Christopher Champlin was presented to Congress and read :
Resolved, That it be referred to a committee of three :
The members chosen, Mr. [Robert] Morris, Mr. [John] Alsop, and Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry.
Resolved, That Mr. [Henry] Wisner, Mr. [Robert Treat] Paine, and Mr. [Wilham] Floyd be a committee to confer with Anthony Mosengeil, on the subject of manufacturing sulphur :
That 30 dollars be advanced to said committee, they to be accountable.
Resolved, That the treasurers be empowered to advance to the committee of safety of Pensylvania a sum not exceeding 100,000 dollars; the colony of Pensylvania to be accountable.
Resolved, That the committee for superintending the treasury, be dii'ected to nominate and appoint six persons to sign and number the million of dollars ordered to be struck in small change.
The several matters to this day referred, being post- poned.
Adjourned to 9 o' Clock on Monday next.
July, 1776 503
MONDAY, JULY i, 1776
Sundry letters were laid before Congress and read, viz.
One from General Washington, June 27, 1776, accom- panied with one from General Ward, of the 20 of same month, to General Washington
One from General Schuyler, 25 June, to do.
One from General Arnold, 25 June, " "
One from General Sullivan to General Schuyler
3 to General Sullivan viz :
One from General Arnold, Chamble, June 13,
One from Lieut Colonel Antill, June 13,
And, one from Colonel Hazen, June 13;
Another letter from General Washington of the 28 June, enclosing sundry papers :
A thu'd letter from General Washington of the 27th, by an Officer who attended to guard Major Rodgers to Philadelphia.
A Letter from the Convention of New Jersey, of the 29th June, and also, from Mr. Tucker, enclosing a letter from two prisoners at Burlington :
A letter from the convention of New Hampshire 17 June:^
A letter from Brigadier General Lewis from Williams - burg, June 17, with some memorandums from Brigadier H. Mercer:
A letter from B[enjamin] Harrison, jun. deputy pay master general of the southern department, with a return of his account to the 22d June.
• These letters of Washington are in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folios 103, 115, 123. Two of them are printed in Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 181, 184. The following locations are to be noted: Schuyler [June 19], in No. 153, II, foHo 218; Sullivan [June 19], in No. 153, II, folio 214; Antill, in No. 78, I, folio 5; Hazen, in No. 78, XI, folio 61; New Jersey convention in No. 68, folio 155; Tucker, in No. 78, XXII, folio 63; New Hampshire convention, in No. 64, folio 9.
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Resolved., That an order for 6,000 dollars be drawn on the treasurers, in favour of Mr. Richard Graham, of Vir- ginia, in full of a draught in his favour of the 20th of June, by Brigadier General Lewis; and that the same be charged to the account of the [Benjamin Harrison,] deputy pay master general for the southei-n department.
A resolution of the convention of Maryland, of the 28 June, was also laid before Congress and read, wherein it
is resolved :
In Convention, 28 June 1776. Resolved, Unanimoudy, That the Instructions given by the Conven- tion December last, (and renewed by the Convention in May,) to the Deputies of this Colony in Congress, be recalled, and the Restrictions therein contained, removed; and that the Deputies of this Colony, attending in Congress, or a Majority of them or of any three or more of them, be authorized and empowered to concur with the other United Colonies, or a Majority of them, in declaring the United Colonies free and independent States; in forming such further Compact and Con- federation between them; in making foreign Alliances, and in adopting such other Measures as shall be adjudged necessar}' for securing the Liberties of America; and this Colony will hold itself bound, by the Resolutions of a Majority of the United Colonies, in the Premises; Provided, the sole and exclusive Right of regulating the internal Gov- ernment and Police of this Colony be reserved to the People thereof.
Extract from the Minutes,
G. DuvAix,
Clm'h
The order of the day being read,
Resolved., That this Congress will resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the resolution respecting independency :
Resolved, That the Declaration be referred to said com- mittee.
The Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole. II After some time,|| the president resumed the chair. Mr. [Benjamin] Harrison reported,that the com- mittee have had under consideration the matters referred
July, 1776 505
to them, and have agreed to the resolution, which they ordered him to report, and desired him to move for leave to sit again/
The resolution agreed to by committee of the whole being read, the determination thereof was postponed, at the request of a colony, till to morrow.
Resolved, That a Brigadier General, acting in a separate department, be allowed an aid de camp.
A letter of the 29 from General Washington was laid before Congress and read.'^
Resolved, That the letters this day received, be referred to the Board of War.
Resolved, That this Congress will, to Morrow, i-esolve
' A letter from the Provincial Congress of New York to the New York Delegates, dated June 11, against their authority to vote for independence, was read before the Congress in Committee of the Whole. The letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 67, I, folio 228.
The vote of the Marylan<l Convention was laid before Congress this day, "just as we were entering on the great debate; that debate took up most of the day, but it was an idle raispense of time, for nothing was said but what had been repeated and hackneyed in that room before a hundred time.^ for six months past. In the Com- mittee of the Whole, the question was carried in the affirmative, and reported to the House. A Colony desired it to be postponed until to morrow, when it will pass by a great majority, perhaps with almost unanimity, yet I cannot promise this, because one or two gentlemen may possibly be found who will vote point blank against the known and declared sense of their constituents." John Adams to Samuel Chase, 1 July, 1776.
" I am told that Maryland insists upon one of our delegates having in a maimer promised when the point of declaring independence was in debate, that the back lands should be a fund for supporting the war. I have [heard] that a rhetorical expression to that purpose was used by a gentleman on that occasion. [But we] can balance that that account at least by a very serious question more in point, debated in Congress in 1775, when the delegates from Pennsylvania and Virginia proposed that a garrison of 400 men be raised and kept at common expense at Pittsburg to awe the Indians. It was warmly opposed from Maryland upon this ground, that it was a [scheme] of those two States merely to guard their own frontiers in which the others were not concerned, and therefore the expense must be incurred by the former. Their objections prevailed, the motion was rejected, and the two States raised the 200 men [each for] that service soon afterwards." Edmund Pendleton to James Mad- ison, 25 September, 1780.
' This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folio 135. It is prinUid in Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 194.
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itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration the declaration respecting inde- pendence. Adjourned to 9 o' Clock to Morrow.
TUESDAY, JULY 2, 1776
Sundry letters were laid before Congress, and read, viz:
One from General Washington, of the 30 of June, enclosing an extract of a letter from General Ward, of the 23d of said month ; a copy of a letter of the 19th from Lieutenant Colonel Campbell to General Howe ; a copy of an anonymous letter dated Watertown, 21 of the same month :^
One from the council of Massachusetts bay- of the 26th :
and
One from Governor Trumbull of the 20th of the same month.
A letter from the pay master general, with a return of his weekly account :
Ordered, That the last with the weekly account be delivered to Board of Treasury :
Or(Zere J, That the letter from Lieutenant Colonel Camp- bell to General Howe, be published :
Resolved, That th€ other letters be referred to the Board of War and Ordnance.
The Congress resumed the consideration of the resolu- tion agreed to by and reported from the committee of
'This letter is in iha Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folio 139. It is printed in the Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 196. The copy of Campbell's letter is not with it.
'' The letter from the Council of Massachusetts Bay is in the Papersof the Continental Congress, No. 65, I, folio 89. That of Governor Trumbull is in No. 66, I, folio 189.
July, 1776 507
the whole; and the same being read, was agreed to as follows :
Resolved., That these United Colonies are, and, of right, ought to be. Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connexion between them, and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.'
Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole; ||and, after some time, II the president resumed the chair. Mr. [Benjamin] Harrison reported, that the committee have had under consideration the declaration to them referred ; but, not having had time to go through ||the same,|| desired leave to sit again :
Resolved, That this Congress will, to morrow, again resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration the declaration on independ - ence.
The Congress being informed, that, in obedience to their order. Captain Whipple and Captain Saltonstal were come to Philadelphia; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to enquire into the complaints exhibited against them, and report to Congress.
II Adjourned to 9 o'Clock to Morrow. ||
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 1776
A letter from the convention of New Jersey, dated 2 July ; and a letter from the commissioners of Indian affairs in the southern department, dated Augusta, 21 May, together with an account of their expences, and the min-
^ This report, in the writing of Charles Thomson, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 23, folio 17.
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utes of their conference with the Indians in that depart- ment, II were laid before Congress, and read:|| ^
Resolved, That the account of the commissioners be referred to the Board of treasury.
The Congi'ess took into consideration the letter from the convention of New Jersey; Whereupon,
Resolved., That the committee of safety of Pensylvania be requested to send as many of the troops of then- colony as they can spare, to Monmouth county, in New Jersey, to the assistance of the inhabitants of that colony, and to be subject to the orders of the commander in chief; the said troops to be allowed the same pay and rations as the troops in the service of the continent, from the time of their march until they return :
Resolved, That a circular letter be written to the com - mittees of inspection of the several counties in Pennsyl- vania, where troops are raised, or raising, to form the fly- ing camp, requesting them to send the troops bybatallions, or detachments of batallions, or companies, as fast as raised, to the city of Philadelphia, except those raised in the counties of Bucks, Berks, and Northampton, which are to be du'ected to repair, as aforesaid, to New Bruns- wick, in New Jersey :
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be sent to General Washington, and that he be du*ected to appoint a proper officer to the command of the flying camp, and also direct proper persons to supply the men with rations.
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be empowered to contract with shipwrights, to go to Lake Champlain, on the following terms :
To allow each man at the rate of 34 dollars and two-
' The letter from the Convention [Provincial Congress] of New Jersey is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 68, folio 161.
July, 1776 509
thirds per month; one month's pay to be advanced, upon their giving security, if required :
Each man to be allowed one ration and a half, and one half pint of rum, a day:
Their tools and arms to be valued :
Two -thirds of their wages to be paid, monthly, to whom- ever they shall leave the power of receiving it :
Their pay to commence from the day they sign articles, and continue until they are discharged, with an allowance of one day's pay for every twenty miles, between the place where discharged, and their respective homes.
Resolved, That Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin and Mr. [James] Wilson, two of the commissioners for Indian affairs in the middle department, be authorized to dis- charge the bills drawn by Mr. Morgan on the commis- sioners of that department.
Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration, the Declaration; ||and, after some time, II the president resumed the chair, and Mr. [Benja- min] Harrison reported, that the committee, not having finished, desired leave to sit again.
Resolved, That this Congress will, to morrow, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration, the Declaration.
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock to Morrow.
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 1776
Resolved, That an application be made to the committee of safety of Pensylvania for a supply of flints for the troops at New York : and that the colony of Maryland and Delaware be requested to embody their militia for the flying camp, with all expedition, and to march them, without delay, to the city of Philadelphia.
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Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration, the declaration; Hand, after some time, II the president resumed the chah-. Mr. [Benjamin] Harrison reported, that the committee of the whole Con- gress have agreed to a Declaration, which he delivered in.
The Declaration being again read, was agreed to as fol- lows :
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of
America.
^hcn, in the Course of human events, it becomes neces- sary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requu'es that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these, are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That, to secure these rights. Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the consent of the governed. That, whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Gov - ernment, laying its foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Pru- dence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long estab- lished should not be changed for light and transient causes; and, accordingly, all experience hath shewn, that
July, 1776 511
mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But, when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient suf- ferance of these Colonies ; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an abso- lute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommoda- tion of large districts of People, unless those People would relinquish the right of Representation in the legis- lature; a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of theu^ Public Records, for the sole Purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing, with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the People.
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He has refused for a loug time, after such dissohitions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise ; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Natu- ralization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the con- ditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by- refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of theu' salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our People, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of Peace, Standing Ai'mies, without the Consent of our legislatiu'es.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a juris- diction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws ; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation :
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us :
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punish- ment for any Murders which they should commit ou the Inhabitants of these States :
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world :
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent :
July, 1776 513
For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury :
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pre- tended offences :
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies :
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments :
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has consti^ained our fellow Citizens, taken Captive on the high Seas, to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our f rou - tiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions, We have Peti- tioned for Redress, in the most humble terms: Our
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repeated Petitions, have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the niler of a free People.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by theu* legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the cu"- cumstances of oui- emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to then* native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usiu'pations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connexions and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind. Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
Wit, therefore, the Representatives of the united states o); America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare. That these United Colonies are, and of Right, ought to be Jfree and Independent §tate.^: that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connexion between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved ; and that, as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge
July, 1776
515
to each other our Lives, oui' Fortunes, and our sacred Honour.
1 1 The foregoing declaration was, by order of Congress, engrossed, and signed by the following members :|P
John Hancock.
JosiAH Bartlett. W" Whipple. Sam'' Adams. John Adams. RoB^ Treat Paine ! Elb RIDGE Gerry. Steph. Hopkins. William Ellery. Roger Sherman. Sam'''' Huntington. W" Williams. Oliver Wolcott. Matthew Thornton. W" Floyd. Phil Livingston. Fran' Lewis. Lewis Morris. Rich" Stockton. Jno Witherspoon. Era' Hopkinson. John Hart. Abra Clark. Rob'^ Morris. Benjamin Rush. Benj* Franklin. John Morton. Geo Clymer. Ja' Smith.
Geo. Taylor.
James Wilson.
Geo. Ross.
CiESAR Rodney.
Geo Read.
Thos M:Kean.
Samuel Chase.
W" Paca.
Tho' Stone.
Charles Carroll of Car-
rollton. George Wythe. Richard Henry Lee. Th. Jefferson. Ben J'' Harrison. Tho' Nelson, Jr. Francis Lightfoot Lee. Carter Braxton. W" Hooper. Joseph Hewes. John Penn. Edward Rutledge. Tho' Hey ward, Jun' Thomas Lynch, Jun' Arthur Middleton. Button Gwinnett. Lyman Hall. Geo Walton.
'The text used is that of the engrossed original in the Department of State.
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Ordered, That the declaration be authenticated and printed.
That the committee appointed to prepare the declara- tion, superintend and correct the press.
That copies of the declaration be sent to the several assemblies, conventions and committees, or councils of safety, and to the several commanding officers of the continental troops ; that it be proclaimed in each of the United States, and at the head of the army.^
Ordered, That Mr. [Robert] Morris and Mr. [Joseph] Hewes determine the hu'e of Mr. Walker's vessel, which was employed by Commodore Hopkins in the service of the continent.
A Letter from General Washington, dated New York, July 3d, was laid before Congress, and read:^
Resolved, That the delegates of New York, New Jersey and Pensylvania, be a committee to confer with the com- mittee of safety of Pensylvania, and committee of inspec- tion of [and observation for] the city and liberties of Philadelphia, and the field officers of the batallions of the said city and liberties, on the best means of defending the colonies of New Jersey and Pensylvania ; and that they be empowered to send expresses where necessary :
That the Secret Committee be instructed to order the flints belonging to the continent, and now at Rhode Island, to be sent to the general at New York.
' "A determined resolution of the Delegates from some of the Colonies to push the question of Independency has had a most happy effect, and after a day's debate, all the Colonies, except Xew York, whose Delegates are not empowered to give either an affirmative or negative voice, united in a declaration long sought for, solicited, and necessary— the Declaration of Independency." JElbridge Gerry to General Warren, 5 July, 1776.
The Declaration was printed in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, 6 July, 1 776, and in the Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 July, 1776. See the Bibliographical Xotts at the end of this year.
' This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, Xo. 152, II, foUo 149. It is printed in Writings uf Washington (Ford), IV, 200.
July, 1776 517
Resolved, That Mr. [Henry] Wisner be empowered to send a man, at the public expence, to Orange county, for a sample of flint stone.
The Congress proceeded to the appointment of two commissioners for Indian affah's in the middle department ; and, the ballots being taken,
Jasper Yeates and John Montgomery, Esqrs. were elected.
That Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin and Mr. [James] Wil- son are desired to inform the above gentlemen of their appointment, and desire them to attend the treaty with the Indians at Pittsburg, on the day appointed ; They are far- ther desired to appoint some persons to procure goods necessary for the Indians.
Resolved, That to morrow be assigned for filling up the vacancies in the committee for Indian affau'S.
That the president be empowered to employ another 1 1 private 1 1 secretary.
Resolved, That the Board of War be empowered to employ such a number of persons, as they shall find neces- sary, to manufacture flints for the continent; and, for this purpose, to apply to the respective assemblies, conventions and councils, or committees of safety of the United Ameri- can States, or committees of Inspection of the counties and towns thereunto belonging, for the names and places of abode of persons skilled in the manufactory aforesaid, and of the places, in their respective states, where the best flint stones are to be obtained, with samples of the same.^
Resolved, That an order for 27/=:3 54/90ths dollars, be drawn on the treasurers, in favour of the express, who brought despatches from Trenton.
Resolved, That Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin, Mr. J[ohn] Adams and Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson, be a committee, to
'Printed in the Pennsylvania Gazelle, 10 July, 1776.
|i
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bring in a device foi" a seal for the United States of America.
Mesolved, That the Secret Committee be instructed to sell 25 lb. of powder to John Garrison, of North Carolina.
Adjourned to 9 o' Clock to Morrow.
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 1776
A letter from Captain Crawford, a prisoner of the 26th regiment, was read, requesting leave to visit the prisoners in the several places where they are confined :
Resolved, That, in the present situation of affairs, such leave be not granted.
The committee on ways and means, brought in a report, which was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The accounts and vouchers of Mr. Price being laid before Congress,
Resolved, That the same be referred for adjustment to the Board of Treasury.
The Board of War brought in a report: Whereupon,
Resolved, That a regiment be raised out of the officers who served in Canada, on the same terms on which the regiment, to be commanded by Colonel Dubois, is to be raised; and that the following persons be appointed offi- cers of the said regiment :
Seth Warner, colonel :
Samuel Safford, lieutenant colonel:
Elisha Painter, major:
Wait Hopkins, John Grant, Gideon Brownson, Abiather Angel, Simeon Smith, Joshua Stanton, [Abner] Seely, Jacob Vorsboroug, captains; John Allen, [John] Fusset [Fassett, Jr.], [Ebenezer] Walbridge, [William] Deane,
July, 1776 519
James Gold, Sill Fbenezer Hide, Gamaliel Painter,
first lieutenants;
Ebenezer Beaumont, adjutant.
Resolved, That the president write to Governor Cooke, requesting him to order fifty ship carpenters to be engaged, on the best terms, at the expenee of the conti- nent, and sent to General Schuyler at Albany, as soon as possible, in order to build vessels for the defence of the lakes.
The committee of Congress, appointed to confer with the committee of safety of Pensylvania, and the com- mittee of inspection and observation for the city and liberties of Philadelphia, and the field officers of the five batallions of the said city, on the 5th day of Jul;'^, their report was read, "VSTicrcupon reported, that they have met 1 1 had a meeting with the committees and officers afore - said, II and have agreed to the following resolutions, viz.
That all the associated militia of Pensylvania, (except- ing the counties of Westmoreland, Bedford and North- umberland) who can be furnished with arms and accoutre - ments, be forthwith requested to march, with the utmost expedition, to Trenton, (except the militia for North- ampton county, who are to march directly for New Brunswick) in New Jersey; and that the said militia continue in service, until the flying camp, of ten thousand men, can be collected to relieve them, unless they shall be sooner discharged by Congress :
That the militia march by companies to the place of rendezvous :
That the said militia be taken into continental pay, and receive the same pay, allowances and rations, with the continental troops, from the time they begin their march, until they return to their respective homes :
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That those of the three batallions of the Pensylvania troops, now remaining in the province State, be ordered to march immediately for New Brunswick, in New Jersey :
That the committee of safety of Pensylvania provide as many tents as they can for the said militia :
That the committees of inspection and observation, in the several counties, furnish a good kettle to every six men, and give all the assistance in their power, that :he said militia be well armed and equipped, and march with the greatest expedition:^
That the committees of inspection for the several counties of Pensylvania, be desired to order such troops as they may raise for the flying camp, to be marched to Trenton; the resolve of Congress passed yesterday to march them to Philadelphia notwithstanding; Where- upon,
Resolved, That this Congress highly approve the fore- going resolutions, and recommend it to the good people of Pensylvania, to carry the same into execution with the same laudable readiness, which they have hitherto manifested in supporting the injured rights of then* country.
Resolved, That an order issue to Colonel Hazlet, of the batallion in Delaware government, to station one company at Lewistown, and to march the remaining seven com- panies of his batallion to Wilmington, and there remain until fm-ther order of this Congress.
Resolved, That the commissioners for Indian affairs in the southern department, while on actual service, receive four dollars a day.
' To this point the resolutions were based upon the report of the conference signed by Thomas McKean, chairman. The next two paragraphs were prepared in Con- gress. The resolutions were printed in the Penmylmnia Gazette, 10 July, 1776.
Jidy, 1776 521
The committee on the treasury reported, that there is due,
To John Walker, Esq. commissioner of Indian affairs in the southern department, the sum of 869 67/90 dollars, for several horses, a waggon and guns, and expences in travelling 2500 miles.
Ordered, That the same be paid.
The committee appointed to consider the state of Geor- gia, brought in their report, which was taken into con- sideration; Whereupon,
Resolved, That for the defence of the colony of Geor- gia, there be an addition of two batallious, (one of them to consist of rifflemen) to be raised on the same terms on which other continental batallions are now ordered to be raised :
Resolved, That blank commissions for the field officers be sent to the convention of Georgia, to be filled up with the names of such persons as the said convention shall judge proper :
Resolved, That it be recommended to the assemblies, conventions or councils of safety of the colonies of Vir- ginia, North and South Carolina, to permit the raising troops, for the purpose aforesaid, within their respective colonies [states] ; and, if requested, to afford their advice and assistance, with regard to suitable persons in the said colonies for captains and subalterns, and that blank com- missions be delivered to the delegates :
Resolved, That four gallies be built at the expence of the United States, under the direction of the convention of Georgia, for the further defence of said colony [state] :
And whereas the delegates of said colony of Georgia have represented to the said committee, that it will be necessary that two forts be erected in the said colony, the one at Savannah and the other at Sunbury :
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Resolved, That two companies of artillery be raised, consisting of fifty men each, officers included, for the purpose of garrisoning such forts, in case they shall be erected, at the expence of the said colony; and that blank commissions be delivered to the delegates for the officers, to be filled up by the assembly or convention of said colony [state].
Resolved, That General "Washington be empowered, if he shall judge it adviseable, to order three of the fullest regiments, stationed in Massachusetts bay, to be immedi- ately marched to Ticonderoga ; and that an equal number of the militia of that state, be taken into pay, and em- bodied for its defence, if the government of Massachu- setts bay judge it necessary.
The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,
Resolved, That Mr. John Coburne, who has acted as assistant conductor of military stores in Canada, and has produced certificates of his having done his duty in that station, be allowed lieutenant's pay, from the first day of March to the first day of June last :
That a chaplain be appointed to each regiment in the continental army, and their allowance be encreased to thirty three dollars and one third of a dollar a month :
Resolved, That immediate steps be taken, in the several colonies, to procm-e lead :
Resolved, That the post master general be directed im- mediately to have expresses established between this city and New York, and that General Washington be desu'ed to send off despatches to Congi'ess every day :
The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be dii-ected to send forth^dth to General Lewis, at Williamsburgh, five
July, 1776 523
tons of powder, for the use of the troops in the southern department, part of which to be forwarded to South Carolina :
Resolved, That the British officers and soldiers who are prisoners, and now in New Jersey, be sent from thence to the town of York, in Pensylvania, and that the con- vention, or committee of safety of New Jersey, be re- quested to carry this resolve into immediate execution :
Resolved, That four companies of the militia be directed to remain in Philadelphia, to guard the continental stores in that city.
1 1 The matters to this day referred, being postponed, ||
Adjourned to 9 o' Clock to Morrow.
SATURDAY, JULY 6, 1776
A letter of the 5th from the convention of New Jersey, was received and read.'
The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,
Resolved, That Mr. Carpenter Wharton be appointed commissary, to supply [with rations] the militia who are immediately to march from Pensylvania to New Jersey, until the commissary general shall order otherwise :
That William Sherman, Jun^ be appointed pay master of Colonel Warner's regiment:
That Major Rogers be sent to New Hampshu'e, to be disposed of as the government of that state shall judge best.
Sundry letters were received and read, viz.
One from General Washington 4th and 5 July:'^
' This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 68, folio 169. ' The letter of Washington is in the Pajiers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folio 159. It is printed in Writings of Washington (Ford) IV, 204.
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One from General Schuyler to General "Washington dated 1 Jnly;
One from General Sullivan to General Schuyler dated 2-tth June :
Resolved, That said letters be referred to the Board of War and Ordnance.
Resolved, That an order issue to the agents in Massa- chusetts bay and Rhode Island, to send the arms taken out of the Scotch transports, to General Washington, at New York.
Resolved, That a copy of a letter received from T. Green be forwarded to General Washington, and that he be de- sh-ed to send for such parts of the stores therein men- tioned, as he shall think proper.
Application being made by William Kelsay, who has raised a company in Jersey, for a simi of money to bear the expence of said company to New York,
Ordered, That Mr. J. Mease commissary, advance one month's pay to Captain Kelsay, for the use of said com- pany; he to be accountable.
The Congress proceeded to tne election of members for the committee on Indian affairs, in the room of those absent; and, the ballots being taken, Mr. [Thomas] Jef- ferson, Mr. P[hilip] Livingston, and Mr. [Samuel] Hunt- ington were elected.
Resolved, That Col. [William] Floj^d, Mr. [Caesar] Rodney, and Mr. [Abraham] Clark, be added to the committee to enquire into the miscarriages in Canada.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to de- liver one ton of powder to the convention of New York ; they to be accountable :
That General Schuyler be directed to coUect and to audit the public accounts of the late General Montgomery, and to include his pay and the allowance for his table iu the adjustment.
July, 1776 525
The Board of Treasury laid before Congress an account of James Warren, Esq- late pay master general of the United Colonies; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the following allowances be made.
For assistants, from July 27, 1775, to 4th May, 1776, 276 dollars:
For sundry articles purchased for the use of the office in New York, 3 49/72 dollars:
For horse hire to William Wynthrop, Esq^ and for his attendance and expences in Philadelphia, 100 dollars :
Ordered, That Mr. Warren pay the balance remaining in his hands to Ebenezer Hancock, Esq- deputy pay mas- ter general for the eastern department.
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock on Monday.
MONDAY, JULY 8, 1776
Sundry letters were received and read: viz.
One of the 4th from General Washington, one of the 6th July from the convention of New Jersey.^
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to send four tons of powder, and a sufficient quantity of cartridge paper, to General Mercer, for the use of the flying camp.
Resolved, That an order for 20,000 dollars be drawn on the treasurers, in favour of James Mease; he to be ac- countable.
A letter of this day from Mrs. Connolly was laid before Congress," and read :
Resolved, That it be referred to the committee of safety of Pensylvania, and that it be recommended to the said
' The letter of Washington is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, II, folio 153. It is printed in Writings of Washington (Ford), IV, 204. That of the con- vention of New Jersey is in No. 68, folio 175. On this day were read the following letters, of which no record wasmade on the Journals: From the Committee of North- ampton County, July 6, in No. 69, I, folio 151; and from the Committee of Reading, same date, in same volume, folio 155.
' This letter, dated July 8, is printed in Pennsylvania Archives, First Series, IV, 782.
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committee, to make proper provision for Mrs. Connolly, till farther order of Congi-ess.
Resolved, That an order issue to the commanding officer of the militia ||military associators|| of Philadelphia, not to order Captain Peters out of the city, as his service ||and attendance 1 1 is necessary in the war office.
Resolved, That the post masters, while in office, be excused from all military duty.
A letter from the convention of Maryland of the 4th, enclosing resolutions for raising three thousand four hundred men for the flying camp, was laid before Con- gi'ess and read:^
Resolved, That Major General Gates be informed, that it was the intention of Congi-ess to give him the command of the troops whilst in Canada, but had no design to vest him with a superior command to General Schuyler, whilst the troops should be on this side Canada ; and that the president write to Major General Schuyler and Major General Gates, stating this matter, and recommending to them to carry on the military operations with harmony, and in such manner as shall best promote the public ser-\T.ce:^
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolution be transmitted to General Washington.
The committee of safety of Peusylvania, having recom- mended Daniel Biu'khard, George Hubley, Jacob Bunner and Benjamin Weiser, to be captains to the four compa- nies of Germans to be raised in that state.
Resolved, That the said gentlemen be approved, and that commissions be granted to them accordingly.
'This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 70, folio 33. The resolves were adopted June 25.
' This was to quiet a difference of opinion between Schuyler and Gates with regard to the command of the army in the Northern Department.
Jiily, 1776 527
The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That General Washington be vested with dis- cretionary power to call to his assistance, at New York, such of the continental regiments in the Massachusetts bay, as have not already received orders to march to Ticon - deroga; andthatthe general court of that province [state] be requested to supply their places with militia, if they think it expedient :
That General Washington have permission to call forth and engage in the service of the United States, so many Indians of the St. Johns, Nova Scotia and Penobscot tribes, as he shall judge necessary and that he be desired to write to the general court of the Massachusetts bay, requesting their aid in this business,