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for the delivery of arms to the militia of the state of Massachusetts-Bay, in consequence of the recommendation of the general-court of that state; that, at the same time, they direct their agent to procure a return of them as soon as circumstances will admit.

The board of war, to whom a petition from Monsieur Pillesier was referred, brought in a report; Whereupon,

Resolved, That the said petition be referred to general Washington.
The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

FRIDAY, January 24, 1777.

A letter, of the 17th inst. from John M'Kinley, esq. speaker of the assembly of the state of Delaware, with sundry resolves of that assembly, was read : Ordered, That the same be referred to the committee of Congress, at Philadelphia.

John Taylor, esq. being appointed a major in col. Hazen's regiment, Resolved, That a commission be granted to him, and that the same be dated the 13th of November, 1776.

Resolved, That 1000 dollars be paid to major John Taylor, for the purpose of raising recruits for the regiment in which he is a major, and that the same be charged to the account of col. Moses Hazen, this being in full of an order drawn by lieut. col. Edward Antil, of col. Hazen's regiment, in favour of the said John Taylor, dated January 20, 1777.

The Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the state of the treasury, &c. and after some time, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Nelson reported, that the committee have had under consideration the matters to them referred, but have as yet come to no resolution thereon:

There being no delegates in attendance from the state of Delaware, and one only from the state of New-York, who, according to the instructions given by that state to their delegates, is not empowered to give a vote:

Ordered, That Mr. President write to the states of New-York and Delaware, requesting them immediately to send to Congress a representation of their respective states, and to provide, that for the future, applications of this sort may be rendered unnecessary.

Whereas by a resolve of Congress of the 5th of November last, all accounts for services done, or articles supplied to the armies of the United States in New-York and New-Jersey, and in the northern department, are to be presented to the commissioners of accounts for the respective armies; and so much thereof, as is approved by them, and confirmed by the respective generals, is ordered to be paid by their warrants on the pay-master, after the said commissioners have certified thereon, that the accounts and vouchers are returned to them by the persons receiving such warrants; and, whereas, it may frequently happen, that the absence or engagements of the generals aforesaid, inay occasion a delay in ordering the payment of such accounts, whereby individuals, having demands against the United States, may suffer inconveniences; it is, therefore,

Resolved, That the commander in chief in each department be empowered, when absence or hurry of business shall prevent his revising the accounts passed by the commissioners, to direct the pay-master to discharge such accounts, upon certificates from the commissioners; observing to order the pay-master, when circumstances will permit, to lay the accounts and certificates before him, for his approbation, and to return them to the commissioners to be filed in their office.

Resolved, That if general Schuyler and general Gates be both absent from the northern department at the same time, that the pay-master there shall

receive this resolution, the said pay-master be empowered and directed to discharge accounts upon the certificates of the commissioners, during such absence; and upon the return of either of the said officers, to lay the accounts and certificates before him for his approbation.

The committee to whom was referred the letter from the council of safety of Pennsylvania, with the papers therein enclosed, brought in a report, which was taken into considertion; whereupon, Congress came to the following resolution :

Whereas Congress are informed that certain tribes of Indians, living in the back parts of the country, near the waters of the Susquehanna, who are within the confederacy, and under the protection of the Six Nations, the friends and allies of these United States, are, upon motives friendly and peaceable, now on their way to Easton, in the state of Pennsylvania; and whereas, such may be the poor and necessitous circumstances of these Indians, as to demand the attention of Congress; it is therefore,

Resolved, That the committee of Congress at Philadelphia, deliver to George Walton and George Taylor, esqrs. or to either of thein, 1000 dollars; who are directed to purchase therewith, such presents as may be suitable for the said Indians: and that one or both of them forthwith repair to Easton, and, in the name of this Congress, inform the said Indians, that although, in the opinion of Congress, it is altogether improper for them to kindle a councilfire at that place, as they have already done the same at Albany, where, by their commissioners, they hold their councils, and communicate every matter of importance to their good friends the Six Nations, and their allies, of which these tribes are a part, yet, in regard to the good and peaceable conduct of these nations, and in consideration of their wants, which this Congress are much inclined to relieve, and also in token of their friendship for them, as well as for all other Indians, who are at peace with these states, they, the said George Walton and George Taylor, esqrs. are directed to deliver these presents to them; and they are, at the same time, to signify to the said Indians, that this Congress have an entire confidence, that the same peaceable and friendly conduct will be observed by them, which they have hitherto regarded. Ordered, That the said Messrs. Walton and Taylor be furnished with a copy of the foregoing resolution for their direction.

Resolved, That the pay of the commissary of military stores, to be appointed to take charge and care of the continental stores in Maryland, be 40 dollars per month:

That the delegates of Maryland direct the quarter-master to look out for a proper house, wherein to deposit the powder, now in this town, belonging to the continent; and that they desire the captain of the guard to see that a trusty guard be kept over the powder.

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,

Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.

MONDAY, January 27, 1777.

Congress met, and adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

TUESDAY, January 28, 1777.

The delegates of Maryland having reported, that they have provided a suitable house in the country for the reception of the public powder, Resolved, That the said delegates be requested and empowered to agree with a captain, and a proper number of men, to guard the said powder when removed.

Ordered, That the board of war send forward from this town to general Schuyler, with all possible expedition, twenty tons of cannon-powder and ten tons of pistol-powder.

A number of letters and papers were laid before Congress and read, viz. a letter of the 21st inst. from the committee of Congress, at Philadelphia; one, of the 17th, from general Washington, at Morristown; one, of the 19th, from general Putnam, at Princeton, to lord Stirling; one of the 22d, one of the 23d, and one of the 25th, from the committee of Congress, at Philadelphia; one, of the 18th, and one, of the 20th, from general Washington, at Morristown; one, of the 13th and 15th, from general Schuyler, at Fish-kill, enclosing a letter, of the 3d, to him from governor Trumbull; one, of the 22d, and one, of the 26th, from the council of safety of Maryland; one, of the 6th, from Joseph Trumbull, esq. at Hartford; one, of the 18th, from Ebenezer Hancock, esq. one, of the 12th, from governor Trumbull, with a copy of the minutes of a committee appointed by the four New-England states, who met at Providence, on Wednesday, 25th of December, 1776, and sat by adjournments to the 2d of January, 1777; one, of the 13th, from the council of Massachusetts-Bay; one, of the 24th, from lieutenant-colonel Kirmovan; one, of the 15th, from brigadier De Roche Fermoy; and sundry letters from French officers:

Ordered, That the letters from brigadier De Roche Fermoy, and from the other French officers, be referred to general Washington, to do therein what he shall think the good of the service requires, without considering this reference as a recommendation in favor of any of the gentlemen applying:

That the letter from lieutenant-colonel Kirmovan be also referred to general Washington.

A letter, of the 12th, from the committee of Frederick county, Maryland, and sundry papers enclosed, were read.

A letter from Mr. Bingham, at Martinique, and sundry papers enclosed, were read:

Ordered, That a copy of the enclosed papers be delivered to the delegates of Maryland, to be laid before the assembly of their state; and that the letter and papers be referred to a committee of three;

The members chosen, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Chase, and Mr. R. H. Lee.

Another letter, from Mr. Bingham, recommending Mons. Celeron to the notice of Congress, was read, and ordered to be referred to general Washington.

Resolved, That Friday next be assigned for taking into consideration the letters from the state of Massachusetts-Bay, and governor Trumbull, and the minutes of the proceedings of the committee of the four New-England

states.

Resolved, That the committee of Congress at Philadelphia, be informed, that Congress, from the committee's state of things, do not discern the necessity of moving the public stores from that city; but if any circumstances should hereafter arise, to render such removal proper, Congress desire the committee may do therein what they shall think most conducive to the public service.

Ordered, That the letter from general Schuyler be referred to the committee on the affairs of the northern department.

The secret committee informed Congress, that the brig Olive-Branch, William Bayley, master, was, by the procurement of Francis Lewis, laden at New York with 718 barrels of flour, on account of the United States, as will appear by the bill of lading, signed 26th February, 1776, directed to be delivered to Mr. Samuel Carson, at St. Eustatia; that captain Bayley, contrary to his orders, proceeded to Occoys, on the island of Hispaniola, and there put the cargo into the hands of Mons. Croix, who, by several letters, informed Mr. Carson that he should remit said Carson the proceeds of the flour to St. Eustatia; and, in a letter from said Carson, dated St. Eustatia, S0th November, 1776, is the following paragraph:-"I have not received

one farthing on account of the brig Olive-Branch's cargo, and God knows when I will;" that captain Bayley, after landing the flour at Occoys, made a voyage for Mons. St. Croix, to France, and back to Occoys, where the said St. Croix loaded the brig, and proceeded with her to this port, where they both are at this time, with the vessel, re-laden with provisions, &c. and ready to depart for Occoys; that captain Bayley pretends he has sold the brig to Mons. St. Croix, and has taken his single promissory note for payment; but, it is obvious, they have been jointly trading on the public's capital, and defrauding both the public and the owners of the brig; that, with the proceeds of the cargo sold here, they have re-laden the brig with provisions, &c. and have a residue of £2500 cash in their hands:

Resolved, That this matter be referred to the secret committee who are empowered to do therein what they shall judge to be just and right, and conduce to the public interest.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to take into consideration the state of Georgia :

The members chosen, Mr. Wolcott, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. Clark.
The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

WEDNESDAY, January 29, 1777.

A letter of the 26th, from the committee of Congress, at Philadelphia; one, of the 22d, from general Washington, at Morristown; and one, of the 25th, from general Mifflin, at Philadelphia, were read :

Ordered, That the letter from general Washington be referred to the committee of intelligence, to publish such parts as they may think proper; and that they deliver it to the board of war, who are directed to report thereon:

Resolved, That 80 dollars be advanced to Monsieur Celeron, to bear his expenses to general Washington.

Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to desire such of the signers of continental money, belonging to this state, as have diligently applied themselves to this business (excepting such as may be field officers of the militia) to exert themselves in supplying the treasury: and that he transmit a list of their names, and of the names of the superintendents of the press, to the council of safety of Maryland, who are requested to excuse them from military duty, while thus employed by Congress.

Resolved, That Mr. Wilson be added to the committee on the memorial of colonel Campbell, in the room of Mr. Ross, who is absent.

Resolved, That the president inform the governor and council of Virginia, that Congress have not a sufficient certainty, that it will be in their power to arm the 2d and 7th battalions ordered from that state; and, therefore, request the said governor and council, to send, with all despatch, the arms belonging to the said battalions, if it can be done consistently with the safety of their state.

Congress took into consideration the report of the committee for Indian affairs, to whom was referred a letter from the commissioners of Indian affairs in the middle department, dated the 21st of September last, at Pittsburg: Whereupon,

Resolved, That the commissioners for Indian affairs in the middle department, from the intelligence communicated to them, of the motions and preparations of some tribes of Indians, and from the dispositions of others, well known to be hostile, had cause to apprehend that an attack upon Pittsburg, or invasions into some parts of Virginia, or Pennsylvania, would be made by those savages, and therefore, acted prudently in calling in forces for protection and defence.

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The committee of treasury reported, that there is due to Thomas Smith, for sundry provisions, wood, &c. supplied the sick, and other continental troops at Wilmington, 1316.55 dollars:

To Monsieur Lotbinier, a Canadian chaplain, for his pay and rations from the 10th of November, 1776, to the 10th of January, 1777, 82.60 dollars, to be paid to colonel Smith:

That there should be advanced to William Sterret, on account of his expenses in going to and from the paper-mill in Pennsylvania, to attend the making of paper for the loan-office certificates, 30 dollars, he to be ac

countable.

Ordered, That these sums be paid.

Resolved, That John Griffiths provide the sick in the hospital at Baltimore, with shirts and blankets; and that, for this purpose, he apply to the secret

committee.

A petition from a number of the inhabitants of Westmoreland, and a letter from Thomas Cressap, were read, and referred to the committee on Indian affairs.

Resolved, That the treasurer of the United States be directed to give order for the payment of 33,333.30 dollars to the state of Connecticut, out of the continental loan-office in that state, in payment of an equal sum advanced by governor Trumbull to colonel Sheldon, at the request of general Washington, for raising and equipping a regiment of light-horse; the said state to be accountable; and that the president acquaint general Washington with this resolution.

Resolved, That 450,000 dollars be advanced to general Mifflin for the public service; and that the treasurer be directed to give an order on the loan-office, in the state of Pennsylvania, for the payment of that sum.

Resolved, That Dr. Mackenzie, who has the care of the sick in the hospital in Baltimore, be empowered to appoint a mate to assist him.

A letter from Carpenter Wharton was read, applying for an advance of a large sum of money: Whereupon,

Resolved, That the president inform Joseph Trumbull, esq. commissarygeneral, that there are various complaints against the conduct of Mr. Carpenter Wharton, his deputy; and desire him to enquire into the matter, and take such steps as he shall judge proper to prevent any loss accruing to himself or the public.

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

THURSDAY, January 30, 1777.

The delegates from New-Hampshire produced credentials of their appointment, which were read as follows:

"NEW-HAMPSHIRE. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Dec. 24, 1776. "Voted, That colonel William Whipple, colonel Josiah Bartlett, and colonel Matthew Thornton, be, and they hereby are, elected and appointed delegates to represent the state of New-Hampshire in the Continental Congress, for the term of one year, from the 23d day of Jan. next; and that any one of them, in the absence of the others, have full power to represent this state; and that no more than two of them attend at one time. Sent up for JOHN LANGDON, Speaker.

concurrence:

"In Council, Dec. 25, 1776.

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Read and concurred;

"EBEN. THOMPSON, Secretary. EBEN. THOMPSON, Secretary."

Mr. Mann Page, a delegate from Virginia, attended, and produced the credentials of his appointment, which were read as follows:

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