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of their currency, except that part which recommends the striking bills bearing interest, which, being a measure tending to depreciate the continental and other currencies, ought not to be adopted, and it is so recommended by Congress to the said New-England states:

That the plan for regulating the price of labor, of manufactures and internal produce within those states, and of goods imported from foreign parts, except military stores, be referred to the consideration of the other United States: and that it be recommended to them, to adopt such measures, as they shall think most expedient to remedy the evils occasioned by the present fluctuating and exorbitant prices of the articles aforesaid:

That, for this purpose, it be recommended to the legislatures, or, in their recess, to the executive powers of the states of New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, to appoint commissioners to meet at York-Town, in Pennsylvania, on the 3d Monday in March next, to consider of, and form a system of regulation adapted to those states, to be laid before the respective legislatures of each state, for their approbation:

That, for the like purpose, it be recommended to the legislatures, or executive powers in the recess of the legislatures of the states of NorthCarolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, to appoint commissioners to meet at Charleston, in South-Carolina, on the first Monday in May next:

That it be recommended to the legislatures of the several states, to take the most effectual measures for manning the continental frigates, fitted for the sea in their respective states:

That it be earnestly recommended to the United States, to avoid, as far as possible, farther emissions of paper money, and to take the most effectual measures for speedily drawing in and sinking their paper currency already emitted:

That such parts of the proceedings of the committees from the four NewEngland states, as relate to the price of labor and other things, be published and transmitted to the other states, together with these resolutions: The committee of treasury reported,

That there is due to William Lavely, for entertaining a party of the Virginia light-horse, on their march to gen. Washington, 14.48 dollars.

That there should be paid to the honourable Mann Page, on account of Henry Baker, for provisions supplied by him to captain Morgan's company, of Virginia, in July, 1775, 56.20 dollars:

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That there should be paid to Peter Kemp, for a wagon-horse, that was impressed in public service, and died on his return from Philadelphia, where he had been with baggage belonging to the Virginia troops, 80 dollars: That there should be advanced to the board of war, 500 dollars for the public service, and for which they are to be accountable:

Ordered, That the said accounts be paid.

Resolved, That 1500 dollars be advanced to Gerard Hopkins, son of Richard, quarter-master in Baltimore, for public service; he to be accountable.

A letter, of the 10th, from James Horne, a prisoner, was read:

Ordered, That it be referred to the marine committee, who are empowered to do therein what they shall judge proper.

The secret committee having informed Congress, that their agents in the eastern states, have, by their order in pursuance of the directions of Congress, purchased a quantity of clothing for the ariny, to the amount of £36,000, lawful money.

Resolved, That 120,000 dollars be advanced to the secret committee, to pay for the said goods, the committee to be accountable.

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

MONDAY, February 17, 1777.

A letter, of the 13th, from the committee of Congress, at Philadelphia; and one, of the 14th, from colonel Gist, enclosing a proclamation by the assembly of Maryland, were read.

The committee for Indian affairs, to whom was referred a letter from general Schuyler, with sundry papers enclosed, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,

Resolved, That Congress approve of the attention which general Schuyler has given to secure the friendship of the Six Nations of Indians towards these states, and of the measures which he is taking to defeat the evil designs of our enemies, who, with unremitting cruelty, are endeavouring to precipitate these Indians into a war against us.

That 10,000 dollars be delivered out of the military chest in Albany, to the commissioners of Indian affairs for the northern department, who are desired to purchase therewith, in these United States, such Indian goods as may be proper, and distribute the same among the Indian nations in their department, in such manner as they shall judge most conducive to cultivate the peace and friendship of the said nations, and that the commissioners direct such persons as they shall employ to purchase the said goods, that they do not bid against others already employed in purchasing goods for these United States.

On motion, Resolved, That the marine committee be empowered to advance 20 dollars to each seaman, who will enter to serve on board the Lexington, the same to be deducted out of their share of the prize-money, arising from the captures made by the said Lexington.

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to revise the regulations of the post-office, and report a plan of carrying it on, so as to render the conveyance of intelligence more expeditious and certain.

The members chosen, Mr. Heyward, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. S. Adams.

Resolved, That on Tuesday, the 25th instant, when Congress adjourn, it shall be adjourned from Baltimore to meet at Philadelphia.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to consider the state-and situation of the North-Carolina prisoners, and report thereon to Congress: The members chosen, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. Rumsey, and Mr. Burke. Congress took into consideration the report of a committee appointed to prepare a plan for suppressing the internal enemies of America, and preventing a communication of intelligence to our enemies:

Ordered, That the same be re-committed, and that two members be added to the committee:

The members chosen, Mr. Chase and Mr. Gerry.

Resolved, That 20,000 dollars be paid to colonel William Crawford for raising and equipping his regiment, which is part of the Virginia new levies. Resolved, That Mr. Aquila Norris be appointed a signer of the continental bills of credit, in addition to those already appointed,

Congress having this day received intelligence that the enemy meditate an expedition to the bay of Chesapeake the ensuing campaign, and that the Eastern-Shore is the first object or place of landing:

Resolved, That the states of Virginia and Maryland be requested to take immediate, and the most effectual, measures that the stocks be removed from their respective Eastern-Shore counties, and their adjacent islands, or so secured, that they may not fall into the enemy's hands, and that means the most effectual be taken to protect and secure the well affected inhabitants from the insults and plunder of the enemy.

. Ordered, That the marine committee deliver the Lexington, when fitted for the sea and manned, to the order of the committee of secret correspondence.

Ordered, That the secret-committee forward to the council of Massachusetts-Bay, a copy of the resolution of the 5th inst. requesting the several states to order their armed vessels into the service of the United States, under the direction of the secret committee; and that they request the said council to send in one of the vessels belonging to their state, a trusty person, at the expense of the continent, who shall take charge of such papers as shall be entrusted to him by the secret-committee, and govern himself agreeable to the orders he shall receive from the said committee.

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

TUESDAY, February 18, 1777.

Mr. Heyward, attending in his place, produced credentials of a new apointment, which were read as follows:

"SOUTH-CAROLINA. IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, the 10th day of Jan. 1777.

The members of the legislative council, and of the house jointly, voted for delegates to represent this state in the Continental Congress; and, the ballots being reckoned, Mr. Speaker reported, that the hon. Arthur Middleton, Thomas Heyward, jun. and Henry Laurens, esqrs. having a majority of votes of the members present, were duly elected.

"IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, the 20th day of January, 1777.

"Resolved, unanimously, That the delegates of this state in the Continental Congress, already or hereafter to be elected, or a majority of such of them as shall, at any time, be present in the said Congress, or any one of the said delegates, if no more than one shall be present, be, and they and he are and is, hereby authorized and empowered for and in behalf of this state, to concert, agree to, and execute every measure which they or he, together with a majority of the Continental Congress, shall judge necessary for the defence, security, interest, or welfare of this state in particular, and of America in general.

"IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, the 21st day of January, 1777.

"The members of both houses proceeded to ballot jointly for two more delegates to represent this state in Continental Congress, and the ballots being cast up, Mr. Speaker reported, that only the hon. Charles Pinckney, esq. of the gentlemen that were ballotted for, had the votes of a majority of the members present, who was accordingly declared duly elected. The members of both houses then proceeded to ballot for the other delegate, and the votes being reckoned, Mr. Speaker reported, that the hon. Paul Trapier, jun. esq. was duly elected by a majority of the ballots of the members present. True extracts from the journals,

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PETER TIMOTHY, Cl. G. A.” A letter, of the 8th, from Mr. Walton and Mr. Taylor, at Durham, with a copy of the minutes of proceedings with the Indians, was read:

Ordered, That the same be referred to the committee on Indian affairs. A letter, of the 15th, from the committee of Congress, at Philadelphia; one, of the 22d, and one, of the 25th of January, from the committee of safety for the state of New-York, at Fishkill; one, of the 11th, from gen. Washington, at Morristown, with sundry letters from French officers; one, of the 28th of January, from brigadier Moore, at Charleston; and one, of the 24th of the same month, from brigadier Howe, at the same place, with sundry papers enclosed, were read:

Ordered, That the letter from brigadier Howe, with the papers enclosed, be referred to the delegates of South-Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

Ordered, That the letters from the council of safety of New-York, be referred to the board of war.

Resolved, That general Washington be directed to cause an enquiry to be made into the military abilities and conduct of the French gentlemen in the army, and how far they can be usefully employed in the service of these states, and to dismiss such of them as he shall find unworthy of commissions, or unable to render service in the military line.

Mr. Chase, attending in his place, produced credentials of a new appointment of delegates for the state of Maryland, which were read as follows:

"IN THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, February 15, 1777.

"On striking the joint ballot of both houses for delegates to represent this state in Congress, a majority appeared in favor of Samuel Chase, Benjamin Rumsey, William Smith, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Thomas Stone and William Paca, esqrs. Resolved, therefore, That the said Samuel Chase, Benjamin Rumsey, William Smith, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Thomas Stone and William Paca, esqrs. or any two or more of them, be delegates to represent this state in Congress.

"By order,

G. DUVAL, Clk. Ho. Del." Resolved, That Darby Lux and Daniel Carroll be appointed signers of the continental bills of credit, in addition to those already appointed.

Congress proceeded to consider the propriety of appointing an additional number of general officers; and, after debate,

Resolved, That three majors-general be appointed.

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

WEDNESDAY, February 19, 1777.

Resolved, That colonel Campbell have leave to go to Virginia, to transact some business relative to his own private affairs.

Resolved, That 6000 dollars be paid to Christopher Richmond, and charged to the account of brigadier W. Smallwood, for the purpose of paying the arrearages due to the battalion and independent companies, serving last campaign, under the command of the said brigadier, then col. Smallwood, the same being in full of his draught in favor of the said C. Richmond, dated Annapolis, February 15, 1777.

Resolved, That in voting for general officers, a due regard shall be had to the line of succession, the merit of the persons proposed, and the quota of troops raised, and to be raised, by each state.

Resolved, That the number of major-generals, now to be appointed, be five. Resolved, That brigadier Lewis be directed to order all the troops, raised in Virginia for the continental army, to march, immediately, by the nearest route, in companies and parts of companies, to general Washington's army, proper officers being left behind to recruit the companies or corps that are deficient in numbers, and to bring up the recruits when raised.

Ordered, That the secret committee deliver out of the public stores, 120 yards of coarse duffels, to the captain of the Lexington, to supply the place of blankets for the men on board the said vessel.

Congress proceeded to the election of five major-generals; and the ballots being taken, the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz. lord Stirling, Thomas Mifflin, Arthur St. Clair, Adam Stephens, Benjamin Lincoln.

Ordered, That Mr. Hudson pay captain Jones, of the Virginia light-horse, three months' pay, and the privates with him, each, one months' pay, and transmit an account thereof to the pay-master general.

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

THURSDAY, February 20, 1777.

A letter, of the 14th, from gen. Washington, at Morristown, enclosing one, of the 9th, to him from gen. Lee, at New-York, and one, of the 10th, from the same to Congress; three, of the 17th, from the committee of Congress at Philadelphia; one, of the 30th of January, and one, of the first of February, from the council of Massachusetts-Bay; one, of the 30th of January, from the committee of safety of New-Hampshire; one, of the 3d, from gov. Cooke, at Providence; one, of the 7th, from gov. Trumbull; one, of the 14th, from gen. Washington, with sundry papers enclosed, relative to the hospital; one, of the 28th of January, from gen. Ward: and one, of the 2d inst. from col. Wayne were read.

Resolved, That 500,000 dollars be sent to the pay-master general, for the use of the army.

Ordered, That the letter from gen. Washington, with the papers relative to the hospital, be referred to the medical committee; that the letter from gen. Lee lie on the table; and that the other letters be referred to the board of war.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to confer with col. Buchanan, on the subject of a contract for supplying the army with provisions : The members chosen, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Gerry and Mr. W. Smith.

The committee, to whom the copy of general Howe's letter to gen. Washington was referred, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,

Resolved, That the board of war be directed immediately to order the five Hessian field-officers and lieutenant-colonel Campbell into safe and close custody; it being the unalterable resolution of Congress to retaliate on them the same punishment as may be inflicted on the person of gen. Lee:

That, to manifest to all the world how averse Congress are to this severe, but necessary measure, which alone can teach our cruel enemies to regard the laws of nations and the rights of humanity; and that Congress not only lament, but would willingly avoid the necessity of this just retaliation,

Ordered, That the board of war transmit to each of the Hessian officers and to col. Campbell, copies of the resolve of Congress of the 6th of January, of such part of gen. Washington's letter of the 13th, and of gen. Howe's answer thereto, of the 23d of January, as relates to gen. Lee: and inform those officers that the conduct of gen. Howe alone induces Congress to treat them in a manner so very different from that which has ever been shewn to all other prisoners of war of these states; and that, if any of them think proper to write on this subject to the British or Hessian general, the letter shall be transmitted by a flag.

Resolved, That the president write to gen. Gates, and inform him, it is the earnest desire of Congress, that he should resume the office of adjutantgeneral, and that his present rank and pay shall be continued to him.

The committee on ways and means of supplying the treasury, and supporting the credit of the continental currency, brought in a report, which

was read:

Ordered, To lie on the table.

Congress resumed the subject of encreasing the number of general-officers; and, thereupon,

Resolved, That ten brigadiers be appointed.

Ordered, That the election of these brigadiers be postponed till to-morrow. The committee on the treasury reported, that there is due,

To Robert Patton, for his services attending Congress from the 4th of December to the 20th of February, being 78 days; and for ink-powder, candles, &c. 79.35 dollars:

To Robert M'Gee, for the hire of his wagon, taking the baggage of capt. Yates's company of the 4th battalion of Maryland forces, 26 dollars:

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