not to offer or give more than at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum upon any monies to be borrowed in their respective loan-offices.

Resolved, That 1000 dollars be advanced to major Ottendorff, for the purpose of recruiting his corps; he to be accountable.

The committee on the treasury reported,

That there is due to Peter Galaway, for riding express to Chincotigue with orders to captain Baldwin, 52 dollars:

To Catharine Heydshaw, for lodging, firing, candles, and for dieting Hessian prisoners from the 29th of January to the 25th of February inclusive,

29.78 dollars:

To Henry Bradford, for furnishing lodging and fuel to 126 of the Virginia troops, 3.30 dollars:

To Joseph Stiles, for hay and oats to captain. Yauncy's squadron of lighthorse, on their march from Virginia to join general Washington, 48.4 dollars:

To Robert Talbot, for victualling 48 men of the Virginia troops, 6.36 dollars:

Ordered, That the said accounts be paid.

Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the committee on ways and means; Whereupon,

Resolved, That the sum of five millions of dollars, in bills on the credit of the United States, of the same tenor and denominations as the last emission, be forthwith emitted under the direction of the board of treasury.

Resolved, That the farther consideration of the report be postponed.
The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

THURSDAY, February 27, 1777.

A letter, of the 17th, from colonel George Morgan, at Pittsburg, was read; Ordered, That the messenger who brought the letter be introduced.

Resolved, That 10,000 dollars be advanced to Mr. John Boreman, and charged to the account of colonel George Morgan, for the purpose of laying in provisions for the public service at Fort-Pitt.

The medical committee, to whom the report on the hospital was re-committed, brought in a report, which was read:

Ordered, To lie on the table.

Resolved, That when Congress adjourns this evening, it be adjourned to meet at Philadelphia, on Wednesday next.

Resolved, That 40,000 dollars be paid to the delegates of Maryland, for the use of the state of Maryland, the said state to be accountable:

That 3000 dollars be advanced to the delegates of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of recruiting colonel Hand's battalion, and that the said sum be charged to the account of the state of Pennsylvania.

Whereas the sum of 2000 dollars was ordered on the 9th of December last, to be advanced to the delegates of New-Jersey, for the public service, for which they were to be accountable; and whereas, the said sum has not yet been advanced, and the business for which it was intended, is performed: Ordered, That no warrant be drawn in pursuance of the order aforesaid. Resolved, That 500,000 dollars be advanced to the state of South-Carolina, for public service; the said state to be accountable.

Mr. Anderson, the messenger, who brought the letter from colonel Morgan, being introduced, gave an account of the state of Indian affairs to the westward of the Ohio, and withdrew.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the several legislatures of the United States, immediately to pass laws the most effectual for putting an immediate stop to the pernicious practice of distilling grain, by which the most extensive evils are likely to be derived, if not quickly prevented.

The committee of treasury reported,

That there should be advanced to John Griffith, for sundry provisions, and other necessaries furnished by him for the use of the hospital in Baltimore, 533 30 dollars:

Ordered, That the said sum be paid.

The board of war brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,

Resolved, That two months' pay be advanced by Jonathan Hudson, esq. to a detachment of the 2d and 7th Virginia regiments, under the command of captain Joseph Spencer.

The committee, to whom a motion of Mr. Clark was referred, brought in a report, which was read:

Ordered, To lie on the table.

The committee on Indian affairs, brought in a report, which was read: Ordered, To lie on the table.

Resolved, That the governor and council of Virginia be desired to consider the propriety of ordering an expedition from the western frontier of that state against the settlement of Indians west of the river Ohio, commonly known by the name of Pluggy's town, and if the said governor and council shall be of opinion, that such an expedition is proper and conducive to the public weal, they are desired to direct the same to be undertaken and executed by their frontier militia, on terms the most frugal and effectual, taking the best precaution in conducting this expedition, not to give offence to any nations of Indians, in friendship with the United States:

That a copy of the information from colonel G. Morgan, concerning Indian affairs, be transmitted to the governor and council of Virginia. The committee on the treasury, reported,

That there is due to James Long, for attending as door-keeper to Congress, from the 23d of December, 1776, to this day, 67 dollars:

Ordered, That the same be paid.

Resolved, That the sum of £ 2859 2 9, dollars at 8s each, be paid to Messrs. Graverod & Visgar, the same being in full of an order in their favor, drawn by colonel G. Morgan, dated Fort-Pitt, February 8, 1777, for goods purchased from them by order of Congress.

Resolved, That William Lux, James Colhoun and David Stewart be appointed to appraise the woollens brought into the port of Baltimore, by the privateer belonging to the state of New-York:

That the clothes and linens when appraised, be delivered to Messrs. Samuel & Robert Purviance, who are directed to have them made up, and to deliver 200 suits of clothes, and 693 shirts, to the delegates of Maryland, to be charged to that state, and the residue to the Virginia troops, transmitting an account to the clothier-general.

Resolved, That 20,000 dollars be advanced to Jonathan Hudson, esq. for public service, he to be accountable.

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,

Adjourned to ten o'clock on Wednesday next, to meet at the state-house in Philadelphia.

During the adjournment, the board of treasury reported to the president, that there should be paid to captain W. Galbreath, for expenses of a guard over the Carolina prisoners, &c. 194 22 dollars:

And a bill having been drawn by a committee of Congress in Philadelphia, dated February 18, 1777, in favor of col. Stephen Moylan, for 3000 dollars for recruiting his regiment, agreeable to an order from general Washington; which bill was endorsed to and presented by Mr. W. Lux:

And another bill, being drawn by the said committee at Philadelphia, February 18, 1777, in favor of the said col. Stephen Moylan, for 3000 dollars,

for the purpose of recruiting his regiment, and the same being endorsed to, and presented by captain David Plunket, the president ordered the payment, and reported the same to Congress on the 24th of March, and the same was confirmed.

Congress being adjourned on the 4th, and from thence, from day to day,

met on business.

WEDNESDAY, March 12, 1777.

The delegates of Pennsylvania produced credentials of their appointment, which were read as follows:

"This may certify Congress, that the following gentlemen were duly elected in and by a full house of the general assembly of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to serve as delegates in the Continental Congress for the present year, to wit: Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, Daniel Roberdeau, Jonathan B. Smith, George Clymer and James Wilson. Witness my hand, the 10th of March, 1777.

(Signed)

JOHN JACOBS, Speaker."

The delegates of Massachusetts-Bay laid before Congress farther powers received from their constituents, which were read as follows:

"STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, February 4, 1777. "Whereas, the commission given the delegates in Congress, representing this state, by a resolve of the 10th of December last, confines the exercise of their representation and powers to any three or more of them, from which many inconveniencies may arise, and their vote in Congress may be lost on any question, when only two are present; and one may controul two when three are present, and the same effect take place: It is, therefore, Resolved, That any two or more of the said delegates, representing this state in Congress, being the major part present, be, and hereby are, vested with all the powers with which any three or more of the said delegates were vested by the said resolve of the 10th of December last; and the secretary is hereby directed, as soon as may be, to furnish each of the delegates from this state with an attested copy of this resolve.

"T. WARREN, Speaker.

"IN COUNCIL, February 4, 1777, read and concurred.

"J. AVERY, Deputy Secretary."

Five letters from general Washington, viz. one of the 20th, one of the 23d, one of the 28th of February, and one of the 1st, and one of the 6th of March; four letters from general Schuyler, viz. one of the 4th, one of the 8th, one of the 15th, and one of the 24th of February; a memorial from baron de Arandt; a letter from gen. Gates, with a list of Canadian officers; one from Mr. Bowdoin, respecting Monsieur Faneuil; and one from John Vipschir; one from governor Henry, of Virginia; one from John Page, respecting two German officers; also, a letter from lieutenant-colonel John Brown, enclosing his commission resigned; one, of the 3d, from lord Stirling; one from general Stephens; and one from general Lincoln, acknowledging severally the receipt of their commissions as major-generals; one from J. Cadwallader, declining his appointment as brigadier; one, of the 24th of February, from colonel Stewart, respecting the purchase of cannon, were read:

Ordered, That they be referred to the board of war.

A letter, of the 28th of February, from general Gates, was read, respecting the office of adjutant-general:

Ordered, That this be taken into consideration to-morrow.

An appeal being lodged from the judgment of the court of admiralty at Georgia, against the sloop Polly, captain Alexander M'Austan ;

Ordered, That it be referred to the committee on appeals.

An account of advances by the state of Rhode-Island, was laid before Congress :

Ordered, To lie on the table.

A letter from the council of safety of Pennsylvania was read, respecting the complaints of the troops from Ticonderoga, on account of their not being paid:

Ordered, That the same be referred to the committee appointed to confer with general Gates.

Resolved, That 400,000 dollars be paid to the state of Rhode-Island, which is to be accountable; and that the same be paid by an order on the auditorgeneral for 200,000, by one on the commissioner of the loan-office of the state of Rhode Island, for 60,000, and one on the treasurer, for 140,000; this last to be paid out of the emission last ordered.

Resolved, That three members be added to the committee for hearing appeals:

The members chosen, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Read, and Mr. Burke. Resolved, That an order in favor of James Mease, for 10,000 dollars, be drawn on the auditor-general, to be paid out of the lottery-money; and that the same, in the hands of Mr. Mease, be subject to the orders of gen. Gates. Resolved, That it be recommended to the legislatures, or, in their recess, to the executive powers of each of the United States, to cause assessments of blankets to be made, in order to furnish their several quotas of soldiers with an article so necessary to defend them from the inclemency of the weather and damp air, in their encampments; and that all blankets to be obtained in this manner, be valued to a just and reasonable price, and paid for by the states respectively, to be repaid by the United States: and that the legislatures, or, in their recess, the executive power, do cause money to be put into the hands of a proper officer in every county, district, or township, in order that such blankets may be paid for, without delay or trouble, to the householders on whom the assessments shall be made.

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

THURSDAY, March 13, 1777.

A petition from Richard Howson was read, praying for leave to go to NewYork, in order to pass from thence to England:

Resolved, That the prayer be granted.

A letter from lord Howe to the committee of Congress at Philadelphia, respecting the exchange of captain Jones, who was taken in the brig Lexington by the Pearl frigate, was read:

Ordered, That it be referred to the marine committee.

The board of war brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,

Resolved, That a letter be written by the president to colonel Stephens, of the 10th Virginia regiment, ordering him to purchase 80 stand of arms, or as many more as can be procured, of Mr. James Hunter, of Fredericksburg, in Virginia; and that the colonel be empowered to draw for the amount on the deputy pay-master general of the southern department.

Congress being informed that there are in the public armory, in the state of Virginia, a number of arms, to the amount of about 300, belonging to that

state:

Resolved, That a letter be written by the president to the governor and council of Virginia, requesting them to furnish the battalion, commanded by colonel Stephens, now in Fredericksburg, with the arms now in that place, and as many more as can be procured, for which they shall be either paid, or have the same number, equally as good, returned, at their election.

Whereas applications are frequently made to Congress for employment in the continental army by gentlemen from Europe of various nations, who may very probably have great merit, but, not understanding our language, can be of no use in the army of these states; therefore,

Resolved, That the committee of secret correspondence be directed forthwith to write to all their ministers or agents abroad, to discourage all gentlemen from coming to America with expectation of employment in the service, unless they are masters of our language, and have the best recommendations. Resolved, That major Marlet be paid for the time that he was employed in the American service as major and captain in Canada, which is referred for settlement to the board of treasury.

Mr. Winters, of Maryland, who has carried on a manufactory of small arms, having offered his service to the continent,

Ordered, That it be referred to the board of war.

A petition from Lewis Prahl, gunsmith, was read, praying the discharge of two recruits, gunsmiths by trade, from their inlistment, in order that he may employ them in that business:

Ordered, That it be referred to the board of war.

A memorial from Robert Irwin, wagon-master, was read, praying an allowance for his expense and trouble:

Ordered, That it be referred to the board of treasury.

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to confer with general Gates upon the general state of affairs:

The members chosen, Mr. Roberdeau, Mr. L. Morris, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Whipple, and Mr. Lovell.

The board of treasury brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,

Resolved, That three commissioners be appointed to examine such claims against the United States, as may be presented to Congress for payment: That they constantly keep their office in the city or place where Congress shall, from time to time, be assembled and hold their session:

That they carefully avoid passing any accounts that ought to be adjusted in other departments, unless directed thereto by Congress or the board of treasury, in which cases, they are to send to the office or department where the same should have been settled, a copy of such accounts, and the allowance made thereon by Congress :

That they certify the sums to be allowed on accounts examined by them, and render the same to the auditor-general, to be by him reported to Congress. A memorial from Christopher Ludwick, respecting the Hessian prisoners, was read:

Ordered, That it be referred to the committee appointed to confer with general Gates.

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

FRIDAY, March 14, 1777.

A letter from John Trumbull, deputy adjutant-general in the northern department, with his commission enclosed; one from John Lawrence, commissioner of the loan-office in the state of Connecticut; one from Mons. Vernejour, with one from gen. Sullivan, recommending him; one from James Price, praying to be authorized to draw on the treasury for the balance due to Price and Haywood; one, of the 5th, from Joseph Trumbull, commissarygeneral; and one, of the 21st of February, from governor Trumbull, were read: Ordered, That the letter from John Trumbull, deputy adjutant-general, and that from Mons. Vernejour, be referred to the board of war. That the letter from Mr. Price, and that from Joseph Trumbull, commissary-general,. be referred to the board of treasury.