sachusetts-Bay, for the two armed vessels in their service, and despatch the same, with a sufficient number of people, stores, &c. particularly a number of oars, in order, if possible, to intercept the said two brigs and their cargoes, and secure the same for the use of the continent; also, any other transports laden with ammunition, clothing, or other stores, for the use of the ministerial army or navy in America, and secure them in the most convenient places for the purpose abovementioned; that he give the commander or commanders such instructions as are necessary, as also proper encouragement to the marines and seamen, that shall be sent on this enterprize, which instructions are to be delivered to the commander or commanders sealed up, with orders not to open the same until out of sight of land, on account of secrecy. That a letter be written to the said honorable council, to put the said vessels under the general's command and direction, and to furnish him instantly with every necessary in their power, at the expense of the continent. That the general be directed to employ the said vessels and others, if he judge necessary, to effect the purposes aforesaid; and that he be informed that the Rhode-Island and Connecticut vessels of force will be sent directly to their assistance. That a letter be wrote to governor Cooke, informing him of the above, desiring him to despatch one or both the armed vessels of the colony of Rhode-Island on the same service, and that he use the precautions abovementioned. That a letter be written to governor Trumbull, requesting of him the largest vessel in the service of the colony of Connecticut, to be sent on the enterprize aforesaid, acquainting him with the above particulars, and recommending the same precautions. That the said ships and vessels of war be on the continental risque and pay, during their being so employed. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow. FRIDAY, October 6, 1775. Two letters from general Schuyler, dated Ticonderoga, 25th and 28th September, with sundry papers enclosed, were read. Resolved, That orders issue to the continental treasurers, to collect for continental bills, a quantity of silver and gold, not exceeding 53,200 dollars in value, for the use of the army in Canada. Resolved, That it be recommended to the several provincial assemblies or conventions, and councils or committees of safety, to arrest and secure every person in their respective colonies, whose going at large may, in their opinion, endanger the safety of the colony, or the liberties of America. Ordered, That an authentic copy of the last resolve be transmitted by the delegates to proper persons in their respective colonies. Resolved, That the committee appointed for the importation of powder, be directed to export, agreeable to the continental association, as much provisions or other produce of these colonies, as they shall judge expedient for the purchase of arms and ammunition. The Congress taking into consideration the letter from New-York, respecting the fortifications ordered to be erected on Hudson's river, Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to report to-morrow morning an answer to the convention of New-York. The following members were chosen by ballot, viz: Mr. Morton, Mr. Deane, and Mr. R. Livingston. The committee appointed to prepare a plan, &c. brought in a farther report, which was read: Ordered, Tolie on the table, for the perusal of the members. The order of the day was renewed, and the consideration of the instructions given to the delegates of Rhode-Island, referred to this day, was put off to Monday 16th instant. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow. SATURDAY, October 7, 1775. Ordered, That the president draw on the treasurers, in favor of Francis Lewis, John Alsop, Thomas Willing, Silas Deane, and John Langdon, esqrs. for the sum of five thousand pounds sterling, to pay for the goods they were ordered to purchase for the use of the continental army. The committee appointed to take into consideration the letter from the convention of New-York, brought in their report, which being read and debated, was agreed to, as follows: is That the provincial convention of New-York be directed immediately to render Hudson's river defensible; that in doing this they be particularly attentive to form such works as may be finished before the winter sets in. As it very doubtful whether any stone work can be properly made at this advanced season, it is submitted to the judgment of the said convention, whether it could not be more cheaply and expeditiously done by works of wood or fascines. If they should think otherwise, that they be directed to go on with the work in the way which they think best, since it is the opinion of the Congress that the work should by no means be neglected. But if the work be already begun on the plan sent us, that they render such parts as can be first finished defensible, so that the labour be not thrown away, if an attack should be made before the whole can be finished. That the convention be directed to enquire whether there are not some other places where small batteries might be erected, so as to annoy the enemy on their passage, particularly, a few heavy cannon at or near Moore's house, and at a point on the west shore, a little above Verplank's point. That it be recommended to said convention, to establish, at proper distances, posts to be ready to give intelligence to the country, in case of any invasion, or by signals to give alarms in case of danger, and that they confer with the assembly of Connecticut, and convention of New-Jersey, on the speediest manner of conveying intelligence in such cases, and receiving assistance when necessary. That the convention be farther directed to take the most effectual method to obstruct the navigation of the said river, if, upon examination, they find it practicable. Resolved, That orders be sent to general Wooster, in case he has no orders to the contrary from general Schuyler, that he immediately return to the batteries erecting in the highlands, and there leave as many of his troops, as the conductors of the work shall think necessary for completing them, and that he repair with the remainder to New-York. A member from Pennsylvania laid before the Congress a resolve passed in the house of assembly, in these words: "IN ASSEMBLY, September 30, 1775. "The house taking into consideration the several letters sent down yesterday by the governor, acquainting him with the intrusion of a number of people into this province, under a pretended claim of the colony of Connecticut, to the great annoyance of the good people of this province : Resolved, That the delegates for this province, be specially directed to lay the same before the Congress, with the mischievous tendency the pursuing such measures will have, and procure the aid of that assembly to quiet the minds of the good people of this province, and prevent further intrusion or extension of settlements under the said claim, until the matter shall be determined by the king and council, to whom both sides have submitted the dispute. Extract from the journals, CHARLES MOORE, Clerk of Assembly." Resolved, That the same be referred to the delegates for Connecticut and Pennsylvania, who are desired to report thereon on Monday next. Resolved, That the letter from Messrs. Morris and Wilson of the 14th of September, be taken into consideration on Monday next. Adjourned to nine o'clock on Monday. MONDAY, October 9, 1775. A letter from Joseph Trumbull, commissary-general, dated September 23, 1775, was read, desiring that £ 500 lawful money, 1666 2-3 dollars be paid to Mr. Tracy, for money by him advanced to colonel Arnold, for the use of the continent, and that the same be charged to his account. Ordered, That the president draw on the treasurers for the above sum in favour of Mr. Tracy, and that the same be charged as above. A letter from general Schuyler, dated the 19th of September, with one enclosed from general Montgomery, and sundry other papers, were read. Resolved, That a committee of five members be appointed to take the same into consideration, and report an answer. The following members chosen, viz. Mr. J. Adams, Mr. J. Rutledge, Mr. Chase, Mr. R. Livingston, and Mr. Deane. The delegates of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, informing the Congress, that they were not yet ready to make a report on the matters referred to them, Ordered, That they prepare and bring in their report on Wednesday next. Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention of New-Jersey, that they immediately raise, at the expense of the continent, two battalions, consisting of eight companies each, and each company of sixty-eight privates, officered with one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four serjeants, and four corporals. That the privates be inlisted for one year, at the rate of five dollars per calendar month, liable to be discharged at any time, on allowing them one month's pay extraordinary. That each of the privates be allowed, instead of a bounty, one felt hat, a pair of yarn stockings, and a pair of shoes; the men to find their own arms. That the pay of the officers, for the present, be the same as that of the officers in the present continental army, and in case the pay of the officers in the army is augmented, the pay of the officers in these battalions shall, in like manner, be augmented from the time of their engaging in the service. The order of the day being renewed, TUESDAY, October 10, 1775. The committee of claims reported the following accounts reasonable, and which ought to be paid, viz. The account of Du Simitiere, for translating the address of the United Colonies, to the inhabitants of Quebec, amounting to eight dollars. William Govett's account of the expenses of a party of twenty-seven men, escorting powder to Trenton, amounting to 67.2 dollars. David Rittenhouse's for thirty-six cuts for continental money, amounting to 48 dollars. John Thornton's account of provisions and ferriage for part of captain Ross's company, amounting to 10 dollars. Christopher Ludwig's account for sundry expenses in forwarding powder to Ticonderoga, amounting to 41.2 dollars. Ordered, That the said accounts be paid. The committee appointed to prepare an answer to general Schuyler's letters, reported a draught, which was read, and ordered to lie on the table for the perusal of the members. A motion being made relative to the appointment of officers in the continental army, and the same being largely debated, the determination thereon was deferred till to-morrow. The order of the day was renewed. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow. WEDNESDAY, October 11, 1775. A list of the matters referred to this day being read, The delegates of Connecticut and Pennsylvania were called on to report, on the matter referred to them, but not being yet ready, Ordered, That they meet this afternoon, and prepare a report to be laid before Congress to-morrow. The committee of claims reported that the following accounts ought to be paid, viz. The account of the committee of Elizabeth-Town, for cartage, expresses, and for provisions to captain Ross's company, amounting to 98.3 dollars, of which 3 2-3 dollars to be charged to captain Ross. James Leslie's account of necessaries furnished to captain Ross's company, amounting to 14.8 dollars. Ordered, That the above accounts be paid. The Congress resumed the consideration of the motion made yesterday, respecting the appointment of officers, and after debate, the same was postponed. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to report what subsistence ought to be allowed to the officers and soldiers in the continental service, when on their march, and in quarters, before they join the army. The members chosen, Mr. Kinsey, Mr. Deane, and Mr. Langdon. The Congress took into consideration the letter to general Schuyler, which being debated by paragraphs, was agreed to. Ordered, That the same be transcribed and forwarded. The committee appointed on the subsistence, &c. brought in their report, which being read, was ordered to lie on the table to be taken up to-morrow. The order of the day being renewed, Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow. THURSDAY, October 12, 1775. The Congress taking into consideration the report of the committee respecting subsistence for the soldiers, &c. Resolved, That each captain and other commissioned officer, while in the re-. cruiting service of this continent, or on their march to join the army, shall be allowed two dollars and two thirds of a dollar per week, for their subsistence, and that the men who enlist shall each of them, whilst in quarters, be allowed one dollar per week, and when on their march to join the army, one dollar and one third of a dollar for the same purpose. Resolved, That the president transmit to the convention of New-Jersey, blank commissions, to be filled up by the said convention, to the captains and subaltern officers in the two battalions to be raised in that colony; and that the appointment of the field officers be for the present suspended, until the Congress come to a determination on that matter. John Penn, esq. one of the delegates for North-Carolina, appeared in Congress, and produced his credentials, which being read, were approved, and are as follows. NORTH-CAROLINA, HILLSBOROUGH. IN CONGRESS, 8th Sept. 1775. "Mr. Caswell informed the Congress, that as they had done him the honor to appoint him treasurer of the southern district of this province, and one of the signers of the public bills of credit, his attending those duties would ren der it entirely out of his power to attend the Continental Congress, as one of the delegates of this province, he therefore requested this Congress would be pleased to appoint soine other gentleman in his stead. Whereupon, it is resolved, that John Penn, esq. be, and he is hereby appointed a delegate in behalf of this province, in conjunction with William Hooper, and Joseph Hewes, esqrs. and that he be invested with the same power, and entitled to the like allowance, that the said Richard Caswell would have been vested with, and entitled to, under a former resolution of this Congress. By order, signed, SAMUEL JOHNSON, President. The committee of claims reported their opinion that the following accounts ought to be paid: Two accounts of Peter Cooper, one for several articles furnished capt. Cressop's company in Lancaster, amounting to 2 1-5 dollars, to be charged to said company. The other for 34 pair of boots, made by him for the hussar company, amounting to 113 1-3 dollars. Francis Wade's account of expenses for himself and a party of eighteen men escorting governor Skene and Mr. Lundy to New York, ainounting to 445 65-90 dollars. Ordered, That the above accounts be paid. Resolved, That it be recommended to the assembly or committee of safety of Pennsylvania, to raise one battalion on the same terms as those ordered to be raised in New Jersey, and to be officered in like manner. Resolved, That the men to be enlisted be furnished at the continental expense, with a hunting shirt, not exceeding in value 1 1-8 dollar, and a blanket, if to be procured, but not to be made part of the terms of enlistment. Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the state of the trade of the thirteen United Colonies, and after some time spent therein, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported, that the committee had taken into consideration the matter referred to them, but not having come to a conclusion, desired him to move for leave to sit again. Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their further consideration the state of the trade of the thirteen United Colonies. The other matters referred to this day, being postponed, the Congress adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow. FRIDAY, October 13, 1775. Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole to take into their further consideration the trade of the thirteen United Colonies, and after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported, that the committee had taken into consideration the matter referred to them, but not having come to a conclusion, desired him to move for leave to sit again. Whereupon the order was renewed. A letter from general Washington, dated 5th of October, with sundry papers enclosed, was read. The Congress, taking into consideration the report of the committee appointed to prepare a plan, &c. after some debate, Resolved, That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruize of three months, and that the commander be instructed to VOL. I. 20 |