Ordered, That the above be paid. The Congress taking into consideration the report of the committee on the New-York letter, &c. Resolved, That a commander with the rank of a colonel, be appointed to take the command of the fortifications or fortresses on Hudson's river, in the highlands. Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention of New-York, to empower the said commander to call together and command two hundred men of the militia of Duchess, Orange, and Ulster counties, and one company of artillery from the city of New-York, who shall be stationed in the highlands until relieved by the company of artillery, directed by this Congress to be raised in the city of New-York, and such other continental troops as may hereafter be directed to take possession of the same. Resolved, That the minute men or militia, while on service, be maintained and paid at the same rate, as the rest of the continental forces. Resolved, That a number of the militia of the counties of Duchess, Orange, and Ulster, be formed into independent companies, under the direction of the commander of the said fortresses, and in case of alarm, be directed to repair to the several stations in the highlands, which, in order to prevent confusion, should be immediately assigned them. Resolved, That the troops, which shall at any time hereafter be directed to garrison the fortresses in the highlands, be put under the direction of the commander of the fortresses, except when headed by a general officer. Resolved, That the deputy commissary-general be directed to provide sufficient provision for one thousand men for one month, and keep that quantity in stock. Resolved, That the powder sent from this place to general Schuyler, be remanded, if it can be any way spared, and left at the fortresses in the highlands. Resolved, That the committee of safety of Pennsylvania, be requested to furnish the colony of New-York with 500 lbs. of powder, and forward the same immediately to Dobb's ferry; that the convention of New-York give order to receive it there, and send it as soon as possible to the fortresses in the highlands. Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention of New-York, if they have not already sent forward a sufficient number of cannon for the defence of the fortresses erecting in the highlands, that they immediately send forward to those fortresses so many of the cannon at King's bridge of the best quality and largest bore, as they may think necessary for that purpose. Resolved, That the bills of sale, for the vessels ordered to be purchased, be made to the continental treasurers, or those who shall succeed them in that office, in trust nevertheless for the use of the continent, or their representatives, in Congress met. Resolved, That the appointment of a commander of the fortresses on Hudson's river be deferred till to-morrow. Mr. Dyer having, on account of indisposition, desired to be excused from going to the northward, the Congress proceeded to the election of another in his stead, and Mr. R. R. Livingston was chosen. The committee appointed to prepare a draught of instructions, reported the same, which being read, and debated by paragraphs, were agreed to as follows: Instructions to R. R. Livingston, Robert Treat Paine, and J. Langdon, esquires. ́ ́ GENTLEMEN, "The Congress expect that you repair, with as much despatch, as the necessary preparations for your journey will admit, to Ticonderoga, in order to consult with general Schuyler what number of forces will be necessary in Canada, and of the best and most efficacious method for procuring or continuing Vol. I. ១០ such forces in the northern department during the ensuing winter, of engaging the inhabitants of the colony of Canada to accede to the association of the United Colonies, and of protecting them for the future against their and our enemies. If, upon such a conference, it shall be judged necessary, you are authorized to direct Mr. Livingston, the deputy commissary-general, to furnish the necessary provisions for an army of three thousand men for six months. "You are also authorized to offer two months' pay as a bounty to such officers and soldiers as shall re-inlist, to be paid upon their taking the fortress at St. John's and Montreal, and you are to make use of every argument, to induce them to re-inlist, or at least to stay until they can be relieved, and to assure them, that the Congress have taken care to supply them with proper clothing. "You are to direct the fortresses at Ticonderoga and Crown-Point, to be put into such a posture of defence, as the state of our affairs may require. "You are to advise the general to purchase of such officers and soldiers, who have arms and are sick, their arms for the use of those who have none, or bad ones and are well. "Ammunition it is hoped since the late capture will not be wanting, if it should, Congress will send the first that shall arrive. "If there should be occasion of reinforcements, you are empowered, in concert with general Schuyler, to raise any number that can be procured in Canada, New-York, or any of the New-England governments, in order to possess themselves of Montreal and Quebec. "The Congress desire you to exert your utmost endeavours to induce the Canadians to accede to a union with these colonies, and that they form from their several parishes, a provincial convention, and send delegates to this Congress. And as, in the present unsettled state of that country, a regular election can hardly be expected, the Congress will acquiesce in the choice of such parishes and districts, as are willing to join us. ་ You may, and are hereby empowered to assure them, that we shall hold their rights as dear as our own, and on their union with us, exert our utmost endeavours to obtain for them, and their posterity, the blessings of a free ernment, and that security to their persons and property, which is derived from the British constitution. gov "And you may, and are hereby empowered further to declare, that we hold sacred the rights of conscience, and shall never molest them in the free enjoyment of their religion. "In case general Schuyler has not yet raised the regiment recommended to him to be raised in Canada, or in case he cannot proceed to Canada, you are to use all the means in your power to perfect the raising of a regiment of Canadians, to join the continental forces, and you are, for that purpose, to take with you blank commissions, which, taking the advice of the general officers in that department, you are to fill up with the names of such persons as have the most merit and best qualifications for the service. "Congress direct you to acquaint general Schuyler, that they approve of his appointment of captain Dimon, to be a brigade major, and have ordered him a . commission accordingly. "The Congress moreover are desirous that you should take an accurate view of the state of our fortifications upon Hudson's river, and make a report of it as soon as it can conveniently be done. "If the circumstances of the army should be such, that a ton of powder may be spared, you are to direct that quantity to be sent to New-York, and all such cannon and military stores as shall not be wanted in Canada, or in the fortifications on the lakes, to be sent to Albany, there to remain until the Congress give farther directions concerning them; and for this purpose, you are here 1 with furnished with a list of the ordnance and military stores, which were at those places when taken. "You are to inform the general that the pay of some of the officers is raised, and to take with you from the minutes, the additional establishment. You are to direct all such officers and soldiers as shall re-inlist, to be paid all arrears that may be due to them, according to the rolls to be sent by governor Trumbull, who in the mean time will be requested by Congress to send the rolls to the general, ascertaining how long the men have been in service. "The disposition of the prisoners is approved of by the Congress, but the officers are not to be permitted to reside in or near any sea-port. "You are authorized to assure major Brown and major Livingston, that the Congress have a just sense of their important services, and will take the first proper opportunity to reward them. "You are also to acquaint the general, that general Montgomery's request, as to the pay of the company of artillery by him appointed, is complied with. "A committee will be appointed to procure as much hard money as will be necessary to be transmitted to the deputy pay-master general in the northern army, to be used in Canada.” Resolved, That the committee appointed to make an estimate, &c. be authorized to contract for the making proper paper for a future emission of paper bills of credit. Resolved, That the president draw an order on the treasurers for the sum of 3000 dollars, in favour of the committee of safety of Pennsylvania, agreeable to the request of the honorable the assembly, towards the expense of the battalion ordered to be raised in said colony. Resolved, That all letters to and from the delegates of the United Colonies, during the sessions of Congress, pass, and be carried free of postage, the members having engaged upon honour not to frank or enclose any letters but their Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers for the sum of 20,000 dollars in favour of Francis Lewis and Roger Sherman, esqrs. to enable them to pay for the clothing they were ordered to purchase. The matters to this day referred, being postponed, and the order of the day renewed, Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow, THURSDAY, November 9, 1775. A letter from the agents respecting the delivery of the petition and the reception it met with, was read: Ordered, That the secretary publish the substance of said letter. Resolved, That the appointment of a commander of the fortresses on Hudson's river be postponed to Wednesday next, and that captain John Hanson take and keep the command of the said fortresses and the troops there, until the Congress shall appoint a commander. On application made by the delegates of Georgia, Resolved, That the president draw an order on the treasurers in favour of the delegates of that colony, for the sum of 5000 dollars, towards the expense of the battalion ordered to be raised there, the said colony to account for the same. The committee to whom was referred the petition from some inhabitants of Nova-Scotia, brought in their report, and the same being taken into consideration and debated, was postponed till to-morrow. The order of the day renewed. FRIDAY, November 10, 1775. Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers for 1000 dollars, in favor of Mr. R. Livingston, Mr. Paine, and Mr. Langdon, the committee appointed to repair to the northward, Resolved, That the goods bought for the northern army be sent by land to Dobb's ferry, and that the president write to the convention of New-York, and desire them to have a vessel ready to take in the said goods, and transport them immediately to Albany. Resolved, That the medicines purchased in this city for the army at Cambridge, be sent thither by land. Resolved, That the president give written orders to Dr. Morgan, to call upon Mr. Sears, and desire him to deliver what medicines he has under his care, or can procure, that they may be forwarded to the camp at Cambridge, for the use of the army. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the state of the colony of Virginia, to consider whether any, and what provisions may be necessary for its defence, and to report the same to Congress. That the committee consist of five. The members chosen, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Ward, and Mr Johnson. Resolved, That all letters to and from the commander in chief of the continental army, or the chief commander in the army in the northern department, pass and be carried free of postage. Resolved, That the commander of the New-Jersey battalions be directed to march six companies of said battalions, as soon as they are completed, to garrison the fort on Hudson's river, in the highlands, in the colony of NewYork. Resolved, That the president write to governor Cooke, and request him to send to the committee of safety of New-York, one ton of powder, for the defence of that city and colony. Resolved, That there be paid to John Wendall, the express from Albany, who has been detained twelve days by order of Congress, the sum of sixteen dollars, for the time he has been detained. Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers in favor of the delegates of New-Jersey, for 5000 dollars, towards the expense of the battalions ordered to be raised in that colony. Ordered, That the delegates of Pennsylvania call on the gentlemen appointed to sign the continental bills, and request them with all possible expedition to complete that business. The committee appointed to consider farther ways and means of promoting the manufacture of salt-petre, brought in their report, which was read in these words: It appears to your committee, that skilful persons sent to Virginia, and employed there in a public salt-petre work, under the inspection of gentlemen who will superintend it, may, with sufficient assistance, produce a considerable quantity of that article; and that a further supply of it may be procured from the other colonies, if the assemblies, conventions, and councils of safety will appoint proper persons in their respective colonies, whose business it shall be to employ and set to work such and so many of their countrymen, as they shall judge fit, to collect earth from which nitrous salt may be extracted, and to manufacture it into salt petre. The Congress taking into consideration the said report, Resolved, That Richard Bland, Peter Poythress, John Bannister, John Buffin, Archibald Cary, Benjamin Watkins, John Tabb, Richard Adams, Richard Randolph, and Theodorick Bland, the younger, esqrs. or any five or more of them, be desired and empowered to agree with the proprietors of the public ware-houses, and of other places impregnated with nitre, in the counties of Prince-George, Dinwiddie, Chesterfield, and Henrico; Carter Braxton, John Syme, Burwell Basset, Bartholomew Dandridge, William Aylett, George Brook, George Lyne, and George Webb, esqrs. or any five or more of them, with such proprietors in the counties of Hanover, New-Kent, King William, and King and Queen; Edmund Pendleton, James Taylor, George Stubblefield, Mann Page, the younger, Joseph Jones, William Fitzhugh, of Sommerset, and Fielding Lewis, esqrs. or any four or more of them, with such proprietors in the counties of Caroline, Spotsylvania, and King George; and Charles Carter, of Stafford, Thomas Ludwell Lee, Henry Lee, Thomas Blackburn, Charles Broadwater, and George Mason, esqrs. or any three or more of them, with such proprietors in the county of Stafford, Prince William, and Fairfax, in the colony of Virginia, to purchase for the use of the United Colonies, all the saltpetre which may within twelve calendar months be produced from the floors and yards of the ware-houses and other places, under the management of such persons as the Congress shall appoint for that to the owners and to pay purpose, of the soil, if they will manufacture it at their own expense, after the rate of two fifths of a dollar for every pound weight, avoirdupois, of clean, pure, and neat salt-petre, delivered to the gentlemen above named, for the use of the United Colonies, and to hire laborers, and provide the necessary apparatus, to be employed under the direction of the said managers, in the soil of such persons as shall not chuse to adventure in the business themselves, paying to the owners, if they require satisfaction, what they shall be willing to take, so that it do not exceed one forty-fifth part of a dollar for every pound weight, avoirdupois, of salt-petre of the like quality, in both which cases the Congress will make good the contracts, and will pay all such expenses as shall be incurred by the gentlemen desired to superintend the operation; on whose zeal, influence, and abilities, to procure, with all convenient expedition, a large quantity of this article, so necessary for the defence of their country, and thereby render it a very important service, and by their example and activity to forward and encourage this useful work, the Congress rely with confidence. Resolved, That it be recommended to the assemblies, conventions, and committees of safety, of the thirteen United Colonies, to appoint certain persons within each of the said colonies, whose business it shall be to employ and set to work so many persons as they may think proper, both to work up such earth as is now fit for making salt-petre, and to collect together and place in beds or walls under sheds, all such earth and composition of materials as are suitable to produce salt-petre, after being duly exposed to the air, in order to encrease the produce of it, and that the delegates of the respective colonies be directed to send this resolution, together with the resolutions of last session respecting salt-petre, to their respective colonies, and cause them to be printed and made public there. Resolved, That two battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to offices, or inlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required: that they be inlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great-Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the continental army before Boston is ordered to consist of. Ordered, That a copy of the above be transmitted to the general. Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow. |