The orders of the day being renewed, WEDNESDAY, November 22, 1775. The Congress resumed the consideration of the report from the committee of the whole, which was agreed to as follows: The committee of the whole, to whom were referred the several petitions from the island of Bermuda, representing the distress to which they were exposed by the non-exportation agreement, and praying to be relieved in such manner as the Congress may deem consistent with the safety of America, report that they have considered the same, and thereupon came to the following resolutions: That the inhabitants of the island of Bermuda appear friendly to the cause of America, and ought to be supplied with such and so great a quantity of the produce of these colonies, as may be necessary for their subsistence and home consumption; that, in the opinion of this committee, they will annually require for the purposes aforesaid, 72,000 bushels of Indian corn, 2,000 barrels of bread or flour, 1,000 barrels of beef or pork, 2,100 bushels of peas or beans, and 300 tierces of rice, and that they be permitted to export the same yearly. That the said inhabitants ought to pay for the above annual allowance in salt, but it is not the design of this resolution to exclude them from the privilege of receiving American produce to any amount in exchange for arms, ammunition, salt-petre, sulphur, and field pieces, agreeable to a resolution of Congress, passed the 15th of July last. That, to enable such of these colonies as can conveniently furnish the island of Bermuda with the abovementioned allowance, to divide whatever advantages may result therefrom, in proportion to their respective shares of the general expense. It is further the opinion of this committee, That the colony of South Carolina supply them with 300 tierces of rice. That the colony of North Carolina supply them with 16,000 bushels of Indian corn, and 468 bushels of peas or beans. That the colony of Virginia supply them with 36,000 bushels of Indian corn, and 1,050 bushels of peas or beans. That the colony of Maryland supply them with 20,000 bushels of Indian corn, and 582 bushels of peas or beans. That the colony of Pennsylvania supply them with 1,200 barrels of flour or bread, and 600 barrels of beef or pork. That the colony of New York supply them with 800 barrels of flour or bread, and 400 barrels of beef or pork. That the conventions or committees of safety of the above mentioned colonies ought to superintend the said exportation, provide against frauds, and take care that, in exchanging the said commodities of salt and provisions, no undue advantage be taken by either party of their mutual wants, and further, that no vessel employed in this business ought to load without their permission, and that when they shall, in pursuance of these resolutions, permit any of the said vessels to load, they do give notice thereof to the committee of inspection of the county, city, or town where such vessel shall load, and inform them that the same is done under the authority and by order of this Congress. Ordered, That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be transmitted to the several conventions, assemblies, or committees of safety of the United Colonies, and to the island of Bermuda; and that the inhabitants of the latter be informed, that the Congress will afford them other necessaries (such as lumber, soap, and candles) whenever the quality and quantity of each of those articles used in the island shall be ascertained. That Edward Stiles be permitted, under the direction of the committee of safety of the colony of Pennsylvania, to send the brig Sea-Nymph, Samuel Stobel, master, with 4000 bushels of Indian corn, 300 barrels of flour, 100 barrels of bread, 20 barrels of pork, 8 barrels of beef, 30 boxes of soap, and 15 barrels of apples to Bermuda, for the immediate supply of the inhabitants, and that the said cargo be considered as part of the annual allowance aforesaid, for the year ensuing. The committee on Volkert P. Douw's letter, and the minutes of the treaty at Albany, brought in their report, which being read and debated, Resolved, That the further consideration thereof be deferred till to-morrow. The order of the day being renewed, Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow. THURSDAY, November 23, 1775. ફ્ Resolved, That 120 dollars be paid to captain John Hulbert, and charged to general Schuyler, and that said J. Hulbert, after stationing his men at the fortresses on Hudson's river, have leave to be absent ten days. The committee for fitting out armed vessels laid before Congress a draught of rules for the government of the American navy, and articles to be signed by the officers and men employed in that service, which were read, and ordered to lie on the table for the perusal of the members. The committee on general Washington's letter brought in their report, which being read, Ordered, That the same lie on the table for the perusal of the members. The Congress then resumed the consideration of the report of the committee on Mr. Douw's letter, and the Albany treaty, and after debate, the first paragraph was postponed, and the remainder agreed to as follows: The committee to whom it was referred to take into consideration the letter from Volkert P. Douw, esq. and the minutes of the treaty held with the Indians at Albany, by the commissioners for Indian affairs in the northern department, have examined the same, and come to the following resolutions thereupon That it is the opinion of this committee, that the Indians be assured that this Congress are pleased with their desire, that the trade should be opened as formerly at Albany and Schenectady, that the Congress will exert their strenuous endeavours to procure the goods the Indians many want, and put the trade under such wise regulations, as that mutual justice may be effected, and that they hope those endeavours will be successful. That general Schuyler be desired to furnish the commissioners at Albany with some powder, if he can spare it, to be distributed among the Indians, who in the present circumstances, are much distressed by the want of that article. That the commissioners for transacting Indian affairs in the northern department, be desired to obtain from the Mohawk Indians, and the corporation of Albany, a state of the controversy between them, concerning the land desired by the former in the late treaty at Albany, to be restored to them, and report the matter as it shall appear to them, to the Congress. 1 That the said commissioners be desired, at the expense of the United Colonies, to provide for and entertain the sachems and warriors of the Six Nations, and other Indians friendly to these colonies, their attendants and messengers, with the accustomed hospitality when they come to Albany or Schenectady, to treat, or give intelligence of public affairs, or upon a visit, and for this purpose that 750 dollars be lodged in the hands of the said commissioners, subject to account. That the said commissioners be directed to employ two blacksmiths for reasonable salaries, to reside among and work for the Indians of the Six Nations. That the said commissioners be empowered to employ an interpreter, with a salary of 222 1-5 dollars by the year, commencing the 12th day of this month, who shall also be allowed his travelling expenses to be settled by the. 1 commissioners, and James Deane, if they judge him well qualified, is recommended to execute this office. That 23 dollars be paid James Deane over and above the 75 dollars advanced him by the commissioners for his past services. Resolved, That three members be added to the committee on the Albany treaty, and that they be directed to consider of a plan for carrying on a trade with the Indians, and to devise ways and means for procuring goods proper for that trade. The members chosen, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Deane, and Mr. Lewis. Whereas major Hawley, who was elected one of the commissioners of Indian affairs in the northern department, cannot, on account of the situation of his private affairs, attend that business, and he having by his letter desired to be excused from that service, Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for electing a commissioner of Indian affairs in the northern department, in the room of the said major Hawley. Information being given to Congress, that certain frauds have been attempted in executing contracts for the continent, Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to enquire into that matter. and Mr. S. Adams. Application being made by Mr. Jay, in behalf of lieutenant Hamar, one of the prisoners at Trenton, for leave to reside with Mr. Duer, near Saratoga, the same was granted, he to be on the same parole as other officers, with this variation, not to go farther than twelve miles from the place now assigned him. Application being also made in behalf of lieutenant Symes, a prisoner now in the gaol of Philadelphia, for leave to reside at Trenton, on the same parole as the other officers there, the same was granted. Information being given to Congress by the committee of inspection for the city and liberties of Philadelphia, that sundry persons in this city have refused to receive in payment or give currency to the bills issued by order of this Congress, and also to those emitted by the assembly of this province, Resolved, That a committee of seven be appointed to take this matter inte consideration, and report thereon to Congress. The members chosen, Mr. Jay, Dr. Franklin, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Wythe, Mr. E. Rutledge, and Mr. Jefferson. The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, and the orders of the day renewed, Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow. FRIDAY, November 24, 1775. Resolved, That despatches be sent to the colony agents in England, by Mr. Morris's vessel, which will be ready to sail on Monday next. The committee to whom the intercepted letters were referred, brought in their report, which being read and agreed to, Ordered, That the said committee publish the extracts now laid before Congress, and that they get a thousand copies of the same, together with an authentic account of the capture of Chambly and St. John's, struck off. Ordered, That the committee prepare a letter to the colony agents. Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress proceeded to the choice of a commissioner for Indian affairs in the northern department, in the room of major Hawley, and the ballots being taken and examined, Timothy Edwards, esq. was unanimously elected. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to take into consideration the state of North-Carolina, and report to Congress what in their opinion is necessary to be done for its safety and security. The members chosen, Mr. E. Rutledge, Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Paca. The Congress resumed the consideration of the report on general Washington's letter, and the same, after debate, was referred for farther consideration till to-morrow. A petition from Downham Newton, was presented and read. Resolved, That the treasurers pay such sums of money as the committee for promoting the manufacture of salt-petre shall draw orders upon, or apply to them for, not exceeding 1000 dollars, to be accounted for by said committee. That in case the committee for promoting the manufacture of salt-petre, cannot procure persons to go to Virginia for that purpose, it be recommended to the gentlemen, who are desired and empowered to superintend and forward the work in that colony, to employ any skilful managers they can meet with, to undertake it. A petition from captain Dugal McGregor, was presented and read. Resolved, That it be referred to the committee to whom Downham Newton's petition is referred. The committee on the state of the treasury, brought in their report, which was read, and referred till to-morrow. The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, SATURDAY, November 25, 1775. The Congress proceeded to the election of field officers for the battalion raised in Pennsylvania, when the ballots being taken and examined : John Bull, esq. was elected colonel. James Irvine, esq. lieutenant-colonel. Resolved, That Monday next be assigned for the appointment of an adjutant and a quarter-master for the second battalion, raised in New Jersey, and of an adjutant and quarter-master for the battalion raised in Pennsylvania. Resolved, That Tuesday next be assigned for the consideration of the memorials of the tea-holders in New-York and Philadelphia. The committee of claims reported, that there is due to John Hinchman, for provisions furnished to several rifle companies, the sum of 65.2 dollars. Christopher Haine, for kettles and canteens, furnished to captain Stevenson and captain Ross's companies, the sum of 35.8 dollars, which ought to be paid to Gibson and Aston. Richard Bache, deputy post-master, for sundry postages, from the 14th of October, to 8th November, 1775, inclusive, 31.1 dollars. Thomas Dewees, for dieting the crew of the ship Rebecca and Frances, 44.4 dollars. Levi Hollingsworth, for expenses of himself and three others, to Ticonderoga and back again, who took with them a quantity of money for general Schuyler, the sum of 128 dollars. Andrew Bunker, for blankets and kettles, furnished captain Stevenson's company by Anthony Noble, 41.4 dollars. Doctor Franklin, for the expenses of Mr. Harrison, Mr. Lynch, and himself, on their journey to the camp at Cambridge, including carriage hire, &c. 581.9 dollars, and for other monies paid by him for the continental service, including 20 dollars advanced to Christopher Madeira, and to be charged to him the sum of 72.7 dollars. John Sterret, for goods furnished by Joseph Holmes to captain Morgan's company, to be charged to said company, the sum of 55.9 dollars. William West, for goods furnished by John Holmes to captain Cluggage's company, the sum of 281.3 dollars, of which sum, 35 1.2-90 dollars being for blankets charged to the continent, and the remainder to captain Cluggage's company. Ordered, That the above accounts be paid. The Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the committee on general Washington's letter, and the same being debated by paragraphs, was agreed to as follows: Whereas, it appears from undoubted information, that many vessels which had cleared at the respective custom-houses in these colonies, agreeable to the regulations established by acts of the British parliament, have in a lawless manner, without even the semblance of just authority, been seized by his majesty's ships of war, and carried into the harbour of Boston and other ports, where they have been riffed of their cargoes, by orders of his majesty's naval and military officers, there commanding, without the said vessels having been proceeded against by any form of trial, and without the charge of having offended against any law. And whereas orders have been issued in his majesty's name, to the commanders of his ships of war, "to proceed as in the case of actual rebellion against such of the sea port towns and places being accessible to the king's ships, in which any troops shall be raised or military works erected,” under colour of which said orders, the commanders of his majesty's said ships of war, have already burned and destroyed the flourishing and populous town of Falmouth, and have fired upon and much injured several other towns within the United Colonies, and dispersed at a late season of the year, hundreds of helpless women and children, with a savage hope that those may perish under the approaching rigours of the season, who may chance to escape destruction from fire and sword, a mode of warfare long exploded amongst civilized nations. And whereas the good people of these colonies, sensibly affected by the destruction of their property, and other unprovoked injuries, have at last determined to prevent as much as possible a repetition thereof, and to procure some reparation for the same, by fitting out armed vessels and ships of torce. In the execution of which commendable designs, it is possible that those who have not been instrumental in the unwarrantable violences abovementioned may suffer, unless some laws be made to regulate, and tribunals erected competent to determine the propriety of captures: Therefore resolved, 1st. That all such ships of war, frigates, sloops, cutters, and armed vessels. as are or shall be employed in the present cruel and unjust war against the United Colonies, and shall fall into the hands of, or be taken by the inhabitants thereof, be seized and forfeited to, and for the purposes hereinafter mentioned. 2d. Resolved, That all transport vessels in the same service, having on board any troops, arms, ammunition, clothing, provisions, or military or naval stores, of what kind soever, and all vessels to whomsoever belonging, that shall be employed in carrying provisions or other necessaries to the British army or armies, or navy, that now are or shall hereafter be within any of the United Colonies, or any goods, wares, or merchandise for the use of such fleet or army, shall be liable to seizure, and with their cargoes shall be confiscated. 3d. That no master or commander of any vessel shall be entitled to cruize for, or make prize of any vessel or cargo before he shall have obtained a commission from the Congress, or from such person or persons as shall be for that purpose appointed in some one of the United Colonies. 4th. That it be and is hereby recommended to the several legislatures in the United Colonies, as soon as possible, to erect courts of justice, or give jurisdiction to the courts now in being for the purpose of determining concerning the captures to be made as foresaid, and to provide that all trials in such case be had by a jury under such qualifications, as to the respective legislatures shall seem, expedient., |