MONDAY, December 11, 1775.

A letter from general Washington, dated 30th of November, being received, was read, together with an invoice of stores on board the Nancy transport, taken by the schooner Lee, captain Manly, also a letter from the convention of New-York, dated 7th instant.

The committee to whom that part of lord Sterling's letter, respecting the arresting and imprisoning soldiers for small sums, was referred, brought in their report.

Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress took into consideration the instructions given to the delegates of Rhode-Island, and after debate thereon, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to devise ways and means for furnishing these colonies with a naval armament, and report with all convenient speed.

Resolved, That the committee consist of a member from each colony, viz. Mr. Bartlett, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Deane, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Crane, Mr. Morris, Mr. Read, Mr. Paca, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. Hewes, and Mr. Gadsden.

The Congress then took into consideration the report of the committee on the petition of Thomas Jenkins, of the island of Nantucket, for license to sell his cargo of oil in this city, and to purchase a cargo of provisions and fuel for the necessary use of the inhabitants of said island, and the same was agreed to as follows:

Resolved, That the vigilance and zeal of the committee of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, in preventing the said Jenkins's cargo from being sold, contrary to the resolutions of Congress, is highly approved.

Resolved, That it appears to this Congress, that the inhabitants of said island are at present in great distress for want of the necessaries of life.

Resolved, That humanity requires that some speedy measures be taken by the Congress, to enable the said inhabitants to supply themselves with necessary fuel and provisions.

Resolved, That the select-men of the town of Sherbourne, in Nantucket, prepare an estimate of the quantity of fuel, and provisions necessary for the use of said inhabitants, and lay it before three or more justices of the peace, for the county of Barnstable, in the colony of Massachusetts-Bay, attested by the oath or affirmation of the said select-men; and that the said justices be empowered to grant licenses under their hands to any master or owner of vessels in the said island, to import fuel and provisions from the colonies of Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, lower counties on Delaware, or Maryland, not exceeding the quantities specified in said estimate.

Resolved, Whereas it appears that the said inhabitants are in immediate danger of suffering for the want of the necessaries of life, that the said captain Jenkins be permitted, under the inspection of the committee of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, to unload and sell his present cargo, and to purchase a cargo of fuel and provisions, provided he shall first make oath or affirmation before a magistrate, and give bond, that the same is, bona fide, intended for the internal consumption of the said inhabitants, and that he will use his utmost endeavors, that it shall not fall into the hands of the enemies of the United Colonies.

The committee to whom the petition of Jonathan Hudson was referred, reported their opinion in certain resolutions, which being read, were agreed to as follows:

Resolved, That so much of the said petition as prays for permission to export his cargo to any place other than the islands of Great-Britain, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Šark, Aldernay, or Man, or the West-India islands, is reasonable.

Resolved, That so much of the said petition as prays for farther permission is unreasonable.

Resolved, That the said petitioner give bond, with sufficient security, to the chairman of the committee of the town of Baltimore, under a penalty of double the value of said cargo, to export the said cargo to some place other than the islands of Great-Britain, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Aldernay, Man, and the islands of the West-Indies; and within six months after the said exportation, to produce to the said chairman a certificate of the port, to which the said cargo shall have been shipped, authenticated under the hands of two merchants of known character and reputation, residing in the same port; and that on executing such bond, the said chairman sign a permit to the said petitioner, allowing him to export the said cargo.

The Congress resuming the subject of emitting bills of credit,

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be appointed to sign and number the bills ordered to be emitted, viz. Samuel Morris, Frederick Kuhl, Stephen Collins, Nicholas Garrison, Matthew Clarkson, Samuel C. Morris, Thomas Barclay, Anthony Morris, jun. James Wharton, Benjamin Fuller, Joel Evans, Andrew Bunner, John Mease, Thomas Coombe, John Bayard, Robert Tuckniss, Isaac Hazlehurst, Thomas Morris, Samuel Caldwell, John Purviance, Mordecai Lewis, George Campbell, Joseph Parker, Daniel Clymer, Joseph Watkins, jun. John Shee, Phineas Bond, James Read, Robert Roberts, John Ord, Isaac Howell, William Webb, Jonathan B. Smith, Cornelius Barnes, Thomas Smith, and William Crispin.

Resolved, That each bill be signed, and numbered by two of the foregoing gentlemen.

A petition from Mr. Phelps, was presented and read.

Ordered, That the same be taken into consideration to-morrow.

The committee appointed to examine the qualifications of persons applying for offices, &c. reported Dr. Boyd as proper for the office of surgeon to the battalion raised in Pennsylvania, and Mr. Patterson adjutant: Whereupon, Dr. Boyd was unanimously elected.

A petition from David Beveridge, being laid before Congress and read,
Resolved, That the same be referred to a committee of three.

The members chosen, Mr. Jay, Mr Read, and Mr. Jefferson.

Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers for the sum of 3000 dòllars, in favour of the committee of correspondence.

Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned to take into consideration the report of the committee of conference respecting Boston.

A letter from the commissioners for Indian affairs in the southern department, enclosing sundry papers, was received and read.

The committee on the credit of paper currency, brought in their report.
The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

TUESDAY, December 12, 1775.

Resolved, That the intercepted letters of Brooke Watson, and the invoice of the cargo on board the brig Nancy transport, taken by the schooner Lee, captain Manly, be published.

Sundry letters relative to a cargo of molasses, taken out of the brig Nancy; also a letter from the committee of Trenton, enclosing a parole signed by the officers there, were laid before Congress and read.

The committee appointed to prepare letters of thanks to the three general officers in the northern army, reported draughts, which being read and approved,

Ordered, That they be signed by the president and transmitted.

The committee on general Schuyler's letters, brought in their report, which was read.

Resolved, That the allowance for a table, made to the commander for the time being in Canada, be granted to general Montgomery, from the time he entered Canada.

Resolved, That this Congress will make a present of a sword of the value of one hundred dollars, to captain Henry B. Livingston, as a testimony of their sense of his service to this country, and that they will embrace the first opportunity of promoting him in the army.

Resolved, That the sum of 120,000 dollars be advanced to the colony of Rhode-Island, in part of their account against the United Colonies, to be paid out of the emission last ordered, the said colony to be accountable for the

same.

Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress took into consideration the report of the committiee of conference, and after debate,

Resolved, That the Congress will, to-morrow, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take this matter into farther consideration. The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

WEDNESDAY, December 13, 1775.

A letter from general Washington of the 4th instant, enclosing sundry papers, being received, was read.

The committee appointed to devise ways and means for fitting out a naval armament, brought in their report, which being read and debated, was agreed to as follows:

That five ships of 32 guns, five of 28 guns, three of 24 guns, making in the whole thirteen, can be fitted for the sea probably by the last of march next, viz. in New-Hampshire one, in Massachusetts-Bay two, in Connecticut one, in Rhode-Island two, in New-York two, in Pennsylvania four, and in Maryland

one.

That the cost of these ships, so fitted, will not be more than 66,666 2-3 dollars each, on an average, allowing two complete suits of sails for each ship, equal in the whole to 866,666 2-3 dollars.

That the materials for fitting them may be all furnished in these colonies, except the articles of canvas and gun-powder; and that therefore it will be proper the Congress direct the most speedy and effectual means of importing the said articles of canvas and powder; that of the former, 7500 pieces will be wanted, and that of the latter, one hundred tons

Resolved, That a committee be appointed with full powers to carry the said report into execution, with all possible expedition, (except what relates to canvas and powder) at the expense of the United Colonies.

Resolved, That the appointinent of this committee be deferred till to-morrow. Resolved, That it be an instruction to the secret committee to embrace the best and earliest opportunities to procure the quantity of duck and powder in the above report.

Mr. Willing, one of the secret committee, desiring to be excused on account of his living out of town, which rendered it impraticable for him to attend the committee, which usually meets in the evening:

Resolved, That he be excused, and another be elected in his room.

The member chosen, Mr. R. Morris.

Resolved, That when this Congress shall adjourn, it will be necessary to appoint a committee to sit during the adjournment, for the purpose of superintending the treasury, carrying on necessary correspondence, and such other services as shall be directed by Congress.

Resolved, that a committee of five be appointed to consider and prepare instructions for the committee above-mentioned.

The members chosen, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Hooper, Dr. Franklin, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Deane.

Resolved, That the committee appointed to fit out armed vessels, be au thorized to give able-bodied seamen that may be willing to enter on board the ships of war of the United Colonies, eight dollars per calendar month.

Information being given that sundry persons in this city have lately sold tea, Resolved, That the consideration of this matter be referred to Friday next. The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,

Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

THURSDAY, December 14, 1775,

Resolved, That on the meeting of Congress, half an hour every morning be employed in reading the corrected copy of the journal, till the whole is gone through.

Resolved, That every morning the minutes of the preceding day be read, before the Congress enter on new business.

Resolved, That the corrected journal, after being read, be transcribed, and sent to the press.

Agrecable to the order of the day, the Congress proceeded to the appointment of a committee, to carry into execution the resolutions of Congress, for fitting out a naval armament.

Resolved, That the said committee consist of a member from each colony. Resolved, That the choice be by ballot.

The members chosen, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Hancock, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Deane, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Crane, Mr. R. Morris, Mr. Read, Mr. Chase, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. Hewes, Mr. Gadsden, and Mr. Houston.

Congress took into consideration general Washington's letter of the 4th: Whereupon,

Resolved, That the second resolution in the report of the committee on the general's letter, relative to transports, be committed.

Resolved, That lieutenant Hay, of the 7th regiment, who is now a prisoner, have liberty to return to Great-Britain, on his parole, not to take up arms against America, during the present contest between Great-Britain and these colonies.

A petition from Peter Berlon, was presented to Congress and read. Resolved, That the said petition, with the papers accompanying it, be referred to a committee of three.

The members chosen, Mr. E. Rutledge, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Smith.
The several matters to this day referred, being further postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

FRIDAY, December 15, 1775.

Information being given to Congress, that captain Motte, who had the charge of conducting the prisoners to Reading, and other towns in Pennsylvania, having performed that service, was returned to this city,

Resolved, That the committee appointed to distribute the prisoners, confer with captain Motte, and report to Congress.

Resolved, That the committee of safety for the colony of Pennsylvania, be requested to recommend proper persons for field officers of the four battalions to be raised in the said colony.

Resolved, That the said committee appoint proper persons for officers in the said, battalion, under the rank of majors.

Resolved, That similar orders be given to the committee of safety of the

lower counties on Delaware, for recommending field officers, and appointing inferior officers, for the battalion to be raised in that colony.

Resolved, That Messrs. George Meade and company, merchants, of the city of Philadelphia, be permitted to export from the colony of Virginia, so much of the produce of that country, as shall be equal in value to any quantity of salt, not exceeding six thousand bushels, which they shall carry and safely deliver there to the committee of safety or their order, who are empowered to regulate the prices of the said produce and salt; and that the said George Meade and company, having given to the delegates of the said colony, in this city, bond with sufficient security, under a penalty of double the value of the said salt, that they will not carry any produce of the said colony, which they may receive in return for their salt, to the islands of Great-Britain, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Aldernay, or Man, or to the West-India islands, and producing to the committee of safety of the said colony a certificate thereof, signed by the said delegates here, shall have a permit under the hand of the chairman of the said committee of safety, to export the said produce, the said permit being to be endorsed on, or annexed to a manifest of the cargo exported. The committee appointed to prepare instructions for the committee who are to sit during the recess of Congress, brought in their report, which was read. The committee of claims reported that there is due,

To Robert Erwin, wagon-master, for the carriage of clothing to Dobb's ferry, the sum of 40 dollars.

To Philip Livingston, esq. for printing, &c. the sum of 56.2 dollars.

To sundries, for provisions, &c. furnished to several companies of riflemen, the sum of 212 dollars, to be paid to Henry Wisner, esq.

To the committee of observation at Princetown, for sundry expenses, and for provisions furnished several rifle companies, the sum of 74.3 dollars, to be paid to Thomas Higgins.

Ordered, That the said accounts be paid.

The committee to whom the second resolution, in the report relative to transports, was recommitted, brought in their report, which was read.

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

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SATURDAY, December 16, 1775.

A letter from general Washington, of the 7th, being received, was read. A letter from the convention of New-York, of the 9th, being laid before Congress and read,

Ordered, That this be referred to the committee on the credit of the continental currency.

Resolved, That the committee appointed to carry into execution the resolutions of Congress relative to a naval armament, be empowered to draw on the treasurers, from time to time, for any sums not exceeding 500,000 dollars, for carrying said resolutions into execution.

Resolved, That the delegates of Virginia and Maryland be a committee to prepare instructions for col. Irvine.

The committee appointed to confer with captain Motte, brought in a report, which was read.

The committee of claims reported, that there is due to Josiah Fessenden, for riding express three times to the camp at Cambridge, and once to Rhode-Island, and for expenses and horse hire, a balance amounting to 126 dollars.

To Daniel King, for 36 days' hire of a sulky for said J. Fessenden, the sum of 18 dollars.

Ordered, That the same be paid.

Capt. White-Eyes, a Delaware chief, who came down with the commissioners for Indian affairs in the middle department, being introduced to Congress, the president addressed him in the following manner :

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