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A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1775
The Congress met according to adjournment.
The Honble. S[tephen] Hopkins, from Rhode island, and P[atrick] Henry, Esqrs., from Virginia, attended and took their seats in Congress.
Upon Motion, Resolved, That the Rules of conduct to be observed in debating and determining questions laid down by the last Congress be adopted and observed by the present Congress.1
[Note 1: 1 See Journals, 1, 24, 25, ante.]
The president laid before the Congress, some important intelligence he receivd. last night, by express from New York, relative to the surprising and taking of Ticonderogo, by a detachment from Massachusetts bay and Connecticut, which was read as follows. [Here insert the letters.2]
[Note 2: 2 The letters were not entered upon the Journals.]
Upon motion, Agreed, That Mr. Brown,3 who brought the express, be called in to give an accot. of the disposition of the Canadians, the taking of Ticonderogo and the importance of that post. Whereupon he was called in--and having given the necessary information he withdrew. The Congress, taking the matter into consideration came to the following Resolution,
[Note 3: 3 John Brown. The information be gave is summarized in the Pennsylvania Packet, 22 May, 1775.]
Resolved, Whereas there is indubitable evidence that a
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design is formed by the British Ministry of making a cruel invasion from the province of Quebec, upon these colonies, for the purpose of destroying our lives and liberties, and some steps have actually been taken to carry the said design into execution. And whereas several inhabitants of the northern colonies, residing in the vicinity of Ticonderogo, and immediately exposed to incursions, impelled by a just regard for the defence and preservation of themselves and their countrymen from such imminent dangers and calamities have taken possession of that post, in which was lodged a quantity of cannon and military stores, that would certainly have been used in the intended invasion of these colonies, this Congress earnestly recommend it to the committees of the cities and counties of New York and Albany, immediately to cause the said cannon and military stores to be removed from Ticonderogo to the south end and of Lake George; and if necessary to apply to the colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts bay, and Connecticut, for such an additional body of forces as will be sufficient to establish a strong post at that place and effectually to secure the sd. cannon and stores or so many of them as it may be judged proper to keep there.--And that an exact inventory be taken of all such cannon and stores in order that they may be safely returned when the restoration of the former harmony between great Britain and these colonies so ardently wished for by the latter shall render it prudent and consistent with the overruling law of self preservation.
Upon motion Resolved, That the Congress will to Morrow again resolve itself into a committee of the whole to take into [their farther] consideration the state of America.
Adjourned till to Morrow at 9 o'Clock.
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