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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 --WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 1775
The Congress met according to adjournment.
Information being given that there was a gentleman from the province of Quebec in town who could give some intelligence of the disposition of the Canadians,
On motion, Resolved, that he be called in, and he was accordingly introduced and examined.
Two letters, one from N[icholas] Cooke,2 lieut. Governor of Rhode Island, the other from Gen.l. [Artemas] Ward3 were read.
[Note 2: 2 The letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 64, folio 348. It is endorsed as having been read on the 11th.]
[Note 3: 3 The letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 159, folio 348. It bears the same endorsement as the Rhode Island letter.]
The report of the Committee on Indian affairs was then taken into consideration, which being debated by paragraphs, the Congress came to the following Resolutions:
That the securing and preserving the friendship of the Indian Nations, appears to be a subject of the utmost moment to these colonies.
That there is too much reason to apprehend that Administration will spare no pains to excite the several Nations of Indians to take up arms against these colonies; and that it becomes us to be very active and vigilant in exerting every prudent means to strengthen and confirm the friendly disposition towards these colonies, which has
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long prevailed among the northern tribes, and which has been lately manifested by some of those to the southward.
As the Indians depend on the Colonists for arms, ammunition, and cloathing, which are become necessary to their subsistance, That Commissioners be appointed by this Congress, to superintend Indian affairs in behalf of their colonies.
That there be three departments of Indians, the northern, middle and southern. The northern to extend so far south as to include the whole of the Indians known by the name of the Six Nations, and all the Indians northward of those nations. The southern department to extend so far north as to include the Cherokees, and all the Indians that may be to the southward of them. The middle to contain the Indian Nations that lie between the other two departments.1
[Note 1: 1 This paragraph, in the writing of James Duane, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No, 30, folio 165. It is endorsed, "Indian Department defined, 12th July, 1775"]
That five Commissioners be appointed for the southern department.
That for each of the other two departments, there be appointed three commissioners.
That the commissioners have power to treat with the Indians in their respective departments, in the name, and on behalf of the united colonies, in order to preserve peace and friendship with the Sd Indians, and to prevent their taking any part in the present commotions.
That the Commissioners for the southern department, receive from the continental treasury the sum of ten thousand dollars; the commissioners for the middle and northern department, the sum of six thousand six hundred and sixty-six dollars and two-thirds of a dollar for each of their respective departments, for defraying the expence of treaties and presents to the Indians.
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That the Commissioners respectively have power to take to their assistance gentlemen of influence among the Indians, in whom they can confide, and to appoint Agents, residing near or among the Indians, to watch the conduct of the superintendants, and their emissaries.
That in case the Commissioners for the respective districts, or any one of them in either district, shall have satisfactory proof, that the King's superintendants, their deputies or agents, or any other person whatsoever, are active in stirring up or inciting the Indians or any of them, to become inimical to the American colonies, such Commissioners or commissioner, ought to cause such superintendent or other offender, to be seized and kept in safe custody until order shall be taken therein by a majority of the Commissioners of the districts where such seizure is made, or by the Continental Congress, or a committee of Sd Congress, to whom such seizure, with the causes of it, shall, as soon as possible after, be made known.
That the Commissioners shall exhibit fair accounts of the expenditure of all monies by them respectively to be received for the purposes aforesaid, to every succeeding Continental Congress, or committee of Congress, together with a general state of Indian affairs, in their several departments; in order that the colonies may be informed from time to time, of every such matter as may concern them to know and avail themselves of, for the benefit of the common cause.
That as there is a seminary for the instruction of Indian youth, which has been established under the care of doctor Wheelock,1 on Connecticut River; and as there are nine or ten Indian youth at that school, chiefly from the tribes residing in Quebec; and as for want of a proper
[Note 1: 1 Eleazar Wheelock.]
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fund, there is danger that these youth may be sent back to their friends, which will probably excite jealousy and distrust, and be attended with bad consequences,
[Resolved,] that the Commissioners for Indian Affairs in the northern Department, be authorized to receive out of the continental treasury, a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, to be applied by them for the support of the Sd Indian youths.
Resolved, that the election of the Commissioners be deferred till to Morrow.
On motion, Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to devise ways and means to protect the trade of these Colonies.
The Congress then proceeded to the election of the committee and the following persons were chosen, viz: Mr. [John] Jay, Mr. [Benjamin] Franklin, Mr. [Christopher] Gadsden, Mr. [Silas] Deane, and Mr. [Richard Henry] Lee.
Resolved, that the consideration of the report of the committee respecting the Militia be entered upon to Morrow.
The order of the day was postponed and the Congress adjourned till to Morrow at 8 o'Clock.
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