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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 --SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1775
Sundry letters from N. York was laid before the Congress and read.
Agreeable to the order of the day the Congress resumed the consideration of the Resolution submitted by the Delegates of Rhode Island, and
Upon motion, Resolved, That the consideration of it be deferred till Monday 16 Inst1.
[Note 1: 1 See John Adams's Notes of Debates in this volume.]
On motion, Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers, in favour of Francis Lewis, John Alsop, Thomas Willing, Silas Deane, and John Langdon, Esqrs. for the sum of five thousand pounds sterling, to pay for the goods they were ordered to purchase for the use of the continental army.
The committee appointed to take into consideration the letter from the Convention of New York, respecting the fortifications ordered to be erected on Hudson's River, brought in their report, which being read, was agreed to, as follows:
That the provincial Convention of New York be directed immediately to render Hudson's river defensible; That in doing this they be particularly attentive to form such works as may be finished before the winter sets in. That it is very doubtful whether any stone work can be properly made at this advanced season, it is therefore submitted
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to the judgment of the convention, whether it could not be more cheaply and expeditiously done by works of wood or fassines. If they should think otherwise, that they be directed to go on with the work in the way which they think best, since it is the opinion of this Congress that the work should by no means be neglected.
But if the work be already begun on the plan sent us, that they render such parts as can be first finished defensible, so that the labour be not thrown away, if an attack should be made before the whole can be finished.
That the convention be directed to enquire whether there are not some other places where small batteries might be erected, so as to annoy the enemy on their passage, particularly, a few heavy cannon at or near Moore's house, and at a point on the west shore, a little above Verplank's point.
That it be recommended to the said convention, to establish, at proper distances, posts to be ready to give intelligence to the country, in case of any in vasion, or by signals to give alarms in case of danger, and that they confer with the Assembly of Connecticut, and Convention of New Jersey, on the speediest manner of conveying intelligence in such cases, and receiving assistance when necessary.
That the convention be farther directed to take the most effectual method to obstruct the navigation of the said river, if, upon examination, they find it practicable.1
[Note 1: 1 See John Adams's Notes of Debates in this volume.]
On motion made,
Resolved, That orders be sent to General Wooster, in case he has no orders to the contrary from General Schuyler, that he immediately return to the batteries erecting in the highlands, and there leave as many of his troops, as the conductors of the works shall think will be
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necessary for compleating them, and that he repair with the remainder to New York.
A member from Pennsylvania1 laid before the Congress a Resolve passed in their House ∥of assembly,∥ in these words:
[Note 1: 1 The member was George Ross. See John Adams's Notes of Debates in this volume.]
In Assembly, September 30, 1775
The house taking into consideration the several letters sent down yesterday by the Governor, acquainting him with the intrusion of a number of people into this province, under a pretended claim of the colony of Connecticut, to the great annoyance of the good people of this province:
Resolved, That the delegates for this province, be specially directed to lay the same before the Congress, with the mischievous tendency the pursuing such measures will have, and procure the aid of that assembly to quiet the minds of the good people of this province, and prevent further intrusion or extension of settlements under the said claim, until the matter shall be determined by the King and Council, to whom both sides have submitted the dispute.
Extract from the Journals,
Charles Moore, Clerk of Assembly.
Resolved, That the same be referred to the delegates from Pensylv. and Connecticut, who are desired to report on Monday next.
Resolved, that the Congress will on Monday resolve itself into a comee of the whole to take into consideration the state of the trade of America.
Resolved, That the letter from Messrs. Morris and Wilson ∥of the 14th of September,∥ be referred to Monday next.
Resolved, that the Consideration of the resolve of Rhode Island be referred till next Monday week.
∥Adjourned to nine o'clock on Monday to meet at the State House.∥
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