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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, NOVEMBER 23, 1775
On motion made, Ordered, That one hundred and twenty Dollars be paid to Captain [John] Hulbert, and charged to account of General Schuyler, and that said Hulbert, after stationing his men at the fortresses on Hudson's River, have leave to be absent ten days.
The Committee for fitting out 4 armed vessels brought in a set 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 of 7 to whom General Washington's letter was referred, brought in their report, which was
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read, and ordered to lie on the table for the perusal of the members.
Resolved, That these reports be taken into consideration to Morrow.
The Committee of Inspection of the City of Philadelphia laid before Congress information of importance which was read.
The Congress then resumed the consideration of the report on Mr. Douw's letter, and the Albany treaty, and after debate, the first paragraph was postponed; the remainder was agreed to as follows:
The Committee to whom it was referred to take into consideration the letter from Volkert P. Douw, Esqr. 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 may 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
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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.
That the said Commissioners be desired, at the expence of the United Colonies, to provide for and entertain the Sachems or 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 ⅕ dollars by the year, commencing the 12th day of this month, who shall also be allowed his travelling expences to be settled by the Commissioners, and James Deane, if they judge him well qualifyed, 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.
On motion made, Resolved, That three members be added to the foregoing committee to compose a committee for devising a plan for carrying on a trade with the Indians, and ways and means for procuring goods proper for that trade.
The members added, Mr. [James] Wilson, Mr. [Silas] Deane, and Mr. [Francis] Lewis.
Whereas Major [Joseph] Hawley, from the situation of his private affairs, cannot attend the business of a
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Commissioner for Indian affairs, and having by his letter desired to be excused from that service,
Resolved, That to Morrow be assigned for electing a commissioner for Indian Affairs in the northern department, in the room of Mr. Hawley.
Information being given, that certain frauds have been attempted in executing contracts for the Continent,
Resolved, That a Committee of 5 be appointed to enquire into this matter.
The members chosen, Mr. [Roger] Sherman, Mr. [Thomas] Lynch, Mr. [Thomas] Johnson, Colonel [Richard Henry] Lee, and Mr. S[amuel] Adams.
Application being made by Mr. [John] Jay, in behalf of Lieutenant Hamar, now at Trenton, for leave to reside with Mr. [William] Duer, near Saratoga, the same was granted, he to be upon the same parole as heretofore, with this variation, not to go farther than 12 miles distant from the place now assigned him.
Application being also made in behalf of Lieutenant Symes, a prisoner now in the gaol of this city, for leave to reside at Trenton, on the same parole as the other officers there. The same was granted.
Information being given by the committee of inspection of this city, that sundry persons in this city have refused to receive in payment or give a currency to the bills issued by order of this Congress, and also to those emitted by the Assembly of this province,1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 69, I, folio 25.]
Resolved, That the same be referred to a committee of 7 who are to take the same into Consideration, and make report thereon to Congress.
The members chosen, Mr. [John] Jay, Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin, Mr. S[amuel] Adams, Mr. [Thomas] Johnson,
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Mr. [George] Wythe, Mr. E[dward] Rutledge, and Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson.
The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'Clock to Morrow.
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