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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, DECEMBER 13, 1775
A letter from General Washington dated 4 December, with sundry enclosures, being received, were read.1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, I, folio 305, and is printed in Writings of George Washington (Ford), III, 256. The enclosures are with it.]
The Committee appointed to devise ways and means for fitting out a naval armament, brought in their report, which being taken into consideration, was agreed to as follows:
That five ships of thirty-two guns, five of twenty-eight guns, three of twenty-four 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 Rhode Island two, in Connecticut one,
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in New York two, in Pensylvania 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, 7,500 pieces will be wanted, and of the latter, one hundred tons.1
[Note 1: 1 Against these three paragraphs in the "corrected Journals" is written the word "Secret."]
Resolved, That a committee be appointed with full powers to carry the above report into execution, with all possible expedition, (except what relates to canvas and powder) at the expence of the United Colonies.
Resolved, That the appointment of the 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. [Thomas] Willing, a member of the Secret Committee, desiring to be excused on account of his living out of town, which rendered it impracticable for him to attend the committee, that usually met in the Evening:
Resolved, That he be excused, and that another be elected in his room.
The member chosen, Mr. R[obert] Morris.
On motion, Resolved, That when this Congress shall adjourn, it will be necessary to appoint a committee to
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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. [Thomas] Jefferson, Mr. [William] Hooper, Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin, Mr. [John] Jay, and Mr. [Silas] Deane.
Resolved, That the Committee appointed to fit out armed vessels, be authorised 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, postponed,
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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