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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 --FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 1776
A vacancy happening in the first of the Pensylvania batallions, by the promotion of Captain Allen,1 the Congress proceeded to the election of a Captain to supply the vacancy, ∥and the ballots being taken,∥ when Benjamin Davis, oldest lieutenant in said batallion, was elected.
[Note 1: 1 William Allen, Jr.]
Resolved, That the sum of ten thousand dollars, be struck,and on the inspection of the gentlemen appointed to superintend the printing and signed, to lie in the treasury for thesole purpose of exchanging ragged and torn bills of the continental currency; That the bills, making this sum, be of the same denominations, printed under the inspection of the same persons, and signed and numbered by the same signers, as the last emission, and that they be lodged in the treasury, to be applied to the sole purpose aforesaid.
Resolved, That all committees, and others, who have had publick money put into their hands, lay upon the table, an account of the expenditure of the same.
The Committee appointed to consider the letter of General Washington, dated the 18 December, and the enclosures, brought in a report upon that part, which relates to Mr. James Lovell, who has long been, and is still, detained a close prisoner in Boston, by order of General Howe,commander of the ministerial troops there which being taken into consideration, was agreed to, and is as follows:
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That it appears to your Committee, that the said Mr. Lovell hath, for years past, been an able advocate for the liberties of America and of mankind; that by his letter to General Washington, which is a part of said enclosures, he exhibits so striking an instance of disinterested patriotism, as strongly recommends him to the particular notice of this Continent.
Your Committee therefore submit the following resolutions, to the consideration of the Congress.
Resolved, That Mr. James Lovell, an inhabitant of Boston, now held a close prisoner there, by order of General Howe, has discovered, under the severest trials, the warmest attachment to public liberty, and an inflexible fidelity to his country; that by his late letter to General Washington, he has given the strongest evidence of disinterested publick affection, in refusing to listen to terms offered for his relief, till he could be informed by his countrymen that they were compatible with their safety and honor.
Resolved, That it, is deeply to be regretted that a British general can be found degenerate enough so ignominiously and cruelly to treat a citizen, who is so eminently virtuous:
Resolved, That it be an instruction to General Washington to make an offer of Governor Skene in exchange for the said Mr. Lovell and his family.
Resolved, That General Washington be desired to embrace the first opportunity which may offer, of giving some office to Mr. Lovell equal to his abilities, and which the public service may require.
Ordered, That a copy of the foregoing resolves be transmitted to the General as speedily as possible.
Resolved, That the president write to General Washington,
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and desire himafter consulting the general officers to inform Congress, what rank the aids-de-camp of the general officers should have in the army of the United Colonies.1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in the Washington Papers,Letters to Washington, 90, folio 55.]
The Committee of claims reported, that there is due to Adam Fischer, for expences attending his conducting Connolly and Cameron from Frederick, in Maryland, to Philadelphia, and his charges back again for himself and men, the sum of 156 dollars.
Ordered, That the same be paid.
The Congress having conferred with the gentlemen sent to Congress by the Convention of New York, resumed the consideration of the report of the committee on the state of that Colony, and the same was agreed to; and is as follows:
Resolved, That for the reasons contained in the papers hereunto annexed, this Committee are of opinion, that no farther fortifications be erected at Martler's Rock, on Hudson's river, and that a point of land at Puplopen's kill, on the said river, ought without delay to be effectually fortified.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Convention, or in their recess, to the committee of safety, of New York, to carry into execution the above resolution,by erecting an earth battery at the place aforesaid in the most expeditious manner, and upon the most reasonable terms.
Resolved, That the delegates of New Jersey and Connecticut be directed to take the necessary steps for carrying into execution the resolutions of Congress passed on Wednesday last, respecting the inhabitants of Queen's county.
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A memorial from the inhabitants of the town of Newport was presented to Congress, and read:
Ordered, That the same be referred for consideration till to Morrow.
Resolved, That Mr. [Robert Treat] Paine be added to the committee on General Schuyler's letters.
Adjourned to 10 o'clock to Morrow.
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