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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 --TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1776
The convention of New Jersey having made a new choice of delegates to represent that colony in Congress, three of said delegates attending, produced their credentials, which were read as follows:
In Provincial Congress, New Jersey, Brunswick,14th Feby. 1776:
On motion,Resolved, unanimously, That William Livingston, John D'Hart, Richard Smith, John Cooper, and Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, Esqrs. be Delegates to represent this Province in the Continental Congress, for the Space of one Year, or until others shall be legally appointed in their Stead; and that they, or any three or more of them, have full and ample Power to consent and agree to all Measures which such Congress shall deem necessary; and this Province bind themselves to execute, to the utmost of their Power, all Resolutions which the said Congress may adopt. And further, if the said Congress shall think necessary to adjourn, we do authorize our said Delegates to represent and act for this Province, in any one Congress to be held by Virtue of such adjournments, during their Delegation.
A true Copy from the Minutes,
William Paterson,Secretary.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, New Jersey,Credentials of Delegates.]
A Letter from General Lee, dated 17 February, 1776, was read.2
[Note 2: 2 This letter is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 158, folio 21.]
A memorial from a number of the inhabitants of Northumberland, in the colony of Pensylvania, dated 17 January, 1776, with enclosures, was presented to Congress and read: Also,
A petitionand remonstrances from sundry inhabitants near Pittsburg, was presented and read:
Resolved, That the above memorial and petition be referred to a committee of five.
The members, Mr. [Joseph] Hewes, Mr. W[illiam]
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Livingston, Mr. [William] Paca, Mr. E[dward] Rutledge, and Mr. [Samuel] Chase.
Lieutenant Brasher, who had the orders of General Schuyler to conduct a number of Canadian prisoners to New Jersey or Pensylvania, having executed his orders, laid his instructions before Congress, which were read. Also, quarter master Shallus, ∥of the first Pennsylvania battalion,∥ having had orders to conduct certain prisoners down from Kingston, having executed his orders, laid his instructions before Congress, which were read.
Resolved, That the above be referred to the committee on the prisoners.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to deliver to Colonel Maxwell, or order, twenty stands of arms for the use of his batallion, he to be accountable for the same.
The Congress took into consideration the report of the Committee on the ways and means of procuring cannon:
Resolved, That two hundred and fifty twelve pounders, sixty nine pounders, and sixty-two four pounders, be purchased for the use of these colonies:
That the Committee appointed on the ways and means of procuring cannon, be empowered to purchase or contract for making the same:
That a new member be chosen and added to that committee:
The member chosen, Mr. William Livingston.
The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due,
To Michael Connolly, expences for waggon hire, carrying the prisoners' baggage from Bethlehem to Reading, and his own expences four days, the sum of 160 dollars.
To Richard Howell, the sum of 34½ dollars for transportation of powder to Burlington.
Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.
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Resolved, That Colonel Wayne be directed to march with his batallion to New York, and put himself under the command of General Lee, or the commanding officer there.
The Congress being informed that the two prisoners taken at Chamblee, and who had leave to stay at Newark in the province of New Jersey, on condition of their making gun locks, for the use of the United Colonies, are not employed in that work:
Resolved, That the said two prisoners be ordered to Philadelphia, and put under the direction of Mr. Rittenhouse, to carry on the above business.
The Congress being informed that a quantity of powder, belonging to the United Colonies, was arrived at Brunswick, in New Jersey,
Resolved, That Mr. [Francis] Lewis, Mr. [John] Alsop, and Mr. P[hilip] Livingston, be directed to forward the said powder, under a guard, with all possible expedition, to General Washington, for the use of the army under his command.
Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers in favour of Monsr la Jeunesse, for the sum of 250 dollars, for his services in behalf of the United Colonies.
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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