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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, MARCH 8, 1776
Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress proceeded to the election of field officers of the four batallions, ordered to be raised in the colony of New York, for the defence of that colony, and the ballots being taken,
Alexander M'Dougal, Esqr. was elected Colonel, Herman Zedwitz, lieutenant Colonel, and Joseph Benedict, Esqr. Major of the first ∥battalion∥.
James Clinton, Esqr. Colonel, Henry B. Livingston, Esqr. lieutenant Colonel, Peter P. Schuyler, Esqr. Major of the second ∥battalion∥.
Frederick Weissenfels, lieutenant Colonel, John Fisher, [Visscher] Esqr. Major of the third ∥battalion∥.
Cornelius D. Wyncoop, Esqr. Colonel, Philip Courtlandt, Esqr. lieutenant Colonel, John Nicholson, Esq. Major of the fourth ∥battalion.∥
The Congress being informed that Mr. Melchior was attending agreeable to the order of yesterday:
Ordered, That he be called in.
Mr. Melchior appearing, the particulars of the charge were repeated to him, and on his assuring the house of his not remembering his having behaved with the disrespect mentioned, owing to the particular circumstances he happened to be under, and asking pardon of the Congress and president for his indecent behaviour,
Ordered, That in consideration of Mr. Melchior's former services, and his present concessions, he be dismissed from farther attendance.
The Committee, to whom the several letters from Major General Lee, Major General Schuyler, Brigadier General
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Wooster, and Brigadier General Arnold were referred, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration; and whereupon,
Resolved, That the gentlemen who are appointed to go into Canada, be desired to enquire into the cause of the imprisonment of the officers of Militia, in that country and others, and take such measures in concert with the commanding officer of the continental forces there, for their enlargement or confinement, as are consistent with the principles of justice, and the safety of the United Colonies.
That the provisions made by General Lee and General Schuyler to supply the army in Canada with pork, the direction given by General Lee to have wheat ground into flour for their use, and his contract with the company of carpenters, be approved of; and that Mr. Peter Zabriskie, of Hackinsack, be employed to transport the pork, to be procured in New Jersey, to Hudson's river, according to General Schuyler's desire.
That when the articles specified, in the rations allowed to the prisoners of war, cannot be procured, the persons who supply them with other provisions, be entitled to eight pence, of New York currency, ∥or one-twelfth of a dollar∥ for every prisoner per day:
That Indians be not employed as soldiers in the armies of the United Colonies, before the tribes to which they belong shall, in a national council, held in the customary manner, have consented thereunto, nor then, without express approbation of Congress.
That General Schuyler be directed to provide such a number of batteaus for the service in Canada, as shall be sufficient for it.
That General Schuyler be desired to purchase the cloth, which Mr. [John.∥] Henry, of Albany, hath for tents.
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That the committee of inspection and observation for the city and liberties of Philadelphia, be desired to collect all the gold and silver coin they can, to be exchanged for continental bills ∥of credit,∥ for the service of Canada.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to enquire and report the best ways and means of supplying the army in Canada with provisions and necessaries:
The members chosen, Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, Mr. [Oliver] Wolcott, and Mr. L[ewis] Morris.
Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers, in favour of the committee for making of muskets, and bayonets, &c., for the sum of 10,000 dollars, they to be accountable for the expenditure thereof.
A letter from Colonel Hazen, dated 18 February, 1776, enclosing an account and estimate of the losses he has sustained, being received was read:1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, XI, folio 17.]
Resolved, That the same be referred to Mr. [George] Wythe, Mr. [Roger] Sherman, Mr. [Samuel] Ward, and Mr. S[amuel] Adams, who are directed to examine the said Account, and report upon the several articles.
A letter from Governor Trumbull, dated 2 March, was received and read.
A letter from General Lee, dated 5 March, 1776, being received, was read.2
[Note 2: 2 This letter is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 66, I, folio 83.]
The order of the day being renewed,
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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