| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |
A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --MONDAY, JULY 15, 1776
Sundry letters were laid before Congress, and read, viz.
One from Mr. J. Jay, of the 6th, enclosing a memorial from Samuel Tredwell Pell, of the manor of Pelham:
One from the committee of Lancaster, of the 11: and
One from the committee of Reading, of the 13th; and,
Page 560 | Page image
Two from the convention of New York, of the 11th, with sundry papers enclosed;1 among which the following resolutions:
[Note 1: 1 The letter from John Jay is in thePapers of the Continental Congress, No. 78, XIII, folio 27. That of the committee of Lancaster is in No. 69, J, folio 173. That of the committee of Reading is in No. 68, I, folio 177. Those of the Convention of New York are in No. 67, I, folios 232, 252.]
"In convention of the representatives
"of the state of New York,
"White Plains, July 9, 1776.
"Resolved unanimously, That the reasons assigned by the Continental Congress for declaring the United Colonies Free and Independent States, are cogent and conclusive; and, that while we lament the cruel necessity which has rendered that measure unavoidable, we approve the same, and will, at the risque of our lives and fortunes, join with the other colonies in supporting it.
"Resolved, That a copy of the said declaration and the aforegoing resolution be sent to the chairman of the committee of the county of Westchester with orders to publish the same with beat of Drum, at this place, on Thursday next, and to give directions, that it be published with all convenient speed in the several districts of the county; that copies also be sent to the chairman of the several counties within the state of New York with orders to cause the same to be published in the several districts of their respective counties.
"Resolved unanimously, That the delegates of this state, in the Continental Congress, be, and they hereby are authorized to concert and adopt all such measures as they may deem conducive to the happiness and welfare of the United States of America.
"Extract from the minutes,
"Robert Benson,Secretary."
Resolved, That the letters from the convention of New York, with the papers enclosed, be referred to the Board of War:
Resolved, That the letters of General Washington of the 10, 11, and 12, be referred to the Board of War.
Resolved, That the Committee of Safety of Pensylvania be impowered to pay to the officers ordered from
Page 561 | Page image
New Jersey to Pensylvania, the money ordered by Congress to be advanced for subsistance.1
[Note 1: 1 This resolution has reference to prisoners of war. In the margin of the Journal is written: "This paid by Congress."]
Resolved, That the case of the officers ordered from New Jersey to Pensylvania, be referred to the Board of War, and that they be directed to examine into the conduct of said officers, and their servants; and to order them to such places, and to be disposed of in such manner, as they shall think proper.
Resolved, That the sum of £16 10, lawful money,=[55 dollars] be paid to Major Henry Sherburne, for his expences from the 6th of June, the time he left Canada, to this day, with a farther allowance of eight days expences to join his regiment.
Resolved, That two members be elected for the Board of Treasury, in the room of two who are absent.
The members chosen, Mr. P[hilip] Livingston and Mr. [George] Read.
A letter from an officer of Colonel Hazen's batallion, was laid before Congress, and read.
Resolved, That it be referred to the committee appointed to inquire into the causes of the miscarriages in Canada.
A petition and memorial of Captain James Ross, was laid before Congress and read:
Resolved, That the same be referred to the Committee of Claims.
Resolved, That it be recommended to P[atrick] Henry, Esq. governor of Virginia, to give orders for manning and sending to sea, under convoy, the brigFanny, Captain Tokely, which is loaded on account of the Continent.
Resolved, That a committee, to consist of one or more members of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pensylvania
Page 562 | Page image
and New Jersey, be appointed to consider the propriety and means of augmenting the flying camp:
The members chosen, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson, Mr. [Thomas] Stone, Mr. [George] Read, Mr. [John] Morton, and Mr. [Richard] Stockton.Resolved, That the batallion which is to garrison the posts of Presque Isle, Le Beuf, and Kittanning, be raised in the counties of Westmoreland and Bedford, in Pensylvania, in the following proportions, to wit: seven companies in Westmoreland, and one company in Bedford:
That the commissioned officers of the several companies, be appointed by the committee of the county in which they are to be raised.
Resolved, That to morrow be assigned for appointing the field officers of said batallion and of the German batallion.
Resolved, That a chief physician be appointed for the flying camp, and that his pay be four dollars per day:
The ballots being taken [and examined,]
William Shippen, Junr. was elected.
Resolved, That to morrow be assigned for the appointment of a commissary of military stores, and deputy adjutant general for the flying camp.
Resolved, That Thursday morning be assigned for taking into consideration the report of the committee of ways and means.
Resolved, That Alexander M'Donald, son of Captain M'Donald, be liberated on his parole, and allowed to reside with his father.
A petition from John Hannum, was presented to Congress, and read.
Resolved, That the same, together with the papers accompanying it, be referred to the Secret Committee.
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock to Morrow.
PREVIOUS SECTION .. NEXT SECTION .. NAVIGATOR
| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |