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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, OCTOBER 29, 1776
Congress having received information that Timothy Dod, who was sent express from Boston to this House, has had his despatches ∥from General Washington,∥ stolen from him at Bristol, in this state,
Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed, with powers to make every necessary enquiry, and to take every step they think proper, for the recovery of the said despatches, and the discovery of the person or persons by whom the said papers were stolen; that if they shall have good reasons to suspect any person or persons, they immediately secure them till the further order of Congress, and return their names, with the causes of suspicion, to this house; that they dispose of the continental prisoners now there in such manner as they shall think best:
That all civil officers be requested, and all continental military officers be ordered, to afford every assistance that may be required by the said committee.
The members chosen, Mr. [James] Wilson, and Mr. [Francis] Hopkinson.
Resolved, That Colonel Cadwallader and Colonel Bayard be requested to accompany the said committee ∥to Bristol.∥
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That 40,000 dollars be advanced to James Mease for the public service; he to be accountable.
6,000 dollars be advanced to Colonel Buckner, of the 6 Virginia batallion, for the use of the said batallion; he to be accountable.
Resolved, That Charles Hughes have leave to go to the West Indies in the schooner Thistle.
A letter from Mr. [Richard] Bache was read:
Resolved, That it be referred to a committee of three.
The members chosen, Mr. [George] Wythe, Mr. [Robert Treat] Paine, and Mr. [Philip] Livingston.
Whereas the fortifying the entrance of the river of Cape Fear, in the state of North Carolina, will tend greatly to the advantage and security of that state, by furnishing a safe harbour for foreigners, and excluding the enemy's ships:
Resolved, therefore, That it be recommended to the convention of the state of North Carolina, that they do immediately fortify and secure, at the expence of their state, the entrance of the said river, by erecting batteries and other works of defence, by placing obstructions in proper parts of the said river, and pursuing such other measures, as, in their opinion, will best conduce to prevent the introduction of the enemy's ships, and protect the trade of the said state; and, in case heavy cannon cannot be procured in the state of North Carolina, it is further recommended to the said convention, that they apply to the state of South Carolina, requesting the loan of such cannon as they can spare from their own necessities, who, it is not doubted, will contribute, as far as it may be in their power, to accomplish a purpose which will be of general utility to the southern states.
Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the Marine Committee: Whereupon,
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Resolved, That all private ships of war, merchant ships, and other vessels, belonging to the subjects of these states, do pay respect to the continental ships of war, of any kind and denomination, by hauling down their pendants when in company with any of them, and also by lowering the sails usually lowered by British traders to British ships of war when they meet.
That no private ships or vessels of war, merchant ships, and other vessels belonging to the subjects of these states, be permitted to wear pendants when in company with continental ships or vessels of war, without leave from the commanding officer thereof.
That, if any merchant ship or vessel shall wear pendants in company with continental ships or vessels of war, without leave first obtained from the commander thereof, such commander be authorized to take away the pendants from the offenders.
That, if private ships or vessels of war refuse to pay the respect due to the continental ships or vessels of war, the captain or commander, so refusing, shall lose his commission.1
[Note 1: 1 Printed in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, 6 November, 1776.]
Resolved, That the further consideration of the report be postponed till to Morrow.
The several matters to this day referred, being farther postponed,
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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