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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 --WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1776
The committee appointed to prepare a resolution for appointing a day of fasting and humiliation, brought in a report, which was read and agreed to, as follows:
Whereas, the war in which the United States are engaged with Great Britain, has not only been prolonged, but is likely to be carried to the greatest extremity; and whereas, it becomes all public bodies, as well as private persons, to reverence the Providence of God, and look up to him as the supreme disposer of all events, and the arbiter of the fate of nations; therefore,
Resolved, That it be recommended to all the United States, as soon as possible, to appoint a day of solemn fasting and humiliation; to implore of Almighty God the forgiveness of the many sins prevailing among all ranks, and to beg the countenance and assistance of his Providence in the prosecution of the present just and necessary war.
The Congress do also, in the most earnest manner, recommend to all the members of the United States, and particularly the officers civil and military under them, the exercise of repentance and reformation; and further, require of them the strict observation of the articles of war, and particularly, that part of the said articles, which forbids profane swearing, and all immorality, of which all such officers are desired to take notice.
It is left to each state to issue out proclamations fixing the days that appear most proper within their several bounds.
Ordered, That the above be published by the committee who brought in the report.
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A letter, of the 10th December, 1776, from General Washington, at Head quarters, falls of Delaware, ∥was read.∥1
[Note 1: 1 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, III, folio 335.]
Whereas a false and malicious report hath been spread by the enemies of America that the Congress was about to disperse:
Resolved, That General Washington be desired to contradict the said scandalous report in general orders, this Congress having a better opinion of the spirit and vigour of the army and the good people of these states than to suppose it can be necessary to disperse. Nor will they adjourn from the city of Philadelphia in the present state of affairs, unless the last necessity shall direct it.
The committee appointed to examine the prisoners sent from New Jersey, reported, that they have performed that service, and find some considerable distinction between them; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the committee appointed to examine the Jersey prisoners be empowered to discharge from gaol such of them as do not appear to have been engaged in measures against the United States of America; the said prisoners first signing a declaration, that they will not hereafter engage in such measures, or give the enemies of America aid, information, counsel, or assistance, in any way or manner whatsoever; and that such as the said committee judge proper, give security not to depart the city of Philadelphia without leave of this Congress.
Resolved, That General Putnam be directed to order parties of active, spirited men, with proper guides, to cross from this city into Jersey; and, under the conduct of good officers, to act as harassing parties, and get the
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best intelligence of the motions and situation of the enemy, directing them to send frequent daily intelligence thro' him to Congress, of the discoveries they be able to make of the enemies movements and situation.
The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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