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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 --MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1777
A letter, of the 13, from the committee of Congress, at Philadelphia; one, of the 14, from Colonel Gist, enclosing a proclamation from the assembly of Maryland, ∥were read.∥2
[Note 2: 2 The letter of the Philadelphia Committee is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 137, Appendix, folio 155. That of Gist, is in No. 78, X, folio 63.]
The Committee for Indian affairs, to whom was committed a letter from General Schuyler, with sundry papers
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enclosed, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; ∥Whereupon,∥
Resolved, That Congress do approve of the attention which General Schuyler has given to secure the friendship of the Six Indian Nations towards these States, and of the measures which he is taking to defeat the evil designs of our enemies, who, with unremitting cruelty, are endeavouring to precipitate these Indians into a war against us.
That 10,000 dollars be delivered out of the military chest in Albany, to the commissioners of Indian affairs for the northern department, who are directed to purchase therewith, in these united States, such Indian goods as may be proper, and distribute the same amongst the Indian nations in their department, in such manner as they shall judge most conducive to cultivate the peace and friendship of the said nations, and that the commissioners direct such persons as they shall employ to purchase the said goods, that they do not bid against others already employed in purchasing goods for these united States.
∥On motion,∥ Resolved, That the Marine Committee be impowered to advance twenty dollars to each seaman, who will enter to serve on board the Lexington, the same to be deducted out of their share of the prize money, arising from the captures made by the said Lexington.
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to revise the regulations of the post office, and report a plan of carrying it on, so as to render the conveyance of intelligence more expeditious and certain.
The members chosen, Mr. [Thomas] Heyward, Mr. J[ohn] Adams, Mr. [John] Witherspoon, Mr. R[ichard] H[enry] Lee, and Mr. S[amuel] Adams.
Resolved, That on Tuesday, the 25 instant, when Congress adjourn, it shall be adjourned from Baltimore to meet at Philadelphia.
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Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to consider the state and situation of the North Carolina prisoners, and report to Congress:
The members chosen, Mr. [John] Witherspoon, Mr. [Benjamin] Rumsey, and Mr. [Thomas] Burke.
Resolved, The report of the committee appointed to prepare a plan for suppressing the internal enemies of America, and preventing a communication of intelligence to out other enemies, be recommitted;
That two members be added to that committee:
The members chosen, Mr. [Samuel] Chase and Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry.
Resolved, That 20,000 dollars be paid to Colonel William Crawford for raising and equipping the regiment under his command, part of the Virginia new levies.
Resolved, That Mr. Aquila Norris be appointed a signer of the continental bills of credit, in addition to those already appointed,
Congress having this day received information that "the enemy meditate an expedition to the bay of Chesapeak the ensuing campaign," and "that the Eastern Shore is the first object or place of landing:"
Resolved, That the States of Virginia and Maryland be requested to take immediate, and the most effectual, measures that the stocks be removed from their respective Eastern Shore counties, and their adjacent islands, or so secured, that they may not fall into the enemy's hands, and that means the most effectual be taken to protect and secure the well affected inhabitants from the insults and plunder of the enemy.
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to deliver the Lexington, when fitted for the sea and manned, to the order of the Committee of Secret Correspondence.
Resolved Ordered, That the Secret Committee forward to the council of Massachusetts bay, a copy of the resolution
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of the 5 instant, impowering them to apply to the Several States for the use of one of the armed vessels be longing to the respective States the Commissioners at the Court of France to send 80,000 blankets &c requesting the several States to order their armed vessels into the service of the united States, under the direction of the Secret Committee; and that they request the said council to send at the expence of the Continent a trusty person, in one of the armed vessels belonging to their State, with the said resolve, and bring back part, who shall take charge of such papers as shall be entrusted to him by the Secret Committee, and who shall govern himself agreeable to the orders he shall receive from the said Secret Committee.
The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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