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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, JANUARY 7, 1778
A letter, of the 20 December last, from General Spencer, with sundry papers enclosed, was read:
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War.
A letter, of the 5, from the president of the council of Pensylvania, was read.1
[Note 1: 1 The letter of Spencer, in the enclosures, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 161, folio 350; that of Pennsylvania is in No. 69, I, folio 315.]
Adjourned to 3 o'Clock.
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Three o'Clock, p. m
The Committee on the Treasury brought in a report, which was read, whereupon Congress came to the following resolution:
Whereas the issuing commissary who was stationed at Fort Montgomery, has deserted to the enemy, by which circumstance, the officers, at that post, have not had it in their power to receive pay for their back rations for want of proper certificates; therefore,
Resolved, That the pay master general, or his deputy, be directed to pay the said back rations, on an account thereof being exhibited on oath by any of the said officers to Brigadier Clinton, or the commanding officer, and a warrant drawn by him for that purpose.
Ordered, That a warrant be drawn on Thomas Harwood, Esqr. commissioner of the continental loan office in the State of Maryland, in favour of Stephen Steward, for six thousand dollars advanced him upon account of the Commercial Committee, who are to be accountable.1
[Note 1: 1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, II, folio 7. In the original the Marine Committee was to be accountable.]
The delegates from Massachusetts Bay laid before Congress a resolution of the legislature of that State, respecting the powers of their delegates in Congress, which was read as follows:
State of Massachusetts Bay,
In the House of Representatives,
December 12, 1777.
Whereas the Hon. John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry, Francis Dana, and James Lovell, Esqrs. have been chosen, by joint Ballot of the two Houses of this Assembly, to represent the State aforesaid, in the American Congress, for one Year, to commence on the 1st day of January next ensuing:
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Resolved, That the above named Gentlemen be, and they hereby are, fully empowered, with other Delegates from the American States for the term above mentioned, to concert, direct and order such further Measures as to them shall appear best calculated for the Establishment of Right, Liberty and Independence to the American States, upon a Basis permanent and secure, for prosecuting with Vigour the present just and necessary War, concluding Peace, contracting Alliances, regulating Commerce, and guarding against all encroachments and Machinations of the Enemies of the United States; and to adjourn to such times and Places as shall appear most Conducive to the public Safety and Advantage.
And, it is further Resolved, that not less than three of the above-mentioned Gentlemen shall make a representation of this State. The Majority of those present, after consultation, to give the Voice of the State, notwithstanding it is expected that five of them will attend as generally as may be, and the Secretary is hereby directed forthwith to forward to each of the above named Gentlemen a copy of their Appointment and of this Resolution. Sent up for concurrence.
J. Warren, Speaker.
In Council, December 13, 1777. Read and concurred.
John Avery, Deputy Secretary.1
[Note 1: 1 The original is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, Massachusetts, Credentials of Delegates.]
A letter, of the 2d, from General Washington, with copies of letters between him and General Conway, were read:
Ordered, That they be referred to the Board of War.
A letter of 15 December, 1777, from S. A. Otis, at Boston, was read.2
[Note 2: 2 The letter of Washington and the Conway correspondence are in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, V, folio 237. That of Otis is in No. 78, XVII, folio 279.]
∥The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,∥
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock to Morrow.
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