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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, JULY 7, 1778
When ten states appearing,
Mr. E[lias] Boudinot, a delegate from New Jersey, attended, and took his seat, and the following letters were read: viz.
One of the 21st, one of the 28, and one of 29 June, and one of the 1st July, from General Washington;1
[Note 1: 1 Washington's letter of June 21 is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, VI, folio 127; that of the 28th is on folio 139; that of the 29th is on folio 143; and that of July 1, on folio 147.]
One of 19 June, from General Heath, enclosing sundry letters that passed between him and Major General Phillips, consequent to the death of Lieutenant Richard Brown, of the troops of the convention of Saratoga who was shot by a centinel "for not stopping when repeatedly challenged, as he was riding out of the lines with two women:"2
[Note 2: 2 These papers and Heath's letter are in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 57, folio 283.]
Resolved, That Congress approve of Major General Heath's conduct respecting Major General Phillips, consequent upon the death of Lieutenant Richard Brown, of the troops of the convention.
Ordered, That an extract of General Heath's letter, with the letters that passed between him and Major General Phillips, together with the inquest held on the body of Lieutenant R. Brown, be published.
Ordered, That so much of General Heath's letter as relates to money, with the account of provisions issued to the troops of the convention of Saratoga, from 6 November, 1777, to 1 March, 1778, and those received in lieu thereof, be referred to the Board of Treasury.
Congress took into consideration the letter of the 29 June, and that of the 1 July, from General Washington,
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giving an account of his movements from Valley Forge to Monmouth court house, in the State of New Jersey, in pursuit of the enemy, and of the victory obtained over the British army commanded by General Clinton, in a battle near Monmouth court house, on the 28th June: Whereupon,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of Congress be given to General Washington for the activity with which he marched from the camp at Valley Forge, in pursuit of the enemy; for his distinguished exertions in forming the order of battle; and for his great good conduct in leading on the attack and gaining the important victory of Monmouth over the British grand army, under the command of Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton, in their march from Philadelphia to New York.
Resolved, That General Washington be directed to signify the thanks of Congress to the gallant officers and men under his command, who distinguished themselves by their conduct and valour at the battle of Monmouth.
Ordered, That Mr. [Samuel] Huntington, Mr. [Oliver] Wolcott, and Mr. [Nathaniel] Scudder, have leave of absence.
Adjourned to 9 o'Clock to Morrow.
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