Ordered, That the secretary deliver to Mr. J. Mease a copy of colonel Wayne's letter, so far as respects the supplying his battalion with necessaries. The committee to whom the memorial of Mr. Aspden was referred, brought in their report: Whereupon, Resolved, That Mr. Matthias Aspden, be permitted to export in the sloop Tryal, consigned to him from Port-au-Prince, the produce or manufactures of these colonies, (horned cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry, and lumber for making casks, excepted) to Port-au-Prince, to the amount of £800 Pennsylvania cur rency: That the above permission be not drawn into precedent, and that Mr. Aspden take every possible precaution to avoid all British men of war, and cutters on the voyage. The committee to whom the memorial of Keppele and Steinmetz was referred, brought in their report: Whereupon, Resolved, That the memorialists have no just claim to satisfaction or reparation for the loss of their ship and cargo, seized by one of the king's ships of war, and detained by admiral Greves and general Howe, either out of the continental treasury, or out of the value of the clothing sent hither to supply the British troops at Boston, and intercepted and disposed of to the use of the American army. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to take an account of the prisoners, the names of the officers, and their places of residence, and report the same to Congress. The members chosen, Mr. M'Kean, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Wisner. A memorial from the rev. Mr. Samson Occum was read, and referred to the committee on Indian affairs. Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday next. MONDAY, February 5, 1776. Resolved, That general Schuyler be directed to have the arms of such of the troops marching to Canada, as pass through Albany, carefully examined there; and such of them as are deficient and want repair, exchanged for the good effective arms taken from the tories, and to order those exchanged and left, to be repaired. The committee to whom general Schuyler's letters were referred, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration, and thereupon, Resolved, That general Schuyler has proceeded in disarming such inhabitants of the county of Tryon, in the colony of New-York, as were disaffected, and providing for the future tranquillity of those parts, with fidelity, prudence, and despatch, and at the same time with a proper temper towards that deluded people, and thereby performed a meritorious service: That the cheerfulness and ready assistance of those who accompanied general Schuyler in his march to the county of Tryon, and their useful services in that expedition, discovered such a patriotic spirit, that it is hoped none of them will allow their countrymen to entertain a suspicion that any ignoble motive actuated them, by requiring a pecuniary reward, especially when they were employed in suppressing a mischief in their own neighborhood: That the resolution of Congress of the 8th of last month, for sending shipwrights from the cities of New-York and Philadelphia, to build batteaus at Ticonderoga, be superseded; and that general Schuyler be desired to employ any such artificers, as he shall think proper, in that business : That general Schuyler be desired to issue warrants for completing the regiment directed to be raised in New-York, for the service of Canada; and that it be recommended to the convention of that colony to appoint such officers thereof, as general Schuyler hath nominated: That the appointments by general Schuyler of Mr. Hubbard Brown, to be conductor of artillery, Gysbert Marselis, esq. to be barrack-master, Mr. Peter Schuyler to take charge of the arms, and Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, to be store-keeper at Albany, be confirmed; and that general Schuyler be desired to inform Congress of the proper salaries to be annexed to those offices: That general Schuyler be desired to procure skilful persons to assist general Wooster in exploring the river St. Lawrence, and to construct the armed boats to be kept there, according to a former resolution of Congress : That the bounty given by general Schuyler for encouraging men to enter into the Canadian service be approved, in consideration of the severe climate and inclement season: That by the resolution of Congress of the 8th of last month, respecting the provisions and stores to be sent to Fort George, it was intended as general Schuyler understood it, that he should be supplied with such of those articles as he should require : That general Schuyler be desired to employ such batteau-men as are in or near Albany, instead of those it was recommended to the convention of NewYork to procure, upon the best terms he can, and to acquaint Congress for what wages they will serve. That captain Wyncoop be employed under commodore Douglass, in the naval department. Ordered, That general Schuyler's narrative of his march into Tryon county be published in the newspapers. The committee to whom the memorial of Samson Occum, one of the Mohegan Indians, in Connecticut, was referred, brought in their report: Where- upon, Resolved, That a friendly commerce between the people of the United Colonies and the Indians, and the propagation of the gospel, and the cultivation. of the civil arts among the latter, may produce many and inestimable advantages to both; and that the commissioners for Indian affairs be desired to consider of proper places in their respective departments for the residence of ministers and school-masters, and report the same to Congress : That the commissioners for Indian affairs in the northern department be desired to enquire of Mr. Jacob Fowler, of the Montauke tribe of Indians, on Long-Island, and Mr. Joseph Johnson, of the Mohegan, upon what terms they will reside among the Six Nations of Indians, and instruct them in the Christian religion. Resolved, That Mr. Dohicky Arundel, who was recommended to the notice of Congress by Mr. Lewis, be desired to repair to general Schuyler, and that general Schuyler be directed to examine him, and if he finds him capable, and suitably qualified, to employ him in the artillery service in Canada. Dr. Cadwallader having, in a letter to the president, represented, that, being sent for by general Prescot last Saturday night, he found him in a dangerous state of health; and farther expressing an apprehension that the dampness of the room may endanger the general's life, if he remains there long; it was, thereupon, Resolved, That Dr. Cadwallader be desired to have proper lodgings provided for general Prescot, and that general Prescot be removed from the gaol to said lodgings, and there kept under a guard. That the commanding officer of the troops in the barracks of Philadelphia, be directed to keep a proper guard over general Prescot. Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow. TUESDAY, February 6, 1776. A letter from the committee of safety for New-York was read, informing that general Clinton arrived there on the 4th instant, but that it was apprchended his destination was to the southward. Ordered, That a copy of said letter be sent to the southern colonies. 1 The Congress, being informed that col. Heard having performed the service enjoined him, was ready to make report of his proceedings, Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to confer with col. Hcard, and receive his report: The members chosen, Mr. Crane, Mr. E. Rutledge, and Mr. M'Kean. A petition from sundry captains of the New-Jersey battalions was laid before Congress and read: Whereupon, Resolved, That the sum of one dollar and one-third of a dollar be allowed to the officers of the two first New-Jersey battalions, for every recruit by them raised, and that has passed muster. A letter from the committee of Reading, in Berks county, was read, mentioning the arrival of a number of prisoners, and desiring to know how they arc to be supported ; Resolved, That the same be referred to the committee appointed to contract for supplying the prisoners. Resolved, That two members be added to the said committee in the room of those absent. The members chosen, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Wolcott. The committee on the regulations of trade, after the first of March next, brought in their report, which was read: Resolved, That the same be referred to Thursday next, then to be considered in a committee of the whole. Resolved, That general Schuyler be desired to encourage suttlers to attend the army in Canada; and that they return such specic as they shall receive for the articles they supply it with, to the commissary, who shall draw orders, countersigned by the general, for the amount thereof, upon the president; by which a sufficient stock may be in hand to pay off the soldiers, and the risk and expense of sending money for that purpose may be avoided. The committee appointed to confer with col. Heard laid before Congress a list of nineteen persons taken into custody by him, agreeable to the orders of Congress, and brought to Philadelphia; also two oaths taken by a number of the inhabitants of Long-Island; one upon delivering up their arms, and the other respecting their future conduct. The names of the prisoners are Benjamin Whitehead, Joseph French, John Polhemus, Nathaniel Moor, Samuel Hallet, William Weyman, John Shoals, John Willet, Gilbert Van Wyck, Daniel Kissam, Jacob Mott, Gabriel G. Lud low, Charles Hicks, Samuel Martin, Samuel Clowes, Thomas Smith, George Weeks, David Brooks, John Townsend. Resolved, That the said prisoners be sent to New-York, and delivered to the order of the convention of that colony, who are requested to confine or secure the said prisoners, until an enquiry be had by the convention into their conduct, and report thereof made to this Congress. Ordered, That the committee confer with colonel Heard about the mode of sending the prisoners to New-York. The committee of claims reported, that there is due, To George Kennedy, on sundry certificates by him produced, the sum of 427.1 dollars, of which 338.9 dollars, being for rifles, &c. furnished to captain Morgan's company of riflemen from Virginia, ought to be charged to said company, and the remainder to the continent. Ordered, That the same be paid. Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to bring in a resolution respecting the exportation of naval stores for the public service: The members chosen, Mr. Hewes, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Ward, Mr. Paine, and Mr. S. Adams. Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow. WEDNESDAY, February 7, 1776. Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers in favor of Peter Webbers, an express, for the sum of eight dollars, for the time he has been detained in town. Two letters from lord Sterling, one of the 2d, and the other of the 5th of this month, with sundry papers enclosed, were read: Resolved, That the same be referred to a committee of three. The members chosen, Mr. Chase, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. Wythe. The Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on the letter from the committee of safety for New-Jersey, respecting the prisoners; and, after debate, Resolved, That the same be re-committed to the committee who brought it in, and to the committee appointed to take an account of the prisoners: That it be an instruction to the committee to examine the capitulations entered into with the prisoners at the time of their surrender, to have the paroles of the officers taken, to order them to their respective places of residence, to see that the capitulations be duly observed, and the orders of Congress, respecting the prisoners, punctually carried into execution, and, finally, to make a return to Congress of the paroles of the officers, their names, and places of residence, and also the number of privates, and where placed. As only three of the former committees are now present, viz. Mr. Adams, Mr. McKean, and Mr. Smith, Resolved, That two more be added: The members chosen, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Wolcott. Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers, in favor of Mr. James Mease, for the sum of 10,000 dollars, for the use of the battalions ordered to be raised in Pennsylvania, he to be accountable: That a like order be drawn in favor of the naval committee, for the sum of 20,000 dollars, to enable them to discharge the debts by them contracted, the said committee to be accountable: That the sum of 250,000 dollars be sent to the pay-master general, for the use of the army at Cambridge. The committee on the letter from Reading, reported, that they have had a conference with David Franks, esq. agent to the contractors for victualling the king's troops, who says he will order rations to be issued to the prisoners lately brought to Reading: Whereupon, Resolved, That D. Franks, esq. be permitted to victual the prisoners at Reading, and to sell his bills to defray the expense thereof: That directions be given to Henry Holler to furnish said prisoners with fuel and other necessaries. A memorial from Murray, Sansom & Co. Jacob Watson, and Frederick Rhinelander, of the city of New-York, was presented to Congress and read: Resolved, That the same be referred to a committee of three: The members chosen, Mr. Lee, Mr. Nelson, and Mr. Read. A petition of Pierre L'Farque being presented to Congress and read, Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to examine the journals, and report a list of the matters yet unfinished. The members chosen, Mr. E. Rutledge, Mr. Duane, and Mr. Smith. THURSDAY, February 8, 1776. Resolved, That the money voted yesterday, be sent to the pay-master ge neral, under the care of colonel Bull, and two other trusty persons. The treasurers transmitted to Congress an account of sundry drafts by them paid, viz: VOL. I. 33 1 3 1775. August 23. One in favor of John Mease, by general Washington, for 266 2-3 dollars. Nov. 27. One in favor of Dr. Franklin, by James Warren, for 7111 dollars. 1776. Feb. 2. One in favor of Cox and Furman, by ditto, for 1000 dollars. Feb. 6. One in favor of John Beane, by ditto, for 750 dollars. Ordered, That the above sums be charged to the account of James Warren, the pay-master general. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to contract with a proper person to supply colonel Wayne's battalion with the rations allowed them. Also with a proper person to supply the Pennsylvania troops on the west side of the Susquehanna; and with a proper person to supply the battalion ordered to be raised in the counties on Delaware, while in that government. The members chosen, Mr. Morton, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Wilson. The committee of claims reported, that there is due, To Tench Tilghman, for escorting money from Philadelphia to general Schuyler, the sum of 286.9 dollars. To Azariah Dunham on sundry certificates for provisions to several rifle companies, 25.8 dollars. To Melchior Meng, for wagon-hire, in carrying money to Cambridge, the sum of 76 dollars. To Moses Gale, for the entertainment of captain Cluggage's company of riflemen, 9.7 dollars, to be paid to Henry Wisner, esq. To John B. Scott, for expenses in conducting general Prescot from Trenton to Philadelphia, 14.3 dollars. To George Bunner, for wagon-hire, in carrying money from Philadelphia to general Schuyler, last November, 39 dollars. To Dennis Sneeden, for ferriage, provisions, &c. the sum of 50.6 dollars, to be paid to John Alsop, esq. To Jesse Jones, for horse-hire, 8.7 dollars, to be paid to Mr. Dealing. To Mark Bird, for necessaries to prisoners, 5.8 dollars. To George Meade & Co. on several certificates, 104.4 dollars, of which 99.2 being for rifles furnished to captain H. Stevenson's company, ought to be charged to said company. Ordered, That the above accounts be paid. The committee farther reported, that Mr. M'Kean had laid before them, an account of the application of 40 dollars put into his hands by Congress, by which it appears, that there remains in his hands, the sum of 15.4 dollars. Ordered, That the same be paid to Timothy Matlack, he to be accountable. The committee on the disposition of the prisoners, reported the form of a parole to be signed by the officers, which being read, was agreed to as follows: I being made a prisoner of war, by the army of the thirteen United Colonies in North-America, do promise and engage, on my word and honor, and on the faith of a gentleman, to depart from hence immediately to in the province of being the place of my election; and there, or within six miles thereof, to remain during the present war between Great-Britain and the said United Colonies, or until the Congress of the said United Colonies shall order otherwise; and that I will not directly or indirectly, give any intelligence whatsoever to the enemies of the United Colonies, or do or say any thing in opposition to, or in prejudice of, the measures and proceedings of any Congress for the said colonies, during the present troubles, or until I am duly exchanged or discharged. day of A. D. Given under my hand, this The secret committee, to whom the petition of Mr. Pierre L'Farque was referred, brought in their report, Whereupon, Resolved, That Mr. Pierre L'Farque be permitted to load the sloop, in which he imported a small quantity of powder and arms, with the produce of |