these colonies (horned cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry, and lumber for making casks excepted) and export the same to Martinique. And that the said Mr. Pierre L'Farque do take every possible precaution to avoid all British men of war and cutters on the voyage, and use his utmost endeavors to import into these colonies the powder and arms mentioned in his memorial, and proposed to be imported by him.

The committee on the memorial of Sansom, Murray and Co. &c. brought in their report, which was read, and ordered to lie on the table.

A memorial from the committee of safety of Pennsylvania, respecting the erecting of powder mills, was presented to Congress and read:

Ordered, To lie on the table.

Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers, in favor of Dohicky Arundel, for the sum of 1000 dollars, and that he be directed immediately to repair to general Schuyler:

That a quarter cask of powder be delivered to captain Craig, of colonel St. Clair's battalion, for the use of his company:

That the sum of 12,000 dollars be advanced to the convention or committee of safety of New-York, for the use of the four battalions ordered to be raised there; that the same be transmitted by the delegates of that colony, the said convention or committee of safety to be accountable.

A memorial from Dr. Connolly, together with a letter from Dr. Benjamin Rush, respecting the state of said Connolly's health, was presented to Congress and read: Whereupon,

Resolved, That the said J. Connolly be allowed, at suitable times, to walk in the prison-yard or hall, the gaol-keeper taking especial care to prevent his escape.

The inhabitants of Richmond county, in the colony of New-York, having refused to send deputies to represent them in provincial convention, and otherwise manifested their enmity and opposition to the system and measures adopted for preserving the liberties of America; and, as a just punishment for their inimical conduct, the inhabitants of that colony, having been prohibited by the convention, from all intercourse and dealings with the inhabitants of the said county, and this Congress being informed by the committee of safety of that colony, that the freeholders of the said county did afterwards, without any opposition, elect deputies to represent them in provincial convention; but, as the proceedings against them had been submitted to the consideration of Congress, it was apprehended the deputies could not be received, until the sense of Congress thereupon should be communicated:

Resolved, therefore, That it be referred to the said provincial convention, to take such measures respecting the admission of the deputies, and revoking the interdict against the inhabitants of said county, as they shall judge most expedient; provided, that the said deputies, and major part of the inhabitants of said county, shall subscribe the association entered into, in that colony.

Resolved, That Monday, the 19th day of this month, be assigned for Dr. Smith, to deliver a funeral oration in honor of general Montgomery, and of those officers and soldiers who so magnanimously fought and fell with him in maintaining the principles of American liberty.

Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

FRIDAY, February 9, 1776.

Mr. Elbridge Gerry, from the Massachusetts-Bay, attended, and produced a certificate of the appointment of delegates from that colony; which was read, and is as follows:

"IN COUNCIL, January 18, 1776. Whereas John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and Elbridge Gerry, esqrs. have been chosen, by joint ballot of the two houses

of assembly, to represent the colony of Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, in the American Congress, until the first day of January, A. D. 1777.

Resolved, That they, or any one or more of them, are hereby fully empowered with the delegates from the other American colonies,. to concert, direct, and order such farther measures, as shall to them appear best calculated for the establishment of right and liberty to the American colonies, upon a basis permanent and secure, against the power and art of the British administration, and guarded against any future encroachments of their enemies, with power to adjourn to such times and places, as shall appear most conducive to the public safety and advantage.

Read and accepted. Sent down for concurrence.

JOHN LOWELL, Dep. Sec. pro tem.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, January 18, 1776.

Read and concurred. And the secretary is hereby directed, as soon as may be, to signify to each of those gentlemen their appointment, with an attested copy of this order. Sent up for concurrence.

JAMES WARREN, Speaker.

A true copy.

JOHN LOWELL, Dep. Secretary pro tem.

Attest, Sundry letters being received, were laid before Congress, and read, viz. Two from general Washington, one of the 24th, and the other of 30th of January, enclosing a copy of one to general Schuyler, the 27th January, and a number of intercepted letters:

PEREZ MORTON, Deputy Secretary."

Three from general Schuyler, 29th and 31st January, and 1st of February, enclosing copies of two letters from colonel Arnold, and sundry other papers: One from governor Trumbull, 3d February, with sundry papers enclosed: Resolved, That the foregoing letters be referred to a committee of five. The members chosen, Mr. Chase, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Penn, Mr. Wythe, and Mr. Rutledge.

Two letters from the convention of New-Jersey, of the 6th of February, were read; the one respecting tea was referred for consideration to Monday next; the other, recommending persons for field officers of the third battalion, ordered to be raised in that colony: Whereupon the Congress proceeded to election,

and

Elias Dayton was elected colonel.

Anthony Walter White, lieutenant-colonel.

Francis Barber, major.

A memorial from Mr. Kirkland was presented to Congress and read.
Ordered, To lie on the table.

The Congress taking into consideration the report of the committec on the second memorial of Sansom, Murray, & Co. &c.

Resolved, That the memorialists be permitted to make sale of their cargo of wheat in Connecticut, or else to proceed on their original voyage to Falmouth, in England, and a market under the office, papers, and clearances, which the said vessel sailed with from New-York in September last; and also subject to the former restrictions of Congress, respecting the appointment of a commander. The Congress being informed of the arrival of some arms, powder, and saltpetre,

Resolved, That the committee appointed on the 13th of last month, to purchase the salt-petre then imported, &c. be directed and empowered to take every necessary measure to have the salt-petre, now arrived, manufactured into gun-powder with all possible expedition.

That two tons of the powder now arrived, belonging to the United Colonies, be delivered to the committee of safety for Pennsylvania, in part of the powder borrowed of them :

That one ton of said powder be delivered to the delegates of North-Carolina, in consequence of a former order of Congress, which has not yet been complied with :

That the committee appointed for manufacturing the salt-petre into gunpowder, be directed to enquire into the state and quantity of the arms, powder and salt-petre now arrived, and report to Congress.

A memorial from Stacy Hepburn was presented to Congress and read:
Resolved, That it be referred to a committee of three:

The members chosen, Mr. McKean, Mr. Nelson, and Mr. Penn.
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday next.

MONDAY, February 12, 1776.

A letter from general Lee, dated the 9th instant, being received, was read, wherein he informs that a transport with troops was arrived at New-York, that more might be expected, and, therefore, that a farther reinforcement was necessary to secure and defend that place: Whereupon,

Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention or committee of safety of New-Jersey, immediately to send detachments of their minute-men equal to a battalion, under proper officers, to New-York, there to be under the command of major-general Lee:

That it be also recommended to the committee of safety for Pennsylvania, immediately to send detachments of the four battalions of associators in Philadelphia, to New-York, there to put themselves under the command of general Lee.

Resolved, That the colonels of the battalions ordered to be raised in Pennsylvania, be directed to make an immediate return to Congress of the men inlisted, the places where they now are, and the manner in which they are appointed.

Resolved, That the secret committee be directed to send to New-York, one ton of the powder belonging to the United Colonies, and that the same be delivered to the order of general Lee:

That the said committee be empowered to purchase, for the use of the United Colonies, on the best terms they can, what powder and arms arrive belonging to private persons, ; and that they furnish with good arms such of the three remaining companies of the first Pennsylvania battalion, destined for Canada, as may want them, in order that they may immediately proceed on their march.

Resolved, That fifty tons of salt-petre be delivered by the secret committee to the committee of safety for Pennsylvania, who are requested to have the same manufactured into gun-powder, in the cheapest and most expeditious manner; and that this Congress will confirm any contracts made for the above purpose: That ten tons of salt-petre be by them sent to Mr. J. R. Livingston's mill, in the colony of New-York, and that Mr. Livingston be desired to manufacture it into powder, as soon as possible, and to enlarge his works, if it can conveniently be done :

That ten tons of salt-petre be also by them sent to the council of the colony of Massachusetts-Bay, and that they be desired to have it manufactured into gun-powder, with all possible expedition, and sent to general Washington, for the use of the army, under his command.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the committee of inspection for the county of Chester, to aid colonel Wayne in procuring blankets for his battalion.

The Congress being informed that a gentleman was arrived from Canada, who had matters of importance to communicate,

Ordered, That the committee of correspondence confer with him and report to Congress.

Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers in favor of John Chapman, for the sum of 800 dollars, to discharge a draught of the pay-master general, in favor of William Thomson, esq. dated the 28th of December last; and that the same be charged to the account of the pay-master general. Sundry letters being received, were read, viz.

One from the convention of New-Jersey, dated the 10th; and one from Messsrs. Dayton and Barber, of the 12th; and one from captain John Neville, dated Pittsburg, of the 1st of this month; and one from John Gibson, dated the 20th of January last.

Resolved, That the two last letters be referred to the committee on the Indian affairs, in the middle department:

That a committee of three be appointed to take into consideration the two former letters.

The members chosen, Mr. Smith, Mr. Bartlett, and Mr. Adams.

Resolved, That an order for 8000 dollars be drawn on the treasurers, in favour of the committee of safety for the three lower counties on Delaware, for the use of the battalion raising in that government, the said committee to be accountable:

That an order for 10,000 dollars be drawn on the treasurers, in favor of James Mease, for the use of the Pennsylvania battalions; he to be accountable: That Mr. Mease be directed to supply the troops in the barracks near Philadelphia, with wooden bowls, buckets, and other necessaries.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the committce of safety for Pennsylvania, in case the barracks near Philadelphia cannot contain all the troops raised in said colony, that they cause part of them to be quartered in the pest-house and old gaol of this city.

Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers in favor of colonel Bull, for the sum of 150 dollars, to defray his expenses in carrying money to Cambridge, he to be accountable.

The committee on the petition of Stacy Hepburn, brought in their report, which was agreed to as follows:

That the said petitioner be permitted to load the sloop Dolphin, with the produce of these colonies, (live stock and lumber for making casks excepted) and to transport the same to Hispaniola, he promising to use his utmost endeavors to remit the amount of said cargo in military stores, into some port of this continent, as soon as possible.

The committee appointed to prepare a resolution for the exportation of naval stores, brought in the same, which was agreed to as follows:

Resolved, That when naval stores shall be wanted in any of the United Colonies, the assembly, convention, or committee of safety of such colony, may entrust a proper person or persons to import the same, taking sufficient security of him or them, that they will faithfully use their best endeavors to import the same into such port or ports as the said assembly, convention, or committee of safety shall direct, and, as much as possible, to avoid all British men of war and cutters; giving him or them, a certificate or certificates of the naval stores wanted, and also of his having given the said security: And that it be recommended to the convention, council of safety, and committees of observation and inspection of North-Carolina, upon receiving such certificates, to permit the person or persons producing the same, to report to the colony applying for the same, the naval stores wanted by such colony:

That it be further recommended to the said convention, council of safety, and committees of inspection and ohservation in North-Carolina, to give per

mission to such vessels as may have arrived in that colony, for those articles, or such of the vessels belonging to that colony, as they may think proper, to export naval stores to any of the United Colonies, taking security as in the other cases above mentioned.

Resolved, That the pay and subsistence of two of the battalions ordered to be raised in the colony of Virginia, commence from the first day of November last; from which time they have been in actual service.

The convention of Virginia having recommended persons for field officers of the six battalions ordered to be raised in that colony, the Congress proceeded to an election, when,

Patrick Henry, esq. was elected colonel, William Christian, esq. lieutenantcolonel, Frank Eppes, esq. major, of the first battalion.

William Woodford, esq. colonel, Charles Scott, esq. lieutenant-colonel, Alexander Spottswood, esq. major, of the second battalion.

Hugh Mercer, esq. colonel, George Weedon, esq. lieutenant-colonel, Thomas Marshal, esq. major, of the third battalion.

Adam Stephen, esq. colonel, Isaac Read, esq. lieutenant-colonel, Robert Lawson, esq. major, of the fourth battalion.

William Peachy, esq. colonel, William Crawford, esq. lieutenant-colonel, Josiah Parker, esq. major of the fifth battalion.

Mordecai Buckner, esq. colonel, Thomas Elliot, esq. lieutenant-colonel, James Hendricks, esq. major, of the sixth battalion.

Ordered, That the president fill up commissions to the above officers, and that he send blank commissions to the convention of Virginia, to be by them filled up with the names of the officers appointed by them in the said battalions, under the rank of a major.

Resolved, That the deputy muster-master general be directed to muster the battalion raised in the three lower counties on Delaware, and also those raised in Pennsylvania, and make return to Congress.

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to consider into what departments the middle and southern colonies ought to be formed, in order that the military operations of the colonies may be carried on in a regular and systematic manner :

The members chosen, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Penn, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Alexander.

Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers, in favor of the delegates of Virginia, for the sum of 20,000 dollars, for the use of the battalions ordered to be raised there, the convention of that colony to be accountable.

Resolved, That Mr. M'Kean be desired to request the committee of inspection and observation for the city and liberties of Philadelphia, not to proceed in passing any censures on the venders, and users of tea, till further orders from Congress.

Resolved, That the detachments marching from Philadelphia to New-York, under the command of colonel Dickinson, be allowed for subsistence, while on their march, the sum of one dollar and one-third of a dollar per week for each of the privates and non-commissioned officers; and that the commissioned officers be allowed in proportion, according to the rations allotted to them, and that they receive the same pay as the four Pennsylvania battalions, from the time they begin their march.

That a committee of three be appointed to consider the best method of subsisting the troops in New-York, and what sum of money it will be necessary to send thither, and also what sum ought to be advanced to colonel Dickinson. The members chosen, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Duane, and Mr. Wilson.

A petition from Mr. Bernard Romans, was presented to Congress, and read : Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention of New-York, to pay Mr. Bernard Romans up to the 9th day of the present month.