WEDNESDAY, March 6, 1776.

A letter from general Washington, of the 26th of February, was read: Resolved, That it be referred to the committee to whom his other letters are referred.

A letter from J. Palmer, enclosing a report of a committee of the general assembly of Massachusetts-Bay, respecting lead, was read:

Resolved, That the committee appointed on the 31st of July last, to enquire in all the colonies after virgin lead, leaden-ore, and the best method of collecting, smelting and refining it, and also the cheapest and easiest methods of making salt in these colonies, be discharged, and that the business of the said committee be referred to the committee appointed on the 23d of February last, to consider of farther ways and means of promoting and encouraging the manufacture of salt-petre, &c.

Resolved, That the letter from J. Palmer, with the enclosed report, be referred to the last mentioned committee.

A letter from general Washington, dated 18th and 21st of February last, enclosing the proceedings of a council of war, was read:

Resolved, That brigadier-general Thomas be appointed to command the forces in Canada, and that general Washington be directed to order him immediately to repair to that province.

Resolved, That brigadier-general Thomas be promoted to the rank of a majorgeneral, and that a commission be sent to him accordingly.

Ordered, That the president acquaint general Washington by express, of this arrangement.

Resolved, As sundry members of the marine committee' are absent, that their places be supplied by Mr. Huntington, for Connecticut, Mr. Sergeant, for NewJersey, Mr. Harrison, for Virginia, and Mr. E. Rutledge, for South-Carolina.

Resolved, That the secret committee be directed to send five tons of powder to New-York for the use of the continental troops there, and five tons of powder to the southern department for the use of the troops in said department.

That the said committee be 'directed to return to the colony of Maryland the powder borrowed by Mr. Harrison, and to the colony of New-York, and to the committee of safety of Pennsylvania, the powder borrowed of them:

That the said committee be directed to deliver to the delegates of the Delaware government, one ton of powder, for which they are to be accountable, and to the delegates of New-Jersey, one ton of powder, for which that colony is to be accountable.

Resolved, That the president inform general Schuyler, that the Congress judge it necessary he should remain at Albany to make the proper arrangements respecting the army destined for Canada, and therefore that he establish his head quarters at Albany until farther orders.

Resolved, That Thomas Bullet, esq. be appointed deputy adjutant-general in the southern department, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

Resolved, That the secret committee be directed to deliver to colonel Wayne the arms in their possession, for the use of his battalion, retaining so many as will be necessary for the guard that is to attend the powder to Cambridge.

The order of the day being renewed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

THURSDAY, March 7, 1776.

A letter from general Washington of the 29th of February, and a letter from general Schuyler, of the 23d of the same month, were received and

read.

Resolved, That an order for one hundred thousand dollars be drawn on the treasurers, in favour of the delegates of Connecticut, in part of the money advanced by said colony, on account of the continent; and that the said colo

ny be desired to send forward their accounts, with proper vouchers, in order for liquidation and payment.

The Congress being informed, that Isaac Melchior, on the evening of Saturday last, treated the president of this Congress with great rudeness, and made use of several disrespectful and contemptuous expressions towards him and this Congress,

Ordered, That the said Isaac Melchior attend the Congress to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock, to answer for his conduct.

Resolved, That Edward Hand, esq. be promoted to be colonel of the battalion of riflemen in the army at Cambridge, and James Chambers, esq. to be lieutenant-colonel of the same.

That William Winds, esq. be promoted to be colonel of the first New-Jersey battalion, and that Matthias Ogden, esq. be appointed lieutenant-colonel of the

same.

Resolved, That the committee on qualifications be directed to supply the first and third New-Jersey battalions with proper medicine-chests and instruments. A letter from lord Sterling, with affidavits, relative to the capture of the Amboy packet-boat, was laid before Congress and read:

Resolved, That it be referred to the committee to whom the letters from general Washington were referred.

The committee to whom the letter from the committee of safety of NewHampshire was referred, brought in their report, which was read.

The committee of claims reported, that there is due,

To Hall and Sellers, for printing the continental bills of credit, the sum of 1735.4 dollars:

To Frederick Becking, for 102 reams of paper for the continental bills of credit, the sum of 707.2 dollars:

To the estate of David Hall, deceased, for stationary for the service of Congress, the sum of 50.6 dollars:

To Robert Erwin, for twenty cords of wood, the sum of eighty dollars: To Wallore Meng, for canteen straps, the sum of 84.3 dollars:

To Jared Tracey, for carrying money from Philadelphia to Cambridge, the sum of 36 dollars, and that the same ought to be paid to Josiah Bartlett, esq. To sundries, on certificates for provisions furnished several rifle companies, the sum of 35.3 dollars, and that the same ought to be paid to John Alsop, esq. To Thomas Apty, for boarding several prisoners taken from on board the Rebecca and Ann, the sum of 54.7 dollars.

To Robert Erwin, for wagonage, the sum of 637.7 dollars.
Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.

Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for electing the field officers for the four battalions ordered to be raised in the colony of New-York, for the defence of the said colony.

The order of the day being renewed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

FRIDAY, March 8, 1776.

Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress proceeded to the election of field-officers of the four battalions, ordered to be raised in the colony of New-York, for the defence of the said colony, and the ballots being taken, the following gentlemen were chosen :

Alexander McDougal, esq. colonel, Herman Zedwitz, esq. lieutenant-colonel, Joseph Benedict, esq. major of the first battalion.

James Clinton, esq. colonel, Henry B. Livingston, esq. lieutenant-colonel, Peter P. Schuyler, esq. major of the second battalion.

Frederick Wiesenfels, lieutenant colonel, John Fisher, esq. major of the third battalion.

Cornelius D. Wyncoop, esq. colonel, Philip Courtlandt, esq. lieutenant colonel, John Nicholson, esq. major of the fourth battalion.

The Congress being informed that Mr. Melchior was attending agreeable to the orders of yesterday:

Ordered, That he be called in.

Mr. Melchior appearing, the particulars of the charge were repeated to him, and on his assuring the house of his not remembering his having behaved with the disrespect mentioned, owing to the particular circumstances he happened to be under, and asking pardon of the Congress and president for his indecent behaviour,

Ordered, That in consideration of Mr. Melchior's former services, and his present concessions, he be dismissed from farther attendance.

The committee, to whom the letters from major-general Schuyler, brigadiergeneral Wooster, and brigadier-general Arnold were referred, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon,

Resolved, That the commissioners appointed to go to Canada, be desired to enquire into the cause of the imprisonment of the officers of militia, in that country and others, and take such measures in concert with the commanding officer of the continental forces there, for their enlargement or confinement, as are consistent with the principles of justice, and the safety of the United Colonies.

That the provisions made by general Lee and general Schuyler to supply the army in Canada with pork, the direction given by general Lee to have wheat ground into flour for their use, and his contract with the company of carpenters, be approved; and that Mr Peter Zabriskie, of Hackinsack, be employed to transport the pork, to be procured in New-Jersey, to Hudson's river, according to general Schuyler's desire.

That when the articles specified, in the rations allowed to the prisoners of war, cannot be procured, the persons who supply them with other provisions, be entitled to eight pence, New-York currency, or one-twelfth of a dollar day for every prisoner:

per

That Indians be not employed as soldiers in the armies of the United Colonies, before the tribes to which they belong shall, in a national council, held in the customary manner, have consented thereunto, nor then, without express approbation of Congress.

That general Schuyler be directed to provide such a number of batteaus for the service in Canada, as shall be sufficient for it.

That general Schuyler be desired to purchase the cloth, which Mr. Henry, of Albany, hath for tents.

That the committee of inspection and observation for the city and liberties of Philadelphia, be desired to collect all the gold and silver coin they can, to be exchanged for continental bills of credit, for the service of Canadă.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to enquire and report the best ways and means of supplying the army in Canada with provisions and

necessaries:

The members chosen, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Wolcott, and Mr. L. Morris.

Resolved, That an order for 10,000 dollars, be drawn on the treasurers, in favor of the committee appointed to contract for the making of muskets, the said committee to be accountable.

A letter from colonel Hazen, of the 18th of February last, enclosing an account and estimate of the losses he has sustained, was received and read: Resolved, That the same be referred to Mr. Wythe, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Ward, and Mr. S. Adams, who are directed to examine the said account, and report upon the several articles.

A letter from governor Trumbull, of the 2d, and a letter from general Lee, of the 5th, being received, were read.

Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

VOL. I.

36

SATURDAY, March 9, 1776.

Resolved, That a letter be written to general Washington, desiring him to send captain Conner, of the rifle battalion, to Philadelphia, the Congress having occasion to employ him in the southern department.

The committee appointed to prepare instructions for the commissioners going to Canada, brought in a draught which was read:

Ordered, To lie on the table for the perusal of the members.

Two petitions, one from Stephen Decatur, master of the schooner L'Esperence, and one from John Baptisto Hugonence, master of the Tartar the Marc Anthony, were presented to Congress and read, praying leave to export certain species of produce, on conditions specified in their petitions.

Resolved, That the prayer of said petitions be granted.

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to take into consideration the state of the colonies in the southern department:

The members chosen, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Jay, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Sergeant, and Mr. Sherman.

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be appointed and authorized to sign and number the bills of credit of four millions of dollars, now emitting, viz : Samuel Morris, John Kaighn, Nicholas Garrison, Joseph Watkins, Anthony Morris, Frederick Kuhl, Matthew Clarkson, John Ord, William Webb, Isaac Hazlehurst, Thomas Morris, Mordecai Lewis, Cornelius Barnes, Jonathan B. Smith, Robert Tuckniss, Thomas Coombe, Daniel Clymer, George Campbell, Joseph Parker, Robert Evans, Adam Hubley, Joel Evans, John Mease, John Purviance, Robert Hazlehurst, Walter Shee, Joseph Redman, Phineas Bond, William Masters, John Salter, John Howard, Thomas Leech, Thomas Smith, Philip Kinsey, Robert Roberts, Isaac Howell, James Milligan, Tench Tilghman, Joseph Bullock, David Duncan, John Shaw, jun. James Thompson, Benjamin Brannan, Samuel Sellers, Isaac Pearson, John Sellers, Benjamin Jacobs, Israel Wheelen, Josiah Hewes, Andrew Tybout, George Douglas, Peter Stretch, Samuel C. Morris, Samuel Hillegas, Nathan Sellers, George Gray, jun. James Ash, Samuel Massey, John Williams, and William Coates.

Resolved, That before the signers enter upon their office, they shall respectively take an oath or affirmation before any magistrate, which shall be filed with the committee of the treasury, to the following effect; that they shall well and truly sign and number all the bills to be delivered to them by the inspectors of the press appointed by the Congress, and the same so signed and numbered, shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the continental treasurers, or one of them.

And, for avoiding the dangers from fire, robbery, or negligence,

Resolved, That the inspectors of the press shall not deliver to any class of signers more than two parcels of two hundred sheets each, to be in their hands at any one time.

Resolved, That no oath by way of test be imposed upon, exacted, or required of any of the inhabitants of these colonies, by any military officers.

Resolved, That the secret committee be directed to deliver one ton of powder to the delegates of Maryland, for the public service in that colony. The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday next.

MONDAY, March 11, 1776.

A letter from lord Sterling, of the 8th, enclosing three papers; and

A letter of the convention of New-York, of the 7th, enclosing an application from Patrick Sinclair, a prisoner, for leave to return to Europe, were laid before Congress and read.

The Congress, taking into consideration the letter from the convention of New-York, and the application of P. Sinclair,

Resolved, That Patrick Sinclair be allowed to return to Europe.

Resolved, That an order for 2,500 dollars be drawn on the treasurers in favor of Mr. Alsop, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Sherinan, to enable them to pay for the shoes purchased by them for the northern army.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to confer with gen. Lee, respecting the ways and means of defending New-York.

The members chosen, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. Whipple, and Mr. Rutledge. The committee of claims reported, that there is due,

To Benjamin Town, for 789 canteens, the sum of 341.9 dollars.

Ordered, That the same be paid.

Resolved, That the committee on qualifications be directed to provide six medicine-chests for the six Virginia battalions.

The Congress took into consideration the instructions to the commissioners going to Canada, and having spent some time thereon,

Resolved, That the further consideration thereof be postponed till to-morrow.
The matters to this day referred, being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

TUESDAY, March 12, 1776.

Resolved, That an order for 20,000 dollars be drawn on the treasurers in favor of James Mease, commissary, he to be accountable.

A petition from Edmund Custis, and a letter from the committees of Accomac and Northampton, were presented to Congress and read :

Resolved, That the same be referred to the committee of the whole Congress. A letter from sundry inhabitants of Westmoreland, of the 6th instant, was read:

Ordered, To lie on the table.

A petition from Dr. Hall Jackson, was presented to Congress and read.
Ordered, To lie on the table.

The Congress then resumed the consideration of the instructions to the commissioners going to Canada, and after some time spent thereon,

of

Resolved, That the farther consideration thereof be postponed till to-morrow. The committee to whom the letter from colonel Moses Hazen, and the report persons appointed to state the account of losses and damages sustained by him in Canada, were referred, brought in their report, which was read as fol. lows:

It appears to your committee that the loss and damage sustained by colonel Hazen in Canada, have not been estimated with sufficient accuracy; that some of the articles enumerated in the inventory are presumed to be over-rated, the quantities of several other sreducible to exactness in number, weight, or measure, are not ascertained, and the reasons for the knowledge or belief of any of them by the witnesses are not explicit enough in their examinations; that, although the grain, grass and hay mentioned in the account are admitted by colonel Hazen, in his letter, to have been partly destroyed by the ministerial troops, the whole value is extended; that the estimate of crops are so general, it cannot be discovered by what rule they were formed, or to what standard adjusted; that the damage done to the dwelling-house, stone-house, out-houses, barn, and farms, are not particularized or specified; that a considerable part of what a reimbursement is claimed for, is household furniture, wearing apparel, tools, utensils, cables, and anchors, suggested to have been plundered by the troops of the United Colonies, and Canadians who joined them; and your committee believe that no reparation of the like kind hath yet been made by Congress; and that the profit which might have been made of the mills and houses, if the owner had not been deprived of the use of them, being merely contingent and conjectural, are such as have not usually been made good in similar cases: Whereupon,