The Congress then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration the memorial from the merchants, traders, and others, inhabitants of Philadelphia, the memorial from Edmund Custis, the letters from the committees of Accomac and Northampton, and the petition of Joseph Blewer and Daniel Robinson, and, after some time, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported, that the committee have had under consideration the matters to them referred, and have come to sundry resolutions, which they directed him to lay before Congress:

The report of the committee being read,

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to draw a declaration pursuant to said report, and lay the same before Congress:

The members chosen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Wilson.

Resolved, That it be an instruction to said committee, to receive and insert a clause or clauses, that "all seamen and mariners on board of merchant-ships and vessels, taken and condemned as prizes, shall be entitled to their pay, according to the terms of their contracts, until the time of condemnation." The committee to whom the letter and queries of Mr. Mease, were referred, brought in their report, which was read:

Ordered, To lie on the table.

Resolved, That Mr. Whipple be appointed a member of the marine committee, and of the committee for receiving the applications and examining the qualifications of gentlemen applying for offices in the continental service.

The committee to whom the letters from general Washington, dated the 14th and 26th of February last, and the letter from lord Sterling, of the 25th of same month, were referred, brought in their report, which was read; and the same being taken into consideration,

Resolved, That the first part thereof be re-committed.

Resolved, That the value of the passage boat, York, be made good to Michael Kearney, jun. the owner thereof; it appearing that she was impressed into the continental service, and employed in taking the ship Blue-Mountain Valley, and for that reason, afterwards seized and detained by order of captain Parker, commander of the British ship of war Phoenix; and that lord Sterling be desired to appoint proper persons to value said boat, and report such valuation to Congress.

Resolved, That a member be elected for the secret committee, in the room of Mr. Bartlett, who is absent.

The ballots being taken,

Mr. R. H. Lee was elected.

Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

WEDNESDAY, March 20, 1776.

A letter form lord Sterling, of the 16th, was laid before Congress, and read. Resolved, That three members be elected for the committee appointed to consider the propriety of a war-office, in the room of three, who are necessarily absent:

for

The members chosen, Mr. Duane, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. Johnson. Resolved, That the sum of 3000 dollars be advanced to colonel Magaw, the purpose of purchasing fire arms for his battalion, he to be accountable. The Congress resumed the consideration of the instructions and commission to the deputies or commissioners going to Canada, and the same being debated. by paragraphs, were agreed to as follows:

You are, with all convenient despatch, to repair to Canada, and make known to the people of that country, the wishes and intentions of the Congress with respect to them.

VOL. I.

ST

Represent to them, that the arms of the United Colonies, having been carried into that province for the purpose of frustrating the designs of the British court against our common liberties, we expect not only to defeat the hostile machi nations of governor Carleton against us, but that we shall put it into the power of our Canadian brethren, to pursue such measures for securing their own freedom and happiness, as a generous love of liberty and sound policy shall dictate to them.

Inform them, that in our judgment, their interests and ours are inseparably united; that it is impossible we can be reduced to a servile submission to GreatBritain without their sharing our fate: And, on the other hand, if we shall obtain, as we doubt not we shall, a full establishment of our rights, it depends wholly on their choice, whether they will participate with us in those blessings, or still remain subject to every act of tyranny, which British ministers shall please to exercise over them. Urge all such arguments as your prudence shall suggest, to enforce our opinion concerning the mutual interest of the two countries, and to convince them of the impossibility of the war being concluded to the disadvantage of these colonies, if we wisely and vigorously cooperate with each other.

To convince them of the uprightness of our intentions towards them, you are to declare, that it is our inclination, that the people of Canada may set up such a form of government, as will be most likely, in their judgment, to produce their happiness: And you are, in the strongest terms, to assure them, that it is our earnest desire to adopt them into our union, as a sister colony, and to secure the same general system of mild and equal laws for them and for ourselves, with only such local differences as may be agreeable to each colony respectively.

Assure the people of Canada, that we have no apprehension that the French will take any part with Great-Britain; but, that it is their interest, and we have reason to believe their inclination, to cultivate a friendly intercourse with these colonies.

You are from this, and such other reasons as may appear most proper, to urge the necessity the people are under of immediately taking some decisive step, to put themselves under the protection of the United Colonies. For expediting such a measure, you are to explain to them our method of collecting the sense of the people, and conducting our affairs regularly by committees of observation and inspection in the several districts, and by conventions and committees of safety in the several colonies. Recommend these modes to them. Explain to them the nature and principles of government among freemen; developing, in contrast to those, the base, cruel, and insidious designs involved in the late act of parliament, for making a more effectual provision for the government of the province of Quebec. Endeavour to stimulate them by motives of glory, as well as interest, to assume a part in a contest, by which they must be deeply affected; and to aspire to a portion of that power, by which they are ruled; and not to remain the mere spoils and prey of conquerors and lords.

You are further to declare, that we hold sacred the rights of conscience, and may promise to the whole people, solemnly in our name, the free and undisturbed exercise of their religion; and, to the clergy, the full, perfect, and peaceable possession and enjoyment of all their estates; that the government of every thing relating to their religion and clergy, shall be left entirely in the hands of the good people of that province, and such legislature as they shall constitute; provided, however, that all other denominations of Christians be equally entitled to hold offices, and enjoy civil privileges, and the free exercise of their religion, and be totally exempt from the payment of any tithes or taxes for the support of any religion.

Inform them, that you are vested, by this Congress, with full powers to ef

ง

fect these purposes; and, therefore, press them to have a complete representation of the people assembled in convention, with all possible expedition, to deliberate concerning the establishment of a form of government, and an union with the United Colonies. As to the terms of union, insist on the propriety of their being similar to those on which the other colonies unite. Should they object to this, report to this Congress the objections, and the terms on which alone they will come into our union. Should they agree to our terms, you are to promise in the names of the United Colonies, that we will defend and protect the people of Canada against all enemies, in the same manner as we will defend and protect any of the United Colonies.

You are to establish a free press, and to give directions for the frequent publication of such pieces as may be of service to the cause of the United Colonies. You are to settle all disputes between the Canadians and the continental troops, and to make such regulations relating thereto, as you shall judge proper. You are to make a strict and impartial enquiry into the cause of the imprisonment of colonel Du Free, lieutenant colonel Nefeu, major St. George Du Pree, and major Gray, officers of the militia, and of John Frazer, esq. late a judge of the police of Montreal, and take such orders concerning them as you shall judge most proper.

In reforming any abuses you may observe in Canada, establishing and enforcing regulations for preservation of peace and good order there, and composing differences between the troops of the United Colonies and the Canadians, all officers and soldiers are required to yield obedience to you; and, to enforce the decisions that you or any two of you may make, you are empowered to suspend any military officer from the exercise of his commission, till the pleasure of the Congress shall be known, if you, or any two of you, shall think it expédient.

You are also empowered to sit and vote as members of councils of war, in directing fortifications and defences to be made, or to be demolished, by land or by water; and to draw orders on the president for any sums of money, not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars in the whole, to defray the expense of the works.

Lastly, you are by all the means you can use, to promote the execution of the resolutions now made, or hereafter to be made, in Congress.

On motion, Resolved, That the following additional instructions be given to the commissioners aforesaid:

You are empowered and directed to promote and encourage the trade of, Canada with the Indian nations, and to grant passports for the carrying it on as far as it may consist with the safety of the troops, and the public good.

You are also directed and authorized to assure the inhabitants of Canada, that their commerce with foreign nations shall, in all respects, be put upon an equal footing with, and encouraged and protected in the same manner, as the trade of the United Colonies.

You are also directed to use every wise and prudent measure to introduce and give credit and circulation to the continental money in Canada.

In case the former resolution of Congress respecting the English American troops in Canada, has not been carried into effect, you are directed to use your best endeavors for forming a battalion of the New-York troops in that country, and to appoint the field and other officers out of the gentlemen who have continued there during the campaign, according to their respective ranks and merit. And, if it should be found impracticable, you are to direct such of them as are provided for in the four battalions now raising in New-York, to repair to their respective corps. To enable you to carry this resolution into effect, you are furnished with blank commissions, signed by the president.

Resolved, That the memorial from the Indian traders, residing at Montreal, be delivered to the commissioners going to Canada.

The draught of the commission being taken into consideration, and debated by paragraphs, was agreed to as follows:

The delegates of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire, &c. to Benjamin Franklin, L. L. D. member of the royal academy of sciences at Paris, F. R.S. &c. &c. &c. one of the delegates of the colony of Pennsylvania; Samuel Chase, esq. one of the delegates of the colony of Maryland, and Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, esq. of the said colony of Maryland, greeting: Know ye, that we, reposing special trust and confidence in your zeal, fidelity, abilities, and assiduity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you, or any two of you, commissioners for and on behalf of us, and all the people of the United Colonies, whom we represent to promote, or to form a union between the said colonies and the people of Canada, according to the instructions herewith delivered you, and such as you may hereafter receive; and to execute all such matters and things as you are or shall be directed by your said instructions; and we do require all officers, soldiers, and others, who may facilitate your negotiation, or promote the success thereof, to aid and assist you therein; and you are from time to time, to transmit and report your proceedings to Congress. This commission to continue in force till revoked by this or a future Congress.

Dated at Philadelphia, this

day of
By order of Congress.

Resolved, That Mr. Franklin, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Chase be appointed to confer with Mr. Wrixon, to examine into his military abilities, and enquire whether he is willing to engage in the service of the United-Colonies, and report to Congress.

Colonel St. Clair having informed Congress that Michael Hufnagel, appointed a first-lieutenant, and James O'Hara, and Abel Morris, appointed ensigns in his battalion, have declined to accept their commissions, the committee on qualifications recommended Thomas Butler in the room of M. Hufnagel, George M'Culloch in the room of James O'Hara, and George Ross in the room of Abel Morris.

Resolved, That commissions be granted accordingly.

Resolved, That the committee of safety of New-Jersey be desired to remove the prisoners from Trenton, to such place or places in that colony, as may be thought convenient, at a proper distance from the sea and the post roads, subject to the regulations formerly made respecting prisoners.

Resolved, That all officers, prisoners, who shall refuse to subscribe the parole ordered by Congress, be committed to prison.

The committee appointed to promote the making of muskets, to whom colonel Dayton's letter respecting the quality of the arms taken by colonel Heard, on Long-Island, was referred, brought in their report, which was read: Whereupon, the Congress came to the following resolution:

Whereas in the execution of the resolve of Congress of the 14th, respecting the disarming of disaffected persons, many fire-arms may be taken, which may not be fit to arm any of the troops mentioned therein: Therefore,

Resolved, That all the fire-arms so taken, being appraised according to said resolve, none of them shall be paid for, but those that are fit for the use of such troops, or that may conveniently be so made, and the remainder shall be safely kept by the said assemblies, conventions, councils or committees of safety, for the owners, to be delivered to them when the Congress shall direct.

The committee appointed to consider the best ways and means of supplying the army in Canada with provisions and necessaries, brought in their report, which was read:

Resolved, That the same be referred for consideration till to-morrow.

A petition of John Secord was presented to Congress and read, and the consideration thereof, at the request of a colony, was deferred till to-morrow.

The committee of claims reported, that there is due,

To Abraham Hunt, for provisions, fire-wood, &c. to the prisoners at Trenton, and for horse-hire for the public service, the sum of 607.6 dollars:

To Ephraim Blaine, esq. for necessaries furnished the rifle companies, the sum of 129.7 dollars; of which sum, 44.3 dollars are to be charged to captain Hendricks, and 65 dollars to captain Chambers:

To sundries, on certificates for necessaries furnished to one of the rifle companies, the sum of 122.5 dollars, of which sum 101.4 dollars, being for rifles, &c. furnished to captain Cluggage's company, to be charged to said company; the amount of the certificates to be paid to Bernard Dougherty, esq

To William Bausman, for provisions, &c. furnished the prisoners in Lancaster, the sum of 1528.8 dollars:

To the committee of Frederick, the sum of 52.7 dollars, to be paid to Thomas Johnson, esq :

To Francis Lee, for 483 meals dieting of general Lee's guard, the sum of 48.3 dollars:

To Conrad Ulster, for 185 meals dieting the said men, 19 dollars:

To Mary Bryant, for 288 meals dieting the said men, 28 dollars:

To Ann Todd, for 158 meals dieting the said men, the sum of 15.8 dollars. Ordered, That the above accounts be paid.

Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.

THURSDAY, March 21, 1776.

A letter of the 7th from general Schuyler, with a return of the forces before Quebec, was laid before Congress, and read :

Resolved, That it be referred to Mr. Wythe, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. S. Adams.

Resolved, That general Washington be directed to send an account of the troops in his camp, who are deficient in arms, to the several assemblies or conventions of the colonies, to which those men belong; and request them to send a sufficient number of arms for the men coming from the respective colonies, and that, if arms cannot be procured, such as have not arms be dismissed the service.

Resolved, That the committee of safety of Pennsylvania be requested to employ some trusty persons in each county, to purchase as many good muskets as will be sufficient to arm the battalions raised in said colony; and that they exert their utmost diligence in procuring the said arms speedily, and on the most reasonable terms; that an order for 12,000 dollars be drawn on the treasurers, in favor of said committee, to pay for the arms, the said committee to be accountable.

Resolved, That the sum of 600 dollars be sent to colonel Charles Stuart, and that he be desired to muster captain Woolverton's company, and when he finds them properly armed, accoutred, and ready to march, to furnish them with necessaries, and expedite their march to New-York, agreeable to the orders of Congress; Mr. Stuart to be accountable for the money put into his hands.

Resolved, That Monsieur le chevalier de St. Aulaire be permitted to raise an independent company of rangers in Canada, with the pay of a captain, or, in case he shall not be able to raise such a company, that he be recommended to the commanding officer in Canada, to be employed in such service there as may be thought suitable to his genius and ability.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the several assemblies, conventions, and councils or committees of safety, and committees of correspondence and inspection, that they exert their utmost endeavors to promote the culture of hemp, flax, and cotton, and the growth of wool in these United Colonies.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the said assemblies, conventions, and councils or committees of safety, that they take the earliest measures for erecting and establishing, in each and every colony a society for the improvement of