after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported, that the committee have had under consideration the matter referred to them, and have come to a resolution thereon, which he read and delivered in. The resolution of the committee of the whole was again read, and the determination thereof, at the request of a colony, was postponed till to-morrow. The committee to whom the application in favor of Mrs. Bellew was referred, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration: Whereupon, Resolved, That a passport be granted to Mrs. Bellew to come to thè city of Philadelphia, under escort of a continental officer, and that she may reside safely and unmolested in the said city, until her friends in New-England come to escort her to Marblehead, when a safe conduct shall also be granted to her for that journey, and for her residence there during her pleasure. The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow. FRIDAY, May 10, 1776. A letter of the 7th, from general Washington, and one of the 3d, from Thomas Cushing, were laid before Congress, and read: Ordered, That they be referred to the committee on the state of the eastern colonies. A letter from Monsieur Docaisor was read: Ordered, That it be referred to the secret committee. The committee to whom was referred the consideration of general Washington's letter, of the 5th, and the papers enclosed, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration: Whereupon, Resolved, That a copy of the resolutions passed the 1st day of April last, establishing the mode of settling the public accounts, be transmitted to the general : That the resolution of Congress, passed the 17th of January last, allowing one dollar and one-third of a dollar to the officers, in lieu of expenses for inlisting each soldier, being a general regulation, extends to the troops raised in the eastern department; and that the general be directed to make that allowance for all the troops inlisted since the time of passing the said resolution: That, as the road recommended by general Washington to be opened between the town of Newbury, on Connecticut river, and the province of Canada, will facilitate the march and return of the troops employed in that quarter, and promote the public service, the general be directed to prosecute the plan he has formed, respecting the said road: That ten tons of gun-powder be sent to New-York : That 400,000 dollars be sent to the pay-master general for the use of the army in New-York and the Massachusetts-Bay : That the commanding officers in the different departments and posts, shall make monthly returns to the commander in chief of the continental army, of the number and state of the troops, and the military stores in their respective departments : That this Congress has hitherto exercised, and ought to retain the power of promoting the officers in the continental service according to their merit; and that no promotion or succession shall take place upon any vacancy, without the authority of a continental commission. Congress resumed the consideration of the resolution reported from the committee of the whole, and the same was agreed to as follows: Resolved, That it be recommended to the respective assemblies and conventions of the United Colonies, where no government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs hath been hitherto established, to adopt such government as shall, in the opinion of the representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular, and America in general. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare a preamble to the foregoing resolution: The members chosen, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. R. H. Lee. Resolved, That the secret committee be directed to sell to col. David Potter, and capt. Daniel Maskell, 200 lbs. of powder, and 1,000 lbs. of lead for the use of the inhabitants of Bridgetown, Cumberland county, in New-Jersey. The committee to whom were referred the letter from general Washington of the 25th and 26th of April, the case of Alexander Ross, and the letter from general Lee, brought in a report, which was read. The committee appointed to take into consideration the state of the eastern colonies, brought in a report, which was read. Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the state of the United Colonies; and, after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported, that the committee have had under consideration the matter referred to them, but not having had time to finish their enquiries, desired him to move for leave to sit again. Resolved, That Congress will, on Monday next, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the state of the United Colonies. Resolved, That the committee of secret correspondence be directed to lay their proceedings before Congress on Monday next, withholding the names of the persons they have employed, or with whom they have corresponded. The committee appointed to consider the propriety of exchanging seamen, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon, Resolved, That lieutenant Ball, of the Roebuck, and the three seamen that were taken with him, and are now prisoners in the lower counties on Delaware, be exchanged for captain Budden and his son, Seth Davis, and Samuel Conyers: That six of the seamen now prisoners in Philadelphia, to be named by the committee of safety of Pennsylvania, may be given in exchange for the following persons, viz. Mr. Lightbody, James Hage, Fortescue, a pilot boy; William Martin, Jacob Wilson, and John Durry: That the said exchange of prisoners be conducted by such proper persons as the committee of safety of Pennsylvania may appoint for that purpose. The committee, to whom was referred the letter from Ab. Livingston, offering to cancel the contract he had made with a committee of the convention of New-York, for supplying the forces in that colony with provisions, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon, Resolved, That Mr. Ab. Livingston, in voluntarily resigning a contract which might have been so profitable to him, has exhibited an example of public spirit, and Congress accept the resignation of his contract. Resolved, That the committee appointed to devise ways and means for retaking Moses Kirkland, be empowered to send an express to the southward, and desire the committees or councils of safety of the southern colonies, to use their utmost endeavours to have him apprehended, and that they offer a reward of one hundred dollars, in addition to the hundred already offered, for apprehending and securing the said Moses Kirkland. Resolved, That it be recommended to the council of safety of Pennsylvania, to examine into the conduct of the gaoler, who had the charge and custody of Moses Kirkland, and if they find him culpable, that they have him removed. Resolved, That George Morgan, esq. agent under the commissioners for Indian affairs in the middle department, be directed to purchase the Indian goods, said to be at Pittsburg, for the use of the United Colonies. Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on the case of Alexander Ross; Whereupon, Resolved, That the said Alexander Ross be discharged from confinement. Adjourned to ten o'clock to morrow. SATURDAY, May 11, 1776. A petition from John Jacobs, in behalf of himself and others, was presented to Congress, and read: Ordered, That it be referred to a committee of three. The members chosen, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Rutledge. Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on the state of the eastern colonies; Whereupon, Resolved, That the two battalions, directed by the assembly of RhodeIsland to be raised, be taken into continental pay; the battalion ordered to be raised in November last, from the time they were armed, clothed, and fit for duty; and the one since ordered to be raised, from the present time; provided they be armed, clothed, and fit for service; and that, if they be not so armed and appointed, they be taken into continental pay, as soon as they shall be armed and mustered: Resolved, That the remainder of the report be referred to a committee of the whole Congress. Resolved, That the standing committee for Indian affairs be directed to take measures, for carrying into execution the resolution of the 6th, for holding a treaty with the Indians, in the different departments, as soon as practicable. That the 20th of July be fixed on for holding a treaty, at Pittsburg, with the Indians, in the middle department; and that the standing committee be directed to inform the agent, and desire him to notify the Indians, and invite them to attend at the time and place mentioned: and also, that the said committee inform the commissioners, and desire them to attend. Resolved, That John Harvey be appointed a commissioner for Indian affairs in the middle department. Certain resolutions of the board of officers in Philadelphia, and a petition from the committee of privates of the military association of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, were presented to Congress, and read: Ordered, That they be referred to a committee of the whole Congress. A memorial from Caunier de la Berthaudure was presented to Congress, and read: Ordered, To lie on the table. Resolved, That two sets of trepanning instruments be sent to Virginia for the use of the surgeons of the continental troops there; and that two sets of trepanning instruments, and 100 lb. of Peruvian bark, be sent to North-Carolina, for the use of the continental troops in that colony. Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the report of the committee on the state of the colonies in the eastern department, and the resolves of the officers, and petition of the committee of privates of the military association of the city and liberties of Philadelphia; and, after some time spent thereon, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported, that the committee had taken into consideration the matters to them referred, and had come to a resolution thereupon; but, not having time to finish, desired him to move for leave to sit again. The resolution reported from the committee of the whole Congress being read, Resolved, That the farther consideration thereof be postponed to Monday next. Resolved, That Congress will, on Monday next, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the report of the committee on the state of the colonies in the eastern department, and the resolves of the officers, and petition of the privates of the military association of the city and liberties of Philadelphia. Resolved, That the secret committee be directed to send 500 lb. of powder to the committee of safety of Delaware government, for the use of their militia. The committee of claims reported, that there is due, On account rendered by the committee for the upper district of Frederick county, in Virginia, of the expenses incurred by captain John Nelson's company of riflemen, the sum of 1415.4 dollars, and that the same ought to be paid to Michael Fackler, and that the said company ought to be charged with the sum of 1016 dollars, the amount of rifles and goods, &c. furnished for their use, the remainder, being for provisions and wagonage, to be charged to the continent. To Andrew McNair for attendance and for candles, &c. the sum of 181.9 dollars, in full of his account to the 30th of April last: To Robert Erwin, wagon-master, for five teams that went to Canada, a balance of 699.6 dollars: To Walter Drummond, for nursing several persons belonging to captain Benezet's company, the sum of 27 dollars: To George London, for 34 days wagonage for the 6th battalion, the sum of 117.5 dollars. Ordered, That the said accounts be paid. MONDAY, May 13, 1776. A letter of the 9th from general Washington, was laid before Congress and read: Ordered, That it be referred to the committee on qualifications. Sundry petitions were presented to Congress and read, viz. One from Dr. Benjamin Church, and one from Benjamin, Samuel and Edward Church, with a certificate from three physicians respecting the health of Dr. B. Church; also one from John Connolly and John Smith, accompanied with a letter from Dr. Cadwallader: Ordered, That they be referred to the committee on prisoners. A letter of the 3d from George Morgan, at Pittsburg, was read: Ordered, That it be referred to the standing committee on Indian affairs. Resolved, That Mrs. Connolly have leave to visit her husband in gaol. Agreeable to order, the committee of secret correspondence laid before Congress a copy of their proceedings. The committee appointed to prepare a preamble to the resolution of Congress passed the 10th, brought in a draught, which was read: Ordered, That the consideration thereof be postponed till to-morrow. A letter of the 4th from Edmund Pendleton, president of the committee of safety of Virginia, was laid before Congress, and read. The committee of claims reported, that there is due, To A. C. Hanson, for the expenses of two gentlemen, a private soldier, and a servant, on an expedition to New-York, the sum of 76.4 dollars: To Rachel Stille, for boarding prisoners now in Trenton, and including captain Chase's bill of 8.5 dollars, and a bill of wagonage, the sum of 290.9 dollars. To Robert Erwin, wagon-master, for wagonage of powder from Egg-harbour to Philadelphia, the sum of 247 dollars: To Frederick Bicking, for paper for the continental bills of credit, the sum of 1109.3 dollars: To Gunning Bedford, deputy muster-master general, for his pay and expenses to the 17th of April last, the sum of 455.6 dollars: Ordered, That the said accounts be paid. Congress resumed the consideration of the resolution reported from the committee of the whole; and, after debate, the determination thereof, at the request of a colony, was postponed till to-morrow. The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow. TUESDAY, May 14, 1776. A letter of the 11th from general Washington, enclosing sundry papers; a letter of the third from general Schuyler, and a letter of the 9th from Daniel Robertson, were laid before Congress, and read: Resolved, That they be referred to a commmittee of three : The members chosen, Mr. W. Livingston, Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. J Adams. The committee to whom the petition of Dr. Benjamin Church, now confined in gaol in Norwich, in the colony of Connecticut, and a petition from Benjamin, Samuel, and Edward Church, together with a certificate from physicians, respecting the dangerous state of the aforesaid Dr. Church, were referred, brought in their report, which was read and agreed to: Whereupon, Resolved, That Dr. Benjamin Church be sent to the colony of Massachusetts-Bay, and that the council of the said colony be requested to take a recognizance from him, with two good sureties, in such penalty as they shall think sufficient, not being less than one thousand pounds, lawful money, for his appearance before such court as shall be erected for his trial, and at such time and place as such court shall direct, and to abide the judgment of the same; and that they be farther requested, to take his parole, not to hold any correspondence with the enemies of the United Colonies, or at any time, to depart out of the said colony, without their license; and that, upon the performance thereof, the said Dr. Benjamin Church be set at liberty. The assembly of Rhode-Island, having appointed two delegates to represent that colony in Congress, the credentials of their appointment were laid before Congress, and read, as follows: "The governor and company of the English colony of Rhode-Island (L.S.) and Providence Plantations, in general assembly convened, to Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery, esqs. greeting: Whereas this assembly, reposing special trust and confidence in your abilities and integrity, have appointed you, the said Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery, delegates, to represent this colony in general Congress; you are, therefore, hereby empowered to join with the delegates of the other United Colonies, in Congress, at Philadelphia, as soon as conveniently may be, or at such time and place as shall be agreed upon by the major part of the delegates from the said colonies. You are also authorized and empowered to consult and advise with the delegates of the said colonies in Congress, upon the most proper measures for promoting and confirming the strictest union and confederation between the said United Colonies, for exerting their whole strength and force to annoy the common enemy, and to secure the said colonies their rights and liberties, both civil and religious, whether by entering into treatise with any prince, state, or potentate, or by such other prudent and effectual ways and means as shall be devised and agreed on; and, in conjunction with the delegates from the said United Colonies, or the major part of them, to enter into and adopt all such measures, taking the greatest care to secure to this colony, in the strongest and most perfect manner, its present established form, and all the powers of government, so far as relates to its internal police and conduct of our own affairs, civil and religious. You are also instructed and directed, to exert your utmost abilities, in carrying on this just and necessary war, in which we are engaged against cruel and unnatural enemies, in the most vigorous manner, until peace shall be restored to the said colonies, and their rights and liberties secured upon solid and permanent basis. You are also empowered, to join with the major part of the delegates to the said United Colonies, in adjourning, from time to time, and to such place or places as shall be thought proper for and during one year. And, as it may happen, that from sickness or other ne |