'The city and county of New York, having through the Delegates of that Province, applied to Congress for advice how to conduct themselves with regard to the troops expected there, the Congress took the matter into consideration.

'The matter under consideration being resumed, the Congress Resolved, That it be recommended, for the present, to the inhabitants of New York, that, if the troops which are expected should arrive, the said Colony act on the defensive, so long as may be consistent with their safety and security; * * * * and that a sufficient number of men be embodied, and kept in constant readiness, for protecting the inhabitants from insult and injury.

Upon motion,

'Resolved, That Mr. Washington, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. S. Adams, and the delegates from New York,* be a Committee to consider what posts are necessary to be occupied in the Colony of New York, and that they be desired to report as speedily as possible. 'Wednesday, May 17, 1775.

'Resolved unanimously, That all exportations to Quebec, Nova Scotia, the island of St. John's, Newfoundland, Georgia, except the Parish of St. John's, and to East and West Florida, immediately cease, and that no provisions of any kind, or other necessaries, be furnished to the British Fisheries on the American coast, until it be otherwise determined by Congress.

6

May 19. The Committee appointed to consider what posts are necessary to be occupied in the Colony of New York, and by what number of troops, ** * * brought in their report, which, being read, was referred to the Committee of the Whole.' Thursday, May 25th. Secret Journals. 'Resolved, That a post be immedately taken and fortified, at or near King's Bridge, in the Colony of New York, that the ground be chosen with a particular view to prevent a communication between the city of New York and the country from being interrupted by land.

'Resolved, That a post be also taken in the Highlands, on each side of Hudson's River; and batteries erected in such manner as will most effectually prevent any vessels from passing that may be sent to harass the inhabitants on the border of said river; and that experienced persons be immediately sent to examine said river, in order to discover where it will be most advisable and proper to obstruct the navigation.

* See the names of the Delegates, Messrs. Jay, Schuyler, Clinton, Livingston, &c.

'That it be left to the Provincial Congress of New York to determine the number of men sufficient to occupy the several posts above mentioned, and also that already recommended to be taken at or near Lake George, as well as to guard the city; provided the whole do not exceed the number of three thousand men, to be commanded by such officers as shall thereunto be appointed by said Provincial Congress, and to be governed by such rules and regulations as shall be established by said Congress, until further order is taken by this Congress; provided also, that if the said Provincial Congress should be of opinion that the number proposed will not be sufficient for the several services above mentioned, that the said Congress report their sentiments upon this subject to this Congress as soon as may be.

'That it be recommended to the said Provincial Congress, that in raising those forces, they allow no bounties or clothing; and that their pay shall not exceed the establisment of the New England Colonies.

That it be further recommended to the Provincial Congress, aforesaid, that the troops to be established do serve until the last day of December next, unless this Congress shall direct that they be sooner disbanded.

'June 3. Upon motion,

'Resolved, That a Committee be appointed for the purpose of borrowing the sum of six thousand pounds, for the use of America; for the repayment of which, with interest, the Congress will make full and ample provision. And that the said Committee apply the said sum of money for the purchase of gunpowder for the use of the Continental army.

'That the delegates for Pennsylvania compose said Committee, with power as well to borrow the money as to apply it to the purpose intended.'

'June 9. Upon motion,

'Resolved, That this Congress will to-morrow take into consideration the ways and means of raising money.

'Resolved, That the Provincial Convention of New York be requested to convey, as soon as possible, to Providence in Rhode Island, or to any port in the Government of Massachusetts Bay, five thousand barrels of Flour for the use of the Continental army. 'Resolved, That the Committee of Corespondence at Providence, and in the Government of Massachusetts Bay, where the said Flour may be carried, be desired to receive and forward it to the Camp before Boston as soon as may be; and to lodge such part thereof as cannot be immediately sent thither, in places of security.

'Resolved, That this Congress will make provision for defraying any expense incurred for this service.

June 10. Resolved, That it be, and it is hereby earnestly recommended to the several Colonies of New Hampshire, Rhode

Island, Connecticut, and the interior towns of Massachusetts Bay, that they immediately furnish the American army, before Boston, with as much powder out of their town, and other public stocks, as they can possibly spare; keeping an exact account of the quantities supplied, that it may be again replaced, or paid for by the Continent. This to be effected with the utmost secrecy and despatch.'

PUBLIC JOURNALS.

'May 26. Resolved unanimously, That the militia of New York be armed and trained, and in constant readiness to act at a moment's warning; and that a number of men be immediately embodied, and kept in that city, and so disposed of as to give protection to the inhabitants, in case any insult should be offered by the troops that may land there, and to prevent any attempts that may be made to gain possession of the city, and interrupt its intercourse with the country.'

May 27. The President laid before Congress a letter from the Convention of New Jew Jersey, which was read and referred to the Committee of the Whole.'

Upon motion, Agreed, That Mr. Washington, Mr. Schuyler, Mr. Mifflin, Mr. Deane, Mr. Morris, and Mr. S. Adams, be a Committee to consider on ways and means to supply these Colonies with ammunition and military stores.'

'June 1. A petition from the Committee representing the people in that part of Augusta county, in the Colony of Virginia, on the West side of the Alleghany mountain, was laid before Congress and read, intimating "fears of a rupture with the Indians." * * Ordered, That the above be referred to the Delegates of Virginia and Pennsylvania.'

*

'June 2. The President laid before the Congress a letter from the Provincial Convention of Massachusetts Bay, dated May 16, which was read, setting forth the difficulties they labor under, for want of a regular form of government, * * * * requesting the Congress to favor them with "explicit advice respecting the taking up and exercising the powers of civil government," and declaring their readiness to "submit to such a general plan as the Congress may direct for the Colonies, or make it their great study to establish such a form of government there as shall not only promote their advantage but the union and interest of all America."

'June 3. The letter from the Convention of Massachusetts Bay being again read,

'Resolved, That a committee of five persons be chosen to consider the same, &c., Messrs. J. Rutledge, Johnson, Jay, Wilson, and Lee.

'Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to bring in an estimate of the money necessary to be raised.

'The Congress then proceeded to choose, by ballot, Mr. Wash

ington, Mr. Schuyler, Mr. Deane, Mr. Cushing, and Mr. Hewes, for that committee.

'June 7. The committee appointed to make an estimate of the money necessary to be raised, brought in their report, which was read and referred to the committee of the whole.

'On motion,

'Resolved, That Thursday the 20th of July next, be observed throughout the twelve United Colonies, as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer; and that Mr. Hooper, Mr. J. Adams, and Mr. Paine, be a committee to bring in a resolve for that purpose.'

'June 9. The report of the committee, on the letter from the Convention of Massachusetts Bay, being again read, the Congress came to the following resolution:

'Resolved, That no obedience being due to the Act of Parliament for altering the Charter of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, nor to a governor, or a lieutenant-governor, who will not observe the directions of, but endeavor to subvert that Charter, the governor and lieutenant-governor of that Colony are to be considered as absent, and their offices vacant; and as there is no council there, and the inconveniences, especially at a time when Gen. Gage hath actually levied war, and is carrying on hostilities against his Majesty's peaceable and loyal subjects of that Colony; that, in order to conform as near as may be to the spirit and substance of the Charter, it be recommended to the Provincial Convention, to write letters to the inhabitants of the several places, which are entitled to representation in Assembly, requesting them to choose such representatives, and that the Assembly when chosen, do elect councillors; and that such Assembly, or council, exercise the powers of government, until a governor, of his Majesty's appointment, will consent to govern the Colony according to its Charter.

Ordered, That the President transmit a copy of the above to the Convention of Massachusetts Bay.'

'June 12. The Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the ways and means of raising money, and having spent thereon the remainder of the day and the day following, adjourned to Wednesday at nine o'clock.'

June 14. The Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the state of America; and Mr. Ward reported that the committee had come to certain resolutions, which he was ordered to report.

The resolutions being read, were agreed to as follows:

'Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia.

'That each company, as soon as completed, march and join the

army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief officer in that army.*

*

"That the form of the enlistment be in the following words:

'I, have this day voluntarily enlisted myself, as a soldier, in the American Continental army, for one year, unless sooner discharged.

*

' Upon motion,

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to prepare rules and regulations for the government of the army.

'The following persons were chosen to compose that committee: Mr. Washington, Mr. Schuyler, Mr. Deane, Mr. Cushing, and Mr. Hewes.'

'Thursday, June 15. The report of the committee being read and considered, Resolved, That a General be appointed to command all the continental forces, raised, or to be raised, for the defence of American liberty.

That five hundred dollars per month be allowed for the pay and expenses of the General.

The Congress then proceeded to the choice of a General, by ballot, and George Washington, Esq., was unanimously elected.' 'Friday, June 16. The President informed Col. Washington that the Congress had yesterday unanimously made choice of him to be General and Commander-in-chief of the American forces; to which Col. Washington, standing in his place, answered:

"MR. PRESIDENT,

"Though I am truly sensible of the high honor done me, in this appointment, yet I feel great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust. However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momenteous duty and exert every power 1 possess in their service, and for support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation.

"But, lest some unlucky event should happen, unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered, by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.

"As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress, that, as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this ar

*On the 22d, two companies in addition to these ten, were ordered to be raised in Pennsylvania. These riflemen were the first troops ordered to be raised by the General Congress; the army then before Boston having been raised entirely by the New England Colonies. All these twelve companies were prepared and marched, in greater numbers than the limit of Congress, to the lines before Boston, within two months after the resolve of the 14th. Captain Daniel Morgan, who commanded one of them, and who was much distinguished for efficiency during the war, marched in three weeks the distance from Frederick county, in Virginia, six hundred miles.