privates of the Second Delaware Battalion, raised for the Flying Camp, previous to their being passed by the Commissary "of Musters.

"Ordered, That the same be transcribed, and that Mr. Ridgely "wait on the Council therewith and propose to them the appoint"ment of a committee of their House, to join with the committee "aforesaid, in the business referred to them."

And the same being read, ordered to lie on the table for consideration.

The Speaker laid on the table a letter addressed from the Honorable John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress, inclosing sundry resolutions of the 11th, 27th, 30th and 31st of December last, which were read.

On motion,

Ordered, That the same be referred to a committee of three. Whereupon Messrs. Vandyke, Cantwell and Sykes were appointed a committee for that purpose.

The report of the commissioners appointed to repair to the camps and inquire into the condition of the Battalions under Cols. Haslet and Patterson, and commission a sufficient number of officers for the battalion to be raised in this State to serve during the war, with sundry papers as vouchers of their proceedings, being presented to the Chair, by order, was read and laid on the table for consideration.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock.

Council met.

SATURDAY, January 11th, 1777.

A member from the House of Assembly delivered at the Chair a written paper, subscribed with the name of Jacob Bennett, purporting an account of his being taken by a British ship of war to the southward of Cape Henlopen, and that while a prisoner five persons, supposed to be inhabitants of this State, came in a boat, with some live stock, on board said ship, one of which persons passed there by the name of Daniel Dingee; and the House being informed that John Trip and Levi Potter were prisoners at the same time on board the said ship ;

Ordered, That the Speaker issue notices, by way of summons, to Jacob Bennett and John Trip and to Levi Potter to attend here on Monday next, at 11 o'clock, A. M., to give evidence of their knowledge of the persons aforesaid and their conduct on board the said ship.

The committee to whom the Honorable Mr. Hancock's letter and resolutions of Congress were referred, prayed further time to report thereon, and granted.

Mr. Polk desired leave of absence for a few days to visit his brother, dangerously ill. Granted.

Adjourned to Monday next.

MONDAY, January 13th, 1777.

Council met, but there not being a quorum to proceed on busi

ness, adjourned till to-morrow.

Council met.

TUESDAY, January 14th, 1777

The Speaker reported from the chair that he had issued notices requiring the attendance of Jacob Bennett, John Trip and Levi Potter, agreeable to the order of Saturday.

It appearing to the House that Jacob Bennett and John Trip were sick, their non-attendance is excused till their recovery.

Mr. Dingee, a member of this House, not having attended during the sitting thereof, and a sufficient reason not being assigned for his absence,

Ordered, That the Speaker write to Mr. Dingee requiring his attendance in this House forthwith, and that a messenger be sent with such letter.

The committee to whom the Honorable Mr. Hancock's letter and resolutions of Congress were referred, brought in their report, which, by order, was read and referred till to-morrow. Adjourned till 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

WEDNESDAY, A. M., January 15th, 1777.

Council met, and resumed the consideration of the report of yesterday referred to this day, which was agreed to, as follows:

Your committee, to whom the Honorable Mr. Hancock's letter and resolutions of Congress of the 11th, 27th, 30th and 31st of December last was referred, do report, that they have taken the

same into consideration and are of the opinion that the resolution of the 11th of December aforesaid, recommending the appointment of a day of solemn fasting and humiliation, is highly proper to be complied with, and propose Thursday, the 27th of February next, as a proper day, and that a proclamation issue for that purpose, in the following form, to wit:

A PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS the just war into which the United States of America have been forced by Great Britain is likely to be still continued by the same violence and injustice which have hitherto animated the enemies of American freedom; and whereas it becomes all publick bodies, as well as private persons, to reverence_the Providence of God, and look up to Him as the Supreme Disposer of all events and the Arbiter of the fate of Nations;

Therefore the General Assembly of the Delaware State do appoint Thursday, the 27th of February next, to be observed by all ranks of people within the same as a day of solemn fasting and humiliation, to implore of Almighty God the forgiveness of the many sins prevailing among us, and to beg the countenance, protection and assistance of His Providence in the prosecution of this just and necessary war, and a happy and speedy conclusion of the same.

And it is recommended to Christians of all denominations within this State to assemble for publick worship and to abstain from servile labor and recreation on said day.

Signed by order of the General Assembly.

Given at New Castle,

of January, 1777.

Your committee are also of opinion that the resolution of Congress of the 27th of December, recommending the march of the new levies of this State for the Continental army, by companies or parts of companies, be also complied with; and that it be recommended to the commanding officer of the Delaware Battalion to issue orders to the respective captains thereof to march their companies to Philadelphia, to receive further orders from the commanding officer there, and, if not yet complete, to cause so many as may be already enlisted immediately to repair there, under a proper officer or officers, provided the number shall

amount to thirty-five, leaving one or more officers to recruit, in order to fill up the companies; and that a sum of money be provided for the subsistence of the companies so marching till they arrive at Philadelphia, which, your committee think, will render the appointment of a commissary, to proceed there for the purpose of procuring provisions, unnecessary.

Your committee are further of opinion that the resolution of Congress of the 30th of December, prohibiting the exportation of bacon, salted beef and pork, soap, tallow, and candles, be also complied with and strictly observed by the inhabitants of this State, and that the said resolution be published within the State for their information.

Your committee do likewise recommend that the resolution of Congress of the 31st of December, by which the restrictions heretofore imposed upon the exportation of staves, or other lumber, except to Great Britain, Ireland and the British Islands, or any place under the dominion of Great Britain, is taken off, be also published within this State.

Ordered, That the foregoing resolutions of Council be transcribed and sent to the House of Assembly for their consideration and concurrence, and that Mr. Vandyke deliver the same, together with the President's letter and resolutions of Congress aforesaid.

Adjourned till 3 o'clock.

EODEM DIE, P. M.

Council met.

Mr. Vandyke reported that he had waited on the House of Assembly and delivered the resolutions of this day, with the President's letter, according to order.