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VIRGINIA,

Mr. Edmund Pendleton,

Mr. Benjamin Harrison, and
Mr. Richard Bland.

NORTH CAROLINA, Mr. William Hooper,

Mr. Joseph Hewes, and

Mr. Richard Caswell.

SOUTH CAROLINA, Mr. Henry Middleton,
Mr. Thomas Lynch,

Mr. Christopher Gadsden,
Mr. John Rutledge, and
Mr. Edward Rutledge.

The members being convened in the state house, proceeded to the choice of a President: when upon motion,

The honourable Peyton Randolph was unanimously chosen President.

After the President was seated,

Mr. Charles Thomson was unanimously chosen Secretary.

Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Duché be requested to open the Congress with prayers to-morrow morning, and that Mr. Willing, Mr. Sullivan, and Mr. Bland, be a committee to wait on Mr. Duché, and acquaint him of the request of the Congress.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, 11 o'clock.

MAY 19, 1775.

Congress then resolved themselves into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the state of America.

And after some time spent therein, the President resumed the chair; and Mr. Ward reported from the committee, That they had proceeded in the business; but not having come to a conclusion, desired him to move for leave to sit again.

Resolved, That this Congress will to-morrow again resolve itself into a committee of the whole to take into their further consideration the state of America.

MAY 25, 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment; and agreeably to the order of the day, again resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their further consideration the state of America.

And after some time spent therein, the President resumed the chair; and Mr. Ward reported from the committee, That they had come to certain resolutions respecting New York, which he was desired to report; but not having gone through the rest of the business referred to them, the committee desired him to move for leave to sit again.

The resolutions being severally read and agreed to, are as follows:

Resolved, That a post be immediately 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 the 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 passing, that may be sent to harass the inhabitants on the borders 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.

That it be left to the provincial congress of New York to determine the number of men sufficient to occupy the several posts abovementioned, 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 recommended, 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 establishment of the New England colonies.

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

A motion being made for an addition to the foregoing resolutions, after some debate, the same was re

ferred till to-morrow, to which time the Congress adjourned.

Upon motion,

JUNE 3, 1775.

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 to 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.

Upon motion,

JUNE 9, 1775.

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 correspondence 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.

Ordered, That a copy of the above resolves be immediately transmitted by the President, to the convention of New York.

JUNE 10, 1775.

Resolved, That it be, and it is hereby earnestly recommended to the several colonies of New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and the interiour towns of Massachusetts Bay, that they immediately furnish the American army before Boston with as much powder out of their town, and other publick 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.

JUNE 16, 1775.

Resolved, That the provincial convention of New York be desired immediately to apply to governour Trumbull, to order the Connecticut troops now stationed at Greenwich, Stanford, and parts adjacent, to march towards New York; and that part of them occupy such posts upon that island, as the said provincial convention shall judge best adapted to prevent the communication between the town and country

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