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have been forced into for the defence of our dearest

privileges.

We see with inexpressible joy the favourable manner in which you have received the just and equitable remonstrances of your friends and countrymen, who have no other views than those of strengthening and establishing the cause of liberty. The services you have already rendered the common cause deserve our acknowledgments, and we feel the just obligation your conduct has imposed on us to make our services reciprocal.

The best of causes are subject to vicissitudes; and disappointments have ever been inevitable. Such is the lot of human nature. But generous souls, enlightened and warmed with the sacred fire of liberty, become more resolute, as difficulties increase; and surmount with irresistible ardour every obstacle that stands between them and the favourite object of their wishes.

We will never abandon you to the unrelenting fury of your and our enemies. Two battalions have already received orders to march to Canada, a part of which are now on their route. Six additional battalions are raising in the United States for the same service, and will receive orders to proceed to your province as soon as possible. The whole of these troops will probably arrive in Canada before the ministerial army, under general Carlton, can receive any succours. Exclusive of the forces beforementioned, we have directed, that measures be immediately taken to embody two regiments in your country. Your assistance in the support and preservation of American liberty affords

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us the most sensible satisfaction; and we flatter our selves that you will seize with zeal and eagerness the favourable moment to co-operate in the success of so glorious an enterprise. And if more considerable forces should become requisite, they shall not fail being sent.

At this period you must be convinced that nothing is so essential to guard our interests and liberty as efficacious measures to combine our mutual forces, in order that, by such a union of succour and counsels, we may be able to baffle the endeavours of an enemy who, to weaken, may attempt to divide us. To this effect we advise and exhort you to establish associations, in your different parishes, of the same nature with those which have proved so salutary to the United Colonies; to elect deputies to form a provincial assembly; and that said assembly be instructed to appoint delegates to represent them in this Congress. We flatter ourselves with the prospect of the happy momert when the standard of tyranny shall no longer appear in this land; and we live in full hopes that it will never hereafter find shelter in North America.

Signed in the name and by order of Congress. JOHN HANCOCK, President.

Philadelphia, Jan. 24, 1776.

FEBRUARY 26, 1776.

Resolved, That Monsieur Mesplet, printer, be engaged to go to Canada, and there set up his press, and carry on the printing business; and the Congress engage to defray the expense of transporting him and

his family and printing utensils to Canada; and will moreover pay him the sum of two hundred dollars.

APRIL 15, 1776.

Resolved, That the committee for fortifying ports be empowered to write in the name of the Congress, to general Washington, and request him to send a proper person to examine such ports on the coast of New England as they shall direct, and report

thereon.

That the said committee be empowered to employ proper persons to examine the several ports and harbours on the coast between New York and Delaware Bay, and between Delaware and Chesapeake Bays, and to the southward.

APRIL 29, 1776.

Resolved, That the committee appointed to consider the state of Indian affairs, in the middle department, be instructed to prepare a plan of an expedition against fort Detroit, and an estimate of the expense.

MAY 3, 1776.

The committee appointed to prepare an estimate of the expense of an expedition against fort Detroit, brought in their report, which was read: Whereupon,

The Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on general Washington's letter of the

19th April; and, after some debate, the farther consideration thereof was postponed.

MAY 25, 1776.

The committee appointed to confer with his excellency general Washington, major general Gates and brigadier general Mifflin, touching the most proper posts and measures to be taken for preventing the enemy's communication with the upper country from Canada, and such other measures as tend to secure the frontiers, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration; and thereupon,

Resolved, That it is of the highest importance that post be taken at Dechambeau, and that the same be fortified; that works be likewise erected on the islands in the river St. Lawrence, at the mouth of the river Sorrel, as well to keep open the communication between Dechambeau and St. John's, as to prevent the enemy's passing to the upper country, should the forces of the United Colonies be compelled to retreat from Dechambeau.

That it is highly expedient to engage the Indians in the service of the United Colonies.

Resolved, That the farther consideration of the report be postponed till Monday next.

MAY, 28, 1776.

The committee appointed to confer with the generals, brought in a further report, which was read: Whereupon,

Resolved, That an animated address be published to impress the minds of the people with the necessity of now stepping forward to save their country, their freedom, and property.

That a committee of four be appointed to prepare the said address.

The members chosen-Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Wythe, Mr. S. Adams, and Mr. Rutledge.

MAY 30, 1776.

An extract of a letter from a gentleman in Bermuda, dated the 26th April, and continued to the 1st May, to a gentleman in Philadelphia, was presented to Congress, and read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the committee for examining the most proper ports to be fortified.

JUNE 3, 1776.

Resolved, That the general be empowered to employ in Canada a number of Indians, not exceeding two thousand.

JUNE 6, 1776.

Resolved, That the standing committee for Indian affairs be directed to devise ways and means for carrying into effect the resolution of the third of this month, empowering the general to employ in Canada a number of Indians, not exceeding two thousand.

The committee to whom was referred an extract of

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