to accede to the union of these states. That the said committee be further directed, to report a plan for fa cilitating the distribution of the said articles and address; and for conciliating the affections of the Canadians towards these United States.

The members chosen-Mr. Duer, Mr. Lovell and Mr. F. L. Lee.

DECEMBER 3, 1777.

Instructions to the Commissioners for Indian Affairs, in the Northern Department.

The glorious successes of our arms in the north, and the severe chastisement which the unfriendly Indians have received, will dispose the Six Nations to dread our resentment and to value our protection. While they are under these impressions will be the proper season to urge them to some decisive enterprise which will effectually tie them to our cause, and promote the publick service. Congress have therefore sent them a speech, which is to be communicated to the different nations; and their feelings upon it attentively watched, and every possible advantage derived to the States from favourable circumstances.

Congress at present have two great objects in view from their assistance.

First. As the Ottawas, Chippawas, Wiandots and Mingoes, at Pluggy's town, are now actually carrying on a predatory war against the inhabitants of the western frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania, the Six Nations are to be prevailed upon to oblige them im

mediately to desist. In case of refusal, to declare war against them, and surprise and destroy their towns. If the latter plan should be agreed to, they will be aided by général Hand, should that be con

venient.

Second. They are to be induced to surprise Niagara; which will be practicable, if the Senecas heartily embrace the measure, and it is conducted with pru dence and secrecy.

These are capital objects, in the execution of which great circumspection is necessary, and especially in broaching them to the Indians. And they therefore will demand the utmost attention of the commissioners.

Resolved, That Mr. Duane be requested to confer with the commissioners for Indian affairs in the northern department; and to give them every aid and assistance in his power in their deliberations, confe rences, and treaties with the Indians.

Whereas the destroying the enemy's shipping at St. John's, or elsewhere, on lake Champlain, during the winter season, is an enterprise of the utmost importance, and there being a great prospect of success, pro vided it can be conducted with prudence, resolution and secrecy: Therefore,

Resolved, That James Duane, esquire, delegate from New York, who has leave of absence, and is about to return home, be authorized and directed, in a personal conference, to communicate the enterprise to brigadier general Stark, who is appointed to the command, and to consider with him of the best and most practicable means for its accomplishment.

That brigadier general Stark be authorized, with the utmost secrecy, to select or raise a competent number of volunteers for this service; and to receive from the commanding officer of the northern department a sufficient quantity of military stores, carriages, and provisions, or, if more convenient, to hire carriages, and to purchase provisions; and that the sum of five thousand dollars for those and other contingent expenses be advanced, out of the military chest in the said department, to him or his order, for the expenditure whereof he is to be accountable.

That if the enterprise prove successful, the sum of twenty thousand dollars shall be paid to the said brigadier general Stark, and his officers and men, to be divided among them in proportion as the pay of continental officers and men bears to each other, as a reward for their services, and in full satisfaction of all wages and claims, or in such proportions, more advantageous to the privates, as the general and his officers shall ascertain. But if stipulated wages should be preferred to the chance of such reward, the general shall be at liberty to retain the officers and men at double continental pay and rations, during the expedi tion, in consideration of the inclemency of the season and the importance of the service.

That brigadier general Stark be engaged to keep secret the said enterprise, and not to communicate it, until the nature of the operation shall render it necessary.

That a warrant in the words following, subscribed by the President, be transmitted to general Stark :

"In Congress, Yorktown, December 3, 1777.

"Whereas brigadier general Stark is appointed to "command a secret expedition during the winter sea"son, you are therefore directed and required, upon "his order, to supply him with such sums of money, "not exceeding five thousand dollars, and such car"riages, military stores, and provisions, as he may "require, taking his vouchers for the same, and for "which he is to be accountable by order of Con26 gress.

"To the Commanding Officer, Paymaster, Quar"termaster, and Commissaries of Stores and Pro"visions in the Northern Department."

That if, from any unforeseen accident, general Stark shall be unable, or unwilling, to engage in the said enterprise, the commanding officer in the northern department be, in such case, authorized and directed, to appoint some other brave and diligent officer to the said command; and that the officer so commanding shall have the same powers, and, with the officers and men, the same reward or pay as are before proposed.

That all officers in the service of the United States be required, and all civil officers and others requested, to give every aid and assistance in their power for forwarding and securing the success of the said enterprise.

Congress proceeded to the election of two commissioners for auditing claims at the board of treasury; and the ballots being taken,

James Milligan and William Turnbull, esquires, were elected.

DECEMBER 4, 1777.

Resolved, That the commissioners for Indian affairs, in the northern department, be authorized to offer the Indians, whom they may engage to undertake the re: duction of the fort and garrison of Niagara, such reward, whether of money, or goods, as they may think adequate to the purpose, having in contemplation as well the economy necessary to be observed, as the importance of the object; and, for this purpose, that they may have authority to draw on the military chest in the northern department for a sum not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars; and also to receive out of the publick stores in the northern department such a reasonable quantity of ammunition for the use of the said nation as may, in the opinion of the said commis. sioners, be necessary to promote the publick service.

Resolved, That if the commissioners for Indian affairs in the northern department cannot engage the Indians to undertake the enterprise against Niagara, unless a promise is previously made that the fort, if taken, shall be entirely dismantled; in such case they be authorized to make this convention.

JANUARY 28, 1778.

Resolved, That the marquis de la Fayette, or the general officer commanding the irruption into Canada, be furnished with bills of exchange, drawn by the