Second Continental Congress: December 12, 1775

Congress debates the report of the Committee of Conference respecting Boston, and postpones further consideration until tomorrow. Francis Lightfoot Lee opines “that if the war continues another year, G. Britain & the Colonies are disunited forever.”

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Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

Resolved, That the intercepted letters of Brooke Watson, and the invoice of the Cargo of the brig Nancy transport, taken by the schooner Lee, Captain Manly, be published.

A letter from Christopher Leffingwell, with sundry enclosures respecting a cargo of molasses, taken out of the Brig Nancy, was read. Also a letter from the Committee of Trenton, with the parole of the officers there, was read.

The Committee appointed to prepare letters of thanks to the three general officers in the northern department, brought in drafts, which were read and approved.

The Committee on General Schuyler’s letters, brought in their report, which was read.

Resolved, That the allowance for a table, made to the commander for the time being in Canada, be allowed to General Montgomery.

Resolved, That Congress recognize Captain Henry B. Livingston for his services to the country and that at the first opportunity will promote him in the army.

Resolved, That the colony of Rhode Island receive an advance, in part of their accounts against the United Colonies, to be paid out of the emission last ordered.

Congress considered the report of the Committee of Conference respecting Boston, and after debate,

Resolved, That the Congress will, tomorrow, resolve itself into a committee of the whole to take this matter into consideration.

Adjourned to 10 o’Clock tomorrow.

Francis Lightfoot Lee to a Friend in London

It is my opinion that if the war continues another year, G. Britain & the Colonies are disunited forever. Our troops now in pay & ordered to be raised amount to 35,000 & will be 8 or 10,000 more in the spring. We have now 10 Ships of war from 10 to 30 Guns in Continental pay, & are determined to exert the whole force of the Continent this winter to fit out as many large Ships as possible against next summer. There are many small Ships belonging to the different Colonies, & private persons to cruise upon the Ministerial transports; and many others getting ready. Lord Bute will soon make America a great Naval power…. All Canada is ours.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.