Second Continental Congress: June 21, 1775

Thomas Jefferson arrives. A Committee of Five is created to draft answers to “sundry queries,” and John Adams is “almost impatient” to be back in Cambridge.

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

Thomas Jefferson arrived as a substitute delegate for Virginia in place of Peyton Randolph who was now head of the Virginia Assembly.

Patrick Henry informed the Congress, that the General had put into his hand sundry queries, to which he desired the Congress would give an answer.

Resolved, That a committee of five—Silas Deane, Patrick Henry, John Rutledge, Samuel Adams, and Richard Henry Lee–be appointed to take into their consideration the said queries and report their opinion with regard to the answers proper to be given.

Congress then decided on the number and pay of the aids de camp.  Upon motion, Resolved, That the Generals be allowed three aids de camp etc.

Adjourned till to Morrow at 9 o’Clock.

John Adams to Joseph Warren

How many Brigadiers General we shall have, whether five, Seven or Eight, is not determined, nor who they shall be. One from N. Hampshire, one from R. Island, two from Connecticut, one from N. York, and three from Massachusetts, perhaps.  I am almost impatient to be at Cambridge. We shall maintain a good Army for you.  I expect to hear of Grumbletonians, some from parsimonious and others from superstitious prejudices. But we do the best we can, and leave the Event.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.