Second Continental Congress: April 25, 1776

Congressional Committees provide reports and Thomas Stone writes “You know my Heart wishes for a Peace upon Terms of Security and Justice to America. But War, anything is preferable to a Surrender of our Rights.”

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

Two letters from General Washington, of 22 and 23, were read and referred to a committee of three: Richard Henry Lee, John Adams, and Joseph Hewes.

Resolved, That an order for 2,000 dollars be drawn on the treasurers in favor of Ephraim Blaine, to purchase shoes and blankets for the continental troops in Virginia.

The Committee on Qualifications recommended Thomas Holland to be a second lieutenant in the Delaware battalion, to replace James M’Donnough deceased, and John Corse, ensign, to replace Thomas Holland,

Resolved, That the nominations be accepted, and that commissions be granted.

The committee, to whom the petition of Noah Phelps, was referred, brought in their report, which being taken into consideration, was agreed to.

The committee, to whom the letter from Lord Stirling, with enclosed papers was referred, brought in their report, which was read, and Ordered, To lie on the table.

Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to sell 75 lb. of powder to Salem, New Jersey.

Resolved, That a copy of an intercepted letter be sent to General Schuyler.

Resolved, That a copy of the report of the committee appointed to inquire into whether or not the Indians of the Six Nations were invited by Governor Penn to come to Philadelphia, be sent to General Schuyler.

The Committee to whom Mr. Deane’s Letter to General Schuyler was referred reported.

The Committee of Claims reported, that there were two claims due.

Ordered, That the accounts be paid.

Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to consider the letter from General Washington of March 27th &c. and, after some time spent, the president resumed the chair, and Benjamin Harrison reported, that the committee had taken into consideration the matter referred to them, and had come to a resolution.

The Committee Report was read, and Congress Resolved, That it be postponed.

Resolved, That Dr. Cadwalader be permitted to attend to Allan Cameron who is ill and in prison.

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,

Adjourned to 10 o’Clock to Morrow.

Thomas Stone to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer

We have been very much engaged for some days in attending to the affairs of Canada, having received late Intelligence from that Quarter. I presume the Canada Department, its Connections and Dependencies will engross our Attention for a few days, And then some Answer will probably be given to your Letter. [Editor’s Note.  Jennifer sent a letter to Hancock dated April 19th, which was read in Congress on April 22nd. Jenifer wrote that Maryland declined to arrest Governor Eden since he posed no threat.

If the Commissioners do not arrive shortly and conduct themselves with great Candor and Uprightness to effect a reconciliation, a Separation will most undoubtedly take place as then all Governors & officers must quit their Posts and new men must be placed in the Saddle of Power. I wish to conduct affairs so that a just & honorable reconciliation should take place, or that we should be pretty unanimous in a resolution to fight it out for Independence, the proper way to effect this is not to move too quick. But then we must take Care to do everything which is necessary for our Security and Defense, not suffer ourselves to be lulled or wheedled by any deceptions, Declarations or Givings out. You know my Heart wishes for a Peace upon Terms of Security and Justice to America. But War, anything is preferable to a Surrender of our Rights.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.