Second Continental Congress: December 28, 1775

Congress debates The Report of the Committee on the state of Virginia. Richard Smith confirms that the debate on a related issue was postponed.  Congress creates a Committee of Five to consider the state of New York.

Link to date-related documents

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

The Committee of Claims reported that reimbursement is due to Sacheveral Wood.

Ordered, That the same be paid.

Resolved, That George Wythe, one of the Committee appointed to confer with the Indians, be reimbursed for purchasing a present for them.

Resolved, That the committee of safety of Pennsylvania be reimbursed for the use of the battalion raised there.

Congress resumed consideration of the report of the committee on the state of Virginia; and after debate, came to the following resolution:

Resolved, That six battalions be raised in Virginia, upon the same terms, and paid as the continental forces in the camp at Cambridge, unless the convention of that colony can raise them on better terms.

The Secret Committee reported and, after debate, further consideration was postponed until tomorrow.

Resolved, That a Committee of Five be appointed to consider the state of New York, and report to Congress.  The members chosen: Thomas Lynch, Silas Deane, George Wythe, William Livingston, and John Jay.

The Committee considering the petition of Captain Paddock and Captain Coffin brought in their report which was read.

Adjourned to 10 o’Clock tomorrow.

Richard Smith’s Diary

There was a considerable Controversy on the main Question Whether the 6 Battalions shall be raised, it was carried in the Affirmative. Then a Motion was made by Wilson supported by McKean, William Livingston & others that the Middle Colony Troops shall have the same Pay, after some Time spent therein it was postponed.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.