Second Continental Congress: January 11, 1776

Congress continues to be involved in the war effort by 1) seeking a prisoner of war exchange, 2) appointing a new Committee of Three to prepare instructions to the officers in the recruiting service, 3) appropriating money to support Pennsylvania battalions, and 4) defending the integrity of the monetary system from “several evil disposed persons,” who are to attempting to “defeat the efforts of the United Colonies, in the defense of their just rights,” by depreciating Congressionally authorized  bills of credit.

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Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention or committee of safety of New York, to endeavor to obtain the release of Lieutenant Edward Tilley of Brigadier Wooster’s regiment, now confined on board the Asia man of war, by exchanging for him an officer of the same rank of the British troops in our custody.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare instructions to the officers in the recruiting service. The members chosen were James Wilson, Eliphalet Dyer, and Benjamin Harrison.

The Congress considered the report of the committee on the bills of credit, emitted by this Congress.

Whereas it appears that several evil disposed persons, in order to obstruct and defeat the efforts of the United Colonies in the defense of their just rights, have attempted to depreciate the bills of credit emitted by the authority of this Congress,

Resolved, therefore, That if any person shall hereafter be so lost to all virtue and regard for his country, as to “refuse to receive said bills in payment,” or obstruct or discourage the currency or circulation thereof, and shall be duly convicted by the committee of the city, county, or district, or in case of appeal from their decision, by the assembly, convention, council or committee of safety of the colony where he shall reside, such person shall be deemed, published, and treated as an enemy of his country, and precluded from all trade or intercourse with the inhabitants of these colonies.

Ordered, That the resolve be immediately published.

Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers, in favor of the committee of safety of Pennsylvania, for the use of the first Pennsylvania battalion.

A Representation of the field officers of the Pennsylvania battalions, setting forth the inconveniencies that will arise from the battalions consisting of seven battalion companies, was presented to Congress and read:

Resolved, That the same be taken into consideration tomorrow.

Adjourned to 10 o’Clock tomorrow.

John Hancock to Michael Hillegas and George Clymer

Please to pay to the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, six thousand dollars for the use of the Battalion in this City, the said Committee to be accountable for the expenditure of said sum.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.