Second Continental Congress: January 12, 1776

Congress lays down rules and regulations concerning living expenses for prisoners. For Samuel Adams, The King’s Speech demonstrates that what we can expect from Britain are “Chains and Slavery.” The answer is to follow “the great Law of Nature,” and pray “to Almighty God.”

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

The Committee of Claims reported on money due to several people for goods and services in support of the war effort.  One account included a request for the payment of “about 15 gallons of wine, and some spirits.”

The Committee appointed to inquire into the conduct of the officers who are prisoners, and the manner in which they are subsisted at present, brought in their Report.  Congress agreed with the Committee “that the conduct of the officers at Trenton, though in other respects unexceptionable, is, as to their manner of living, exceedingly extravagant, they being boarded at taverns, and the inn keepers supplying them in a luxurious manner, on the credit of the Continent.”  Accordingly, Congress laid down rules and regulations concerning living expenses.

The Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole to consider the trade of the United Colonies.

The field officers of the first Pennsylvania battalion presented a Memorial.

Adjourned till 10 o’Clock tomorrow.

Samuel Adams to John Sullivan

I have seen the [King’s Speech to Parliament, October 26, 1775] which is falsely & shamefully called most gracious. It breathes the most malevolent Spirit, wantonly proposes Measures calculated to distress Mankind, and determines my opinion of the Author of it as a Man of a wicked Heart….What have we to expect from Britain, but Chains & Slavery? I hope we shall act the part which the great Law of Nature points out. It is high time that we should assume that Character, which I am sorry to find the Capital of your Colony has publicly and expressly disavowed.  [Editor’s Note.  Portsmouth instructed its representatives not to participate in the creation of a new government for New Hampshire] It is my most fervent prayer to Almighty God, that he would direct and prosper the Councils of America, inspire her Armies with true Courage, shield them in every Instance of Danger and lead them on to Victory & Triumph.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.