Second Continental Congress: January 17, 1776

A Committee of Five is created “to consider under what regulations and restrictions the trade of these Colonies ought to be carried on, after the 1st of March next.”  John Hancock writes about the “Talk” concerning Paine’s pamphlet.

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

A Petition from Benjamin Church was referred to a committee of three: Benjamin Harrison, William Paca, and William Hooper.

A memorial from the first Pennsylvania battalion, complaining of the conduct of Colonel Bull, was referred to the Committee on the Qualifications of Officers.

A letter from Philip Livingston, John Alsop, and Francis Lewis, dated 15 January, informing that only 462 quarter casks of powder were imported, was read.

Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole to consider “the propriety of opening the ports after the 1 March next.”  Samuel Ward reported that the Committee “had come to a resolution” and the Report was made available to the delegates.

“Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, to consider under what regulations and restrictions the trade of these Colonies ought to be carried on, after the 1st. of March next.”  Benjamin Harrison, Robert Morris, Thomas Lynch, Samuel Adams, and Roger Sherman were chosen.

Congress passed several Resolutions based on the Report of the committee appointed to prepare instructions “for the officers in the recruiting service.” 

A letter from General Schuyler, dated 13th January, enclosing copies of letters from others, describing an unsuccessful attempt made to gain possession of Quebec by storm, on the 31st December, and the death of General Montgomery, were read.

The committee to whom the matter of South Carolina seamen was referred, brought in their report, which was read.

Adjourned to 10 o’Clock tomorrow.

John Hancock to Thomas Cushing (Not reelected to Congress).

I enclose you a pamphlet which makes much Talk here, said to be wrote by an English Gentleman Resident here by the name of Paine.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.