Second Continental Congress: January 22, 1776

Congress creates a committee “to consider of a proper method of paying a just tribute of gratitude to the memory of General Montgomery.” Francis Lightfoot Lee writes that “We may be forced to break off all connection with G. B.”

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

Read several letters including one from Washington and one from General Schuyler, with enclosures, both dated January11.

A petition from John Sparling was received and referred to a committee of three: William Livingston, William Hooper and Samuel Adams

Resolved, “That the president be empowered to employ a private secretary, to be paid by the United Colonies.”

The Committee of Claims reported that reimbursements are due to “Colonel Benedict Arnold,” and Silas Deane.

“Resolved, That orders be sent to the committee of Trenton to send General Prescot and Captain Chace under a guard to Philadelphia.”

Resolved, That a committee of 3–William Livingston, Benjamin Franklin, and William Hooper–be appointed “to consider of a proper method of paying a just tribute of gratitude to the memory of General Montgomery.”

Moses Hazen was unanimously elected Colonel commandant and Edward Antil Lieutenant Colonel for the second Canadian regiment.

Congress accepted Colonel Bull’s resignation and selected John Philip De Haas as his replacement.

Congress postponed consideration of the Report of the Committee on Indian affairs.

Resolved, That the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety release Captain Duncan Campbell from prison in Philadelphia “on his parole similar with that of the other officers.”

Adjourned to 10 o’Clock tomorrow.

Francis Lightfoot Lee to Landon Carter

We may be forced to break off all connection with G. B…Indeed the Ministry appear determined to leave us no alternative, but absolute submission, or foreign assistance. Which will be your choice my friend? Will it not be wise, in time to leave a people who are so corrupt, that their ruin must be inevitable?

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.