Journals of the Continental Congress

Second Continental Congress: January 23, 1776

January 23, 1776

The war effort in Canada, New York, and New Jersey dominate the proceedings. A Committee of Three is appointed to prepare a letter to the Canadians.

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

Resolved, A committee of 3– William Livingston, Thomas Lynch, and James Wilson–be appointed to prepare a letter to the Canadians.

A letter from General Schuyler, dated 14th January, along with a letter from General Arnold, were read.

Resolved, That an Account of the late repulse our troops met with, and the loss we have sustained in the unsuccessful attempt on Quebec, be drawn up by the secretary.

Resolved, That the articles of war be translated into French, and 500 copies sent to Canada. 

Report of the Committee of Claims concerning claims submitted by various vendors related to the war effort was approcved.

Congress debated and recommitted the Report of the Committee on Indian affairs.

Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers, in favor of the committee of safety of Delaware for the use of the battalion ordered to be raised there.

Congress deliberated the Report of the Committee that considered the letters from General Washington, General Schuyler, Lord Stirling, and Tucker the President of the Convention of New Jersey.

That with respect to the advice transmitted by General Washington to the President of the Congress of his having sent General Lee to the Assistance of New York, it is the opinion of this Committee that the above measure was very judicious and necessary; and that Governor Trumbull be requested, and Lord Sterling directed by the Congress, to give all necessary Aid and Assistance to General Lee in carrying into Execution the Orders of General Washington. And that the Convention or Committee of Safety of New York be requested earnestly to exert themselves on this important Occasion.

Congress granted Tucker’s recommendations in support of the war effort in New Jersey and decided what to do with prisoners captured in New York and New Jersey.

Adjourned to 10 o’Clock tomorrow.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.

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