Second Continental Congress: January 26, 1776

Two new committees are created. Richard Smith notes that “A Letter was read from General Lee…. After an Argument of 4 or 5 Hours, Harrison, Lynch & Allen were fixed upon to proceed to New York.”

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

A letter from General Lee, dated 22 January, marching toward New York, enclosing a letter from the Committee of Safety of New York, seeking advice was read.

Resolved, That a committee of three–Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Lynch, and Andrew Allen—travel to New York, and converse with the Council of Safety of New York and General Lee respecting defense issues and that General Lee be directed to follow the decision of the Congressional committee.  The committee met with the Council of safety on February 1 concerning the arrival of Lee’s troops in New York.

A committee of 3–Samuel Ward, Benjamin Harrison, and Andrew Allen—was appointed to consider the payment of the troops raised in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and report to Congress.

Resolved, That an order be drawn on the treasurers, in favor of the 1) Commissioners for Indian affairs in the Middle Department and 2) Committee of Correspondence.

A petition from sundry persons, respecting the enlisting of apprentices, was read.

Adjourned to ten o’clock tomorrow.

Richard Smith’s Diary

A Letter was read from General Lee Dated from Connecticut setting forth that he is on his Way for the Defense of New York and has gathered a large Body of Connecticut Militia and inclosing a Letter to him from the Committee of Safety at New York disapproving of his Proceedings. This occasioned a Motion from E. Rutledge & Duane that a Committee be appointed to repair to New York forthwith and agree with the Committee of Safety there and with General Lee upon the proper Measures of Defense. After an Argument of 4 or 5 Hours, Harrison, Lynch & Allen were fixed upon to proceed to N York.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.