Second Continental Congress: January 4, 1776

The Congress debates, again, the consideration of the report of the Committee on the state of New York.  Congress continues to provide for more arms and soldiers.  John Jay: “We desire Reconciliation, are well prepared for contrary Measures. This is an unnatural Quarrel, & God only knows why the British Empire should be torn to Pieces by unjust Attempts to subjugate us.”

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

Congress proceeded to the choice of lieutenants.

Resolved, That it be recommended an additional battalion be raised in the county of Cumberland, in the colony of Pennsylvania, to consist of the same number of men and officers, and to have the same pay and allowance, as the others raised in said colony.

Resolved, That one company of each of the five battalions last ordered to be raised in Pennsylvania, consist of expert riflemen.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the committee of safety of Pennsylvania, to see the resolutions carried into execution.

The Congress then proceeded to the election of lieutenant colonels for the battalions ordered to be raised in Pennsylvania.

The Committee of Claims report that several claims are due.

Ordered, That the accounts be paid.

Resolved, That a commissary be appointed to provide the three companies ordered to Northampton, in Virginia, with rations.

Resolved, That the appointment of a commissary be deferred until tomorrow.

The Congress debated, again, the consideration of the report of the Committee on the state of New York.  

Resolved, That further consideration be postponed until tomorrow, and that the delegates of New York request the attendance of the three members sent to Congress by the New York convention.

Resolved, That Major Preston have liberty to choose the place of his residence, consistent with former resolutions of Congress, and that the president take his parole.

The Congress proceeded to the election of Majors.

The Committee appointed to consider what allowance ought to be made to officers who are prisoners, brought in their report.

Adjourned to 10 o’clock tomorrow.

John Jay to James Jay (Older Brother Residing in England)

As to Politics I can say little, nor do I desire that Your Letters should say anything on that Subject. Thus much I can say in general that Everything with us is in a good Way, and, though We desire Reconciliation, are well prepared for contrary Measures. This is an unnatural Quarrel, & God only knows why the British Empire should be torn to Pieces by unjust Attempts to subjugate us.

Joseph Hewes to Samuel Johnston

The Congress at our request have agreed to send two Clergymen to North Carolina to explain to the Highlanders and regulators the nature of the dispute between Great Britain and the Colonies, and left the appointment to us. We applied to Mr. Elihu Spencer and Mr. Alexander McWhorter two eminent divines of the Presbyterian religion who have undertaken the Service. They are strongly attached to our cause and I hope will render it essential Service….

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.