Second Continental Congress: July 22, 1775

Today is important in tracking the transition from a Petition Congress to a Declaration Congress. The Four Member Committee chosen to report on “Lord North’s Motion” in July 1775 are four of the Five Member Committee selected to draft the Declaration of Independence in June 1776.

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

Postponed debate on the Report of the Committee “to devise ways and means to protect the trade of these colonies.”

The Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole to consider the state of America and, after some time, Samuel Ward reported that the committee had considered the matter referred to them, but not having come to a conclusion desired leave to sit again.

Resolved, That Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Richard Henry Lee, be a Committee to consider, and report on, the resolution of the House of Commons, February 20, 1775, commonly called Lord North’s motion.

Resolved that this Congress will on Monday again resolve itself into a committee of the whole to take into further consideration the state of America.

Adjourned till Monday at 8 am.

Connecticut Delegates to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.

The public Fast was observed here by all Societies of Christians with great Decency & Solemnity even much beyond what the Sabbaths are generally observed here. We hope it may have a happy effect through the Continent & that Almighty God may hear the united Supplications of his People. We have the pleasure to inform you that the Colony [of] Georgia have at length fully adopted the Measures of the late Congress & have Chosen Delegates from all their Parishes to Attend this, Mr Hall was here only from the parish of St Johns…. We are yet Uncertain when we shall adjourn or where the General Urges our Moving nearer Boston which I dare say will have great Weight, but the Gentlemen from some of the Southern Colonies seem Very averse to it.  We hope to be on our way to New England in about a fortnight.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.