Second Continental Congress: June 1, 1775

Thomas Willing writes about the “old question respecting Canada and begs John Dickinson to attend Congress. The delegates 1) consider the availability of ammunition and other military resources, 2) state that it “has nothing more in view than the defense of these colonies,” 3) Resolve “That no expedition or incursion ought to be undertaken or made, by any colony, or body of colonists, against or into Canada.” Moreover, “the above resolve be translated into the French Language and transmitted, with the letter, to the inhabitants of Canada.”

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

A petition from “the Committee representing the people in that part of Augusta county, in the colony of Virginia, on the west side of the Allegany Mountain,” was read, intimating fears of a rupture with the Indians on Account of Lord Dunmore’s imprudent conduct.  Included in the petition was a resolve “That the unsettled boundary between this colony and the province of Pennsylvania is the occasion of many disputes.”

The Committee appointed to consider ways and means to supply these colonies with ammunition and military stores, brought in their report, which was read, and referred to the committee of the whole.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Government of Connecticut to appoint Commissaries to receive at Albany and forward the supplies of provisions, for the forces on lake Champlain, from the provincial Convention of New York, and that they facilitate and aid in the transportation to where the Commissaries may direct.

As this Congress has nothing more in view than the defense of these colonies,

Resolved, That no expedition or incursion ought to be undertaken or made, by any colony, or body of colonists, against or into Canada; and that this Resolve be immediately transmitted to the commander of the forces at Ticonderoga.

Ordered, That the above resolve be translated into the French Language and transmitted, with the letter, to the inhabitants of Canada.

Ordered, That Governor Trumbull appoint a commander of the forces at Crown Point and Ticonderoga.

The Congress then resolved itself into a committee of the whole to consider the state of America, and after some time spent therein, Samuel Ward reported that they had considered the matters referred to them, but not having yet come to a conclusion, requested a “move for leave to sit again.”

Resolved, That this Congress will, tomorrow, again resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to further consideration the state of America.

Thomas Willing to John Dickinson

A Matter is to be brought on the Carpet this Morning which I think must be highly disagreeable to you; it was moved for yesterday & a Committee ordered to report this Morning & from the Complexion of the Committee chosen, I fear we shall want every help to avoid it. All your friends wish for your presence.

[P.S.] The old Question Respecting Canada—it’s not safe to say more–but come to the Congress I beseech you this Morning.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.