Second Continental Congress: May 19, 1775

The Congress continues to discuss “the state of America.” Samuel Adams writes to a fellow supporter of revolution.

Link to date-related documents.

Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

The Congress continued the discussion about “the state of America” without coming to any decision as to what to do about “what posts are necessary to be occupied in the colony of New York.”

 “Resolved that this Congress will tomorrow again resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to take into consideration the State of America.”

Adjourned till tomorrow at 9 o’Clock.

Samuel Adams to Samuel Purviance, Jr. (A Maryland Revolutionary)

It is the Opinion of some of my Brethren here that as Provisions may be wanted in our Colony, it would be best to send what are now in your Store to Newbury Port; there is indeed Danger of their being seized. You will please to be guided by your own Discretion, either in taking that Method or in waiting for further Intelligence.

I was with my Friend Mr Hancock near the Scene of Action at Lexington on the l9th of April. The authentic Accounts lately published prevent the Necessity of troubling you with my Detail of that memorable Battle. I rejoice that my Countrymen had adhered punctually to the Direction of the General Congress, and were at length driven to Resistance through Necessity. I think they may now justly claim the Support of the confederated Colonies. I was much pleased to be informed by you, that your Colony had observed a Day of Fasting and Humiliation. It is upon the Blessing of God alone that we must depend for a happy Issue to our virtuous Struggle.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.