Journals of the Continental Congress

Second Continental Congress: September 29, 1775

September 29, 1775

Congress receives an express letter from General Washington. A Committee of Three is created to discuss with Washington and others “the most effectual method of continuing, supporting, and regulating a continental army.” The members will be chosen tomorrow. Richard Smith indicates that Congress took Washington’s letter very seriously.

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Journals of the Continental Congress [Edited]

A letter from General Washington, dated September 21st, with sundry enclosures, received by express, was laid before Congress and read.

Congress learns that perhaps a quantity of powder has arrived.

Ordered, That the Committee appointed to procure powder inquire whether any powder has arrived and if so to purchase it for the use of the Continent.

The Committee of Accounts produced three sundry accounts which Congress approved.

Resolved, That when any accounts are laid before the Congress and ordered to be paid, the orders be drawn on the treasurers and signed by the president.

Resolved, That a Committee of three members of this Congress be appointed to repair immediately to the camp at Cambridge, to confer with General Washington, and with the governor of Connecticut, and the Lieutenant-Governor of Rhode Island, the council of Massachusetts, and the President of the convention of New Hampshire, and such other persons as to the Committee shall seem proper, touching the most effectual method of continuing, supporting, and regulating a continental army.

Resolved, That the appointment of the said committee be deferred until tomorrow.

Adjourned till to Morrow at 9 o’Clock.

Richard Smith’s Diary

Letters from Gen. Washington with a Return of his Army, about 19,000 effective Men who are to be disbanded in December by the Terms of Enlistment, he prays Directions how to keep or raise an Army. Expenses run very high, great Want of Powder & Money.

Chief Part of the Morning was spent on a Motion to send a Committee of the Congress to the Army to take proper Measures for the Winter Campaign, it passed in the Affirmative. Some Powder said to be just arrived in Delaware, our Committee were desired to purchase it. Above 80 of our Men have deserted to Gen. Gage in the Course of this Campaign according to Gen Washington’s Dispatches.

Edited with commentary by Gordon Lloyd.

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