inculcate upon others the necessity of defending and supporting them by actual service, if the exigency of publick affairs should require it; that, under these circumstances, they find various difficulties, which require the aid and assistance of the honourable House. Reposing, therefore, the fullest confidence in the virtue and spirit of their Representatives, they beg leave to lay before them several particulars, which seem, in a peculiar manner, to claim their attention and regard, viz:

That, in the first place, there are great numbers of able-bodied men, who have acquired some skill in the use of arms, and, in case of necessity, would proceed to actual service; but their situation and circumstances in life (many having families, and others not sufficient ability to support themselves) forbid their entering into any engagements of this nature; and in case of an actual call, their ardour and readiness to devote themselves to their Country’s service Would be damped, if not extinguished, by the alarming consideration of leaving their families subject to want at home, and experiencing all the difficulties of unpaid Troops while in the field. The petitioners, therefore, humbly submit to the honourable House, that as there is the highest reason and justice that all the members of the community, who are equally interested in the preservation and security of our common liberties, should contribute to the assistance and support of those who take a more active, laborious, and dangerous part, it would be highly proper that a vote of credit should be passed, ascertaining and promising suitable pay and subsistence to such officers and soldiers as shall solemnly engage to go into actual service, if required; and who shall, in case of necessity and publick danger, comply with such engagements, by meeting at any rendezvous appointed, and performing such military duty as shall be deemed necessary, and may be demanded of them. And that such provision may be extended to camp equipage, wagons for transporting baggage, and such other necessaries as actual field duty shall require. That the petitioners, on this subject, would only add, that the provision here requested, is no more than that made by the Militia-laws in England, and the neighbouring Provinces, in case of invasion or insurrection, and by all judicious and sensible men deemed absolutely necessary, to give efficacy, spirit, vigour; and success to any military association whatever.

That, in the second place, the petitioners beg leave to lay before the honourable House the very naked and defenceless state of this City and Harbour, now in its turn become the frontier, and exposed to equal dangers and difficulties, from which it has, at different times, cheerfully contributed to rescue the more distant parts of the Province. Vain are all our military operations; useless and lost the sums of money generously given by this honourable House for our defence, if a single ship of war may proceed, without any interruption, to the very front of the City, and impose such terms of surrendering our arms, or contributions of money and provisions, as will reduce us to the melancholy alternative of a disgraceful compliance, or exposing the City to certain destruction. That great quantities of large cannon and some stores lay in useless heaps in various parts of this City, which skilful persons have judged might, at no great expense, be so employed as to make our situation much more secure than it is at present; besides which, there are many other devices calculated for obstructing the passage of rivers and harbours, well worthy of immediate attention, if some suitable provision could be made for defraying the expense which would be incurred by so essential a service.

That, in the third place, the petitioners earnestly recommend to the patronage and assistance of the honourable House, a manufacture of that valuable and necessary article, Saltpetre. While dependant on a precarious supply from beyond sea, and that under the restraints which our cruel oppressors have laid or procured, our situation is truly alarming; but should success happily attend the infant manufactory promoted and formed by the petitioners, it may be extended so as to bid defiance to all the schemes of our enemies to deprive us of the necessary means of defence, and afford the fairest prospect of relief from our present difficulties and distress.

Besides these particular objects, which, with all due respect, the petitioners submit to the consideration of the honourable House, they beg leave to add, that in times so critical and important, when the fate of our Country, the safety and security of all which can make life valuable or desirable to a free citizen, is suspended; when every day brings with it some event of a most interesting nature, particular and unforeseen exigences and damages arise, which require immediate attention, and incur an immediate expense. That the petitioners, therefore, submit to the consideration of the House the necessity and propriety of appointing persons out of their own body, or in conjunction with others, as a Committee of Safety and Defence, with discretionary powers, upon the credit, and under the control of the House, to act on such emergencies; to appropriate such publick moneys as may be already raised, or to raise such further sums upon credit, or otherwise, as the alarming situation of the Province may require.

Signed by order, and in behalf of the Committee of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia.

JOSEPH REED, Chairman.

Ordered to lie on the table.

The House adjourned to five o’clock, P. M.

The House resumed the consideration of the Petition and Memorial from the Committee for the City and Liberties of Philadelphia; and after some time spent therein, adjourned to ten o’clock to-morrow morning.

Saturday, June 24, 1775.

A Member of this House, and one of the Deputies to the Continental Congress, read in his place, and then presented at the table, a Resolve of the said Congress, in the words following, viz:

“In Congress, June 22, 1775.

“Resolved, That the Colony of Pennsylvania raise two more Companies of Riflemen, and that these, with the six Companies before ordered to be raised by them, making eight Companies, be formed into a Battalion, under such Field and under officers as shall be recommended by the Assembly or Convention of the above Colony.”

The House taking into consideration the foregoing Resolve relative to the manner of recommending Field and other officers for the Battalion of Riflemen to be raised in this Province by order of Congress, and to be in Continental pay,

Resolved, That the Members of the Congress deputed by this Assembly, be a Committee to consider of and recommend proper persons for officers of the said Battalion.

A Petition from a number of the Officers of the Association in the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, concurring with, and recommending to immediate consideration, the Petition and Memorial from the Committee of the said City and Liberties, presented yesterday, was delivered at the Chair, and read.

Ordered to lie on the table.

The House adjourned to Monday next, at ten o’clock, A. M.

Tuesday, June 27, 1775.

A quorum met pursuant to adjournment.

The Governour, by Mr. Secretary, sent down a verbal Message, requiring a List of the Draughts and Certificates of Assembly made payable out of the Supply Bill before him; and a List thereof being drawn at the table accordingly,

Ordered, That Mr. Bartholomew and Mr. Wayne wait on his Honour and deliver the same.

The Members return, and report they had waited on the Governour and delivered the said List according to order.

The House adjourned to three o’clock, P. M.

The House resumed the consideration of the Petition from the Committee of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia; and after some debate thereon,

Ordered, That Mr. Gray, Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Hillegas, Mr. Charles Thomson, Mr. Rodman, Mr. Pearson, Mr. Wayne, Mr. Ross, Mr. Montgomery, and Mr. Edmonds, be a Committee to consider of and report to the