youth of the Army are not possessed of the absolute necessity of cleanliness in their dress and lodging, continual exercise, and strict temperance, to preserve them from diseases frequently prevailing in camps, especially among those who, from their childhood, have been used to a laborious life.

“We beg leave to assure you that this Congress will, at all times, be ready to attend to such requisitions as you may have occasion to make to us, and to contribute all the aid in our power to the cause of America, and your happiness and ease in the discharge of the duties of your exalted office.

“We most fervently implore Almighty God, that the blessings of Divine Providence may rest on you; that your head may be covered in the day of battle; that every necessary assistance may be afforded; and that you may be long continued in life and health, a blessing to mankind.”

His Excellency’s Answer.

“GENTLEMEN: Your kind congratulations on my appointment and arrival, demand my warmest acknowledgments, and will ever be retained in grateful remembrance.

“In exchanging the enjoyments of domestick life for the duties of my present honourable but arduous station, I only emulate the virtue and publick spirit of the whole Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, which, with a firmness and patriotism without example in modern history, have sacrificed all the comforts of social and political life, in support of the fights of mankind and the welfare of our common Country, My highest ambition is to be the happy instrument of vindicating those rights, and to see this devoted Province again restored to peace, liberty, and safety.

“The short space of time which has elapsed since my arrival, does not permit me to decide upon the state of the Army. The course of human affairs forbids an expectation that troops formed under such circumstances, should at once possess the order, regularity, and discipline of veterans. Whatever deficiencies there may be, will, I doubt not, soon be made up by the activity and the officers and the docility and obedience of the men. These qualities, united with their native bravery and spirit, will afford a happy presage of success, and put a final period to those distresses which now overwhelm this once happy country.

“I most sincerely thank you, gentlemen, for your declaration of readiness at all times to assist me in the discharge of the duties of my station; they are so complicated and extended, that I shall need the assistance of every good man and lover of his Country. I therefore repose the utmost confidence in your aids.

“In return for your affectionate wishes to myself, permit me to say that I earnestly implore that Divine Being, in whose bands are all human events, to make you and your constituents as distinguished in publick and private happiness, as you have been by Ministerial oppression and private and publick distress.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.”

“To the Honourable CHARLES LEE, Esq., Major-General of the Continental Army:

“SIR: The Congress of the Massachuetts Colony, possessed, of the fullest evidence of your attachment to the rights of mankind, and regard to distresses which America in general, and this Colony in particular, are involved, by the impolitick wicked, and tyrannick system: adopted by Administration, and pursued with relentless and savage fury, do with pleasure embrace this opportunity to express the great satisfaction and gratitude they feel on your appointment as a Major-General in the American Army. We sincerely congratulate you on your safe arrival here, and wish you all possible happiness and success in the execution of so important a trust.

“We admire and respect the character of a man who, disregarding the allurements of profit and distinction his merit might procure, engages in the cause of mankind, in defence of the injured, and relief of the oppressed. From your character, from your great abilities and military experience, united with those of the Commander-in-Chief, under the smiles of Providence, we flatter ourselves with the prospect of discipline and order, success and victory.”

“Be assured, Sir, that it will give us great pleasure to be able to contribute to your happiness. May the favours and blessings of Heaven attend you. May Divine Providence guard and protect you, conduct you in the paths of honour and virtue, grant you the reward of the brave and virtuous here, the applauses of mankind, and the approbation of your own conscience, and eternal happiness here-after.”

His Honour’s Answer.

“To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of the MASSACHUSETTS:

“GENTLEMEN: Nothing can be so flattering to me as the good opinion and approbation of the Delegates of a free and uncorrupt people, I was educated in the highest reverence for the rights of mankind, and have acquired, by a long acquaintance, a most particular regard for the people of America.

“You may depend, therefore, gentlemen, on my zeal and integrity. I can promise you nothing from my abilities. God Almighty grant us success equal to the righteousness of the cause.

“I thank you, gentlemen, for an address which does me so much honour, and shall labour to deserve it.”

Ordered, That the sum fifty Pounds be paid to Mr. Paul Revere, in full for engraving four Plates and printing 14,500 impressions; and that Mr. Langdon bring in a Resolve for that purpose.

Ordered, That Mr. Phillips Colonel Grout, and Mr. Crane, be a Committee to devise means for supporting the Poor of the Towns of Boston and Charlestown, to the places of their destination.

Ordered, That the Committee for procuring and furnishing a house for Generals Washington and Lee, be directed to purchase what things are necessary that they cannot hire.

Ordered, That Mr. Goodwin and Colonel Richmond be added to the Committee last mentioned.

Ordered, That the last-mentioned Committee be directed to procure some refreshments for the Generals Washington and Lee.

Mr. Langdon, agreeable to order, brought in the following Resolve; which was accepted, viz:

Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury of this Colony, to Mr. Paul Revere, or order, the sum of fifty Pounds, in full for procuring and engraving four Plates and printing 14,500 impressions of Colony Notes; and the Receiver-General is hereby directed to pay the same sum accordingly.

The Committee appointed to consider of means for securing sundry Whale-Boats procured for the use of this Colony, and now lying at Weymouth and Braintree, beg leave to report, that Captain Edmund Soper, of Braintree, be empowered to tale charge of the same, and with the assistance of Captain Seth Turner’s and Captain Vinton’s Companies, (now posted in Braintree,) convey and secure them in some safe and convenient place, where they will no be exposed either to the enemy or the weather; and there to remain until the further order of this or some future Congress, or House of Representatives.

Adjourned till eight o’clock to-morrow morning.

Sabbath Day, July 2, 1775.

Ordered, That Mr. Bliss and Mr. Cutt be the Committee for devising means for the support of the Poor of the Towns of Boston and Charlestown, to the places of their destination, in the room of Mr. Phillips and Mr. Crane.

The Report of the Committee for securing the Lamps of the Light-Houses, was read and accepted, and is as follows viz:

The Committee appointed to consider the expediency of removing and securing the Lamps, with the Oil, &c., from the several Light-Houses within this Colony, have attended that service, and beg leave to report as follows, viz: That be recommended to the Committee of Correspondence, or Selectmen of the Town of Chelsea, to remove and secure (if practicable) the Lamps and Oil from the Light-House at the entrance of Boston Harbour, with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging; also, that it be recommended to the Committee of Safety of the Town of Gloucester, that the same measures be taken with respect