rights, a reconciliation with the Parent State on terms constitutional and honourable to both; and that her civil and religious privileges may be secured to the latest posterity.

And it is recommended to Christians of all denominations, to assemble for publick worship, and to abstain from servile labour and recreation on said day.

Ordered, That a copy of the above be signed by the President, and attested by the Secretary, and published in the newspapers and in handbills.

On motion, Ordered, That the Letter to the Inhabitants of Canada be published in English.

The Order of the Day being read, after some debate, the Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration the ways and means of raising Money. After some time, the President resumed the chair, Mr. Ward reported from the Committee, that they had proceeded in the business referred to them, but not having come to a conclusion, desired him to move for leave to sit again.

At the same time they desired him to report some Resolutions which they had come into. The Resolutions being read, were adopted as follow, viz:

Resolved, That the Congress will to-morrow resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration the ways and means of raising Money, and also the state of America.

Adjourned till to-morrow, at nine o’clock.

Tuesday, June 13, 1775.

The Congress met, and, agreeable to the Order of the Day, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration the ways and means of raising Money, and also the state of America. After some time spent therein, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported, that the Committee not having come to a conclusion, desired him to move for leave to sit again.

Resolved, That this Congress will to-morrow resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration the ways and means of raising Money, and also the state of America.

Adjourned till to-morrow, at nine o’clock.

Wednesday, June 14, 1775.

The Congress met, and, agreeable to the Order of the Day, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration the state of America; and after some time spent therein, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported, that the Committee not having yet come to a conclusion, they desired him to move for leave to sit again.

At the same time they desired him to report some Resolution which they had come into. The Resolutions being read, were adopted, as follow, viz:

Resolved, That six Companies of expert Riflemen be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia; that each Company consist of a Captain, three Lieutenants, four Sergeants, four Corporals, a Drummer or Trumpeter, and sixty-eight Privates.

That each Company, as soon as completed, march and join the Army near Boston, to be there employed as Light-Infantry, under the command of the chief officer in that Army.

That the Pay of the Officers and Privates be as follows, viz: a Captain twenty dollars per month; a Lieutenant thirteen dollars and one-third of a dollar per month; a Sergeant eight dollars per month; a Corporal seven dollars and one-third of a dollar per month; a Drummer the same; Privates six dollars and two-thirds of a dollar per month; to find their own Arms and Clothes.

That the form of the Enlistment be in the following words, viz:

I, . . . . . . . . . ., have this day voluntarily enlisted myself, as a Soldier, in the American Continental Army, for one year, unless sooner discharged. And I do bind myself to conform, in all instances, to such Rules and Regulations as are, or shall be established for the government of the said Army.

Upon motion, Resolved, That Mr. Washington, Mr. Schuyler, Mr. Deane, Mr. Cushing, and Mr. Hewes, be a Committee to bring in a draught of Rules and Regulations for the government of the Army.

A Letter from the Convention of New-York, dated 10th June, 1775, respecting a Vessel which is stopped there, on suspicion of having Provisions on board for the Army and Navy at Boston, was read, and referred to the Delegates of Massachusetts-Bay, Connecticut, and New-York.

Resolved, That the Congress will, to-morrow, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration the ways and means of raising Money, and the state of America. This to be a Standing Order until the business is completed.

Adjourned till to-morrow, at nine o’clock.

Thursday, June 15, 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

The Committee to whom the Letter from the Convention of New-York was referred, brought in their Report; which being read,

Resolved, That the thanks of this Congress be given to the Convention of New-York, for their vigilance in the case of Captain Coffin’s Vessel, and that it be recommended to them that the Vessel be unloaded, and the Cargo safely stored, until all just suspicions concerning the destination of it shall be removed.

Ordered, That this be transmitted, by the President, in a Letter to the Chairman of the Convention of New-York.

Agreeable to the Order of the Day, the Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration the ways and means of raising Money, and the state of America; after some time spent therein, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported, that the Committee had come to certain Resolutions, which they desired him to report; but not having yet come to a conclusion, ordered him to move for leave to sit again.

The Report of the Committee being read, and debated,

Resolved, That a General be appointed to command all the Continental Forces raised, or to be raised, for the defence of American liberty.

That five hundred Dollars per month be allowed for his pay and expenses.

The Congress then proceeded to the choice of a General, when George Washington, Esquire, was unanimously elected.

Resolved, That the Congress will, to-morrow, again resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration the state of America.

Adjourned till to-morrow, at eight o’clock.

Friday, June 16, 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

The President, from the chair, informed George Washington, Esquire, that he had the orders of the Congress to acquaint him that the Congress had, by a unanimous vote, made choice of him to be General and Commander-in-Chief, to take the supreme command of the Forces raised, and to be raised, in defence of American liberty, and desired his acceptance of it. To which Colonel Washington, standing in his place, answered:

“Mr. PRESIDENT: Though I am truly sensible of the high honour done me, in this appointment, yet I feel great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust. However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, and for support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation.

“But, lest, some unlucky event should happen, unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered, by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare, with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honoured with.

“As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress, that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment, at the expense of my domestick ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep exact account of my expenses. Those, I doubt not, they will discharge, and that is all I desire.”

Upon motion, Resolved, That a Committee of three be