held on the 20th day of this instant June, ought not to be obeyed.

On the question, the above Resolution passed as follows:

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

Saturday, June 16, 1776.

Met according to adjournment.

A Petition of sundry Inhabitants of the North Ward of the City of Perth-Amboy, praying that the Government of the Province of New-Jersey may not be changed; as also a Petition from sundry Inhabitants of the Township of Shrewsbury, in the County of Monmouth, to the same effect; read, and ordered a second reading.

On motion, 2. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Congress, the said William Franklin, Esquire, by such Proclamation, has acted in direct contempt and violation of the Resolve of the Continental Congress of the 15th day of May last.

On the question, the said Resolution passed as follows:

On motion, 3. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Congress, the said William Franklin, Esq., has discovered himself to be an enemy to the liberties of this country; and that measures ought to be immediately taken for securing the person of the said William Franklin, Esquire.

On the question, the said Resolution passed as follows:

On motion, 4. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Congress, all payments of money on account of salary, or otherwise, to the said William Franklin, Esq., as Governour, dught from henceforth to cease; and that the Treasurers of this Province shall account for the moneys in their hands to this Congress, or to the future Legislature of this Colony.

On the question, the said Resolution passed as follows:

John Zabriskie, of Bergen County, desiring leave to resign his commission as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Battalion in that County:

Ordered, That his resignation be accepted.

Resolved, That the following Order do issue to Colonel Nathaniel Heard, of the First Battalion of Middlesex County:

“The Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, reposing great confidence in your zeal and prudence, have thought fit to entrust to your care the execution of the enclosed Resolves. It is the desire of Congress that this necessary business be conducted with all the delicacy and tenderness which the nature of the business can possibly admit. For this end you will find among the papers the form of a written parole, in which there is left a blank space for you to fill up at the choice of Mr. Franklin, with the name of Princeton, Bordentown, or his own farm at Rancocus. When he shall have signed the parole, the Congress will rely upon his honour for the faithful performance of his engagements; but should he refuse to sign the parole, you are desired to put him under strong guard, and keep him in close custody, until the further order of this Congress. Whatever expense may be necessary for this service will be cheerfully defrayed by the Congress. We refer to your discretion what means to use for that purpose; and you have full power and authority to take to your aid whatever force you may require.”

John Hart, Esq., was elected Vice-President.

Adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon.

Met according to adjournment.

A sufficient number not attending to proceed on business, adjourned to Monday morning, ten o’clock.

Monday, June 17, 1776.

Met according to adjournment, and a few only of the Members attending, adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon.

Met according to adjournment.

A Petition from the Township Committee of Windsor, in the County of Middlesex, praying that a new mode of Government may be established, that men above fifty may bear an equal burden, &c., was read, and ordered a second reading.

Mr. Ellis, Mr. Clark, and Mr. Camp, having resigned their office as Commissioners:

Ordered, That their resignations be accepted.

Mr. Ellis having resigned his office of Paymaster and Commissary for the Company of Artillery in West-Jersey:

Ordered, That his resignation be accepted.

Ordered, That John Ross, of Woodbridge, and Isaac Woodruff, of Elizabethtown, be Commissioners for the Eastern Division, in the room of Mr. Clark and Mr. Camp, in order to purchase Tents, Canteens, &c.; and that David Pinkerton, of Trenton, be a Commissioner for the Western Division, in the room of Mr. Ellis.

A Memorial from the Western Commissioners, appointed to procure Tents, &c., was read a second time.

Whereas the Commissioners appointed to purchase Tents and Camp Equipage were restricted in the price, and, from their Memorial now before this Congress, it appears that

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