in their power, especially as the fate of America may perhaps depend upon the issue of this summer’s campaign:

Do Resolve, That in case the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental forces at New-York, upon the arrival of British troops, shall stand in need of the aid of the Militia of this Colony, that he be authorized to call for the same, by applying to one of the Brigadiers-General or the Colonels of Militia. And the said Militia, upon such request, are desired immediately to march to the defence of the parts invaded, or threatened with an immediate invasion. And all such of the Militia as, upon the requisition of the Com-mander-in-Chief, shall march to the defence of any place in danger, shall be entitled to the same pay and subsistence as are allowed to the Continental forces, and shall not be detained in such service more than one month from the time of their marching. This Congress, from experience of the zeal and alacrity of the inhabitants of this Colony to step forward for the defence of America on all former occasions, are persuaded that this request from their Representatives, arising from pure necessity, will be most cheerfully complied with, and the honour and safety of the Colony thereby maintained.

Ordered, That a copy of the above Resolution be transmitted to General Washington; and that the same be published in the newspapers.

Ordered, unanimously, That Doctor Melancthon Freeman be appointed Surgeon, and Mr. Benjamin Stockton Surgeon’s Mate, to the Battalion directed to be raised in the Counties of Middlesex and Monmouth.

A Petition from John Reynolds and George Riche, Paper-makers in Germantown, Pennsylvania, setting forth, that they designed to carry on their trade in this Colony, and praying that this Congress would encourage the same; read, and ordered a second reading.

A Petition from sundry Inhabitants of the County of Burlington, setting forth, that great expense will necessarily attend recruiting the men directed to be raised by an Ordinance of the 14th instant; and praying that the men may be subsisted and paid from the time of inlistment; read, and ordered a second reading.

William Franklin, Esq., late Governour of this Province, having been brought before this Congress, pursuant to an order for that purpose, to be examined touching such parts of his conduct as were deemed inimical to the liberties of America, Mr. Franklin refused to answer the questions put to him, denying the authority of this body, which he alleged had usurped the King’s Government in this Province.

As the said William Franklin, by this and his former conduct, in many instances, appears to be a virulent enemy to this country, and a person that may prove dangerous; therefore, it is

Unanimously Resolved, That the said William Franklin be confined in such place and manner as the honourable Continental Congress shall direct.

Ordered, That the President write to the Continental Congress, enclosing the above Resolves and the questions that were put to Mr. Franklin.

Resolved, That Lieutenant-Colonel Bowes Read keep under safe guard the person of William Franklin, Esquire, until the further order of this Congress; and that the President sign an order for this purpose.

Adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon.

Met according to adjournment.

The Petition from sundry Inhabitants of Burlington County, setting forth, that great expense will necessarily attend the recruiting the men directed to be raised by an Ordinance of the 14th instant; and praying that the men may be subsisted and paid from the time of inlistment, was read a second time, and referred to Mr. Dick, Mr. Ellis, and Mr. Symmes.

Four Petitions from the Township of Middletown and Shrewsbury, in the County of Monmouth, praying that the Government of the Province of New-Jersey may not be changed, &c., read.

Two Petitions from the Township of Freehold, in the County of Monmouth, praying that this Congress will immediately establish such mode of Government as shall be equal to the present exigencies of this Colony, and fully coincide with the Resolve of the honourable Continental Congress of the 15th of May last; were read.

Pursuant to the Order of the Day, the Congress went into the consideration of the propriety of forming a Government, &c.

Resolved, That a Government be formed for regulating the internal police of this Colony, pursuant to the recommendation of the Continental Congress of the 15th of May last.

On the question, it passed in the affirmative, as follows:

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

Saturday, June 22, 1776.

Met according to adjournment.

Upon the question, Whether one or more Delegates shall be a sufficient number to represent this Colony in Continental Congress? It passed in the affirmative, as follows, viz:

Resolved, That five persons be elected to represent this Colony in Continental Congress, to serve for one year, unless a new appointment be made before that time, any one of whom shall have power to vote.

Mr. Sergeant having resigned his appointment as a Delegate in the Continental Congress,

Ordered, That his resignation be accepted. Adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon.

Met according to adjournment.

The Congress proceeded to the election of Delegates to represent this Colony in Continental Congress, when Richard Stockton, Abraham Clark, John Hart, Francis Hopkinson, Esquires, and Dr. John Witherspoon, were elected by ballot to serve for one year, unless a new appointment be made before that time.

Resolved, That the following Instructions be given to the Delegates so elected, viz:

To RICHARD STOCKTON, ABRAHAM CLARK, JOHN HART, FRANCIS HOPKINSON, Esquires, and the Rev. Dr. JOHN WITHERSPOON, Delegates appointed to represent the Colony of NEW-JERSEY in Continental Congress.

The Congress empower and direct you, in the name of this Colony, to join with the Delegates of the other Colonies in Continental Congress, in the most vigorous measures for supporting the just rights and liberties of America. And, if you shall judge it necessary and expedient for this purpose, we empower you to join with them in declaring the United