521[Monday July 22. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Monday July 22. 1776. The Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the whole, to take into consideration the Articles of confederation, and after some time the President resumed the Chair, and Mr. Harrison reported, that the Committee have made some progress in the matter to them referred, but not having come to a conclusion, desire leave to sit again. Resolved that this Congress will...
522[Tuesday July 23. 1776] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday July 23. 1776 was employed in making Referrences to the Board of War, and in receiving, considering and adopting their reports, as may be seen in the Journal. Also in a Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation. JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:601–603.
523John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
This Mornings Post brought me yours of July 13 and 14 and has relieved me from an huge Load of Anxiety.—Am happy to hear that you are so comfortably situated, have so much agreable Company, and such fine Accommodations. I would very joyfully agree to have the small Pox, over again, for the Sake of the Company. Since the Letters of July 3d. and 4th. which you say you have received, I have...
52423 July., 23 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
23 July. The congress resolved, despite allegations, to allow Col. Lewis Dubois to proceed in recruiting his regiment as originally planned; to inform Washington of the confidence the congress had in his military judgment in disposing troops and of its approval of the loan to the New York Convention; and to appoint M. St. Martin lieutenant colonel as an engineer ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and...
525[Wednesday. July 24. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday. July 24. 1776. A Letter from Lieutenant Colonel William Allen was laid before Congress and read; requesting Leave to resign his Commission. Resolved that Leave be granted. About this time it was that, the Gentlemen in the Pennsilvania Proprietary Interest generally left Us. A Petition from George Kills Kitts was presented to Congress and read. Resolved that it be referred to the...
52624 July., 24 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
24 July. The congress resolved to take into continental service the South Carolina rangers and prescribed their table of organization and rates of pay and further resolved to take on the same conditions rangers to be raised in Georgia ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:606–607; Note: Additional...
527From John Adams to Nathaniel Barber Jr., 24 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 15th. instant came duely to Hand, by Yesterdays Post. I shall be happy to render you any Service in my Power, But I conceive the most regular Method will be for you to make application to General Ward, and request him to make a Representation of your Affair to Congress, either directly, or through General Washington. In this Mode, I conceive there will be no difficulty in...
528From John Adams to Thomas Cushing, 24 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I had, by yesterdays Post, the Honour of your Letter of the 15th. instant. I Should esteem it an Honour, and an Happiness, to discharge the friendly Trust of Executor to Mr. Quincys Will, (because I have a great Respect to his Memory and a great Regard for his Family,) if my Situation and Circumstances were such that I could possibly accomplish it, with Advantage to the Interest of the Family....
529From John Adams to James Warren, 24 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 10th. instant, came by Yesterdays Post. This I Suppose will find you, at Boston, growing well of the Small Pox. This Dis temper is the King of Terrors to America this Year. We shall Suffer as much by it, as We did last, Year by the Scarcity of Powder. And therefore I could wish, that the whole People was innoculated. It gives me great Pleasure to learn, that Such Numbers have...
530[July 1776] (Adams Papers)
Terms in this Article, equivocal and indefinite. Jefferson. The Limits of the Southern Colonies are fixed.... Moves an Amendment, that all Purchases of Lands, not within the Boundaries of any Colony shall be made by Congress, of the Indians in a great Council.— Sherman seconds the Motion.... Chase. The Intention of this Article is very obvious, and plain. The Article appears to me to be right,...
531[Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress on the Articles of Confederation] July 25. 1776. (Adams Papers)
Terms in this Article, equivocal and indefinite. Jefferson. The Limits of the Southern Colonies are fixed.... Moves an Amendment, that all Purchases of Lands, not within the Boundaries of any Colony shall be made by Congress, of the Indians in a great Council.— Sherman seconds the Motion.... Chase. The Intention of this Article is very obvious, and plain. The Article appears to me to be right,...
532[Thursday July 25. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday July 25. 1776. A memorial from sundry Officers, who served in Canada, referred to the Board of War. Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation. Letter from General Washington inclosing Letters from Governor Trumbull, and the Committee of Safety of New Hampshire, referred to the board of War.
533From John Adams to John Avery, 25 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I find myself, under a Necessity of applying to the Honourable the general Court for Leave to return home. I have attended here, So long and So constantly, that I feel myself necessitated to ask this Favour, on Account of my Health, as well as on many other Accounts. I beg Leave to propose to the Honourable Court an Alteration in their Plan of Delegation in Congress, which it appears to me,...
534[Notes of Debates on the Articles of Confederation, Continued] July. 26. (Adams Papers)
Rutledge and Linch oppose giving the Power of regulating the Trade and managing all Affairs of the Indians, to Congress. The Trade is profitable they say. Gwinnett is in favour of Congress having such Power. Braxton is for excepting such Indians as are tributary to any State. Several Nations are tributary to Virginia. Jefferson explains it to mean the Indians who live in the Colony. These are...
535[Fryday July 26. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Fryday July 26. 1776. A Committee of the whole, on the Articles of the Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair.
536From John Adams to James Warren, 26 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
My Health has lasted much longer, than I expected but at last it fails. The Increasing Heat of the Weather added to incessant application to Business, without any Intermissions of Exercise, has relaxed me, to such a degree that a few Weeks more would totally incapacitate me for any Thing. I must therefore return home. There will be no difficulty, in finding Men Suitable to send here. For my...
537John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Disappointed again.—The Post brought me no Letter from you, which I dont wonder at much, nor any Intelligence concerning you, which surprizes me, a good deal. . . . I hang upon Tenterhooks. Fifteen days since, you were all inocculated, and I have not yet learned how you have fared. But I will suppose you all better and out of Danger. Why should I torture myself when I cant relieve you? It...
538From John Adams to James Warren, 27 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have directed a Packett to you, by this days Post, and Shall only add a few Words by Fessenden. I assure you the Necessity of your sending along fresh delegates, here, is not chimerical. Paine has been very ill for this whole Week and remains, in a bad Way. He has not been able to attend Congress, for several days, and if I was to judge by his Eye, his Skin, and his Cough, I should conclude...
539[Monday July 29. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Monday July 29. 1776. A long List of Refferences to the Board of War of Letters from Washington, Schuyler, Reed, Trumbull, Convention of New Jersey, Council of Massachusetts &c. &c. The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration, whereupon resolved as in the Journal. Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair. Only a portion of...
540John Adams to Abigail Adams, 29 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
How are you all this Morning? Sick, weak, faint, in Pain; or pretty well recovered? By this Time, you are well acquainted with the Small Pox. Pray how do you like it? We have no News. It is very hard that half a dozen or half a Score Armies cant supply Us, with News. We have a Famine, a perfect Dearth of this necessary Article. I am at this present Writing perplexed and plagued with two knotty...
54129 July., 29 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
29 July. The congress resolved that General Washington could use the newly formed Connecticut regiment at his discretion; that M. Jean Artur Vermonet be appointed brevet captain and another French volunteer, M. Marie Fidel Dorrè, be used as seemed proper; that M. Christopher Pellisier be appointed an engineer with the rank of lieutenant colonel and sent to New York; that General Washington...
Dr. Franklin. Let the smaller Colonies give equal Money and Men, and then have an equal Vote. But if they have an equal Vote, without bearing equal Burthens, a Confederation upon such iniquitous Principles, will never last long. Dr. Witherspoon. We all agree that there must and shall be a Confederation, for this War. It will diminish the Glory of our Object, and depreciate our Hope. It will...
543[Tuesday July 30. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday July 30. 1776. Two reports from the Board of War, with Resolutions in consequence of them as in the Journal. Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair. JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:620–621. These concerned fees to officers for obtaining recruits, Gen....
544John Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
This is one of my fortunate days. The Post brought me, a Letter from you and another from my Friend and Brother. The particular Account you give me of the Condition of each of the Children is very obliging. I hope the next Post will inform me, that you are all, in a fine Way of Recovery. You say I must tell you of my Health and Situation. As to the latter, my Situation is as far removed from...
54530 July., 30 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
30 July. The congress resolved that the recruitment bounties paid to officers be extended to those enlisting men in the new army for three years; that General Mercer’s plan to build boats be approved and materials supplied for that purpose; that General Schuyler be permitted to publish portions of the treaty with the Six Nations; and that an Indian chief, Cayashuta of Niagara, be invited to...
546[Wednesday July 31. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday July 31. 1776. The Board of War brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration: whereupon Resolved as in the Journal. A Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation Mr. Morton in the Chair. JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:623. Concerning “musquet powder” for Washington’s...
54731 July., 31 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
31 July. The congress resolved that five tons of powder be sent to General Washington at New York and that those militia forces thought necessary by the Massachusetts General Court be supplied and paid by the Continent ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:623).
548[August 1776] (Adams Papers)
Hooper. N.C. is a striking Exception to the general Rule that was laid down Yesterday, that the Riches of a Country are in Proportion to the Numbers of Inhabitants. A Gentleman of 3 or 400 Negroes, dont raise more corn than feeds them. A Labourer cant be hired for less than £24 a Year in Mass. Bay. The neat profit of a Negro is not more than 5 or 6£ pr. An num . I wish to see the day that...
Hooper. N.C. is a striking Exception to the general Rule that was laid down Yesterday, that the Riches of a Country are in Proportion to the Numbers of Inhabitants. A Gentleman of 3 or 400 Negroes, dont raise more corn than feeds them. A Labourer cant be hired for less than £24 a Year in Mass. Bay. The neat profit of a Negro is not more than 5 or 6£ pr. An num . I wish to see the day that...
550[Thursday August 1. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday August 1. 1776. Letters from General Mercer and General Roberdeau referred to the Board of War. Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair. Letters from General Washington, General Schuyler and Col. Dubois referred to the Board of War. The Board of War brought in two Reports, which were accepted as in the Journal. JCC Worthington C. Ford and...
5511 August., 1 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
1 August. The congress ordered transcribed and sent a draft letter to George Washington stating that the power given to General Gates in Canada to appoint officers resulted from no lack of confidence in him and would establish no precedent ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:625; see John Hancock to...
5521 August., 1 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
1 August. The congress resolved that Col. John Brown be permitted the rank and pay of lieutenant colonel from 20 November 1775 and that Col. James Easton be allowed the rank and pay of colonel from 1 July 1775 until his discharge pending the decision of a court of inquiry or court martial which, if favorable, would recommend him for further employment ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others,...
553[Notes of Debates on the Articles of Confederation, Continued] Aug. 2d. (Adams Papers)
Limiting the Bounds of States which by Charter &c. extend to the South Sea. Sherman thinks the Bounds ought to be settled. A Majority of States have no Claim to the South Sea. Moves this Amendment, to be substituted in Place of this Clause and also instead of the 15th Article— No Lands to be seperated from any State, which are already settled, or become private Property. Chase denys that any...
554[Fryday August 2. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Fryday August 2. 1776. The Board of War brought in a report, which was accepted as in the Journal. The Marine Committee brought in a report, on the Conduct of Commodore Hopkins. Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair. JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:627–628....
555John Adams to Richard Cranch, 2 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I received your Favour of 22 July, by last Tuesdays post. I thank you for the Trouble you have taken to inform me of the Circumstances of your Family and my own. It gives me great Joy to think your Symptoms were so favourable.—I had a Letter, from my best Friend by the same Conveyance, which gave me more Pleasure than many Times its Weight in Gold would have done. You mention the Exultation at...
5562 August., 2 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
2 August. The congress resolved that Jonathan Trumbull, deputy paymaster general of the Northern Department, be sent $200,000 and additionally that he send a return of all monies intrusted to him since his appointment; that General Washington be permitted to employ as many Stockbridge Indians as necessary; that one hundred old arms held by the congress be sent to the Pennsylvania Committee of...
557[Saturday August 3. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Saturday August 3. 1776. A Letter from Neil McLean, referred to the Board of War.
558John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Post was later than usual to day, so that I had not yours of July 24 till this Evening. You have made me very happy, by the particular and favourable Account you give me of all the Family. But I dont understand how there are so many who have no Eruptions, and no Symptoms. The Inflammation in the Arm might do, but without these, there is no small Pox. I will lay a Wager, that your whole...
559From John Adams to William Heath, 3 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 20th. Ultimo is before me. I am much obliged to you for it, and most heartily wish for a more free and intimate Communication of Sentiments, upon the State both of our Councils and Arms. I should be happy, in a few Hours Conversation, but as this cannot be, I must be content with a Letter. We have now a Nation to protect and defend; and I can easily see the Propriety of the...
560From John Adams to Daniel Hitchcock, 3 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your obliging Favour of the 22, Ultimo came duely to Hand, and I thank you for it. A free Correspondence between the Members of Congress and the Officers of the Army, will probably be attended with Advantages to the public by improving both the Councils and Arms of America. The Burthen of contracting for Cloaths, Arms, and Accoutrements, for the Regiments ought not to lie upon the Collonells....
561From John Adams to Samuel Holden Parsons, 3 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of 24. July is before me. Your Observations concerning the Encouragement We ought to give, to soldiers to inlist I think are just, but a Wisdom Superiour to mine determines otherwise, and therefore I must take it for granted that it is Superiour Wisdom to live from Hand to Mouth, to depend upon fresh Reinforcements of raw Militia every three Months, instead of a regular well...
562From John Adams to Nathanael Greene, 4 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 14 of July is before me. I am happy to find your Sentiments concerning the Rewards of the Army, and the Promotion of Officers So nearly agreable to mine. I wish the general sense here was more nearly agreable to them. Time I hope will introduce a proper sense of Justice in those Cases where it may for Want of Knowledge and Experience be wanting. The New England Collonells,...
563[Monday August 5. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Monday August 5. 1776. Two Letters from General Washington; one from the Council of Virginia, with sundry Copies of Letters from North Carolina And South Carolina inclosed; one from E. Anderson; and sundry Resolutions passed by the Convention of Pennsylvania, were laid before Congress and read. Referred to the Board of War. The Board of War brought in a report; which was taken into...
5645 August., 5 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
5 August. The congress resolved that commanders of American naval vessels or privateers be allowed to enlist sailors taken from the enemy and that those who refuse enlistment be held and exchanged for American sailors; that Rufus Putnam be appointed an engineer with the rank of colonel and pay of $60 per month ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress ,...
565[Tuesday August 6. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday August 6. 1776. A Letter of the 5th. from General Washington, enclosing copies of Letters between him and General Howe, respecting the Exchange of Prisoners, and sundry other Letters and Papers: Also one from Brigadier General Mercer of the 4th. were laid before Congress and read: Resolved that they be referred to the Board of War. A Committee of the whole on the Articles of...
566John Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of 29 July came by this days Post, and made me very happy. Nabby, Charles, and Tommy, will have the small Pox, well, I dont doubt. Tell John he is a very lucky young Gentleman, to have it so much better, than his Mamma, his sister, and Brothers. Mr. S amuel A dams will set out for Boston, on Monday, the 12. of August. I shall write by him. But I will not neglect Writing a few Lines by...
567[Wednesday August 7th. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday August 7th. 1776. A Letter from George Measam referred to the Board of War. A Report from the Board of War, as in the Journal. A Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair. JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:636. This ordered payment for the board and...
5687 August., 7 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
7 August. The congress ordered payment of $222 to three Canadians, Messrs. Giasson, Hertel, and de la Magdelaine, for their expenses from 15 Nov. to 31 July as prisoners at Bristol ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:636).
569[Thursday August 8.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday August 8. The Board of War directed to see certain Resolutions carried into Effect. Resolved that the Board of War be directed to take into immediate Consideration, the State of the Army in the Northern department, and our naval force on the Lakes; and that Mr. Chace be directed to attend the said Board, and give them all the Information in his Power; and that Mr. Williams be desired...
570[Fryday August 9th. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Fryday August 9th. 1776. The Board of War, brought in a report. Ordered to lie on the Table. Resolved that the Secret Committee be directed to deliver to the order of the Board of War such Articles in their possession, belonging to the Continent, as, in the Opinion of the said Board of War, are Necessary for the Deleware Battalion. William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Sullivan, Nathaniel Green...