State of America Further Considered

Page v2:1835

Thursday, May 25, 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment, and, agreeable to the Order of the Day, again resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into their farther consideration the state of America; and after some time spent therein, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Ward reported from the Committee, that they had come to certain Resolutions respecting New-York, which he was desired to report; but for the rest of the business referred to them, the Committee desired him to move for leave to sit again. The Resolutions being severally read, and agreed to, are as follow, viz:

Resolved, That a Post be immediately taken and fortified at or near King' s-Bridge, in the Colony of New-York, and that the ground be chosen with a particular view to prevent the communication between the City of New-York and the country from being interrupted by land.

2. Resolved, That a Post be also taken in the High-lands on each side of Hudson' s River, and Batteries erected in such manner as will most effectually prevent any Vessels passing that may be sent to harass the inhabitants on me borders of said River; and that experienced persons be immediately sent to examine said River, in order to discover where it will be most advisable and proper to obstruct the navigation.

3. Resolved, That the Militia of New-York be armed and trained, and in constant readiness to act at a moment' s warning; and that a number of Men be immediately embodied, and kept in that City, and so disposed of as to give protection to the inhabitants, in case any insult should be offered by the Troops that may land there, and to prevent any attempts that may be made to gain possession of the City, and interrupt its intercourse with the country.

4. That it left to the Provincial Congress of New-York to determine the number of men sufficient to occupy the several Posts above-mentioned, and also that already recommended to be taken at or near Lake George, as well as to guard the City, provided the whole do not exceed the number of three thousand men, to be commanded by such officers as shall be thereunto appointed by said Provincial Congress, and to be governed by such rules and regulations as shall be established by said Congress, until farther order is taken by this Congress; provided also, that if the said Provincial Congress should be of opinion that the number proposed will not be sufficient for the several services above recommended, that the said Congress report their sentiments upon this subject to this Congress, as soon as may be.

5. That it be recommended to the said Provincial Congress, that in raising those Forces, they allow no Bounties or Clothing, and that their Pay shall not exceed the establishment of the New-England Colonies.

Page v2:1836

6. That it be further recommended to the Provincial Congress aforesaid, that the Troops be enlisted to serve until the last day of December next, unless this Congress shall direct that they be sooner disbanded.

A motion being made for an addition to the foregoing Resolutions, after some debate, the same was referred till to-morrow, to which time the Congress adjourned.

State of America further considered in Committee of the Whole Committee of the Whole report in part, recommending the establishment of Posts at King's Bridge, and in the Highlands on Hudson River, the embodying of the Militia, and the enlistment and regulation of Troops by the Provincial Congress Motion for an addition to the Resolutions respecting New-York, after some debate, postponed till to-morrow. [1775-05-25] Continental Congress. [S4-V2-p1835] [Document Details][Complete Volume]