North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1840-02-26
resolutions which were unanimously adop-

1.-The Congress taxing into consideration
The report OF the committee who conferred
with Captain Mote,
Upon motion made, Resolred, That the
olhcers nc distributed in such places as are
most agreeable 10 themselves, observing
always the former resolutions Of Congress
on this subject, and that The officers and
privates he not stationed in The same places,
unlIl The farther orders OF Congress.
RESOLVED, That a committee OF three be
appointed 10 confer with Major Preston,
and, with him, fix on an agent to negotiate
his bills; and with the money arising from
the sale OF said bills, 10 supply the prisoners
taken at St. Johns with clothing and
other necessaries.
! The members chosen-Mr. MsKcan,
Mr.. X. Fl. Lee, and Mr.. S. Adams.
Resoired, That the privaies who are
prisoners, and have been left by captain
MotIe at Lancaster, be allowed to remain
IN that place I'LL the further orders Of Con.
gress.
Resoived, That sum not exceeding 80
dollars be paid 10 captain Motto, being so
much advanced and paid by him for neces-
saries to his men in conducting the prison
ers.
RESOLVED, That the distribution of the
prisoners made by captain Motto be an
/ proved.
On the 18th December the committee
appointed 10 confer with major Preston,
reported their proceedings, and that they
mad not yet come TO a conclusion with him
on The matter given them in charge.
| Resofred, That major Preston have
leave to go with captain Motto to Lancas.
ter, and 10 remain there ten DAYS, il he
choose to iarry 50 long.
Resotred, That a copy Of the resolutions
Of Congress, relative 10 the disposal of the
| prisoners, and OF The parole 10 be signed
| by The officers, b. sent 10 the committee Of
inspection OF Lancaster; and that an order
issue 10 The said committee 10 take the
parole of the officers there, and transmit
the same To Congress.
ResolUed, That an order be drawn on
me treasurer in favour Of captain Edward
Mote, Tor the farther sum OF 80 dollars
he To be accountable for the same.''
The attention OF Congress was now con-
stantly turned towards the Canadian ex-
petition. They had not YET learned the
disasters which had befallen the American
arms before Quebec. They knew well
that the Continental troops were efficient
IN numbers for the accomplishment Of such
great object, and their attention. was en-
tirely taken up in devising the best and
quickest means Of increasing their army in
thatquarter. Generals Schuyler and Mont
gomery had very often, in their respective
letters, adverted 10 that fact, and had beg
ged from Congress that the northern army
should be Immediately increased to suifi-
cent number to enable them at once
to reduce the British, who were then on
their last legs in Canada. The action OF
Congress had been too ,ardy, on such an
important question, and to the procrastn-
alton o. that body may be attributed, TO
certain extent, the failure Of that expe-
diiion. However on the 9Th January, the !
following resolutions were unanimously
passed.
Resolued, That shipwrights be imme-
diateIy sent from New York and Phiadel- |
phia TO general Schuyler, or the comnian-
der in chief Of the forces at Ticondrropa, |
10 be employed by him, in constructing !
number Of bat;eaux, not exceeding one |
hundred, for transporting troops, with |
their baggage, from that place into Cana
da, whenever il may be found necessary.
That sufficient number OF suitable men
be engaged for rowing said batieaux; and I
that large quantity OF provisions aud /
stores be sent this winter TO fort George.
That general Schuyler be desired to have
the river ST. Lawrence, above and below
Quebec, well explored, and To determine
upon proper places, for opposing, by arm
ed boats, or otherwise, any attempt Of the
enemy 10 penetrate that country by The
river; and that be give orders FOR construct
ing speedily as many such boats as he
shall Judge necessary.
That two shipwrights be Immediately
sent from Philadelphia. TO be employed I'M
der the direction OF the committee OF 10
speclion al Albany, 10 constructing seows
for facilitating the passage over H1d-
sons river"
IN their letters TO Congress, Generals
Schuyler and Montgomery had represent
ed that, TO cOnciliate the feelings OF the