Charles
Thomson, Secretary
July
1, 1776 to February 28, 1781
Chronology
Chronology
The United Colonies Continental Congress was
called to order on July 1st at 9 am and heated debate consumed most of that hot
and humid Monday. Late in the day it was apparent that the delegates from
Pennsylvania and South Carolina were not ready to pass the Lee resolution for
Independence:
Additionally the two delegates from Delaware were
split so debate was postponed until the following day. On July 2, 1776
both Robert Morris and John Dickinson deliberately “abstained” by not attending the
session and the remaining Pennsylvania delegation voted for
independence. Henry Middleton’s son, Arthur
Middleton, chose to ignore his absent
father’s wish and changed the colony's position to yes on independence. Finally
the great patriot Caesar Rodney, summoned by fellow delegate Thomas
McKean suffering from a serious facial cancer and afflicted
with asthma reportedly rode 80 miles through the rain and a
lightning storm arriving in time to break the Delaware 1 to 1 deadlock by
casting the third vote for independence. Thus all 12 colonies voted on July 2nd
and adopted the resolution, introduced by Richard Henry Lee and John Adams,
declaring independence from Great Britain.
Notwithstanding New York’s July 9th approval,
the passage of Lee’s Resolution and even John Adams’ letter to
Abigail declaring that “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most
memorable Epocha, in the History of America”, [1] July
4th has been heralded as the birth date of the United States of
America since 1777. Indeed, July 4th has remained
sacrosanct despite the enactment of two distinctly different U.S. Constitutions
in 1781 and again in 1789 that reformulated the United States’ federal
government.
Why does the U.S. Government, since 1777,
celebrate the 4th of July as Independence Day and not the 2nd of
July?
When the twelve United Colonies of
America declared their independence on July 2nd the
Declaration of Independence (DOI) was already before the Colonial
Continental Congress for its consideration. The first draft was
read before the delegates on Friday June 28, 1776, and then ordered to lie on
the table over the weekend for their review. On Monday, July 1st,
the DOI was read again to the “Committee of the Whole.” The
DOI was debated along with the much shorter Lee Resolution.
The 12 Colonies, whose members were empowered to
declare independence, were unable to garner the necessary 12 delegation votes
to make the measure unanimous. Accordingly, it was decided to
postpone the vote on independence until the following day, July 2nd,
and the 12 colonial delegations passed the Lee’s Resolution declaring
their independence from Great Britain. The DOI, however, was quite
another matter; Committee of the Whole Chairman Benjamin
Harrison requested more time and the members agreed to continue
deliberations following day.
On July 3rd, the Continental
Congress considered, debated and passed several pressing war resolutions
before taking up the DOI resolution. Once again, not having
sufficient time to finalize the proclamation, Chairman Benjamin
Harrison requested more time and the U.S. Continental Congress tabled
deliberation until the following day. On the morning of July 4, 1776
the delegates debated and passed the following war resolution: [2]
… that an
application be made to the committee of safety of Pennsylvania for a
supply of flints for the troops at New York: and that the colony of
Maryland and Delaware be requested to embody their militia for the
flying camp, with all expedition, and to march them, without delay, to the city
of Philadelphia.[3]
The Continental Congress then took up,
finalized, and passed the Declaration of Independence: “Mr. Benjamin
Harrison reported, that the committee of the whole Congress have agreed to
a Declaration, which he delivered in. The Declaration being read
again was agreed to …”[4]
The Declaration of Independence proclaimed
why “… these United Colonies are, and, of right, ought to be, Free and
Independent States …”[5] and
its content served to justify the Colonial Continental Congress July 2nd vote
declaring independence. It was the rhetoric in the DOI and not Lee’s
Resolution that exacted the vote for independence
on July 2nd, 1776, from the 12 state delegations. Moreover,
the July 4th, 1776, resolution included naming the Second United
American Republic which was not incorporated in Lee’s Resolution. It
is also important to note that the name, United States of America, was not
utilized on any of the Continental Congress resolutions or bills passed after Lee’s
Resolution on July 2nd up until the passage of the
DOI on July 4th, 1776.
It is true that in Thomas Jefferson’s
DOI drafts, the word “States” was substituted for “Colonies” in
the stile, or name, “United Colonies of America.” It is also
true that Jefferson’s substitution was in accordance with Lee’s
Resolution that asserted the “United Colonies” were
to be “free and independent States.” The new
republic was not named the “United States,” however, until the Declaration of
Independence’s adoption on July 4, 1776.
The naming of this new republic was no small
matter, and the topic would be addressed again in later deliberations on the
Articles of Confederation and the current U.S. Constitution. [6] As
noted earlier, the 1775 Articles of Confederation and Declaration
for Taking up Arms initially named the First United American Republic
the United Colonies of North America. The
name was only shortened by the Continental Congress to the United
Colonies of America in 1776. We must, therefore, pay heed to the fact
that the nation’s name was adopted on July 4th, 1776, with the
passage of the Declaration of Independence and not on July 2nd with
the enactment of Lee’s Resolution. This circumstance,
coupled with the nearly completed Declaration of Independence being laid before
the members on June 28th and present during the
July 2nd vote, explicates why the 4th and not
the 2nd was designated Independence Day by the
Continental Congress and was accepted as such by the then future congresses of
the United States of America.
Charles Thomson Manuscript "Report in July 2, 1776, Lee Resolution For Independancy Agreed to July 2, 1776" |
Nevertheless, for the purposes of establishing
the start of the Second United American Republic, we must be more
precise in our determination. The United Colonies of
America severed their allegiance to Great Britain on July 2nd,
1776. The new independent republic of free and independent states
enacted resolutions [7] on
the Second, Third, and Fourth of July before passing the Declaration of
Independence. This Assembly, just like Carpenters’ Hall’s unnamed Congress,[8] formed
a United American Republic by enacting bills, resolutions and
other legislation on behalf of their now independent states. July 2nd,
1776, therefore, marks the end of the United Colonies of America and the
beginning of the Second United American Republic: The
United States of America, Thirteen Independent States United in Congress.
[1] Letter from
John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776. Original manuscript from
the Adams Family Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society. “But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776 will be the most
memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will
be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It
ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion
to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games,
Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent
to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
[2] A Committee
of the Whole is a device in which a legislative body or other deliberative
assembly is considered one large committee.
[3] JCC, 1774-1789,
July 4, 1776
[4] Ibid.
[5] JCC, 1774-1789,
July 2, 1776
[6] At the
Philadelphia Convention on May 30, 1787, Virginia Governor and member Edmund Randolph moved to rename the United States, the “National Government of America.” This name would remain as part of the current
U.S. Constitution draft until June 20th, 1787, when it was moved by
Mr. Oliver Ellsworth, seconded by Mr. Nathaniel Gorham “… to
amend the first resolution reported from the Committee of the whole House so as
to read as follows -- namely, Resolved that the government of the United States
ought to consist of a Supreme Legislative, Judiciary, and Executive. On the
question to agree to the amendment it passed unanimously in the affirmative.”
Max Farrand, The Records of the Federal
Convention of 1787. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1911.
[7]After the
passage of Lee's resolution the
Continental Congress enacted that "In obedience to their order, Captain Whipple and Captain
Saltonstal were come to Philadelphia; Whereupon, Resolved, That the Marine Committee
be directed to enquire into the complaints exhibited against them, and report
to Congress." On the third of July seven different
resolutions were passed, and finally on the Fourth of July they “Resolved, That an application be made to
the committee of safety of Pennsylvania for a
supply of flints for the troops at New York: and that the colony of Maryland and
Delaware be
requested to embody their militia for the flying camp, with all expedition, and
to march them, without delay, to the city of Philadelphia.” All were enacted before the Declaration of
Independence was adopted. Journals of the Continental Congress, July 2-4, 1776.
[8] On September
5, 1774 the delegates first assembled at Carpenters Hall but did not formalize
the name of that body as a “Continental Congress,” until October 20, 1784.
Continental Congress of the United States Presidents
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
July 2, 1776
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October 29, 1777
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November 1, 1777
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December 9, 1778
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December 10, 1778
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September 28, 1779
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September 29, 1779
|
February 28, 1781
|
U.S. Continental Congress Chronology
1776 -- July 2 Declares
independence. July 4 Adopts Declaration of Independence; prepares mobilization
for the defense of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. July 8 Clarifies
jurisdictions of northern commanders Gates and Schuyler; augments Washington's
discretionary powers and commissary general's authority. July 10 Denounces
British treatment of prisoners captured at the Cedars in Canada. July 12 Reads
and orders printing of draft articles of confederation. July 17 Adopts
"rules and orders for the government of this house." July 18 Reads
draft "plan of treaties to be entered into with foreign states." July
19 Orders publication of Lord Howe's commission and correspondence to expose
false expectations for a negotiated peace. July 20 Commends commanders of the
American victory at Charleston. July 22 Adopts procedures for negotiating
prisoner exchange; authorizes emission of additional $5 million in bills of
credit; opens debate on articles of confederation. July 24 Broadens regulations
for confiscating British goods on the high seas. July 26 Orders publication of
an account of a conference between General Washington and a representative of
Lord Howe. July 30 Recommends southern expedition against Cherokees; adopts
sundry resolves in response to report on the miscarriages in Canada.
August 2 Delegates sign engrossed Declaration of Independence; Congress authorizes employment of the Stockbridge Indians. August 6 Proposes general prisoner-of-war exchange. August 8 Orders General Lee to return to Philadelphia from Charleston; concludes three-week debate on articles of confederation. August 12 Holds inquiry into conduct of Commodore Esek Hopkins. August 13 Opens debate on revision of articles of war. August 14 Adopts plan for encouraging desertion of foreign mercenaries. August 15 Rebukes Commodore Esek Hopkins. August 16 Censures Commodore Esek Hopkins. August 19 Orders Commodore Hopkins to resume command of Continental fleet; adopts extensive new instructions for Indian commissioners in middle department. August 20 Reads draft Articles of Confederation and orders them printed in preparation for debate in committee of the whole. August 23 Authorizes additional troops on Continental establishment for frontier defense. August 26 Adopts measures for relief of disabled soldiers and seamen. August 27 Resolves to encourage foreign mercenaries to desert from British army. August 30 Adopts plan to improve postal system.
September 3 Receives Gen. John Sullivan's written report on Lord Howe's proposal for peace conference. September 6 Designates Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge to meet with Lord Howe. September 9 Revises style of Continental commissions, replacing "United Colonies" with "United States." September 11 Committee meets with Lord Howe on Staten Island. September 16 Adopts new plan for a Continental Army of 88 battalions and system of bounties for recruitment of officers and soldiers. September 17 Adopts Plan of Treaties; receives report of the committee appointed to confer with Lord Howe and orders it published. September 20 Adopts Articles of War. September 22 Sends committee to New York "to enquire into the state of the army." September 25 Resolves to send committee to Ticonderoga to improve administration of northern army. September 26 Appoints Silas Deane, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as commissioners at Paris. September 28 Adopts "letters of credence" for commissioners at Paris and plan for their maintenance.
October 1 Appoints Thomas Mifflin as quartermaster general to replace Stephen Moylan; appoints committee to bring in plan for military academy. October 2 Refuses to accept Gen. Philip Schuyler's resignation as commander of northern department. October 3 Resolves to borrow $5 million and establishes system of loan offices to transact the business. October 7 Receives Gen. Charles Lee's personal report on southern department and advances $30,000 indemnity to him for loss of property in England. October 9 Appoints John Morgan and William Shippen, Jr., director of military hospitals "on the east side of Hudson's river" and in New Jersey, respectively. October 14 Accepts the report of the committee on the appeal of the libel case Joshua Wentworth v. the Elizabeth from the maritime court of New Hampshire. October 18 Appoints Thaddeus Kosciuszko colonel of engineers in Continental Army. October 22 Appoints Arthur Lee to replace Jefferson as commissioner at Paris; instructs commissioners to pro cure eight line-of-battle ships in France. October 28 Appoints committee to conduct inquiry into monopolizing and engrossing of military supplies. October 30 Rejects Maryland proposal to substitute money for land as an additional bounty; adopts new formula for division of prize money in Continental Navy.
November 2 Resolves to emit additional $5 million. November 6 Resolves to appoint naval board in Philadelphia "to execute the business of the navy, under the direction of the Marine Committee." November 11 Directs Board of War to confer with Pennsylvania Council of Safety on defense of Philadelphia. November 15 Adopts new pay plan for Continental Navy. November 18 Adopts lottery scheme to raise Continental funds. November 20 Resolves to enlarge navy by eight additional ships. November 23 Receives news of evacuation of Fort Lee and British crossing of Hudson River. November 25 Urges Pennsylvania to mobilize militia for six-week emergency.
December 1 Holds emergency Sunday session; authorizes General Washington to order troops from east of Hudson River to west side. December 5 Hears address of Indian delegation. December 8 Holds emergency Sunday session. December 11 Proclaims day of fasting and humiliation; instructs General Washington to contradict report that Congress was preparing to adjourn from Philadelphia. December 12 Adjourns to Baltimore; leaves Gen. Israel Putnam to direct defense of Philadelphia. December 20 Reconvenes in Baltimore; inquires into treatment of Gen. Charles Lee since his recent capture by the British. December 21 Appoints George Clymer, Robert Morris, and George Walton an executive committee of Congress at Philadelphia. December 23 Authorizes commissioners at Paris to borrow "two millions sterling," arm six vessels of war, and seek information on Portugal's hostile actions toward American ships. December 26 Appoints committee to prepare plan "for the better conducting the executive business of Congress, by boards composed of persons, not members of Congress." December 27 Confers extraordinary powers on General Washington for six months. December 30 Approves new instructions for American commissioners abroad and votes to send commissioners to "courts of Vienna, Spain, Prussia and the Grand Duke of Tuscany." December 31 Receives General Washington's announcement of his victory over Hessian garrison at Trenton.
1777 - January 1 Appoints Benjamin Franklin commissioner to the Court of Spain. January 3 Directs General Washington to investigate and protest General Howe's treatment of Congressman Richard Stockton and other American prisoners. January 6 Denounces Howe's treatment of Gen. Charles Lee and threatens retaliation against prisoners falling into American hands. January 8 Authorizes posting continental garrisons for the defense of western Virginia and financing Massachusetts' expedition against Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia. January 9 Dismisses John Morgan, director general of military hospitals, and Samuel Stringer, director of the northern department hospital. January 14 Adopts proposals to bolster Continental money and recommends state taxation to meet state quotas. January 16 Proposes appointment of a commissary for American prisoners held by the British; orders inquiry into British and Hessian depredations in New York and New Jersey. January 18 Orders distribution of authenticated copies of the Declaration of Independence containing the names of signers. January 24 Provides money for holding an Indian treaty at Easton. Pa. January 28 Appoints committee to study the condition of Georgia. January 29 Directs Joseph Trumbull to conduct an inquiry into activities of his deputy commissary Carpenter Wharton. January 30 Creates standing committee on appeals from state admiralty courts.
February 1 Orders measures for suppressing insurrection in Worcester and Somerset counties, Maryland. February 5 Orders measures for obtaining troops from the Carolinas; instructs Secret Committee on procuring supplies from France. February 6 Directs measures for the defense of Georgia and for securing the friendship of the southern Indians. February 10 Recommends temporary embargo in response to British naval "infestation" of Chesapeake Bay. February 12 Recommends inoculation of Continental troops for smallpox. February 15 Endorses the substance of the recommendations adopted at the December-January New England Conference and recommends the convening of two similar conferences in the middle and southern states. February 17 Endorses General Schuyler's efforts to retain the friend ship of the Six Nations. February 18 Directs General Washington to conduct inquiry into military abilities of foreign officers. February 19 Elects five major generals. February 21 Rejects General Lee's request for a congressional delegation to meet with him to consider British peace overtures; elects 10 brigadier generals. February 22 Resolves to borrow $13 million in loan office certificates. February 25 Adopts measures to curb desertion. February 26 Raises interest on loan office certificates from 4% to 6%. February 27 Cautions Virginia on expeditions against the Indians: adjourns to Philadelphia, to reconvene on March 5.
March 5-11 Fails to attain quorum; on March 11 urges Delaware and New York to dispatch delegates to Congress. March 12 Reconvenes. March 13 Cautions agents abroad against recruiting foreign officers with limited English language skills; appoints committee "to confer with General Gates upon the general state of affairs." March 15 Reprimands General Schuyler for comments "highly derogatory to the honor of Congress." March 17-18 Adjourns for lack of a quorum-only eight states represented. March 19 Appoints committee on applications of foreign officers for military appointments; declines Baron de Kalb's offer of service. March 21 Appoints committee to confer with Gen. Nathanael Greene. March 22 Establishes and specifies the organization and duties of the office of secretary of Congress. March 24 Informs General Washington that Congress never intended him to feel bound by a majority in a council of war contrary to his own judgment. March 25 Urges Virginia to suspend operations planned against her western Indians; directs General Gates to take command of the army at Fort Ticonderoga; appoints William C. Houston deputy secretary of Congress. March 26 Suspends Esek Hopkins from his command of the Continental Navy. March 29 Reaffirms decision not to send a delegation to confer with General Lee.
April 1 Adopts plan for "better regulating the pay of the army." April 4 Adopts commissary reforms recommended by General Greene. April 7 Adopts plan to reorganize the medical department. April 8 Adopts proposals to honor the memory of Generals Joseph Warren and Hugh Mercer. April 10 Orders measures for the defense of the western frontiers and appoints Gen. Edward Hand to the command at Fort Pitt. April 11 Appoints William Shippen, Jr., director general of military hospitals and a new staff of physicians and surgeons general. April 14 Adopts measures to improve recruiting and revises Articles of War. April 16 Urges Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to attack the British forces at Rhode Island. April 18 Resolves to publish report on depredations; appoints committee to conduct inquiry into General Schuyler's command. April 21 Resumes debate on Articles of Confederation. April 22 Orders William Franklin into close confinement in retaliation for his urging Americans to seek royal pardons. April 25 Orders measures for reinforcing and mobilizing General Washington's army. April 29 Orders measures for the defense of Lake Champlain and Ticonderoga. April 30 Appoints committee to evaluate the consequences of the British raid on Danbury; adopts quartermaster and commissary general reforms.
May 1 Considers possible hostilities against Portugal; appoints Arthur Lee commissioner to Spain. May 3 Exonerates Gen. Philip Schuyler from charges of misusing public funds. May 5 Debates Articles of Confederation. May 7 Appoints Ralph Izard commissioner to Tuscany. May 9 Appoints William Lee commissioner to Berlin and Vienna. May 14 Debates reorganization of the quartermaster department. May 20 Resolves to emit an additional $5 million. May 22 Appoints Gen. Philip Schuyler to command of the northern department. May 29 Considers draft address to the inhabitants of the United States.
June 3 Appoints committee to oversee the defense of Pennsylvania. June 4 Empowers General Washington to offer rewards to encourage British desertions. June 6 Directs Secret Committee and Marine Committee to make an accounting of their proceedings and expenditures. June 10 Reorganizes the commissary department. June 11 Receives committee report on "ways and means for defraying the expence of the current year." June 14 Adopts the United States flag; disciplines Deputy Muster Master Gunning Bedford for issuing a challenge to delegate Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant for remarks made in Congress. June 17 Memorializes Gen. David Wooster for bravery during the defense of Danbury, Conn. June 18 Orders George Morgan to convene an Indian conference at Fort Pitt. June 23 Resumes debate on Articles of Confederation; hears New York complaint against inhabitants of "the New Hampshire Grants." June 30 Rebuffs movement to establish Vermont statehood.
July 1 Adopts instructions for commissioners to Vienna, Berlin, and Tuscany. July 3 Adopts instructions for the commissioner to the United Provinces; dispatches troops to suppress Delaware and Maryland loyalists. July 5 Creates Committee of Commerce to replace the Secret Committee. July 7 Condemns Generals Greene, Knox, and Sullivan for an "attempt to influence" Congress. July 11 Appoints committee to proceed to camp "to make a diligent enquiry into the state of the army." July 14 Receives news of the retreat from Ticonderoga and Mount Independence. July 16 Appoints committee to confer with the French officer du Coudray on his "agreement" with Commissioner Silas Deane. July 23 Dismisses 12 naval officers to make an "example" of "combinations of officers to extort increase of pay and allowances." July 25 Appoints committee to study the defense of the southern frontier; commends Colonels Barton and Meigs for "enterprize and valour" in capturing General Prescott and conducting an expedition on Long Island. July 29 Orders an inquiry into the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence. July 31 Commissions the marquis de Lafayette a major general.
August 1 Begins inquiry into Commissioner Silas Deane's contracts with foreign officers. August 4 Appoints Gen. Horatio Gates to replace Gen. Philip Schuyler as commander of the northern department. August 5 Begins consideration of Committee to Camp report on the "state of the army." August 7 Directs General Washington "to negotiate an exchange of prisoners with the enemy." August 8 Records first roll call vote-on motion to promote Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold. August 11 Directs implementation of General Washington's proposals for defense of the Delaware. August 15 Agrees to accept parole of prominent Pennsylvania dissidents seeking to avoid exile to Virginia. August 20 Directs mustering of the Pennsylvania militia; dispatches New Jersey militia to New York to relieve troops for frontier defense. August 21 Endorses General Washington's proposal to march his main army toward the Hudson River; receives news of American victory at Bennington, Vt. August 22 Learns of British invasion of the Chesapeake; alerts Washington to the British threat to Philadelphia and issues call for the Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia militia. August 26 Requests Pennsylvania and Delaware to apprehend and disarm the "notoriously disaffected" within their states. August 28 Reverses decision to parole prominent Pennsylvania dissidents and orders their removal from the state.
September 1 Orders inquiry into the failure of Gen. John Sullivan's expedition against Staten Island. September 4 Orders further call-up of Pennsylvania and New Jersey militia. September 6 Directs clothier general to provide clothing bounties to troops. September 8 Rebukes Silas Deane for exceeding his authority in negotiating agreements with foreign officers in France. Sept ember 9 Orders General Washington to write Congress at least twice daily "advising the position and movements of the armies." September 10 Adopts "ways and means" motion to pay interest accruing on loan office certificates in bills of exchange on the commissioners at Paris. September 11 Learns of the American defeat at Brandywine Creek. September 12 Directs Gen. Israel Putnam to reinforce Washington's army. September 14 Orders General Sullivan's recall until the inquiry ordered into his conduct is completed; resolves to convene in Lancaster, Pa., if the evacuation of Philadelphia becomes necessary. September 15 Orders investigation of a conspiracy rumored to be impending in Pennsylvania. September 16 Grants General Washington broad powers to punish military officers and to impress supplies for the army; orders removal of supplies from Philadelphia September 18 Evacuates Philadelphia. September 19-26 Delegates in flight to Lancaster, Pa. September 27 Convenes at Lancaster; adjourns to York. September 30 Convenes at York.
October 1 Resolves to meet twice daily. October 2 Authorizes delegates
to draw provisions from Continental commissaries. October 4 Commends sundry
officers for bravery in defense against General Burgoyne's northern invasion.
October 7 Debates "mode of voting" under draft Articles of
Confederation. October 8 Adopts penalties for "communicating" with
the enemy; commends Washington for the "brave exertions" of his army
at Germantown. October 9-14 Debates taxation proposals under draft Articles of
Confederation. October 15 Debates powers of Congress under draft Articles of
Confederation. October 17 Reorganizes the Board of War. October 20 Exonerates
Gen. John Sullivan for failure of Staten Island expedition; learns informally
of General Gates' capture of General Burgoyne's army at Saratoga. October 22
Orders inquiry into the conduct of Indian Commissioner George Morgan. October
23-30 Debates and revises draft Articles of Confederation. October 29
President Hancock takes leave of Congress. October 31 Receives official
notification of the Saratoga Convention.
1777
November 1 Elects Henry Laurens president of the Continental Congress. November 4 Commends
General Gates and his army for their defense against Burgoyne's invasion and
various other officers and units for their defense of the Delaware. November 7 Names new appointees to
reorganized Board of War. November
1014 Conducts final debates on Articles of Confederation. November 15
Adopts Articles of Confederation. November
17 Transmits Articles of Confederation to states for their
consideration. November 19
Directs General Washington to inquire into the treatment of American prisoners.
November 20 Adopts report on
pacification of the western frontier. November
21 Recalls Commissioner Silas Deane from the court of France. November 22 Adopts economic program
asking the states to levy taxes, call in paper money, and regulate prices. November 24 Adopts measures for
improving the provisioning of the army. November
27 Recommends confiscation of loyalist property in the states; completes
reconstitution of the Board of War, Horatio Gates named president. November 28 Appoints committee to
confer with General Washington; orders inquiry into the failures of the Rhode
Island expedition and the Delaware River defenses; appoints John Adams
commissioner to France. November 29
Appoints committee to obtain a French translation of the Articles of Confederation
and to invite Canada "to accede
to the union of these states."
December
1 Rejects
alteration of the Saratoga Convention to permit embarkation of Burgoyne's army
from Rhode Island. December 3
Resolves to seek $2 million loan from France and Spain; directs suppression of
Delaware loyalists; adopts instructions for retaining continued neutrality of
the Six Nations; endorses proposal for a surprise attack against Lake
Champlain. December 8 Orders
Silas Deane's immediate return to Congress. December 10 Denounces Gen. William Howe's treatment of American
prisoners; authorizes General Washington to impress supplies in Pennsylvania. December 13 Appoints Gen. Thomas
Conway to newly constituted post of inspector general of the army. December 16 Receives report of the
committee at head quarters. December
19 Questions General Washington's plans for a winter cantonment. December 26 Debates implementation of
the Saratoga Convention. December 30
Grants navy boards increased authority over naval officers; extends General
Washington's powers to impress supplies, discipline officers, and punish spies.
1778 January 2 Dismisses Esek
Hopkins from the Continental Navy. January
8 Detains Convention Army in America until properly notified of
Britain's "explicit ratification
of the convention of Saratoga." January 11 Appoints committee to
repair to headquarters to concert with General Washington on the reform of the
army. January 12 Examines John
Folger on the theft of despatches from the commissioners in France. January 14 Accepts Baron Steuben's
tender of services as a volunteer in the Continental Army. January 15 Orders creation of
additional magazines for supply of the army in Pennsylvania. January 16 Instructs committee at
camp to evaluate an attack on Philadelphia. January 17 Resolves to issue an additional $10 million in loan
office certificates. January 20
Appoints Charles Carroll and Gouverneur Morris to the committee at camp to
replace members named from the Board of War. January 21 Adopts measures to secure improved British treatment
of American prisoners of war. January
23 Names General Lafayette to command an invasion of Canada. January 27 Appoints committee to
confer on the reform of the hospital department. January 3031 Studies proposals for reform of the quarter master
department and for retaining the neutrality of the Indians in the northern
department.
February
2 Appoints officers for Canadian expedition. February 3 Prescribes oath required of all officers of the
United States. February 4
Directs commissioner to the court of Tuscany to seek $1 million loan; receives
Committee at Camp recommendation that Jeremiah Wadsworth be appointed
commissary general of purchases. February
6 Reforms medical department; appoints middle department physician
general. February 11 Adopts
regulations for commissary general of military stores. February 13 Requests North Carolina beef and pork embargo. February 16 Resolves to emit
additional $2 million in bills of credit. February 17 Suspends Board of War's special purchasing agents. February 19 Relocates Convention Army
for security purposes. February 23
Appoints committee to reexamine feasibility of Canadian expedition. February 26 Adopts resolves for
arranging a prisoner exchange; adopts new Continental Army quotas and recruiting
regulations. February 27
Prescribes death penalty for persons convicted of aiding the enemy.
March
2 Appoints
Nathanael Greene quartermaster general and adopts new quartermaster
regulations; urges cavalry recruitment; suspends Canadian expedition. March 3 Authorizes General Burgoyne's
return to England. March 4 Authorizes
Washington to employ Indians with the army. March 5 Resolves to emit additional $2 million in bills of
credit. March 7 Designates
April 22 a day of fasting and prayer. March
12 Urges states to keep three delegates in constant attendance. March 13 Adopts new commissary
regulations; reassigns Lafayette and de Kalb. March 16 Orders return of Pennsylvania pacifists exiled to
Virginia; orders study of state compliance with recommendations of Congress. March 18 Increases Washington's
authority to negotiate prisoner exchanges. March 21 Adopts measures for defense of the northern department.
March 24 Resolves to resume
once daily sessions. March 26
Orders arrest of Delaware loyalists to thwart invasion threat. March 28 Appoints Casimir Pulaski to
command independent cavalry corps. March
30 Adopts revised prisoner exchange instructions.
April
4 Resolves to
emit additional $1 million in bills of credit; empowers Washington to call New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland militia. April 7 Adopts contract terms for Commerce Committee to execute
with Roderique Hortalez & Co. April
9 Sets pay and allowances for commissary officers and appoints Jeremiah
Wadsworth commissary general of purchases. April 10 Holds acrimonious debate on letter criticizing
Washington, sparking walkout of Thomas Burke and Edward Langworthy. April 11 Orders Thomas Burke to
answer charges of disrupting proceedings of Congress; resolves to emit
additional $5 million in bills of credit. April 14 Adopts regulations for commissary general of purchases.
April 15 Responds to Delaware
protest that General Smallwood's seizure of loyalists infringed the internal
police of the state; directs General Gates to take command of the northern department.
April 16 Rejects motion
to refer issue of Continental officers' pensions to the states. April 18 Orders inquiry into the loss
of the Virginia. April 22
Orders publication of statement on North Ministry's peace proposals. April 23 Urges states to pardon and
forgive penitent loyalists; requests Maryland to send troops to suppress
Delaware uprising. April 25
Resolves that Thomas Burke's withdrawal from Congress was "disorderly and
contemptuous." April 26
Holds Sunday debate on halfpay proposal for Continental officers. April 28 Accepts General Conway's
resignation. April 29 Adopts
plan to encourage desertion of British mercenaries seeking land and citizenship
in the United States.
May
3 Holds Sunday
session to consider treaties of commerce and alliance negotiated with France. May 4 Ratifies the treaties with
France. May 5 Instructs
commissioners to secure revocation of two treaty of commerce articles. May 8 Adopts an address to the
inhabitants of the United States. May
9 Issues proclamation denouncing seizures of neutral shipping by
American armed vessels. May 11
Instructs Massachusetts on safeguarding the rights of the owners of an
illegally seized Portuguese vessel. May
13 Rejects motion to refer proposed officer pension plan to the states. May 15 Adopts plan to provide half
pay for officers for seven years after the conclusion of the war. May 18 Receives "plan for regulating the army"
from the committee at camp. May 19
Orders emission of $6.3 million in bills of credit to pay interest on loan
office certificates. May 21
Authorizes Massachusetts to assist Nova Scotia revolutionaries at Continental
expense; adopts principles for governing prisoner exchanges. May 22 Resolves to emit additional $5
million in bills of credit. May 26
Adopts revised "rules" of
Congress. May 27 Adopts new "Establishment of the American
Army." May 28
Revises commissions of the American commissioners to Vienna, Berlin, and
Tuscany. May 30 Resumes twice
daily sessions "for the space of
one month."
June
1 Debates instructions for the American commissioners in Europe. June 4 Recommends suspension of state
price regulations; directs Washington to "proceed in arranging" the
army. June 6 Rejects peace
proposals submitted by Lord Howe and Sir Henry Clinton. June 8 Embargoes provisions (effective June 10November 15, 1778). June 11 Receives notice of the arrival of the Carlisle peace
commission at Philadelphia; orders expedition against Fort Detroit; orders
quartermaster department inquiry. June
13 Receives letter from the Carlisle peace commission. June 17 Adopts reply to the Carlisle
peace commission orders halt to personal "correspondence
with the enemy." June 20
Receives notice of the British evacuation of Philadelphia; resolves to emit
additional $5 million in Continental currency. June 2225 Debates proposed state amendments to the Articles of
Confederation. June 25 Orders
reinforcements for Rhode Island. June
26 Orders Articles of Confederation to be engrossed for signing. June 27 Adjourns from York, "to Thursday next, to meet at the State
House in Philadelphia."
July
26 Convenes in
Philadelphia, but adjourns "from
day to day" for lack of a quorum. July 7 Achieves quorum; thanks Washington for "gaining the important victory of
Monmouth." July 9
Corrects engrossed Articles of Confederation and begins the signing; directs
committee of arrangement to repair to headquarters. July 11 Receives news of the arrival in Delaware Bay of the
French fleet carrying Conrad Alexandre Gerard and Silas Deane; directs
Washington to prepare for a joint Franco-American offensive. July 14 Appoints committee to arrange
public reception for the French minister Gerard. July 18 Rejects renewed overtures from the Carlisle peace
commission. July 20 Endorses
Ebenezer Hazard's plan to collect "various
state papers relative to the origin and progress of the several European
settlements in North America." July 23 Orders inventory of goods left in Philadelphia at the
time of the British evacuation; receives Jean Holker's commissions as French
marine agent and consul in Philadelphia. July
25 Defers attack on Fort Detroit; adopts measures for Pennsylvania and
New York frontier defense. July 30
Emits additional $5 million in Continental currency. July 31 Appoints committee to "superintend an entertainment" for the French minister
August
1 Consigns
tobacco for payment of Beaumarchais' contract claims. August 3 Investigates commissaries Benjamin Flower and Cornelius
Sweers for fraud. August 6
Holds formal audience with French minister Gerard. August 7 Debates proposal to discipline board of war members for
disregarding an order of Congress. August
10 Postpones proposal to exchange former New Jersey governor William
Franklin for Delaware president John McKinly. August 11 Adopts declaration denouncing peace commissioner
George Johnstone for attempted bribery of American leaders. August 13 Curtails issuance of passes
for travel to British occupied New York; orders Silas Deane to at tend
Congress. August 15 Orders
Silas Deane to prepare an oral report on his mission to France; adopts
resolution for maintaining the secrecy of correspondence of the committee for
foreign affairs. August 17
Hears Silas Deane's testimony; receives resignation of Maj. Gen. Thomas
Mifflin. August 20 Refers
report on the inspector general's department to Washington; rejects motion to
exchange William Franklin for John McKinly. August 21 Orders printing of the proceedings of Gen. Charles
Lee's court-martial; hears Silas Deane conclude "the general account" of his mission to France. August 24 Orders the release of
commissary Benjamin Flowers and the prosecution of deputy commissary Cornelius
Sweers. August 28 Receives news
of failure of the Franco-American attack on Newport. August 31 Adopts measures to improve recruitment of the
Continental Army.
September
1 Refers
passport application of British secret agent John Temple to the state of
Pennsylvania. September 2
Recommends granting exemptions to the provisions embargo. September 3 Resolves to permit
recruitment of German mercenary deserters; postpones expedition planned against
Seneca Indians. September 5
Ignores appeal of secret British agent Dr. John Berkenhout for release from
Pennsylvania jail; emits additional $5 million in continental currency. September 9 Votes thanks to Gen. John
Sullivan for the conduct of his forces at Rhode Island; orders Rhode Island
expedition inquiry September 11
Authorizes dispersal of Gen. John Burgoyne's Convention Army for its more
convenient subsistence; urges Maryland to curb evasions of the embargo. September 14 Appoints Benjamin
Franklin minister plenipotentiary to France; approves exchange of William
Franklin for John McKinly. September
19 Reads committee of finance report; orders finance report printed. September 22 Orders examination of
William Carmichael on the activities of Silas Deane in France. September 25 Appeals to Virginia and
North Carolina to aid South Carolina and Georgia; appoints Benjamin Lincoln to
command the southern department. September
26 Reorganizes the offices of the treasury; emits an additional $10
million in Continental currency. September
28 Conducts examination of William Carmichael. September 30 Conducts examination of William Carmichael;
reassigns Casimir Pulaski's legion.
October
2 Extends
embargo to January 31, 1779; requests states to seize provisions to prevent
engrossing and speculation. October 3
Informs Casimir Pulaski "that it
is the duty of every military officer in the service of these states, to yield
obedience" to the laws of the states. October 5 Conducts examination of William Carmichael on the
activities of Silas Deane in France. October
6 Invites Dr. Richard Price to become a citizen and move to the
United States to assist "in
regulating their finances." October 8 Lifts limitations on the
price of silver and gold. October 12
Adopts resolves to suppress "theatrical
entertainments, horse racing, gaming, and such other diversions as are
productive of idleness, [and] dissipation." October 13 Orders Washington to take measures for frontier
defense. October 14 Receives
documents from Silas Deane and schedules continuation of inquiry into charges
made against him. October 15
Receives intelligence of the distribution of a "Manifesto and Proclamation" from the British peace
commissioners. October 16
Orders seizure of persons attempting to distribute "manifestoes" of the British commissioners; orders
removal of the Convention Army to Charlottesville, Va. October 17 Commends comte d'Estaing for his attempts to assist
the forces of the United States. October
21 Orders arrest of British commissary of prisoners in Philadelphia;
declares opposition to "partial
and parole exchanges" of prisoners of war in favor of "a general exchange";
commends the marquis de Lafayette and declares thanks to the king of France. October 22 Assigns Horatio Gates to
command of the eastern department; adopts instructions for the American
minister to France and a "Plan of
an Attack upon Quebec." October
26 Appoints a committee to prepare a publication on "matters relating to"
negotiations with the British peace commissioners. October 27 Responds to the Governor of Havana for his
introduction of Juan de Miralles, unofficial Spanish agent to the United
States. October 29 Reorganizes
the Board of War. October 30
Adopts a "Manifesto"
vowing to take "exemplary
vengeance" against future acts of enemy barbarity. October 31 Rejects proposal from the
Spanish Governor of New Orleans for an attack on West Florida.
November
2 Authorizes an
attack on East Florida. November 3
Appoints a comptroller, auditor, treasurer, and commissioners of accounts for
the reorganized treasury office. November
4 Orders printing of the Franco-American treaties; resolves to emit
additional $10,000,000 in Continental currency. November 7 Orders December 30 set apart as "a day of general thanksgiving";
reaches compromise in dispute over provisioning prisoners of war. November 10 Augments plans for an
expedition against East Florida. November 11 Exempts embargoed flour purchased
in Virginia for the French navy. November
12 Denies John Connolly's plea to be treated as a prisoner of war
because of parole violations. November
14 Adopts incentives for naval enlistments. November 17 Orders closer confinement of John Connolly; adopts
thanksgiving day resolve. November 19
Authorizes Washington to appoint commissioners to negotiate a prisoner
exchange; receives Thomas McKean's charges against Gen. William Thompson. November 20 Hears General Thompson's
denial of Thomas McKean's charges. November
23 Examines witnesses in McKean-Thompson dispute. November 24 Adopts rules for settling
rank and seniority disputes in the Continental Army; authorizes Board of War "to finish the arrangements of the army
agreeably to the resolutions of Congress." November 26 Receives New
Jersey ratification of Articles of Confederation. November 27 Rejects petition for exempting grain for Bermuda
from the embargo. November 28
Responds to Adm. James Gambier's threat to retaliate against American prisoners
of war.
December
3 Confirms Gen.
Philip Schuyler's court-martial acquittal; receives letters recommending secret
British agent John Temple. December 5
Endorses Washington's recommendations for suspending preparations for a
Canadian invasion; confirms Gen. Charles Lee's court-martial conviction. December 7 Orders Silas Deane to
report in writing on "his agency
. . . in Europe"; hears testimony in McKean-Thompson dispute. December 9 Receives Henry Laurens'
resignation as president of Congress.
President John Jay |
1778
- December 10 Elects John Jay president of
Congress; endorses Gerard's proposal for encouraging privateering. December
14 Resolves to emit additional $10,000,000 in Continental currency. December
16 Resolves to contract the supply of Continental currency, to accept
presidential expenses as a public charge and to ask the states to raise
$15,000,000 in taxes; confirms General Arthur St. Clair's court martial
acquittal. December 18 Directs Washington to attend Congress in keeping with
his suggestion for "a personal conference." December 22 Hears
Silas Deane "read his written information" concerning his agency in
Europe. December 23 Continues Silas Deane hearing; continues hearing
into McKean-Thompson dispute. December 24 Receives General Washington;
continues hearing into McKean-Thompson dispute; accepts General Thompson's
"apology. " December 25 Observes Christmas. December 26 Adopts
loan office regulations for exchanging Continental bills. December 29 Adopts
Gerard's proposal for protecting American grown masts; appoints three
additional Continental Brigadiers. December 31 Continues Silas Deane
hearing; adopts additional fiscal resolves.
1779
– January 1 Defers planned Franco-American attack
on Canada. January 2 Adopts additional fiscal resolves to curb
depreciation. January 5 Receives Gerard's protest against Thomas Paine's
published letters concealing supplies from France. January 6 Conducts
inquiry into Gerard's charges against Thomas Paine. January 7 Adopts
Gerard's charges against Thomas Paine; dismisses Paine from his position as
Secretary to the Committee for Foreign Affairs. January 8 Receives Henry
Laurens' admission that he had informed Thomas Paine of Congress' confidential
proceedings against him. January 9 Orders Henry Laurens to submit
written statement of his "suspicion of fraudulent proceedings" by
Robert Morris. January 11 Receives Henry Laurens' charges against Robert
Morris. January 12 Disavows charges published by Thomas Paine concerning
supplies received from France. January 14 Resolves to reassure France
that the United States "will not conclude either truce or peace . . . with
out [her] formal consent." January 15 Receives Francis Lewis'
statement on Henry Laurens' charges against Robert Morris. January 19
Hears Henry Laurens' explanation concerning his charges against Robert Morris. January
20 Appoints committee to conduct foreign affairs inquiry. January 21
Appoints committee to "examine into principles of the powers of the . . .
Committee on Appeals" and the refusal of Pennsylvania to honor the
committee's decree in the case of the Active. January 22 Resolves to
request Virginia, North Carolina and the Comte d'Estaing to provide assistance
for Georgia and South Carolina. January 23 Adopts resolves to improve
recruitment of Continental troops and to augment the authority of the commander
in chief. January 26 Appoints committee to investigate Pennsylvania's
charges against General Benedict Arnold, Continental Commander of Philadelphia.
January 28 Debates Gerard's contention that Congress should compensate
France for aid rendered by d'Estaing to the southern states, in accordance with
article four of the Treaty of Alliance. January 30 Approves General
Washington's request for leave to return to camp.
February
1 Debates Pennsylvania complaint against Matthew
Clarkson. February 2 Orders reinforcements for South Carolina and
Georgia. February 3 Confers with Gerard on supplying French fleet; resolves to
emit additional $5 million in Continental currency; resolves to borrow $20
million in loan office certificates. February 5 Resolves to request
French aid for South Carolina defense. February 8 Recommends embargo
exemptions for relief of Rhode Island and Massachusetts; withdraws request for
French aid for South Carolina; discourages French request for provisions for
Martinique. February 9 Recommends relief for owners of Portuguese vessel
illegally seized by American privateer; augments treasury staff to speed
settlement of army accounts. February 11 Exonerates Robert Morris of
accusations made by Henry Laurens. February 15 Meets with Gerard on
Spanish offer to mediate peace and need to formulate American negotiating
demands. February 16 Orders inquiry into Pennsylvania's charges against
Benedict Arnold. February 18 Reorganizes Inspector General's Department
and Ordnance Department. February 19 Resolves to emit additional $5
million in Continental currency. February 22 Receives William Lee's
proposal for a commercial treaty with the United Provinces; Delaware ratifies
Articles of Confederation. February 23 Debates negotiating instructions
should Spain arrange peace talks with Great Britain. February 25 Accepts
resignation of Major General Thomas Mifflin; augments defense of the northern
frontiers. February 26 Authorizes embargo exemptions for the relief of
Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
March
1 Debates peace terms (boundaries). March 4 Debates
peace terms (boundaries). March 5 Authorizes Washington to negotiate a
cartel for a general exchange of prisoners. March 6 Adopts Declaration
on Continental Authority over Admiralty Appeals. March 9 Urges states to
accelerate recruitment and revises bounty provisions. March 10 Debates
peace terms (boundaries). March 11 Debates peace terms (status of Nova Scotia);
creates corps of engineers. March 15 Debates peace terms (boundaries). March
16 Debates peace terms (boundaries); authorizes reorganization of the corps
of waggoners. March 17 Debates peace terms (boundaries). March 19 Adopts
peace terms concerning boundaries. March 20 Adopts Fast Day
proclamation. March 22 Debates peace terms (fisheries). March 23
Reorganizes clothing department. March 24 Reprimands Matthew Clarkson
for affronts to the civil authorities of Pennsylvania; debates peace terms
(fisheries and navigation of the Mississippi). March 27 Resolves to
report the yeas and nays in the published journals. March 29 Adopts measures
for the defense of South Carolina and Georgia. March 30 Debates peace terms
(fisheries). March 31 Resolves to publish the journals of Congress
weekly.
April
1 Endorses New York’s plan for reprisals against
the Seneca Indians; resolves to emit additional $5 million in Continental
currency. April 2 Adjourns for Good Friday. April 3 Adopts
resolutions for restoring harmony with Pennsylvania officials incensed over
Congressional response to their prosecution of Benedict Arnold. April 6
Opens debate on the recall of American commissioners abroad. April 7
Adopts plan to encourage rebellion in Nova Scotia; debates recall of American
commissioners abroad. April 8 Authorizes prisoner exchange in the
southern department. April 9 Debates recall of American commissioners
abroad. April 13 Endorses plan for creation of a corps of French
volunteers in South Carolina. April 14 Reaffirms authority of state
officials to issue safe conduct passes. April 15 Debates recall of
American commissioners abroad. April 19 Accepts resignation of Major
General Philip Schuyler; authorizes additional brigade for Rhode Island
defense. April 20 Debates recall of American commissioners abroad.
April 21 Debates recall of American commissioners abroad. April 22
Rejects motion to recall Benjamin Franklin. April 26 Debates recall of
American commissioners abroad. April 27 Appropriates 2,000 guineas in
specie for Washington's secret service. April 30 Debates recall of
Arthur Lee.
May
1 Debates recall of Arthur Lee. May 3 Rejects
motion to recall Arthur Lee (tie vote). May 4 Appoints committee to meet
with Delaware Native American delegation. May 5 Resolves to emit
additional $10 million in Continental currency. May 6 Observes day of
fast. May 7 Denies Bermuda petition for provisions embargo exemption;
orders Virginia and North Carolina reinforcements to South Carolina. May 8
Debates peace terms (fisheries). May 10 Authorizes Washington to concert
combined Franco American operations. May 11 Appoints General Duportail
commandant of the corps of engineers. May 12 Debates peace terms
(fisheries). May 13 Debates peace terms (fisheries). May 14 Meriwether
Smith charges Henry Laurens with injuring the honor of Congress. May 15
Henry Laurens denounces attack by Meriwether Smith. May 17 Directs
Native American affairs commissioners (northern department) to consult with
Washington on all Native American treaty negotiations. May 18 Authorizes
embargo exemption for provisions for Bermuda. May 19 Increases states'
1779 quotas an additional $45 million. May 20 Receives Virginia proposal
for ratifying Articles of Confederation by less than unanimous consent; debates
recall of Ralph Izard. May 21 Receives Maryland delegate instructions on
Articles of Confederation; receives Connecticut delegate instructions on
ratifying confederation without the state of Maryland. May 24 Debates
Deane-Lee controversy; authorizes retaliation for cruelties committed by
British forces against French subjects in Virginia. May 25-26 Confers
(by committee) with Delaware Native American delegation. May 26 Allows
Pennsylvania President Reed to address Congress on American fiscal crisis;
adopts address to the inhabitants of America on meeting finance and manpower
quotas. May 27 Debates peace terms (fisheries). May 29 Debates
New York proposals for settlement of Vermont issue.
June
1 Resolves to send a committee to Vermont. June 3
Debates peace terms (fisheries). June 4 Resolves to emit additional $10
million. June 5 Adopts plan to fund Beaumarchais' claims. June 7 Adopts vote of
confidence in quartermaster and commissary generals (refuses to accept
Commissary Jeremiah Wadsworth's resignation); appoints committee to consider
powers of foreign consuls. June 8 Recalls Ralph Izard and William Lee, American
commissioners abroad. June 10 Debates Arthur Lee's recall. June 11 Resolves to
borrow $20 million domestically at 6 percent interest. June 12 Exonerates Dr.
John Morgan. June 14 Debates price regulation proposals. June 15 Directs
Washington to investigate charges against Dr. William Shippen, Jr.; prepares
request for supplies from king of France. June 16 Denounces seizure of New York
officials by inhabitants of the New Hampshire Grants. June 17 Debates peace
terms; reaffirms French alliance provisions prohibiting negotiation of separate
peace. June 19 Debates peace terms (fisheries). June 21 Reverses plan to enlist
German deserters; de bates financial reform. June 23 Debates financial reform.
June 24 Debates peace terms (fisheries). June 25 Debates financial reform. June
28 Rejects quartermaster appeal for relief from state taxes.
July
1 Debates peace terms (fisheries). July 2 Sets
procedures for exchanging withdrawn emissions of Continental currency. July 6
Approves export of provisions for French fleet; debates peace terms
(fisheries). July 7 Debates financial reform. July 9 Orders investigation of
commissary and quartermaster purchasing practices. July 12 Confers with French
Minister Gerard; receives report from two members of Vermont Committee. July 13
Receives report from other two members of Vermont Committee. July 14 Debates
substance of conference with French minister. July 15 Orders retaliation for
British mistreatment of naval prisoners. July 16 Receives Arthur Lee's response
to charges by Silas Deane. July 17 Resolves to emit additional $15 million;
threatens retaliation for British mistreatment of Captain Gustavus Conyngham;
debates peace terms (fisheries). July 19 Directs Marine Committee to prepare
plan of retaliation for recent raids on Connecticut. July 21 Recommends
compensation for Portuguese vessel illegally seized by American privateer. July
22 Debates peace terms (fisheries). July 23 Adopts plan for the protection of
Continental property within the states. July 24 Debates peace terms (fisheries).
July 26 Commends victors for capture of British post at Stony Point. July 27
Orders Virginia reinforcements to South Carolina. July 28 Debates financial
reform. July 29 Debates peace terms (fisheries). July 30 Adopts ordinance for
reorganizing the treasury July 31 Debates peace terms (fisheries).
August
2 Exonerates Jean Holker on charges of profiteering
and reaffirms Continental protection for French consuls and other officials.
August 3 Debates peace terms (French alliance provision against separate
peace). August 5 Debates peace terms (re. Spanish subsidy, Florida and
navigation of the Mississippi). August 6 Authorizes payment of Silas Deane's
expenses and releases him from obligation to remain in America. August 7
Debates peace terms (re. Spanish interests in North America). August 10
Requests North Carolina reinforcements for South Carolina. August 13 Debates
instructions for minister plenipotentiary to negotiate peace. August 14 Debates
instructions for minister plenipotentiary to negotiate peace. August 17 Urges
states to provide half pay for Continental officers. August 18 Augments pay and
allowances for Continental officers. August 21 Requests states to extend
provisions embargo to January 1, 1780. August 25 Urges states to lift
restrictions on interstate inland trade. August 26 Appoints committee for
creating a supreme court for admiralty appeals. August 28 Debates financial
reform. August 31 Receives Henry Laurens' complaint against Secretary Thomson
for disrespectful behavior.
September
1 Resolves that "on no account whatever"
will Congress emit more than $200 million Continental currency. September 3
Receives notice that Minister Gerard will return to France. September 4
Observes death of William Henry Drayton. September 7 Receives notification of
Spanish entry into the war against Britain; adopts farewell response to Gerard.
September 9 Adopts letter of thanks to king of France; debates terms of
prospective alliance with Spain. September 10 Issues appeal to states for
clothing; debates relations with Spain. September 11 Debates relations with
Spain. September 14 Reads memorials of Indiana and Vandalia land companies.
September 16 Debates ways and means proposals. September 17 Conducts farewell
audience for Gerard; resolves to emit additional $15 million; debates relations
with Spain; debates ways and means proposals. September 18 Debates relations
with Spain. September 20 Orders military and naval reinforcements for southern
department; debates relations with Spain. September 21 Debates ways and means
proposals. September 22 Debates New Hampshire Grants claims. September 23
Debates New Hampshire Grants claims, de bates relations with Spain. September
24 Requests authorization from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York to
mediate New Hampshire Grants claims; commends victors for attack on Paulus
Hook; debates relations with Spain. September 25 Debates relations with
Spain and conduct of peace negotiations. September 26 Nominates minister
plenipotentiary to negotiate treaties of peace and of alliance with Spain.
September 27 Elects John Jay Minister to Spain and John Adams to negotiate
peace.
1779 - September 28 Elects
Samuel Huntington president of Congress; adopts commissions and instructions
for John Adams and John Jay.
President Samuel Huntington |
October 1
Orders preparation of a plan for reorganizing the conduct of naval affairs.
October 2 Requests Vermont claimants to authorize Congress to settle Vermont
claims. October 4 Adopts instructions for minister to Spain (John Jay). October
6 Admonishes Benedict Arnold on
treatment of Pennsylvania officials. October 7 Calculates and apportions 1780
state fiscal quotas. October 9 Adopts circular letter to the states on meeting
fiscal quotas. October 13 Authorizes Arthur Lee to return to America. October
14 Commends John
Sullivan for conduct of expedition against the Indians; resolves to
emit an additional $5 million; sets day of thanksgiving. October 15 Adopts
instructions for minister to Spain; resolves to seek a loan in Holland. October
20 Adopts thanksgiving day proclamation. October 21 Appoints Henry Laurens to negotiate
Dutch loan. October 22 Rejects appeal for Continental intervention against
state taxation of Continental quartermasters. October 26 Adopts instructions
for negotiation of Dutch loan and treaty of amity and commerce. October 28
Creates Board of Admiralty, ending management of naval affairs by congressional
committee. October 30 Urges Virginia to reconsider decision to open land office
for sale of unappropriated lands.
November 1
Appoints Henry
Laurens to negotiate Dutch treaty of amity and commerce. November
2-3 Adjourns because of expiration of President Huntington's credentials as
Connecticut delegate. November 5 Notified of evacuation of Rhode Island;
appoints committee to plan an executive board to supervise Continental
officials. November 8 Requests correspondence files of former presidents of
Congress. November 9 Elects Treasury officers. November 10 Orders deployment of
three frigates to South Carolina. November 11 Orders reinforcement of southern
department; observes funeral of Joseph Hewes. November 13 Rejects resignation
of Gen. John Sullivan; approves parole of Gens. William Phillips and Baron Riedesel
of the Convention Army. November 16 Undertakes care of Spanish prisoners held
at New York, rejects Massachusetts' appeal to retain Continental taxes to
defray Penobscot expedition costs; recommends that states compel persons to
give testimony at Continental courts-martial. November 17 Holds audience with
the newly arrived French minister, the chevalier de La Luzerne; resolves to
emit an additional $10 million. November 18 Gives General Washington free
hand to coordinate operations with the French armed forces. November 19
Recommends state adoption of price regulations. November 23 Resolves to draw
bills of exchange to £100,000 sterling each on John Jay and Henry Laurens.
November 25 Adopts new regulations for clothing Continental Army; discharges
committee for superintending the commissary and quartermaster departments.
November 26 Appoints Admiralty commissioners. November 29 Commemorates General
Pulaski's death- resolves to emit an additional $10 million; accepts
resignation of commissary general Jeremiah Wadsworth. November 30 Appoints
committee to confer with Washington at headquarters; accepts resignation of
Gen. John Sullivan.
December 2
Receives notification of Spanish declaration of war against Britain; appoints
Ephraim Blaine commissary general of purchases. December 3 Resolves to move
Congress from Philadelphia at the end of April 1780; appoints Admiralty
commissioners. December 6 Reinforces armed forces in southern department.
December 9 Observes day of thanksgiving. December 15 Recommends that states
extend provisions embargo to April 1780. December 16 Authorizes Gen. Benjamin Lincoln to
coordinate southern operations with Spanish officers at Havana. December 20-24
Debates proposal to borrow $20 million abroad. December 24 Authorizes use of
depositions of witnesses at courts martial in non-capital cases. December 27
Recommends moratorium on granting lands in region of Pennsylvania-Virginia
boundary dispute; orders Post Office to institute twice-weekly in place of
weekly deliveries. December 28 Authorizes Continental reimbursement of militia
expenses incurred defending Connecticut against invasion. December 31 Endorses
Board of War plan to employ greater secrecy to reduce procurement expenses.
1780 - January 3
Postpones decision on selecting a new site for Congress. January 4-8 Debates
plan for creating a court of appeals. January 8 Reorganizes Georgia's
Continental regiments. January 10 Dismisses Charles Lee, second ranking
Continental general; debates plan for reducing the army to curtail expenses.
January 12 Sends emergency appeal to the states for provisioning the army;
abolishes mustermaster's department. January 13 Adopts new regulations for
negotiation of prisoner exchanges. January 14 Recommends that states make
provision for guaranteeing the privileges and immunities of French citizens
recognized in the Franco-American treaty of amity and commerce. January 15
Creates Court of Appeals in admiralty cases. January 17 Endorses export of
grain to French forces by the French agent of marine. January 18 Resolves to
print the journals of Congress monthly, but ends practice of printing the yeas
and nays. January 20 Orders investigation into the expenses of the staff
departments; abolishes barrackmaster's department. January 22 Elects judges to
Court of Appeals. January 24 Adopts new measures for recruitment of Continental
troops. January 25 Halts pay of inactive naval officers. January 26 Appoints
committee to confer with the French minister on joint Franco-American
operations. January 27 Authorizes inflation adjustment in the salaries of
Continental officials. January 31 Pledges to wage a vigorous campaign in
conjunction with French forces during 1780.
February 4-5
Debates Continental Army quotas for 1780. February 9 Sets state quotas and
adopts recruitment measures for an army of 35,000 by April 1, 1780. February 11
Affirms commitment to the re-conquest of Georgia. February 12 Confirms sentence
in the court-martial of Gen. Benedict Arnold.
February 16-24 Debates proposals for a system of in-kind requisitions from the
states. February 22 Debates congressional privilege issue arising from the
complaint of Elbridge Gerry. February 25 Adopts system of in-kind requisitions
from the states. February 28 Postpones decision on selecting a new site for
Congress.
March 2
Postpones debate on Vermont controversy. March 3 Sets "day of fasting,
humiliation and prayer." March 4 Commends John Paul Jones and crew of
Bonhomme Richard for victory over Serapis. March 8 Orders reinforcements for
the southern department. March 13-18 Debates proposals for fiscal reform. March
18 Repudiates Continental dollar, adopting measures for redeeming bills in
circulation at the ratio of 40 to 1. March 20 Recommends state revision of
legal tender laws. March 21 Postpones debate on Vermont controversy. March 24
Observes Good Friday. March 26 Observes funeral of James Forbes. March 27
Rejects proposals for a new site for Congress; receives plan for reorganizing
quartermaster department. March 29-31 Debates proposals for adjusting
Continental loan office certificates for inflation.
April 1
Debates plan for reorganizing quartermaster department. April 3 Rejects motion
to hear Elbridge Gerry appeal. April 4 Authorizes defense of New York frontier
at Continental expense. April 6 Resolves to send a committee to confer with
Washington at headquarters. April 8 Authorizes partial reimbursement to
Massachusetts for Penobscot expedition expenses. April 10 Authorizes
depreciation allowances for Continental troops. April 12 Adopts instructions
for Committee at Headquarters. April 13 Appoints Committee at Headquarters.
April 15 Appoints Joseph Ward commissary general of prisoners. April 17 Rejects
proposal to appoint a "resident" at the Court of Versailles. April 18
Authorizes depreciation allowances for holders of Continental loan office
certificates; authorizes issuance of commissions to Delaware Indians. April 20
Resolves to draw bills of exchange on John Jay in Spain. April 21 Adopts
measures for the relief of prisoners of war. April 24 Adopts appeal to the
states to meet fiscal quotas. April 28 Appoints Cyrus Griffin to Court of
Appeals, William Denning to Board of Treasury.
May 2
Revises commissions, bonds, and instructions for privateers. May 5 Doubles
rates of postage. May 10 Adopts regulations for replacing destroyed loan office
certificates. May 15 Three Georgia delegates attend, representing the state for
the first time in more than a year. May 17 Considers Committee at Headquarters
report presented by John Mathews. May 18-20 Debates La Luzerne memorial on
Franco American cooperation. May 19 Urges states to remit quota payments
immediately. May 20 Urges states to meet troop quotas immediately. May 22 Urges
Delaware to extend provisions embargo indefinitely. May 23 Debates Vermont
controversy. May 26 Requests states to receive Continental certificates in
payment of taxes. May 29 Debates Vermont controversy. May 30 Rescinds Committee
at Headquarters instruction on the propriety of reducing the-Continental Army.
June 1
Adopts measures for defense of New York and New Hampshire frontiers. June 2
Censures Vermont settlers and pledges final de termination of the Vermont
controversy when ever nine "disinterested" states are represented in
Congress. June 5 Adopts plans for cooperating with anticipated French forces.
June 6 Orders arms for southern defense. June 9 Postpones Vermont inquiry to
September 12. June 12 Orders restrictions on the issuance of Continental
rations; creates two extra chambers of accounts to facilitate settlement of
staff department accounts. June 13 Appoints Horatio Gates to southern command.
June 14 Adopts measures for the defense of the southern department. June 15
Issues circular letter to the states to reinforce the appeals of the Committee
at Headquarters. June 19 Adopts measures to prevent and punish counterfeiting.
June 20 Empowers John
Adams to seek Dutch loan. June 21 Reaffirms commitment to
Franco-American military cooperation; appoints an agent to transact U.S.
affairs in Portugal. June 22 Endorses plan to establish a private bank for
provisioning and supplying the Continental Army. June 23 Orders inquiry into
the fall of Charleston, S.C.; reaffirms support for Georgia and South Carolina.
June 28 Adopts plan for paying depreciation allowances to holders of
Continental loan office certificates.
July 3
Orders Admiralty Board to implement intelligence gathering plan. July 5-6 Debates
plan to reform quartermaster department. July 7 Endorses La Luzerne's request
to permit the shipment of provisions to Spanish forces in the West Indies. July
11 Orders publication of Congress' May 1778 resolution requesting that Articles
11 and 12 of the Franco-American treaty of commerce be revoked. July 13 Orders
Washington to seek the exchange of General du Portail, chief of engineers. July
15 Reorganizes quartermaster department; continues Nathanael Greene in office
as quarter master general. July 17 Receives announcement of arrival of French
fleet at Rhode Island. July 19 Opens debate on the court-martial of Dr. William
Shippen, Jr., director general of hospitals. July 20 Suspends deputy
quartermaster Henry Hollingsworth . July 25 Appoints Charles Pettit assistant
quartermaster general. July 26 Orders deployment of Continental frigates to
cooperate with French fleet; orders reforms in the department of military
stores. July 27 Transfers responsibility for issuing privateer commissions and
bonds to the office of the secretary of Congress.
August 2
Lifts restrictions on Washington's operational authority; chides Committee at
Headquarters. August 3-4 Debates Quartermaster Greene's resignation request.
August 5 Appoints Timothy Pickering quartermaster general to succeed Nathanael
Greene; orders Washington to confer with French officers to plan the expulsion
of the enemy from Georgia and South Carolina. August 7 Instructs Washington on
exchanging prisoners of war and on reinforcing the southern department. August
9 Authorizes drawing bills of exchange on Benjamin Franklin for the relief of
the southern department. August 11 Dismisses Committee at Headquarters. August
12 Reforms department of military stores; responds to general officers'
grievances. August 17 Commends General Rochambeau and the conduct of the French
forces. August 18 Confirms court-martial acquittal of William Shippen, Jr.
August 22 Orders punishment of abuses in the staff departments. August 23
Adopts regulations for the issuance of certificates in the commissary and
quartermaster departments; authorizes drawing additional bills of exchange on
Benjamin Franklin. August 24-25 Extends additional benefits to general
officers. August 26 Exhorts states to implement Congress' March 18 resolves for
exchanging Continental currency. August 29 Appoints committee to plan a
"new arrangement of the civil executive departments." August 31
Receives news of General Gates' defeat at Camden.
September 1
Receives informal invitation to trade with Morocco. September 5 Authorizes
issuance of loan office certificates to $1 million specie value at 6 percent
interest. September 6 Urges states to cede western land claims and Maryland to
ratify Articles of Confederation. September 8 Orders reinforcement of southern
military department. September 13 Sets salary schedule for the Continental
establishment. September 14 Reopens debate on Vermont dispute. September 15
Appoints Abraham Skinner commissary general of prisoners; adopts plan to supply
meat to Continental Army. September 19 Convenes evening session to continue
Vermont dispute debate. September 21 Approves enlistment of troops for one year
in absence of sufficient "recruits enlisted for the war. " September
22 Authorizes drawing additional bills of exchange on Benjamin Franklin.
September 25 Adopts new plan for the inspecting department, consolidating
mustering functions under the inspector general. September 26 Resolves to
instruct commanders of ships to observe principles conforming to the Russian
declaration on neutral rights. September 27 Postpones Vermont dispute debate.
September 28 Resolves to limit presidential terms to one year. September 30
Receives account of the treason of Gen. Benedict Arnold; adopts new plan for
the medical department.
October 2
Authorizes drawing additional bills of exchange on Franklin and John Jay.
October 3 Adopts new establishment for the Continental Army. October 4 Adopts
instructions for John Jay on navigation of the Mississippi River and
southwestern boundaries. October 6 Elects officers for hospital department.
October 10 Adopts Virginia proposal to reimburse state expenses related to
cession of western lands and to require that ceded lands "be disposed of
for the common benefit of the United States." October 13 Appoints Daniel
Morgan brigadier general; creates third chamber of accounts. October 14 Votes
memorial for Baron de Kalb; commends various officers and troops for bravery at
the battle of Camden. October 16 Receives proceedings of the Hartford
convention of New England states. October 17 Adopts letter of instruction for
John Jay. October 18 Instructs John Adams on peace negotiations; sets day of
prayer and thanksgiving. October 21 Endorses proposal to receive Cherokee
delegation; revises Continental Army establishment. October 23 Receives report
on the victory at King's Mountain . October 24 Sends urgent appeal to the
states on the present distresses of the army. October 25-31 Debates ways and
means proposals. October 30 Confirms Nathanael Greene's appointment to command
of the southern department. October 31 Orders cavalry reinforcement to southern
department.
November 1
Authorizes drawing additional bills of exchange on Benjamin Franklin. November
3 Rewards captors of Maj. John Andre. November 4 Apportions $6 million specie
tax, to be collected chiefly in kind; appoints William Palfrey consul to
France. November 7 Authorizes prisoner-of-war exchange. November 9 Adopts
letter of appeal to the states on present emergency. November 10 Adopts
measures to curtail enemy fraudulent use of American privateer commissions;
directs steps for reducing forage expenses. November 13 Commends troops engaged
in the victory at King's Mountain November 14 Authorizes capital punishment for
persons supplying the enemy with provisions or military stores. November 16
Receives Committee at Headquarters report; confers with Pennsylvania officials
on provisions embargo. November 17 Resolves to appeal to France for 25 million
livres in aid. November 22 Adopts appeal to the king of France; appoints
William Geddes paymaster general. November 23 Rescinds election of William
Geddes as paymaster general. November 24 Receives report on treasury inquiry.
November 27 Adopts measures for outfitting Continental ships; adopts additional
privateer instructions. November 28 Extends half-pay provisions to general
officers; instructs Franklin on procuring aid from France and cultivating
commerce with Morocco. November 30 Adopts revised commissary regulations.
December 1 Adopts statement endorsing Arthur Lee's conduct abroad. December 4 Prohibits unauthorized military purchases; appoints Simeon De Witt Geographer to the Continental Army. December 6 Commends Benjamin Tallmadge's troops for Long Island raid; halts removal of Convention Army from Virginia. December 7 Observes day of prayer and thanksgiving. December 9 Adopts instructions for Consul to France, William Palfrey. December 11 Appoints John Laurens "envoy extraordinary" to France. December 15 Resolves to appoint a minister to Russia. December 19 Appoints Francis Dana Minister to Russia. December 21 Debates impact of John Laurens' appointment on Benjamin Franklin's mission in France; launches study of the conditions of Henry Laurens' imprisonment. December 22 Appeals to the states to fulfill Continental troop quotas. December 23 Adopts instructions for Special Envoy to France, John Laurens. December 27 Instructs Benjamin Franklin on John Laurens' mission to France. December 29 Commissions John Adams to negotiate a treaty of amity and commerce with the United Provinces.
1781 - January 3 Appoints committee to confer with Pennsylvania officials on the mutiny of the Pennsylvania Line. January 5 Empowers the mutiny committee "to take such measures as may appear necessary to quiet the disturbances"; threatens retaliation for British mistreatment of American prisoners. January 6 Revives committee for the reorganization of the executive departments. January 8 Endorses proposal to receive Delaware Native American delegation. January 9 Recommends prosecution of former clothier general, James Mease, for "a high abuse of office. " January 10 Authorizes establishment of a permanent office for the Department of Foreign Affairs. January 12 Endorses treasury inquiry report acquitting commissioners of the chambers of accounts. January 15 Adopts new fiscal appeal to the states from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania. January 17 Appoints John Cochran Director of the Hospital Department and John Pierce Paymaster General. January 19 Opens debate on fiscal crisis. January 24 Receives report on the mutiny of the Pennsylvania Line. January 31 Receives committee of the whole recommendation for a 5 percent impost.
February 2 Rejects Pennsylvania appeal for an emergency pay response for the Pennsylvania Line. February 3 Recommends state action to empower Congress to levy a 5 percent impost. February 5 Commends General Parsons' troops for the attack at Morrisania; defines alien property rights under the Franco-American treaties. February 7 Adopts plan to create departments of finance, war, and marine. February 8 Receives news of General Daniel Morgan's victory at Cowpens, South Carolina. February 12 Receives Maryland act authorizing ratification of the Articles of Confederation. February 15 Authorizes expenditures for the support of the eastern Native American department; authorizes John Jay to recede from previous instruction insisting on the free navigation of the Mississippi River. February 19 Orders inquiry into the causes of the delay in the shipment of clothing and arms from France. February 20 Orders the reinforcement and re-supply of the southern department; appoints Robert Morris superintendent of finance. February 22 Assigns March 1 for completing and ratifying the Articles of Confederation. February 23 Debates and recommits report on the Hartford economic convention. February 24 Doubles postage rates; adopts plan for ratifying ceremonies. February 27 Commends John Paul Jones for "distinguished bravery and military conduct, . . . particularly . . . over the British ship of war Serapis"; elects Alexander McDougall secretary of marine. February 28 Postpones election of secretary at war to October 1; imposes restrictions on ornate military uniforms and decorations; refers old business to the United States in Congress Assembled.
The Congressional Evolution of the United States of America
Continental Congress of the United Colonies Presidents
Continental Congress of the United States Presidents
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
202-239-1774 | Office
202-239-0037 | FAX
Dr. Naomi and Stanley Yavneh Klos, Principals
Continental Congress of the United Colonies Presidents
Sept. 5, 1774 to July 1, 1776
September 5, 1774
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October 22, 1774
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October 22, 1774
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October 26, 1774
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May 20, 1775
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May 24, 1775
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May 25, 1775
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July 1, 1776
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Commander-in-Chief United Colonies & States of America
George Washington: June 15, 1775 - December 23, 1783
Continental Congress of the United States Presidents
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
July 2, 1776
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October 29, 1777
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November 1, 1777
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December 9, 1778
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December 10, 1778
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September 28, 1779
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September 29, 1779
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February 28, 1781
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Presidents of the United States in Congress Assembled
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781
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July 6, 1781
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July 10, 1781
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Declined Office
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July 10, 1781
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November 4, 1781
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November 5, 1781
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November 3, 1782
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November 4, 1782
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November 2, 1783
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November 3, 1783
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June 3, 1784
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November 30, 1784
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November 22, 1785
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November 23, 1785
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June 5, 1786
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June 6, 1786
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February 1, 1787
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February 2, 1787
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January 21, 1788
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January 22, 1788
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January 21, 1789
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Presidents of the United States of America
D-Democratic Party, F-Federalist Party, I-Independent, R-Republican Party, R* Republican Party of Jefferson & W-Whig Party
(1789-1797)
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(1933-1945)
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(1865-1869)
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(1797-1801)
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(1945-1953)
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(1869-1877)
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(1801-1809)
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(1953-1961)
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(1877-1881)
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(1809-1817)
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(1961-1963)
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(1881 - 1881)
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(1817-1825)
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(1963-1969)
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(1881-1885)
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(1825-1829)
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(1969-1974)
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(1885-1889)
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(1829-1837)
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(1973-1974)
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(1889-1893)
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(1837-1841)
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(1977-1981)
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(1893-1897)
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(1841-1841)
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(1981-1989)
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(1897-1901)
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(1841-1845)
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(1989-1993)
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(1901-1909)
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(1845-1849)
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(1993-2001)
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(1909-1913)
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(1849-1850)
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(2001-2009)
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(1913-1921)
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(1850-1853)
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(2009-2017)
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(1921-1923)
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(1853-1857)
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(20017-Present)
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(1923-1929)
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*Confederate States of America
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(1857-1861)
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(1929-1933)
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(1861-1865)
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United Colonies Continental Congress
|
President
|
18th Century Term
|
Age
|
Elizabeth "Betty" Harrison Randolph (1745-1783)
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09/05/74 – 10/22/74
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29
| |
Mary Williams Middleton (1741- 1761) Deceased
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Henry Middleton
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10/22–26/74
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n/a
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Elizabeth "Betty" Harrison Randolph (1745–1783)
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05/20/ 75 - 05/24/75
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30
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Dorothy Quincy Hancock Scott (1747-1830)
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05/25/75 – 07/01/76
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28
| |
United States Continental Congress
|
President
|
Term
|
Age
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Dorothy Quincy Hancock Scott (1747-1830)
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07/02/76 – 10/29/77
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29
| |
Eleanor Ball Laurens (1731- 1770) Deceased
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Henry Laurens
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11/01/77 – 12/09/78
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n/a
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Sarah Livingston Jay (1756-1802)
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12/ 10/78 – 09/28/78
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21
| |
Martha Huntington (1738/39–1794)
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09/29/79 – 02/28/81
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41
| |
United States in Congress Assembled
|
President
|
Term
|
Age
|
Martha Huntington (1738/39–1794)
|
03/01/81 – 07/06/81
|
42
| |
Sarah Armitage McKean (1756-1820)
|
07/10/81 – 11/04/81
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25
| |
Jane Contee Hanson (1726-1812)
|
11/05/81 - 11/03/82
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55
| |
Hannah Stockton Boudinot (1736-1808)
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11/03/82 - 11/02/83
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46
| |
Sarah Morris Mifflin (1747-1790)
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11/03/83 - 11/02/84
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36
| |
Anne Gaskins Pinkard Lee (1738-1796)
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11/20/84 - 11/19/85
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46
| |
Dorothy Quincy Hancock Scott (1747-1830)
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11/23/85 – 06/06/86
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38
| |
Rebecca Call Gorham (1744-1812)
|
06/06/86 - 02/01/87
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42
| |
Phoebe Bayard St. Clair (1743-1818)
|
02/02/87 - 01/21/88
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43
| |
Christina Stuart Griffin (1751-1807)
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01/22/88 - 01/29/89
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36
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Constitution of 1787
First Ladies |
President
|
Term
|
Age
|
April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797
|
57
| ||
March 4, 1797 – March 4, 1801
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52
| ||
Martha Wayles Jefferson Deceased
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September 6, 1782 (Aged 33)
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n/a
| |
March 4, 1809 – March 4, 1817
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40
| ||
March 4, 1817 – March 4, 1825
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48
| ||
March 4, 1825 – March 4, 1829
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50
| ||
December 22, 1828 (aged 61)
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n/a
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February 5, 1819 (aged 35)
|
n/a
| ||
March 4, 1841 – April 4, 1841
|
65
| ||
April 4, 1841 – September 10, 1842
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50
| ||
June 26, 1844 – March 4, 1845
|
23
| ||
March 4, 1845 – March 4, 1849
|
41
| ||
March 4, 1849 – July 9, 1850
|
60
| ||
July 9, 1850 – March 4, 1853
|
52
| ||
March 4, 1853 – March 4, 1857
|
46
| ||
n/a
|
n/a
| ||
March 4, 1861 – April 15, 1865
|
42
| ||
February 22, 1862 – May 10, 1865
| |||
April 15, 1865 – March 4, 1869
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54
| ||
March 4, 1869 – March 4, 1877
|
43
| ||
March 4, 1877 – March 4, 1881
|
45
| ||
March 4, 1881 – September 19, 1881
|
48
| ||
January 12, 1880 (Aged 43)
|
n/a
| ||
June 2, 1886 – March 4, 1889
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21
| ||
March 4, 1889 – October 25, 1892
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56
| ||
June 2, 1886 – March 4, 1889
|
28
| ||
March 4, 1897 – September 14, 1901
|
49
| ||
September 14, 1901 – March 4, 1909
|
40
| ||
March 4, 1909 – March 4, 1913
|
47
| ||
March 4, 1913 – August 6, 1914
|
52
| ||
December 18, 1915 – March 4, 1921
|
43
| ||
March 4, 1921 – August 2, 1923
|
60
| ||
August 2, 1923 – March 4, 1929
|
44
| ||
March 4, 1929 – March 4, 1933
|
54
| ||
March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945
|
48
| ||
April 12, 1945 – January 20, 1953
|
60
| ||
January 20, 1953 – January 20, 1961
|
56
| ||
January 20, 1961 – November 22, 1963
|
31
| ||
November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969
|
50
| ||
January 20, 1969 – August 9, 1974
|
56
| ||
August 9, 1974 – January 20, 1977
|
56
| ||
January 20, 1977 – January 20, 1981
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49
| ||
January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989
|
59
| ||
January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993
|
63
| ||
January 20, 1993 – January 20, 2001
|
45
| ||
January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009
|
54
| ||
January 20, 2009 to date
|
45
|
Capitals of the United Colonies and States of America
Philadelphia
|
Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774
| |
Philadelphia
|
May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776
| |
Baltimore
|
Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777
| |
Philadelphia
|
March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777
| |
Lancaster
|
September 27, 1777
| |
York
|
Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778
| |
Philadelphia
|
July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783
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Princeton
|
June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783
| |
Annapolis
|
Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784
| |
Trenton
|
Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784
| |
New York City
|
Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788
| |
New York City
|
October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789
| |
New York City
|
March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790
| |
Philadelphia
|
Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800
| |
Washington DC
|
November 17,1800 to Present
|
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202-239-0037 | FAX
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U.S. Dollar Presidential Coin Mr. Klos vs Secretary Paulson - Click Here |
The United Colonies of North America Continental Congress Presidents (1774-1776)
The United States of America Continental Congress Presidents (1776-1781)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled Presidents (1781-1789)
The United States of America Presidents and Commanders-in-Chiefs (1789-Present)
The United States of America Continental Congress Presidents (1776-1781)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled Presidents (1781-1789)
The United States of America Presidents and Commanders-in-Chiefs (1789-Present)
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