Report of the Committee on the Northern Army, 29 November 1776, No. 13

Document text, 29 November 1776

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The committee on the affairs of the Northern Army beg leave to make a further report and to sit again.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that the medical committee be directed to provide sufficient quantities of antiscorbutics for the use of the hospitals in the northern army.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that the hospital at Fort George be continued for the reception of soldiers labouring with contagious diseases; and that there be a general hospital erected on Mount Independence.

Resolved that a suitable spot of ground for a garden be enclosed in the neighbourhood of the general hospital to supply the army with vegetables; and that labourers be hired to cultivate it, under the direction of an overseer, to be appointed by the general or commanding officer.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that the general or commanding officer in each of the armies cause strict inquiry to be made into the conduct of the directors of the hospitals and their surgeons, officers, and servants, and of the regimental surgeons, that if there has been any just ground of complaint in those departments the offenders may be punished.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that the colonel or commanding officer of every regiment make frequent inquiry into the health of the men under his command and report the state thereof, with any negligence malpractice or other misconduct of the surgeons or others (or officers) to the general and to congress.

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Congress delivery, copies of such reports to all persons therein accused.

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the general or commander in chief of the northern army direct all the batteries on lakes Champlain and George to be immediately repaired.

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee that one hundred batteus be built at Schenectady so as to be ready for use in February or March next, at farthest, and, for this purpose, that boards, pitch, oakum, and other necessary materials be collected, and artificers employed by the general or commanding officer.

Report of the committee on the northern army.