Report of the Committee on the Northern Army, 29 November 1776, No. 14

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Page one of a report from the Committee on the Northern Army in the handwriting of George Wythe, November 29, 1776. Image from Fold3.
Page two of the report. Image from Fold3.
Page three of the report. Image from Fold3.
Page four of the report. Image from Fold3.

This report, in the handwriting of George Wythe, concerning the Northern Army was filed by the Continental Congress on November 29, 1776. The report discusses the supplying of the Northern Army during the winter of 1776 and the construction of fortifications on the Great Lakes.

The text of the final report was published in the Journals of the Continental Congress (1906).[1]

Document text, 28 November 1776

Page 1

The committee to whom the report of the gentlemen who were directed to repair to Ticonderoga, with^and the papers therein mentioned, were referred, have come to several other resolutions whereupon, in.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee, that the northern army may be supplied more advantageously and conveniently in the present mode by the commissary general, governing himself by such regulations as have been and may be from time to time ordained by the general or commander in chief, than by contractors.

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the commissary general be directed to supply the northern army this winter with fresh vegetables ^ twice in every week, or more frequently as possible with the builders,and that they be well supplied with vinegar.

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee that two large floating batteries be built on Lake Champlain to cover the boom and the bridge; and that Gen Schuyler be desired to contract with builders for this be desired to contract with the builders purpose in New York or Massachusetts Bay, or both, and ^that General Schuyler to provide the materials.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee that the committee for supplying cannon be directed to procure ten brass six-inch howitzers, with shells and a proper attrail for the use of the northern army.

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee that a fort be constructed on Mount Independence; that the navigation of the lake near that place should be obstructed by caissons to be sunk in the water at small distances from one another and joined together by string pieces so as at the same time to serve for a bridge between fortifications on the east and west sides; that, to prevent the enemy from drawing their small craft over land beyond Three mile point into Lake George, the passage of that lake be also obstructed in like manner by caissons from island to island in the narrows, if practicable, or by floating batteries that Fort Stanwix be strengthened, and other fortifications be made ^at proper places near the Mohawk's river; and that

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that the General Schuyler or the commanding officer of the northern army [illegible] execute these works this winter; and that the commanding officers of artillery, chief engineer, quarter master general, and commissary general provide and perform whatever things in their respective departments are necessary or may contribute to the accomplishment thereof.

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee that the general court ^or council of the state of Massachusetts may be required ^to procure such a quantity of oakum ^, and any other articles as general Schuyler, who is desired to write to them on the subject, should require, and to forward the same to [illegible] such places as he shall direct.

The whole agreed to

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Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee, that the medical

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No. 14 —
Report Nov. 29, 1776
On the Northern Army
agreed to ___

See also

References

  1. Journals of the Continental Congress, ed. Worthington C. Ford, Vol. 6, October 9-December 31, 1776 (Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1906), 1047-1049.

External links