Intelligence Received of the Surprising

v2:1833

The President laid before the Congress some important intelligence he received last night, by express, from New-York, relative to the surprising and taking of Ticonderoga by a detachment from Massachusetts-Bay and Connecticut, which was read.

Upon motion, Agreed, That Mr˙ Brown, who brought the express, be called in to give an account of the disposition of the Canadians, the taking of Ticonderoga, and the importance of that Post; whereupon, he was called in, and having given the necessary information, he withdrew. The Congress taking the matter into consideration, came to the following Resolution:

Resolved, Whereas, there is indubitable evidence that a design is formed by the British Ministry of making a cruel invasion from the Province of Quebeck upon these Colonies, for the purpose of destroying our lives and liberties, and some steps have actually been taken to carry the said design into execution; and whereas, several inhabitants of the Northern-Colonies, residing in the vicinity of Ticonderoga, and immediately exposed to incursions, impelled by a just regard for the defence and preservation of themselves and their Countrymen from such imminent dangers and calamities, have taken possession of that post, in which was lodged a quantity of Cannon and Military Stores that would certainly have been used in the intended invasion of these Colonies; this Congress earnestly recommend it to the Committees of the Cities and Counties of New-York and Albany, immediately to cause the said Cannon and Stores to be removed from Ticonderoga to the south end of Lake George; and, if necessary, to apply to the Colonies; of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, and Connecticut, for such an additional body of forces as will be sufficient to establish a strong post at that place, and effectually to secure the said Cannon and Stores, or so many of them as it may be judged proper to keep there; and that an exact inventory be taken of all such Cannon and Stores, in order that they may be safely returned, when the restoration of the former harmony between Great Britain and these Colonies, so ardently wished for by the latter, shall render it prudent and consistent with the overruling law of self-preservation.

Upon motion,

Resolved, That the Congress will, to-morrow, again resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration the state of America.

Adjourned till to-morrow, at nine o' clock.