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Colonel John Broome and Mr˙ Anthony Rutgers, of New-York, Mr˙ Jeremiah Vanderbilt, from King' s County, and Colonel Aaron Cortelyou, of Richmond County, attending to take their seats, were duly sworn, and severally took the oath of secrecy agreeable to the Resolution of the 19th instant.
The Order of the Day being read, the Congress proceeded to take into consideration the Resolutions of the Continental Congress, of the 15th of May instant, on the subject of composing and erecting some form of Government.
Mr˙ Morris opened the business by a long argument, showing the necessity of the measure, and that this is the crisis in which it should be done, and concluded with a motion, and was seconded by Mr˙ Webster, in the words following, to wit:
I move that a Committee be appointed to draw up a recommendation to the people of this Colony for the choosing of persons to frame a Government for the said Colony.
Mr˙ Scott, who came in when Mr˙ Morris was speaking, opposed the motion in a long argument, and concluded that he is of opinion this Congress has power to form a Government; or, at least, it is doubtful whether they have not that power; and that therefore, in his opinion, that point ought to be reserved, and a Committee appointed to consider of and report on that matter.
Thereupon, Mr˙ Sands moved, and was seconded by Mr˙ Scott, for the following amendment to Mr˙ Morris' s motion, to wit: "I move that the words therein following after the word appointed, be obliterated, and the following words there inserted, viz: To take into consideration the Resolutions, of Continental Congress of the 15th May instant, and report thereon with all convenient speed."
Debates arose on the said proposed amendment. Mr˙ Morris supported his motion in a long argument in opposition to the said proposed amendment.
The question being then put on Mr˙ Sands' s motion, it was carried in the affirmative, in the manner following, to wit:
3 Orange,
2 King' s,
The Congress then proceeded to nominate and appoint a Committee for the purpose before-mentioned.
Thereupon, Resolved, That Mr˙ Scott, Mr˙ Haring, Colonel Remsen, Mr˙ Lewis, Mr˙ Jay, Mr˙ Cuyler, and Colonel Broome, be a Committee to take into consideration the Resolutions of Continental Congress of the 15th May instant, and that the said Committee report thereon with all convenient speed.
As Colonel Remsen is appointed one of the Committee to report on the stations of the neighbouring Regiments of Militia in case of invasions or alarm, as requested by General Washington' s Letter of the 17th instant, which might interfere with his attendance on the Committee above appointed:
Ordered, That he be discharged from the Committee relating to the Militia, and that Colonel Malcom be added to that Committee in his stead.
A Letter from General Putnam, dated this day, was received, read, and filed. He therein mentions that an old house very much endangers the great Laboratory in the new Bridewell near the Green; that Colonel Knox is very desirous to take it away; that as it is in a ruinous condition there is no inducement to keep it standing.
Ordered, That Mr˙ McKesson inform the General that the Magistrates have given orders to remove the Paupers out of that house without delay, and given permission to Colonel Knox to have it removed as soon as it is evacuated.
Resolutions of the Continental Congress, of May 15, on the subject of adopting a form of Government, Mr. Morris' s Motion, Mr. Scott' s opinion, Mr. Sands Motion amending Mr. Morris' s, Committee to consider the Resolutions of the15th of May,
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8 New-York,
2 Charlotte,
3 Tryon,
4 Suffolk,
4 Westchester, Mr˙ Morris dissented.
4 Queen' s.
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28 votes.
2 Richmond.
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4 votes.