Instructions to the General

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Tuesday, July 20, 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

The Committee appointed to draught Instructions to the General, reported the same; which being read, were agreed to, and are as follow:

This Congress having appointed you to be General and Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United Colonies, of all the Forces raised or to be raised by them, and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said Army for the defence of American liberty, and for repelling every Hostile invasion thereof, you are to repair with all expedition to the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, and take charge of the Army of the United Colonies.

For your better direction:

1. You are to make a return to us as soon as possible of all Forces which you shall have under your command, together with their Military Stores and Provisions; and also, as exact an account as you can obtain of the Forces which compose the British Army in America.

2. You are not to disband any of the men you find

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3. In all cases of vacancy occasioned by the death or removal of a Colonel, or other inferiour officer, you are by brevet, or warrant under your seal, to appoint another person to fill up such vacancy, until it shall otherwise be ordered by the Provincial Convention, or the Assembly of the Colony from whence the Troops in which such vacancy happen, shall direct otherwise.

4. You are to victual, at the Continental expense, all such Volunteers as have joined or shall join the united Army.

5. You shall take every method in your power, consistent with prudence, to destroy or make prisoners of all persons who now are, or who hereafter shall appear in arms against the good people of the United Colonies.

6. And whereas, all particulars cannot be foreseen, nor positive instructions for such emergencies so beforehand given, but that many things must be left to your prudent and discreet management, as occurrences may arise upon the place, or from time to time fall out, you are, therefore, upon all such accidents, or any occasions that may happen, to use your best circumspection; and (advising with your Council of War) to order and dispose of the said Army under your command as may be most advantageous for the obtaining the end for which these forces have been raised, making it your special care, in discharge of the great trust committed unto you, that the liberties of America receive no detriment.

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

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