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MARCH 10, 1779.

The honourable W. H. Drayton communicated to Congress an extract of a private letter to him from Pierce Butler, esquire, of Charleston, South Carolina, dated February 6, 1779, in the following words: "The election for governour, lieutenant governour, "&c. came on yesterday. Mr. J. Rutledge was cho"sen governour, T. Heyward, lieutenant governour. "The delegates to represent the state in Congress "are, Mr. H. Laurens, Mr. A. Middleton, E. Rutledge, Thomas Bee, and John Matthews. The people say they so sensibly feel the want of their chief "justice at home, that they cannot consent to let him "be absent any longer. You must, therefore, my "good sir, return to us as soon as you can. Indeed "we stand in much need of you at this critical junc"ture; therefore pray lose no time."

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On which Mr. Drayton desired the determination of the house, whether, after such information, he ought to attend as a delegate in Congress: Whereupon,

Resolved, That the said private letter does not vacate Mr. Drayton's seat; and therefore that he ought to attend as a delegate in Congress.

MARCH 13, 1779.

The committee, to whom was referred a petition of Claver Taylor, late of Jamaica, but now of the state of Rhode Island, &c., report

That having examined into the state of the facts set forth in the said petition, they find that the same are truly represented: Whereupon,

Resolved, That the petitioner have a permission to go to the island of Jamaica, and import into any of the ports in the United States, not in possession of the enemy, either the whole, or any part of his property and effects; and that his person and property be secure from capture, or detention, by any continental or private ships of war belonging to the United States; and his effects from seizure or confiscation when landed, or in their conveyance through any of the said states to the said state of Rhode Island; and that proper passports be granted to him for that purpose..

MARCH 29, 1779.

The committee, consisting of Mr. Burke, Mr. Laurens, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Dyer, appointed to take into consideration the circumstances of the southern states, and the ways and means for their. safety and defence, report

That the circumstances of the army will not admit of the detaching of any force for the defence of South Carolina and Georgia. That the continental battalions of those two states are not adequate to their defence. That the three battalions of North Carolina continental troops, now on the southern service, are composed of drafts from the militia for nine months only, which terms, with respect to a great part of them, will expire before the end of the campaign. That all the other force now employed for the defence of the said states

consists of militia, who, from the remoteness of their habitations and the difficulties attending their service, ought not to be relied on for continued exertions, and a protracted war. That the state of South Carolina, as represented by the delegates to the said state, and by Mr. Huger, who has come hither at the request of the governour of the said state, on purpose to explain the particular circumstances thereof, is unable to make any effectual efforts with militia, by reason of the great proportion of citizens necessary to remain at home, to prevent insurrections among the negroes, and to prevent the desertion of them to the enemy. That the state of the country, and the great numbers of those people among them, expose the inhabitants to great danger from the endeavours of the enemy to excite them either to revolt or desert. That it is suggested by the delegates of the said state, that a force might be raised in among the negroes, which would not only be formidable to the enemy, from their numbers, and the discipline of which they would very readily admit, but would also lessen the danger from revolts and desertions, by detaching the most vigorous and enterprising from among the negroes. That as this measure may involve inconveniences peculiarly affecting the state of South Carolina and Georgia, the committee are of opinion that the same should be submitted to the governing powers of the said states; and if the said powers shall judge it expedient to raise such a force, that the United States ought to defray the expense thereof: Whereupon,

and by Mr. Huger, the said state from

Resolved, That it be recommended to the states of South Carolina and Georgia, if they shall think the same expedient, to take measures immediately for raising three thousand able-bodied negroes.

That the said negroes be formed into separate corps, as battalions, according to the arrangements adopted for the main army, to be commanded by white commissioned and non-commissioned officers.

That the commissioned officers be appointed by the said states.

That the non-commissioned officers may, if the said states respectively shall think proper, be taken from among the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the continental battalions of the said states respectively.

That the governours of the said states, together with the commanding officer of the southern army, be empowered to incorporate the several continental battalions of their states with each other respectively, agreeably to the arrangement of the army, as established by the resolutions of May 27, 1778; and to appoint such of the supernumerary officers to command the said negroes, as shall choose to go into that service.

Resolved, That Congress will make provision for paying the proprietors of such negroes as shall be enlisted for the service of the United States during the war, a full compensation for the property, at a rate not exceeding one thousand dollars for each active able-bodied negro man of standard size, not exceeding thirty-five years of age, who shall be so enlisted and pass muster.

That no pay or bounty be allowed to the said negroes; but that they be clothed and subsisted at the expense of the United States.

That every negro who shall well and faithfully serve as a soldier to the end of the present war, and shall then return his arms, be emancipated, and receive the sum of fifty dollars.

APRIL 7, 1779.

The committee, consisting of Mr. Lovell, Mr. Whipple, and Mr. Witherspoon, (see December 16,) to whom was referred the memorial of Alexander M'Nutt and others, agents for several townships in Nova Scotia, brought in a report: Whereupon,

Resolved, That lieutenant colonel Phineas Nevers and captain Samuel Rogers be employed to lay out, mark and clear a road from Penobscot river to St. John's river, in the most commodious line, and in the most prudent manner. That fifteen thousand dollars be advanced to them for carrying on the work; for the faithful expenditure of which they shall become bound to the United States in a bond to be given to the continental treasurer.

APRIL 8, 1779.

A memorial from Alexander M'Nutt, in behalf of sundry persons therein named, inhabitants of Great Britain and Ireland, was read, praying to be admitted to come with their families and effects, under a safe conduct, and settle in America, under condition,

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