Diary of John Adams, volume 3

[Thursday August 1. 1776.] JA [Thursday August 1. 1776.] Adams, John
Thursday August 1. 1776.

Thursday August 1. 1776. Letters from General Mercer and General Roberdeau referred to the Board of War.

Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair.

Letters from General Washington, General Schuyler and Col. Dubois referred to the Board of War.

403

The Board of War brought in two Reports, which were accepted as in the Journal.1

1.

JCC , 5:625–626. These reported the draft of a letter to Washington relative to vacancies in the army, and miscellaneous recommendations on small matters.

[Fryday August 2. 1776.] JA [Fryday August 2. 1776.] Adams, John
Fryday August 2. 1776.

Fryday August 2. 1776. The Board of War brought in a report, which was accepted as in the Journal.1

The Marine Committee brought in a report, on the Conduct of Commodore Hopkins.

Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair.

1.

JCC , 5:627–628. This concerned funds for the paymaster of the northern department, the employment of Stockbridge Indians in the army, the repair of old arms, a plan for weekly returns from commissaries and quartermasters, &c.

[Saturday August 3. 1776.] JA [Saturday August 3. 1776.] Adams, John
Saturday August 3. 1776.

Saturday August 3. 1776. A Letter from Neil McLean, referred to the Board of War.

[Monday August 5. 1776.] JA [Monday August 5. 1776.] Adams, John
Monday August 5. 1776.

Monday August 5. 1776. Two Letters from General Washington; one from the Council of Virginia, with sundry Copies of Letters from North Carolina And South Carolina inclosed; one from E. Anderson; and sundry Resolutions passed by the Convention of Pennsylvania, were laid before Congress and read. Referred to the Board of War.

The Board of War brought in a report; which was taken into consideration: whereupon

Resolved, that the Commanders of all Ships of War, and armed Vessels in the Service of these States, or any of them, and all Letters of Marque and Privateers, be permitted to inlist into Service on board the said Ships and Vessels, any Seaman who may be taken on board any of the Ships and Vessels of our Ennemies, and that no such Seamen be intitled to receive the Wages due to them, out of the said Prizes, but such as will so inlist and that all other Seamen so taken, be held as prisoners of War, and exchanged for others taken by the Enemy, whether on board Vessels of War, or Merchantmen, as there may be Opportunity.

That Lieutenant Colonel Rufus Putnam be appointed an Engineer with the Rank of Colonel and pay of sixty dollars a month.

A Petition from Commodore Hopkins, for a hearing &c.

Ordered that the Board of War furnish the Committee of Treasury, with the names of the British Officers and other Prisoners, who are entitled to the Allowance made by Congress of two dollars a Week, with the times of their Captivity and the places where they are quartered.

404

Resolved that the Pay of an Assistant Clerk to the Board of War be 266 dollars and two thirds a Year.

A Petition from Lewis de Linkensdorf, referred to the Board of War.