On this day 250 years ago in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress resolved to provide “adequate funding and hiring authority” “for fitting out four armed vessels.” In addition, Congress recorded in its minutes that

The Inhabitants of Passamaquoddy in Nova Scotia, have chosen a committee of Safety, and applied to Congress to be admitted into the association of the North Americans, for the preservation of their rights and liberties.

Resolved, That a Committee of Five be appointed to consider the Nova Scotia petition, and report what steps it will be proper to take for the preservation of the liberties of America. The members chosen: Silas Deane, John Jay, Stephen Hopkins, John Langdon, and John Adams.

. . .

Resolved, That 3,000 felt hats, 3,000 worsted caps, 3,000 pair of buckskin breeches, 3,000 pair of shoes, and 3,000 pair of yarn stockings, and 3,000 waistcoats, suitable for the season, be immediately purchased and sent to the Army, under the command of General Schuyler . . .

Resolved, That those goods be sold to those soldiers only, who will re-enlist in the continental Army, and to the new recruits.

Resolved, That as much duffels or Kersey, as will make up three hundred watch coats, be purchased and sent to General Schuyler, with needles and thread, to be made into watch coats, and that these be charged to the Continent, and kept for the use of the sentries.

Resolved, That a Committee of Three– John Alsop, Francis Lewis, and Roger Sherman–be appointed for purchasing the foregoing articles.

Ordered, That the Committee apply to the committee of inspection of this city and liberties of Philadelphia, for their Assistance in purchasing the above articles.

Also on that day in Philadelphia. Congressman Samuel Ward of Rhode Island, wrote to his brother Henry Ward, who was Secretary of Rhode Island:sd

The Evening before last two Ships arrived from England. The Advices which they bring (amongst which is a Proclamation for suppressing Rebellion & Sedition) are of immense Service . . . . Our Councils have been hitherto too fluctuating; one Day measures for carrying on the War was adopted, the next nothing must be done that would widen the unhappy Breech between G. B. & the Colonies; as these different Ideas have prevailed our Conduct has been directed. Had We at the opening of the Congress in May immediately taken proper Measures for carrying on the War with Vigor We might have been in Possession of all Canada undoubtedly & probably of Boston. Thank God the happy Day which I have long wished for is at length arrived. The southern Colonies no longer entertain Jealousies of the northern, they no longer look back to G. Britain, they are convinced that they have been pursuing a Phantom and that their only Safety is a vigorous determined Defense.

. . . I want nothing more but am ready to declare Ourselves independent, send Ambassadors &c & much more which Prudence forbids me to commit to Paper. Our Resolutions will henceforth be spirited, clear and decisive. May the supreme Governor of the Universe direct & prosper them. The Pleasure which this Unanimity gives Me is inexpressible. I consider it as a sure Presage of Victory, My Anxiety is now at an End. I am no longer worried with contradictory Resolutions but feel a calm cheerful Satisfaction in having one great & just Object in View & the Means of obtaining it certainly by the divine Blessing….

Source: https://americanfounding.org/entries/second-continental-congress-november-2-1775/

Congressman Samuel Ward was perhaps the most vociferous advocate for Independence in the Continental Congress. Unfortunately he is usually not reckoned among the Founding Fathers today because he would pass away from smallpox before he would have the chance to vote for Independence and sign the Declaration.

[note to readers, I am a little late posting this one and it is now after midnight and November 3]