Papers of John Adams, volume 5

Intelligence from London

To John Avery

Amended Credentials of the Massachusetts Delegates, 4 February 1777 Massachusetts Council JA

1777-02-04

Amended Credentials of the Massachusetts Delegates, 4 February 1777 Massachusetts Council Adams, John
Amended Credentials of the Massachusetts Delegates
State of Massachusetts Bay In the House of Representatives Feby 4–1777

Whereas the Commission given the Delegates in Congress Representing this State, by a Resolve of the Tenth of December last, Confines the exercise of their Representation and Powers to any three or more of them from which many Inconveniences may arise, and their Vote in Congress may be lost, on any Question when only two are present, one may Controul two when three are present and the same Effect take place. It is therefore 79Resolved, that any two or more of said Delegates Representing this State in Congress being the major part present, be and hereby are vested with all the powers with which any three or more of said Delegates were vested by the said Resolve of the Tenth of December last, and the Secretary is hereby Directed as soon as may be to furnish each of the Delegates from this State with an Attested Copy of this Resolve.1

Sent Up for Concurrence J Warren Spkr
In Council Feby 4, 1777

Read and Concurred

J Avery Dpy Secy

A True Copy

Attest. John Avery Dpy Secy

MS (PCC, Misc. Papers, Reel No. 8), signed attested copy; docketed: “Resolve of Massachusetts Bay respecting thr. Delegates. 4th Feby. 1777 Read March 12 1777.”

1.

JA's copy was forwarded to him by John Avery on 17 Feb. (Adams Papers).