A letter, from Genl Schuyler, with sundry enclosed papers, containing an acco[un]t of the taking of fort Chamble, being rec[eive]d and read,

Resolved, That the same be referred to the Com[mitt]ee appointed to draught instructions to the Com[mitt]ee appointed to repair to the northward.²

Ordered, That Genl Montgomery's letter and the articles of capitulation, be published by the secretary.³

The Com[mitt]ee appointed to take into Consideration the state of S[outh] Carolina, brought in their report, which being read,

Resolved, That for the defence of South Carolina, there be kept up in that colony, at the continental expence, three battalions of foot; each battalion to consist of the same number of men and officers, and be upon the same pay, and under the same regulations, as the continental army.

Resolved, That for the defence of the Colony of Georgia, there be one battalion kept up there at the continental expence, to be composed as the battalions for the defence of South Carolina.

Resolved, That the said troops be enlisted to the 31st day of December, 1776, subject, however, to be discharged sooner if the continental Congress shall think proper.

Resolved, That the Officers on the continental establishment shall, when acting in conjunction with officers of equal rank on the provincial establishment, take command of the latter, and also of the Militia; and the Officers of the troops on the provincial establishment shall, when acting in conjunction with officers of the Militia, take command and precedence of the latter of equal rank, notwithstanding prior dates of commissions.

Resolved, That if the Convention, or, in their recess, the council of safety of South Carolina, shall think it expedient for the security of that colony, to seize or destroy, and shall seize or destroy, any ship or vessel of war, this Congress will approve of such proceeding.

Resolved, That the town of Charleston ought to be defended against any attempts that may be made to take possession thereof by the enemies of America, and that the convention or council of safety of the colony of South Carolina, ought to pursue such measures, as to them shall seem most efficacious for that purpose, and that they proceed immediately to erect such fortifications and batteries in or near Charleston, as will best conduce to promote its security, the expence to be paid by the said Colony.