A letter from General [Charles] Lee, dated 22 January, enclosing a letter from the committee of safety of New York, being received was read.

A petition from sundry persons respecting the inlisting of apprentices, was presented and read.

The Congress taking into consideration the letter from General Lee, with the enclosure:

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to repair to New York, to consult and advise with the council of safety of New York and General Lee respecting the immediate defence of the said city; and that General Lee be directed to follow the determination of the said committee thereupon:

That it be an instruction to said committee, in case the city cannot be defended, that they earnestly recommend it to the inhabitants immediately to remove their most valuable effects to a place of safety:

That the said committee be instructed to consult with General Lee and the committee of safety of New York, about the fortifications on Hudson's river, and about fortifying the pass at Hell gate:

The members appointed Mr. [Benjamin] Harrison, Mr. [Thomas] Lynch, and Mr. [Andrew] Allen.