Page 39 - JM Book 9/2020

Friday, June 21, 1776
It had been a typical day in Congress. The majority of Congress’ business involved the war being fought between the American colonies and Great Britain.
• Congress directed General George Washington to “permit Brigadier General Wooster to return to his family in Connecticut.”
• The commanding officer of the Delaware battalion was directed to “send a proper guard, with the powder ordered, to Colonel Fleming’s regiment on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.”
• Money from the treasury was directed to pay specific expenses and to support the troops of certain colonies.
• Congress requested that New York raise “another regiment” to serve “for three years, or during the war, unless sooner discharged by Congress.”
• General Washington was directed “to order an enquiry to be made into the conduct of officers heretofore employed in the Canada department.”
Congress would continue to concentrate on routine business until debate on the Virginia Resolution was restarted on July 1.
When Congress adjourned, Jefferson talked with John and Sam Adams before he walked to the Graff House.
A short time later, he settled in his chair next to a large table that Jacob Graff had provided for him. He placed his portable writing desk on the table and opened it. Jefferson opened the drawer in his portable desk and removed his pen and bottle of ink. He opened the ink bottle and placed the draft of the declaration on the slanted writing surface.
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