[22] Works of John Adams, III, 11. Certain words of John Adams in a letter dated, Philadelphia, April 28, 1776, have an interest in this connection: “I have vanity enough to take to myself a share in the merit of the American navy. It was always a measure that my heart was much engaged in, and I pursued it for a long time against the wind and tide, but at last obtained it.”—Force, American Archives, 4th, V, 1111.
[23] Ford, Writings of Washington, III, 165, 203-04, 213-14; Washington to President of Congress, October 5, November 8, 11, 1775. See Chapter II, page 67.
[24] Journals of Continental Congress, November 17, 23, 24, and 25. The Journals for November 25 contain the resolutions.
[25] Journals of Continental Congress, December 2, 1775.
[26] Ibid., December 5, 1775. This legislation refers to American vessels captured by the British and recaptured by the Americans.
[27] Ibid., December 9, 1775.
[28] Journals of Continental Congress, December 13 and 22, 1775.
[29] Ibid., January 6, 1776.
[30] Manuscript letters of John Adams, Massachusetts Historical Society; Warren to Adams, November 14, 1775; Chase to Adams, November 16 and 25, 1775.
[31] Collections of New York Historical Society, Deane Papers, I, 91-92.