Continental Congress (September 11, 1777)

The Continental Congress was the governing body of the fledgling United States of America from 1776 until its capture by the British Army in late 1777.

Background
The Second Continental Congress consisted primarily of the members of the former First Continental Congress, which had met between September 5, 1774 to October 26, 1774 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When the new Congress convened in May 1775, the membership had changed very little. Notable additions included Thomas HJefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock, who was elected President of the Congress on May 24, 1775. By the time the Second Congress met, the Revolutionary War had already begun with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. On June 14, the Congress voted to form a Continental Army to replace the uncoordinated military efforts against the British. The Continental Congress did not technically have the authority to govern on behalf of the individual states, but assumed many national powers needed during time of war. For over a year, Congress debated the adoption of a resolution of independence, finally passing it on July 2, 1776. The formal explanation of this resolution, the United States Declaration of Independence, was submitted and published on July 4, 1776. This formal Declaration would later be cited as just cause for the execution or imprisonment of the members of Congress as it entailed "treason against the crown and lawful government."

In September 1777, the Continental Congress was forced to evacuate Philadelphia to Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the face of British occupation of the city after the disastrous defeat at Brandywine. They met in Lancaster from September 27 to October 4, 1777 before fleeing once again to York, Pennsylvania. With the presence of large British forces in the vicinity, Congress adjourned on October 11, 1777 with many members attempting to return to their home states while avoiding British patrols. Very few managed to escape capture over the next few months. A small group of escaped delegates met quietly in Boston from November 23 to December 2, 1777 before they were also captured as the British regained control over the New England and middle colonies.

New Hampshire

 * Nathaniel Folsom: Born on September 28, 1726 in Exeter, New Hampshire to Jonathan and Deborah Folsom. Served as a captain during the French and Indian War. Profitable businessman in foreign commerce, timber, and lumber. Served in the First Continental Congress in 1774. Captured near York, Pennsylvania on October 12, 1777 and imprisoned in Philadelphia until May 1, 1778, at which time he was executed by hanging on charges of treason.


 * John Sullivan: Born on February 17, 1740 in Somersworth, New Hampshire. Practiced law from 1764 until 1774. Served in the First Continental Congress in 1774. Resigned from the Second Congress to become a brigadier general in the Continental Army, serving as commander in Canada. Promoted to major general and served under Washington. Killed in action at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.

Massachusetts

 * John Adams: Born October 30, 1735 in Braintree, Massachusetts to John and Susanna Adams. Practiced law from 1758 onwards, after graduating from Harvard. Early patriot and rebel, protesting the Stamp Act as early as 1765. Defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre in 1770 and elected to the Massachusetts legislature. Served in the First Continental Congress and member of the committee writing the Declaration of Independence in the Second Congress. Arrested by British army officials in Braintree on December 14, 1777 and imprisoned in Philadelphia until his execution by hanging on May 5, 1778 for treason.