Proceedings of the “Recess” Committee of the Rhode-Island General Assembly 1775–1776 and the Rhode-Island Council of War 1776–1782

John K. Robertson, PhD.

During the Revolutionary War, each of the thirteen colonies/states established a committee to carry on essential war-related functions during the recess of their respective assembly. In Rhode Island they tried an “On-call” committee, which J. K. Robertson calls the “Recess” Committee, that met in 1775 and 1776. This did not function well during the period leading up to the British invasion in December 1776. It was replaced with a standing committee called the Council of War, which met from just after the British arrived until April of 1782. This volume contains the proceedings of both bodies. Together, the Records of the Assembly and these Proceedings provide a true legislative record for the period.

“Chronicling the violent years of the American Revolution, this massive manuscript deftly documents the intense resolve that the Rhode Island patriots displayed in fighting eight years for their independence. Colonel Robertson should be commended for unearthing this forgotten Rhode Island War Council book, a true treasure trove of governmental records that has been languishing in the RI State Archives for over two centuries.”

—John J. Parrillo, Ph.D., Salve Regina University