In Congress, July 20, 1778 : The committee, to whom were referred the letter of the 11th, from Ebenezer Hazard, Esq; ... are of the opinion, that Mr. Hazard's undertaking is laudable, and deserves public patronage and encouragement ... Resolved ... to assist Mr. Hazard ... in making a collection of the various state papers, relative to the origin and progress of the several European settlements ... and ... the rise and progress of the present war ...