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On June 12, 1776, the Continental Congress, urged by an appeal from Washington, established a Board of War and Ordnance, based upon the contemporary English Ordnance Department. It consisted of five members of the Congress, and John Adams was made chairman. October 17, 1777, it was resolved to create a Board of War, to consist to three members (later five), not delegates. The board had charge of all matters pertaining to war, including records, supplies, the raising of troops and money. The original Board of War and Ordnance, however, continued to exist. In 1781 a Secretary of War was instituted, who in 1782 took the place of the board.