Albany Congress. A convention of representatives of the colonies of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland which met at Albany at the call of the British government, June 19, 1754, to consider defensive measures in view of the threatened war with France. At this congress Benjamin Franklin proposed a confederation of the colonies under a president to be appointed by the Crown, with a council to consist of representatives chosen by the different colonies. The president, who was to be commander in chief, was to appoint all military officers, and commission civil officers who should be nominated by the council, and to have veto power over the council. The council was to have power to assess taxes, maintain an army, build defenses and legislate concerning matters of common interest, such as relations to Indians, etc. The plan was not adopted, and the congress was of consequence only as presenting an idea which later on was realized in the union of the colonies.
