East Greenwich, June [12] 1775
It is voted and resolved that his Honor the Deputy Governor be, and he is hereby requested to write to James Wallace, Esq., commander of His Majesty's ship Rose, now in the harbor of Newport, and demand of him the reason of his conduct towards the inhabitants of this colony in stopping and detaining their vessels; and also to demand of him the packets which he detains.
It is voted and resolved that the committee of safety be, and they are hereby, directed to charter two suitable vessels, for the use of the colony, and fit out the same in the best manner, to protect the trade of this colony.
That the said vessels be at the risk of the colony, and be appraised, before they are chartered, by Messrs. Joseph Anthony, Rufus Hopkins and Cromell Child, or any two of them; who are also to agree for the hire of the said vessels.
That the largest of the said vessels be manned with eighty men, exclusive of officers; and be equipped with ten guns, four-pounders; fourteen swivel guns, a sufficient number of small arms, and all necessary warlike stores.
That the small vessel be manned with a number not exceeding thirty men.
That the whole be included in the number of fifteen hundred men, ordered to be raised in this colony, and be kept in pay until the 1st day of December next, unless discharged before, by order of the General Assembly.
That they receive the same bounty and pay as the land forces, excepting that the first and second lieutenants, and master, receive the same pay as the first lieutenant of the land forces [£5 . . 8 . . 0]; and the under petty officers the same as the sergeants of the army [£2 . . 8 . . 0].
And that the lieutenant general, brigadier general and committee of safety, or the major part of them, have the power of directing and ordering said vessels; and, in case it shall appear to them that the officers and men of the said vessels can be more serviceable on shore, than at sea, to order them on shore, to defend the sea-ports of this colony.
And it is further voted and resolved, that the following officers be, and are hereby, appointed to command the said vessels, to wit: of the largest vessel,ー
Abraham Whipple, commander, with the rank and power of commodore of both vels.
John Grimes, first lieutenant
Benjamin Seabury, second lieutenant
William Bradford, of Providence, master.
Ebenezer Flagg, quartermaster, at the wages of £4, lawful money, per month.
Of the smallest vessel, Christopher Whipple, commander.
William Rhodes, lieutenant.