[Philadelphia] October 6th. 1775
A Warrant and directions for John Ross, Gentleman, was this Day drawn up and approved of, and is as follows:
In Committee of Safety.
To John Ross, Gentlemen
You are hereby appointed Muster Master of the Forces belonging to the Pennsylvania fleet, and authorized to exercise all such powers as may be necessary for the Effectual Discharge of the said office. You are to repair on Board and visit each Boat in the Fleet, once at least in every month, and oftener if occasion should require, or if directed by this Committee. You are there to require the articles signed by the Boat's Company, and carefully to call over their Names, view each of them separately, examine whether they be actually fit for their Respective Duty, and see that their Numbers, Conditions, and abilities, agree with the Returns made by the Captains, and faithfully certify the same on the said Returns. You are also to compare all Draughts and Orders made on the Paymaster by the Captains in favour of the Officers and Privates belonging to the Boats, examine whether the time which they have been in the Service be truly stated, with their ranks, and certify the same accordingly. And all officers and others belonging to the Pennsylvania Fleet, are hereby strictly enjoined & required at all Times to admit and receive you on board the Boats, and suffer you to proceed in the Duties above specified, without Hindrance or Molestation; And for your so doing this shall be your Warrant.
A Warrant and Directions for John Maxwell Nesbitt, Gentleman, was this day drawn up and approved of, and is as follows:
In Committee of Safety.
To John Maxwell Nesbitt, Gentleman:
You are hereby appointed Paymaster of the Pennsylvania Fleet, and impower'd to do all such Matters and things as may be necessary in the Execution of the said Office. You are regularly to pay all Draughts and orders made on you by the Captains of the armed Boats in favour of the Officers and Privates employed in the Service of the said Boats, which are properly certified by the Muster Master, having strict regard to the Rates fixed and Published by this Committee for the Pay of the said Officers and Privates respectively, And keeping exact accounts and Receipts of all sums of Money by you paid away, and the Names of the Persons to whom, & the Purposes for which they were disbursed; And for your so doing this shall be your Warrant.
Upon Motion,
It is agreed by the Board, That an officer be appointed to receive the Indents from the Captains and officers of the Boats, and to procure the necessary articles for fitting the armed Boats, as Ships Husband for the Fleet.
