Agreeable to an Order of the Board, Directions for Peter Long, Gentleman, as Ship's Husband to the Armed Boats was this day drawn up, approved of, and is as follows:
In Committee of Safety.
To Peter Long,
Gentleman: You are hereby appointed Ship's Husband to the Pennsylvania Fleet, and empower'd to do all such matters and things as may be necessary for the due Execution of the said Office.
You are to make known to all Commanders & other officers employed in the said Fleet, that they are to apply through you for all Stores and necessary's required for the Service. You are to receive their Indents or Lists of what is wanted, Report the same as often as necessary to this Committee, and when the approbation of the Board is obtained, You are to procure the sundry articles, of the best quality, each in its kind; and it is your particular Duty to buy them on the best terms in your power; You are to take each officers' receipt for the articles delivered to him, and you are to return the Bills or accounts of those you purchase for this Board, certify'd by you that the quantity's are what you received, and the prices what you agreed for, not being dearer than the Currant rates of each respective articles at the time of purchase.
You are empower'd to inspect and inquire on board the Fleet at least once in every month, and as much oftener as you may think necessary, whether all Stores and necessary's are taken proper care off, and not negelected, wasted or embezzled, and make Report according, as you find to this Board.
This Board, being ever desirous to serve the Public faithfully, so recommend the most prudent economy in the Outfits & Supplys of the Fleet; they must have every thing necessary, but avoid all expensive Superfluitys, and in the purchase of what is wanted, give a preference to such persons as are known to be Zealous supporters of the American cause, deviding the business amongst as many of such as can be done with conveniency, and consistantly with the public good.
