[Philadelphia] Friday, October 13, 1775
A letter from Genl Washington, dated 5th of Octr, with sundry enclosed papers being recd was read.2
The Congress, taking into consideration the report of the Committee appointed to prepare a plan, for intercepting vessels corning out with stores and ammunition, and after some debate,
Resolved, That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruize eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be iaden with warlike stores and other supplies for our enemies, and for such other purposes as the Congress shall direct.
That a Committee of three be appointed to prepare an estimate of the expence, and lay the same before the Congress, and to contract with proper persons to fit out the vessel.
Resolved, That another vessel be fitted out for the same purposes, and that the said committee report their opinion of a proper vessel, and also an estimate of the expence.
The ballots being taken and examined the following members were chosen, viz: Mr [Silas] Deane, Mr [John] Langdon, and Mr [Christopher] Gadsden.
Resolved, That the remainder of the report be referred for farther consideration to Monday next.