[New York] Die Veneris, 10 HO. A.M. October 27th, 1775.
The Congress proceeded to hear the residue of the minutes of the Committee of Safety, and having read that part of the minutes of the said committee, to wit: the minutes of the committee on the 30th of September last, which relate to Bernard Romans; and also his memorial since delivered to this Congress. ー A draught of a letter to the Continental Congress on that subject was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit:
In Provincial Congress, New-York, October 27th, 1775.
Sir ー The Committee of Safety, during the recess of the Provincial Congress, held a conference with Mr. Bernard Romans, and engaged his services as an engineer in building the fortification on Hudson's river. He objected to them, that his pension from the Crown of about £50 sterling per year as botanist for one of the Floridas might be taken away, when it was known that he had assisted this Country, and therefore prayed that he might be engaged as an engineer in the Continental service. The Committee thereupon promised him the pay of fifty dollars per month for the present, and informed him that it was probable his services would be wanted. We are not competent to the perfecting this business, and therefore pray that the Congress will make some order in the premises. As to the quantum of his pay, if fifty dollars is thought too little, the Congress will be pleased to fix upon the sum which they think adequate to the duties he is to perform.
We are, sir, [&c.] By order.
To the Hon'ble John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress.
Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed and signed by the President, and transmitted.