In Congress. [Charleston] Saturday, November 4, 1775.
Mr. President reported, that the letter which was written yesterday evening to Capt. Thornbrough, had been delivered by the messenger between eleven and twelve o'clock last night; and that Captain Thornbrough said "it was too late to send an answer, but he would send one when he had a proper opportunity."
Resolved, That the late Committee of Observation be revived, and continued during the sitting of the Congress: And that the Chairman thereof, be authorized to give permits, when applied to for that purpose, for boats and vessels to pass Fort Johnson, in all cases where it may be done without prejudice to the Colony.
Ordered, That the commander at Fort Jackson be served with a copy of the above resolve.
Ordered, That the following letters, and verbal message be printed and made public ー a letter from the Council of Safety of the 28th ult. to Capt. Thornbrough ー Capt. Thornbrough's verbal answer, by Mr. John Calvert ー Capt. Thornbrough's letter of the 3d instant to Henry Laurens, Esq; ー and a letter from this Congress of the 3d instant to Capt. Thornbrough.
Resolved, That the two pilot-boats lately taken into the public service by the Council of Safety, be continued in the service, armed and manned as heretofore; and that they be employed in cruizing along the coast, to the northward of the bar, to warn vessels against coming into the harbour of Charles-Town, and to advise them to go into other ports or inlets in this colony.
Ordered, That Mr. President be desired to write the necessary letters upon this occasion, to Col. [William] Moultrie, and to the commander of the said boats.
The following letters were accordingly written.
In Congress, Charles-Town, Nov. 4, 1775.
To Col. Moultrie.
Sir, You are hereby ordered to send a detachment of nine privates and a sergeant on board the Pilot-boat, commanded by Capt. Joseph Vesey, ー and one other detachment of nine privates and a sergeant on board the Pilot-boat commanded by Capt. Thomas Smith, with their necessary arms and accoutrements. You will inform the troops employed in this service, that during their continuance in it, they will be in titled to receive double pay.
By Order of the Congress,
William-Henry Drayton, President.
In Congress, Charles-Town, Nov. 4, 1775.
To Capt. Joseph Vesey.
Sir, You are hereby requested to proceed with the pilot-boat under your command, having on board a detachment of the troops, and cruize for ten days on the coast, to the northward of Charles-Town bar, in order to speak with and warn all vessels bound for Charles-Town, not to come over that bar, as the man of war is resolved to detain all such vessels as shall come within her reach; but that they do proceed to some other port or inlet in this colony.
By Order of the Congress,
William-Henry Drayton, President.
A like letter was also written to Capt. Thomas Smith, commander of the other pilot-boat.
In Congress. Saturday Evening, November 4, 1775.
A letter from Capt. Thornbrough, of this date, was laid before the Congress, and read.
Ordered, That Capt. Thornbrough's letter of this date, together with the extract therein referred to, be printed and made public, with the other correspondence already ordered.
Ordered, That Mr. President be desired to take Captain [John] Wanton's affidavit upon the subject mentioned in the extract; and also to prepare a resolution, on the present correspondence with Captain Thornbrough and the affidavit to be taken, to be laid before the Congress.
Resolved, That Capt. Joseph Vesey and Capt. Thomas Smith be allowed pay, at the rate of fifty pounds per (lunar) month, while they are employed in the public service, as commanders of the two Pilot-boats.
