In Congress. [Charleston] Friday, November 10, 1775.
Mr. President laid before the Congress the draught of the letter2 which he had, by their order, prepared to be wrote to Capt. Thornbrough.
And the same being read and amended, was agreed to as follows
Ordered, That the said letter be forthwith engrossed, signed by Mr. President, and sent to Capt. Thornbrough.
The Secretary, as Chairman of the Committee of Observation, reported, that in consequence of the late correspondence between the Congress and Capt. Thornbrough, of his Majesty's sloop Tamer, and some information laid before the Congress, by Jonathan Scott, Esq; he had thought it his duty, and did, last Tuesday evening [November 7], cause all the fishing boats to be stopt from proceeding beyond Fort Johnson; as he observed, that instead of avoiding, they mostly went in the way of the men of war, and were frequently along-side ー and that he had also avoided, until the further order of the Congress, giving permits for the passage of coasters, and persons desirous of going into the Road, lest in one case, a seizure of the schooners should ensue, according to Capt. Thornbrough's threat; and in the other, an improper correspondence might be carried on, prejudicial to the Colony, in the present critical situation of its affairs.
On motion, Resolved, That a Commissary of Stores be appointed, to provide and supply the naval armament of this colony with every requisite for that service, agreeable to order of Congress, or Council of Safety; and to give his necessary attendance upon the business of the said Congress or Council.
Friday Evening, November 10, 1775.
Ordered, That the following commission be issued to Capt. Blake.
South-Carolina
To Edward Blake, Esquire.
You are hereby nominated and appointed commissary of stores for the naval department in this colony; and you are to execute all orders you may receive from time to time from the Congress, or Council of Safety, for the time being. This commission to continue during pleasure. Dated the 10th of November, 1775.
By Order of Congress:
William-Henry Drayton, President.
On motion, Resolved, That all the boats and Canows employed in fishing, be obliged to pass Fort Johnson, and call at said Fort.
On motion, Resolved, That the commander at Fort Johnson be, and he is hereby ordered, strictly to examine all fishing and other boats passing the said fort, as well those who shall have permits, as those of fishermen, in order that no improper correspondence be carried on, which might prove injurious to the colony in its present state.
The messenger who had in charge to deliver the letter to Capt. Thornbrough, reported the delivery thereof ー and that Capt. Thornbrough only said, "it is very well."
