Capt. Tufts, of the colony scooner Defence, who had been ordered to cover and protect the sinking of a number of hulks, prepared for that purpose, on the bar of Hog-Island creek, so as to obstruct the passage of ships of war through the said creek ー reported.

That having yesterday, about two o'clock in the afternoon, proceeded with four hulks, in order to sink them upon the bar of that creek, being about gunshot from the King's ships Tamer of 16, and Cherokee of 6 guns ー as he approached the place of his destination, the Tamer fired six shots at him, which he, just coming to an anchor, returned with two; that the Tamer continuing the cannonade, he contented himself with returning only one shot more, and then proceeded to sink the hulks. That he accordingly sunk three of them, but the fourth not coming up early enough in the tide, he continued the night on his station, in order to sink her also, at a proper time of tide. That about a quarter after four this morning, the Tamer and Cherokee, having warped nearer to his vessel in the night, discharged their broadsides at him, and continued the cannonade until about seven o'clock; when having, notwithstanding so heavy a fire, carried her to her proper station, and having scuttled her in various places, left her sinking, and then having no further duty to perform, he retreated. That however, as the hulk, being loaded with sand, was a considerable time in sinking; and as he was considerably retreated, the Tamer sent an armed boat, which fired the hulk, towing her into shallower water, where she shortly after sunk. That, in his retreat, he ineffectually fired a shot at this armed boat, but finding his shot would not be of any service, he refrained from such an expenditure of ammunition. That notwithstanding so long and severe a cannonade from the Tamer and Cherokee, he received no other damage, but one shot under his counter, one in his broadside, and a third which cut his fore starbard shroud. That he had not one man wounded. That in general, the shot pas.sed between his rigging and struck the main land. And that amidst this imminent danger, the officers and men on board, although in general, new in the service, displayed the greatest chearfulness, tranquility and coolness.²

Ordered, That the thanks of the Congress be returned to Capt. Tufts, for his spirited and prudent conduct upon this occasion: And also to Capt. William Scott, who acted as a volunteer in the command of the marines on board the schooner Defence; And that those gentlemen be requested to return the thanks of this Congres.s to all the officers and men who acted under their respective commands.

Ordered, That Mr. [John] Edwards, Capt. [John] Joiner, Capt. [Thomas] Shubrick, Mr. [John] Neufville, and Mr. Verree, be a Committee to consider the expediency and expence of immediately fitting, arming, and manning the ship Prosper in the service of the colony, for the purpose of taking or sinking the men of war now in Rebellion Road. And that the said Committee do immediately sit, and report thereon without loss of time.

Mr. Edwards, from the Committee to consider the expediency and expence of immediately fitting, arming, and manning the ship Prosper, in the service of the colony, delivered in their report.

Which being read. Ordered, That the same be taken into consideration this afternoon.

Adjourned to five o'clock this afternoon.

Sunday Evening, November 12, 1775.

The report of the Committee to consider the expediency and expence of fitting, arming, and manning the ship Prosper in the immediate service of this colony, for the purpose of taking or sinking the men of war now in Rebellion-Road, being taken into consideration.

Resolved, That the ship Prosper be immediately impressed and taken into the service of the colony, and fitted and armed as a frigate of war, with the utmost expedition.

Ordered, That Mr. Edwards, Capt. Shubrick, Capt. Joiner, Mr. Neufville, and Mr. Verree, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners, under whose direction Capt. [Edward] Blake and Capt. [Robert] Cochran are to proceed to fit, arm, and man the ship Prosper, with all possible expedition.

Whereupon Mr. President was requested to write to Col. [William] Moultrie, as follows: