The Governor further acquainted this Board, that Captain [John A.] Collet Governor of Fort Johnston had represented to him that the said Fort was in no state of defence, that the Establishment of the Garrison consisting of 25 men only, is reduced by desertion to less than half that number, and that it is also destitute of powder, & in no condition to afford a sure protection to the valuable Artillery belonging to His Majesty in the said place in case of an attempt upon it, and desired the sentiments of the Council, on the expediency of his taking any measure for putting the Fort in a state of defence, by furnishing it with Ammunition, and raising men to strengthen the Garrison, observing at the same time that there are no funds allotted in this Country for such exigencies, nor any other resource that he knew, but to make application if the Council should advise such charge to be incurred, for money to defray the same to General [Thomas] Gage, Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in America, or to the Lords Commissrs of his Majesty's Treasury.

It is the unanimous opinion of the Council, that His Excellency apply to General Gage or to the Lords of the Treasury for Money to defray the expences of repairing the Fort, and raising and maintaining a Garrison for its defence, the same being necessary for the protection and security of the Commerce of this River.