His Excellency General Washington having this day ordered to the direction of this Committee ten prisoners, taken some time past at Machias, on board an armed Cutter, the Committee, apprehending from their commission of the 8th instant that they are altogether restricted from acting as a Committee but only in the recess of Congress, except in conformity to certain special Resolves of Congress, have resolved that the said prisoners be sent to [the Massachusetts Provincial] Congress for their orders, and that Dr. [Benjamin] Church be directed to attend Congress with this Resolve.

Whereas, Lieutenant Ely Stiles has represented to this Committee that he has been at considerable expense in conducting the prisoners from Machias to Head-Quarters, and desires to be repaid; but this matter not being within the powers with which this Committee is vested, they beg leave to recommend the consideration of this case to the honourable Congress.