At a Meeting of the Governor and Committee or Council of Safety this day

The committee appointed at the last meeting about the armed vessels &c. having performed the journey and business to which they were directed and instructed made a full verbal report of their journey, viewing, conversation and doings concerning armed vessels &c., what they have viewed, the terms on which they made be had, the opinion of gentlemen in various towns, who are concerned in navigation, about the measure of fitting out any &c.; from which it appears sundry vessels may be had on reasonable terms, but none can be found perfectly accomodated for war vessels &c.; that the people are differently minded about the measure, many thinking that as it is impossilble for us to compare by sea with the British ships &c., it will but provoke insult and expose our sea coasts and vessels inward bound to greater dangers, &c., ー others, that it will be of advantage and a protection &c.

The subject largely discoursed, and it being a measure resolved by the General Assembly &c., doubt whether they have right to suspend it, even tho' they should think it best &c. And on the question do agree and conclude to take up and improve for the purpose a certain brig belonging to Cap. Wm Griswold of Wethersfield, of about 108 tons, and that she be fixed as and for an armed vessel according to the resolve of the Assembly.

And also, to charter and improve some one vessel of small burden and a fast sailer, or about 20, 25 or 30 tons, and to fix her with such warlike furniture as may be proper; to be improved chiefly as a spy vessel, to run and course from place to place to discover the enemy and carry intelligence, &c.

And do appoint Cap. Saml [Robert] Niles of Norwich to be Captain of said small vessel.

And the Council do appoint Benja Huntington, Esqr and Capn Jno Deshon a committee to find and to fit out and furnish such small vessel with all necessaries for that purpose. And adjourn till tomorrow morning, 9 o'clock.