[Philadelphia] Wednesday 13 [December]. I was at Congress The Delegates of Maryland & Georgia all absent ー A report from a Comee was agreed to for equipping Thirteen Ships of War in several Colonies of 32 Guns 28 and 24 Guns each & the Expence of each at an Average estimated at 66,666 ⅔ Dollars ー There is a secret Comee whereof Govr [Samuel] Ward is Chairman and Thos McKean Clerk, Mr [Thomas] Willing resigned his Seat in it & Rob. Morris was chosen in his Room by Ballot... Debates Whether a Comee of One out of each Colony shall be appointed to take care of Naval Affairs in the Nature of a Board of Admiralty. postponed ー Col. [Richard Henry] Lee moved to raise the Wages of able Seamen in the Armament now fitting out, from 50/ Penna Cury which had been before fixed by Congress, to £3 p Month and this was carried by Vote ー ablebodied Landmen remain as before at 50/ p Month ー