[Extract]

The Congress receive, with great satisfaction, your congratulations on the success of Capt Manly. By the enclosed resolves you will perceive their determination on the captures already made, as well as those what may be made hereafter. ² It is expected the several colonies will erect courts of admiralty, and that the judges in those courts will regulate their decisions by the law of nations, except where it is relaxed by the enclosed resolutions.

I am further directed to inform you, that the Congress approve your taking such of the articles found on board the Concord, as are necessary for the army. The necessity of the case will, they apprehend, justify the measure, even though the vessel, upon trial, should, contrary to their expectation, be acquitted.