[Philadelphia] Tuesday, December 26, 1775
Two letters from General Washington, dated the 14 and 16 December, 1775,... also a letter from sundry masters of vessels, dated Guadaloupe, September 19 1775 were laid before Congress and read.
Resolved, That Friday next be assigned for taking into consideration the propriety of opening the ports of the United Colonies after the 1st day of March next.
Whereas this Congress, by a resolution passed the 15th day of July last, did direct that every vessel importing into these colonies, gun powder, salt petre, sulphur, and other military stores therein specified, within nine months from the date thereof, should be permitted to load and export the produce of these colonies, to the value of such powder and stores aforesaid, the non-exportation agreement notwithstanding, by permits from the committees of the several colonies; to the end, therefore, that this Congress may be the better informed of the quantity of military stores which are or shall be so imported, and of the produce exported in consequence of the resolution aforesaid.
Resolved, That it be recommended to all committees by whom any permits, under the said resolution, have been or may be granted, to transmit to this Congress, from time to time, a true account of the military stores, &c. imported, and of the produce exported, with the price and value of both.
Ordered, That the foregoing resolution be published.