And for the greater security of the inhabitants of this colony from depredations of the enemy by water, Be it ordained, That the Committee of Safety shall, and they are hereby empowered and required to provide, from time to time, such and so many armed vessels as they may judge necessary for the protection of the several rivers in this colony, in the best manner the circumstances of the country will admit; and, to that end, to raise and take into pay a sufficient number of officers and man, as well sailors as marines, whose pay shall be settled by the Committee of Safety, not exceeding the following rates, to wit: to a chief commander of the whole, as Commodore, fifteen shillings, to a master ten shillings, a first mate seven shillings and sixpence, a second mate five shillings, a boatswain three shillings, a common sailor, two shillings, per day; a captain of marines six shillings, a lieutenant four shillings, a midshipman three shillings, a marine one shilling and six pence.

Provided always, and be it further ordained, That, where the land service will admit of it, and the officers and soldiers of the regular forces shall be willing to enter upon any temporary expedition in such armed vessels, they may be allowed so to do, and shall receive pay according to the rates aforementioned; which officers, sailors and marines, may be removed or disbanded by the said Committee of Safety, as they shall judge expedient.