[Philadelphia] Friday, January 19, 1776
The Congress took into consideration the report of the Committee on the matter of South Carolina, respecting seamen; Whereupon,
Resolved, That it be recommended to Captain [Robert] Cochran, who is arrived for the purpose of recruiting seamen, to pursue the following plan in the inlisting service in which he is employed by the province of South Carolina.
That he offer to each able bodied seaman the wages of eight dollars per month, and that he pay to them upon inlisting nine dollars bounty, and, upon their arrival in South Carolina, the farther bounty of five dollars.
That Captain Cochran repair immediately to the camp at Cambridge, and take the advice and direction of General Washington on this affair, and proceed to inlist his seamen in such parts of the country as will be the least prejudicial to the continental service.
That the president write to General Washington, acquainting him with the situation of South Carolina, the necessity that colony is in for seamen, and desiring that he will please to forward this service.
The Committee to whom General Schuyler's letter of the 13th of January, with the papers and letters enclosures, was referred, brought in their report, which was taken into consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the American army in Canada be reinforced with all possible despatch, as well for the security and relief of our friends there, as for better securing the rights and liberties not only of that colony, but the other United Colonies.