[New York] Die Mercurii, 10 HO. A.M.
Feb. 14th, 1776.
Messrs. Murray, Sansom & Co. sent in a request by Mr. Robert Murray, for leave to send provisions and certain other articles in their request mentioned, on board of the ship Dutches of Gordon.
The Congress consented that part of the said provisions be sent on board, together with the other articles. Thereupon,
Ordered, That Messrs. Murray, Sansom & Co. be permitted to put on board of the ship Dutches of Gordon, 5 barrels pork, 5 barrels beef, 1 box candles, 1 coil of 3 inch rope, some blocks, 1 bolt of canvas, No. 1, and 2 cords of firewood, for the use of the said ship and her crew.
Joseph Outen Bogert informed the Congress that the sentinels of the port guard have prevented him from supplying to His Excellency the Governor and the people on board of the ship Dutches of Gordon, the ordinary supplies of fresh provisions. Thereupon,
Ordered, That Joseph O. Bogert, butcher, be permitted to supply the ship Dutches of Gordon with a sufficient quantity of fresh provisions; and that the said Joseph O. Bogert do furnish Capt. Wm. Mercier with an account from day to day of the quantity of provisions so supplied by him, and that a certified copy of this order be given to the said Joseph O. Bogert.
Die Mercurii, 3 ho. P.M. Feb. 14th, 1776.
Ordered, That Mr. [Leonard] Lispenard be permitted to supply and put on board of the ship Dutches of Gordon, beer for the use of the said ship.
A letter from Major-Genl. Lee, respecting a report of a fleet at the Hook, was read and filed, and is [in] the words following, to wit:
February 14th, 2 o'clock, P.M. 1776.
Sir ー I would humbly propose to the Congress not to lose a single instant in despatching a whale boat to the Hook, to reconnoitre the fleet whether they are friends or enemies, for should they be the latter, and intend a visit to this place, we should make an awkward figure, unless we are prepared for their reception.
I am, sir [&c.]
Chas. Lee.
To the President of Provincial Congress
of the Colony of New-York.
A copy of the answer which had been immediately returned to the general by the President and Col. [Alexander] McDougall, informing that proper care has already been taken on that subject, was read and approved of by the Congress.