The Members present taking under Consideration the defenceless State of the Town and Neighbourhood of New Bern, and having received Intelligence from Cape Fear that a Vessel has been lately fitted out by the Ships of War on that Station, drawing but Eight and a half feet Water, and being under some Apprehensions that such armed Vessel may be destined to attack the Town, therefore thought it necessary & expedient for the Safety and Protection of both, that one hundred Men exclusive of Officers of the Militia of Craven County be stationed at New Bern,