The Congress were informed by a member, that as the ships of war are removed out of the East river, Major-General Lee thinks this is a favorable time and opportunity to stop the channel of the East river, between the city and Nutten island, so as now to admit line of battle ships, if it is practicable, which, if it can be done, may save at least the east part of the city. That Genl. Lee desires the advice of this Congress in the premises. Thereupon,

Ordered, That the committee of war attend on Genl Lee, and confer with him on the practicability of stopping the channel in the East river; and that the said committee of war report thereon to this Congress at 4 o'clock this afternoon.

The members present were charged from the chair to keep secret the subject matter of the last order, and every argument, matter and thing mentioned relating to stopping up the channel; and the several members engaged on their honours respectively to keep the same secret.

Die Solis, P.M. Feb. 18th, 1776.

Mr. Van Zandt requested a permitto finish lading the ship Rosamond. Thereupon a certificate was given to him in the words following, to wit:

Mr. Jacobus Van Zandt was formerly ordered by this Congress to lade a vessel with wheat, &c. he is hereby permitted to lade the ship Rosamond accordingly, with wheat and flour, &c.

To be shewn to Messrs. Robert Ray and Evert Bancker, and to be delivered to Capt. William Mercier.

Mr. [John Sloss] Hobart, from the committee of war, who were directed this morning to confer with Genl. Lee, verbally reported, in substance, that in obedience to the order of Congress, they had conferred with the general, and examined the plans of the city and harbour, with him and his engineer and some other officers; that the general informed them that he has given orders to take a survey of the vessels now in port; that this evening the depth and breadth of the channel, at the most proper places, is to be sounded and taken; that Genl. Lee thinks it of great importance to obstruct the navigation of the East river against line of battle ships, and seems to have it much at heart; that Genl. Lee, on being asked how the west side of the town could be protected, allowed that a ship might come to the west of the city and annoy the city, but seemed to think fortifications might be erected in the city, which would greatly protect the side of it; that Genl. Lee is of opinion that if the Asia should depart the harbour and bay, that the most proper place to obstruct the navigation is farther down, or between the banks; that Capt. Smith, the engineer, said that the fortifications to be erected near Hellgate will command the East river down to, or below Blackwell's island.

Mr. Hobart reported farther, that on the whole, nothing certain as to the practicability of obstructing the navigation of the East river was yet determined on.

Mr. Hobart farther informed Congress, that they had some conversation with Genl. Lee on the subject of preventing persons having permissions from the Congress, or the Committee of Safety, to go on board of any ship in this harbour, from being obstructed by the port guard; and that they had intimated to the general that perhaps it might be proper to place a proper person near the sentries to give information and directions concerning such persons as may have such permissions as above-mentioned.

The Congress then went into the consideration of that matter, and thereupon,

Agreed unanimously, That it is impracticable at present, totally to cut off all communication of the inhabitants of this Colony with the ships of war now in this port, and with the ship on which his Excellency Govr. Tryon resides.

And whereas, though it is in the opinion of this Congress, impracticable at present totally to cut off all communication of the inhabitants of this Colony with the ships of war now in this port, and the ship on board of which his Excellency Govr. Tryon resides, yet it appears necessary to confine such communication to certain particular objects, to the end that the public service may not be injured by a free and unlimited intercourse between them and this Colony. It is therefore

Ordered, That all communication between the said ships of war and all the inhabitants, be and is hereby prohibited, except upon special permits, to be obtained from this Congress or the Committee of Safety, and also except for supplying them, the said ships of war respectively, with necessary provisions from time to time, for the use and consumption of their respective crews only, under the following restrictions and regulations, to wit:

Ordered further, That Elias Nexen be, and he is hereby appointed port master for and during the pleasure of this Congress, with an allowance at and after the rate of 18⅓ dollars per month, for so long time as he shall continue in the said service.

Ordered further, That all communication between the said inhabitants and the said ships of his Excellency the Govr. be and is hereby prohibited, except with respect to his Honor the Lieut. Govr. the members of His Majesty's Council, the Surveyor-General, the Deputy Secretary of this Colony and his necessary clerks, and such other persons as shall from time to time have particular permits for the purpose from this Congress or the Committee of Safety; and except also such intercourse as may be necessary for supplying the Governor with the necessary provisions for himself and his family; which supplies shall from time to time be sent from the said ferry stairs, and no other place, and that in the presence and under the inspection of the said port master, who shall keep exact and particular accounts of the same, to be reported as aforesaid; and except also that the brewers supply the said three ships with beer as usual, 'till further order of this Congress or the Committee of Safety.