Providence [August 23] 1775
It is voted and resolved, that His Honor the Deputy Governor, the members of the upper house, who live in the county of Providence, the deputies of the town of Providence; Metcalfe Bowler, William Bradford, John Dexter, Joseph Anthony, Daniel Mowry, Jr. and Joshua Babcock, Esqs, or the major part of them, together with such other members of the General Assembly, as may be present, be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee, during the recess of the General Assembly, to act upon any sudden important emergency; with full power of taking all prudent and necessary measures for the safety of this colony, and the colonies in general.
That they be particularly empowered to employ the two armed vessels in the service of this colony, or either of them, in such manner, and upon such voyage, as they shall think conducive to the public interest; and that this act continue in force until the next session of Assembly.