The Marine Committee having represented that the extravagant prices now demanded for all kinds of materials used in ship-building, and the enormous wages required by tradesmen and labourers, render the building of the ships of war already ordered by Congress not only excessively expensive, but also difficult to be accomplished at this time, and that it appears, by information lately received, that some of the frigates have been set on the stocks in improper places; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be empowered to put a stop to the building of such of the continental ships of war already ordered by this Congress to be built, as they shall judge proper, and to resume the building of them again when they shall find it consistent with the interest of the United States so to do.
Congress took into consideration a report of the Marine Committee, on an application of sundry commanders in the navy; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the commanders of continental vessels of war of ten guns and upwards, be allowed 5 1/3d dollars per week, for subsistence whilst in domestick or foreign ports:
That commanders of vessels under ten guns be allowed 4 dollars per week for subsistence whilst in domestic or foreign ports:
That commanders of continental vessels of war of ten guns and upwards, be allowed, whilst at sea, 2 2/3ds dollars per week for cabin expences:
That lieutenants, surgeons, captains of marines and chaplains, be allowed 4 dollars per week subsistence in domestic ports, during such time as the ships they respectively belong to are not in condition to receive them onboard:
That the Marine Committee be empowered to allow such cabin furniture for continental vessels of war as they shall judge proper:
That when agents for the United States, or any persons in authority under them, put passengers on board any continental vessel of war, they shall lay in the necessary stores for their accommodation, to prevent expence and inconvenience to the commanders.
