1. Samuel Hazard, et al., eds., Pennsylvania Archives (Philadelphia, 1852-56 and Harrisburg, 1874—) , 1st series, V, 491. Hereafter cited as Hazard, et al., eds., Pennsylvania Archives. The Council replied the same date:

The multiplicity of Business, which has for several Days engaged the Council, put it out of their power to give an answer to the application made by your Board for Liberty to take such Vessels or Materials as may be wanted by you for the Publick service — the same to be valued by impartial Judges & the Owners paid accordingly — should they demand a Price which you may Judge unreasonable — this is a stretch of Power which the Council wish at all times to avoid and think it more eligible that Congress pay even extravagant prices, than that Council at present encourage such a measure — as it will Irritate those who are our Friends as well as those who are not, & it will be apt to produce a greater Scarcity of Goods by inducing the people to Secret them — as well as to test it, & will tend greatly to discourage the importer.

Record Group 27, Executive Correspondence, Pa. Arch.