Congress took into consideration the report of the Marine Committee:

Resolved, That if, upon due consideration, jointly had by the navy board for the eastern department, and the governor and council of war for the State of Rhode Island, and for which purpose the said navy board are directed to attend upon the said governor and council of war, the preparing fire-ships be judged practicable, expedient, and advisable, the said navy board immediately purchase, upon as reasonable terms as possible, six ships, or square-rigged vessels, at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island &c., the best calculated for fire-ships; that they employ proper persons to fit and prepare the said fire-ships with all possible expedition; that the said navy board provide proper materials therfor, and employ a proper captain or commander, one lieutenant, and a suitable number of men for each of the said ships or vessels, of approved courage and prudence; and that notice be given to all the commanders of the continental ships and vessels in the port of Providence, to be in readiness to sail at a moment's warning: That, as soon as the said fire-ships are well prepared, the first favourable wind and weather be embraced to attack the British ships and navy in the rivers and bays of the state of Rhode Island &c.: that the officers of the continental navy there favour, as much as possible, this design, and use their utmost efforts to get out to sea, and proceed upon such cruize, or to such ports as the said navy board, or the Marine Committee, shall appoint or order.

Resolved, That the governor of the said State of Rhode Island &c. and the council of war of that State, be acquainted with the foregoing resolves; and that they be requested to afford every assistance in their power in effect­ing the above purposes.

Resolved, That General Spencer be made acquainted with the fore­going resolves, and that he be instructed, as far as possible, to favour, the said designs, by such attacks or feints as he may judge proper with the troops and boats under his command.

Resolved, That secrecy, as much as possible, be recommended in carry­ing into execution the foregoing resolves.

Resolved, That the sum of 4,000 dollars be paid to the officers and men on board every fire-ship or vessel which shall actually set on fire and destroy any one of the enemy's ships of war, in any of the bays, rivers or harbours, in the State of Rhode Island &c., of 20 guns or upwards; and 3,000 dollars for every ship or vessel of war under 20 guns; and 1,500 dollars for every transport; the proof of the execution done to be certified by the [commo­dore] commander or commanding officer, or by the oath of such person or persons as may be witness to the fact.

Resolved, That the rewards aforesaid, shall be divided in the following proportion: one-fourth to the captain or commander of such fire-ship or vessel, one-seventh to the lieutenant, and the remainder to the crew, to be equally divided amongst them.

Ordered, That the Marine Committee collect the best intelligence and instructions they can, respecting the best method of constructing fire-ships, and send the same to the Navy Board of the eastern department.²