Resolved, that the commissary general of prisoners,¹ be directed to engage in the continental service, all, or as many as he can, of the seamen sent from New York by Admiral Gambier,² who shall appear to be effective, or likely to be soon fit for service; and that he furnish such as will so engage, with the means of travelling to Boston, where they are to be delivered to the commissioners of the navy for the eastern department, to be shipped on board the continental vessels of war fitting out at that port: 

That the said commissioners be authorized to make such advances to these seamen as is usual in the port of Boston, making reasonable deductions for the expences to that place; provided always, that this resolution shall not extend so as to prevent any particular State from applying in Jersey for such of the seamen as belong to such State. 

The Committee to whom was referred the petition of Richard Marven and Samuel Shaw,³ brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; Whereupon, 

Resolved, That it is the duty of all persons in the service of the United States, as well as all other the inhabitants thereof, to give the earliest information to Congress or other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds or misdemeanors committed by any officers or persons in the service of these states, which may come to their knowledge. 

Whereas, a suit has been commenced by Esek Hopkins, Esq. against Richard Marven and Samuel Shaw, for information and complaint by them and others made to Congress against the said Esek Hopkins, while in the service of the United States: 

Resolved, That the reasonable expences of defending the said suit be defrayed by the United States. 

Ordered, That the secretary of Congress furnish the petitioners with attested copies to the appointment of Esek Hopkins, Esq. to any command in the continental navy, and his dismission from the same, and also to the proceedings of Congress upon the complaint of the petitioners against the said Esek Hopkins, preferred to Congress through the Marine Committee, as mentioned in their petition.⁴