[Extract]
The Council met
Philadelphia, Friday, August, 7, 1778.
Present.—honble. George Bryan, Esqr. Vice President—Joseph Hart, Esqr.— Jonathan Hoge, Esqr.—James Edgar, Esqr. [John] Mackay, Esqr.—Jacob Arndt, Esqr.&—Smith, Esqr.
. . . Messrs. Blewer & Coxe,1 from the State Navy board, represent, that the Brig. Convention, Commanded by Capt. Richd. Eyre, is nearly fitted for Sea, desire further instructions concerning that Vessel. Whereupon Council considering, that the danger of the Enemy's return into this River,2 is greatly lessened by various Circumstances, & there is reason to expect that the said Brig. may greatly annoy the Enemy, by Cruizing upon the Coast; do recommend, that the Navy board, fit out the said Brig., for this purpose as expeditiously as possible, & engage Volunteers to Man her on the best terms in their power, giving orders to Capt. Eyre, to Cruize Six Weeks, between the Cape of Virginia & Long Island, & then return for further orders.3