Resolve of Assembly 1778
In General Assembly of Pennsylvania

Saturday Aug^t. 15. 1778. P.M.

The House resumed the Consideration of the Message from Council respecting the Disposal of the State-Fleet,¹ and thereupon agreed to the following Resolves, Viz.

Resolve 1^st. That the House Recommend to the Honorable the Vice President² and Council to discharge on or before the Twentieth day of this Instant August, from and out of the Pay of this State, the Commadore and all other the Officers and Men belonging to the Fleet or Navy of this Common Wealth, except such as they shall deem necessary to Officer and Man a Number of Gallies not exceeding three, and a Number of Guard-Boats not exceeding three, without paying any Regard to Rank or Seniority

Resolve 2^d.

That it be recommended to the Honorable the Vice-President & Council to sell such and so many of the Guard Boats as they may think proper

Resolve 3d. That it be recommended to the Honorable the Vice-President & Council to Appoint Capt. Thomas Houston be captain of the Brig Convention And Col^o. Robert Knox and Captain Joseph Blewer to fit out, Man and send the said Brig upon a Cruize against the Enemies of the United States, upon such Terms as Privateers are usually Sent.

And whereas the State Navy will in pursuance of the foregoing Resolve be so far reduced, as not to need the Superintendance of any Board constituted or continued for that particular purpose, therefore the House agree to,

Resolve 3^d. That it be recommended to the Honorable the Vice-President & Council to dismiss the Navy Board of this Common Wealth.

Resolve 4^th. That the Gallies, Guard Boats not sold, Cannon, Ammunition, Weapons, and Implements of War, Rigging, Tackle and Furniture be properly secured and preserved.

Resolve 5^th. That the Thanks of the House be given to the Members of the State Navy-Board, and to the Officers and Men of the Navy, for their Services to the public Cause.

On Motion
Resolved that it be recommended to the honorable the Vice-President and Council to take proper Measures for preserving and securing as much Of the Wrecks, Cargoes, Furniture & Apparel of the Vessels sunk or left in the different parts of the River Delaware, as may be possible.

Extracts from the Minutes