Voted, That the Spy, commanded by Capt. [Robert] Niles, be ordered and directed to get ready with all possible dispatch and to cruise in the Sound betwixt Montack Point and Stamford, in order to watch the movements of our enemies and to give intelligence in the easiest and best manner for the security of the navigation belonging to the United States and of the towns upon the Sound and to annoy our enemies, until further orders.

Voted, That Serjeant John Spencer of Capt. Wells's company in Col. Walcott's regiment, and also seven or eight seamen or marines of the same, be permitted to inlist on board the ship Oliver Cromwell, and that others may be inlisted in their stead in said regiment if they can be without premium.

Whereas the great cry and want of the necessary article of salt threatens to disturb the publick peace and safety of the State, that it makes it absolutely necessary in order to supply both the publick and private necessities of the people, and that in the most private and speedy method; Therefore voted and resolved, that a suitable number of vessels be provided at publick expence to be sent under convoy in order to get a speedy supply of that article. And Capt. John Deshon is appointed as an Agent to carry this resolve into execution.

Instructions to Capt. John Deshon

You are hereby instructed and ordered forthwith to impress and cause to be appraised the schooner Hannah and Elizabeth, whiich was taken by Capt. Robert Niles of the armed schooner Spy, belonging to this State, and take up and have appraised five hundred tons more of vessels from about sixty to about one hundred tons burden, which are good for sailing and well found, and see them suitably manned and supplied with provisions and suit- able cargoes for purchasing the salt, to go out at your discretion and direction as to their sailing and place of destination. They are to be guarded and protected by an armed vessel, for which end you are to advise the Governor and Council of Safety for their orders to such one as they shall see fit. You are to do the whole with the greatest secrecy and dispatch.

To Captain John Deshon of New London Greeting

You are hereby authorized and impowered to take up or impress five hundred tons of vessels from about sixty to about one hundred tons, good for sailing and well found, and have them appraised by suitable persons under oath, for publick service. For which this shall be your warrant.

Voted, That his Honor the Governor be desired to appoint such persons as he shall think proper, to be Master of the ship Oliver Cromwell; also any other officer that shall be wanted; and also, to give such orders for medicine on board said ship as shall be wanted.

Voted, That Dr. Samuel Lee of Windham be and he is hereby appointed Surgeon and Physician on board the ship Oliver Cromwell.