[Fishkill] Die Sabbati, 9 HO. A.M.
Novr. 23rd, 1776.
Mr. Wisner and Gilbert Livingston's report was read.
Resolved, That a copy of the said report be transmitted to General Schuyler, with a request that he will favour the Convention with his advice on the best and most effectual plan for obstructing the navigation of Hudson's river, and that the committee of the Convention of this State appointed to obstruct the navigation of Hudson's river, be instructed to cause a nautical survey to be made of such parts of the river as may be most effectually obstructed, so as not only to impede the navigation but likewise to prevent the landing of troops below such obstruction; that they endeavour to procure the advice of the general officers and engineers respecting the said obstruction.
Resolved, That the committee appointed to obstruct the navigation of Hudson's river, be instructed not to pay the blacksmiths who made the chain which was lately drawn across the said river, and broken by the tide, until such time as the sufficiency of their work can be properly examined; and that the said committee take proper measures for that purpose.
Saturday, 3 ho. P.M. Novr. 23rd, 1776.
A letter from General George Clinton, was received and read.
A draft of the river, enclosed, was also exhibited, and committed to the committee of the Convention of this State, appointed to obstruct the navigation of Hudson's river.
A letter from Messrs. Augustine Lawrence and Samuel Tudor dated this day, was received and read.
A draft of an answer thereto, was read and approved of, and is in the words following, that is to say:
In Committee of Safety,
Fishkill, 23rd Novr. 1776.
Gentlemen — Your letter of yesterday concerning a quantity of rigging, to be furnished by you by an order of the marine committee, is under consideration; as the order is explicit, we advise you to comply with it immediately.
Capt. Ivers represents to us that it is impracticable to carry the cables by land, but that he has yarn sufficient to make the cables of, and that they cannot be safely carried until they are warped and tarred; this matter we leave with you, and advise, if it be the only practicable method, that it be pursued, and that Mr. Ivers go with the yam and finish the cables. In case you cannot hire wagons or teams to carry the quantity of rigging wanted, you are hereby empowered to impress them, giving sixteen shillings per day for each ox team with drivers, (say four oxen) and twelve shillings per day for each waggon and horses, and drivers, they finding themselves, to carry the same to the first town in Connecticut on the road leading to Middletown.2
I am, gentlemen, with respect [&c.]
By order.
To Captains Laurence and Tudor.