In the House of Representatives Whereas by various accounts received from abroad there is reason to fear that a strong Fleet & Armament of the Enemy will shortly be sent against this State & it being necessary we should have the earliest Notice of their approach, therefore,

Resolved that the Board of War be & they hereby are impowered. & directed forthwith to equip & send out one or two small swift sailing Vessels as spy Boats to cruise as they shall direct for observing the motions of the Enemy and upon the Appearance of a Fleet to give them the said Board of War intelligence thereof as soon as possible said Vessels to cruise as long as the said Board of War shall think proper, or until the further Order of the General Court.

In Council read & Concurred