Francis Lewis, Esqr. came into the Committee and informed them that the shipwrights who were to be applied on the Continental account; had fixed on a place on the shore, a part of or adjoining to land of James Livingston, Esqr. whereon to go to work, ² and that Mr. Livingston said he had not any objection to their using that place, but requested an order of the Provincial Congress, or Committee of Safety, for that purpose.

The Committee conceive they are not authorized for that purpose, but at Mr. Lewis' request, who urged it as necessary, they conceived they might recommend. Thereupon a draft of a letter to Mr. Livingston was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit:

In Committee of Safety, New-York,
18th Jany. 1776.

Sir ー

We have been applied to by proper authority to obtain for certain ship builders employed by order of the Continental Congress, a convenient spot on your shore for public service.

We are also informed that you make some difficulties about complying with the request made to you by the ship builders. Though neither the Continental or Provincial Congress would chose to posess themselves of any man's property against his will, yet you will readily see that your refusal to comply with the request above mentioned will render you obnoxious to all the friends of liberty.

It is therefore recommended to you by this Committee to permit the ship builders to occupy the spot they have applied for, and we engage to make you a proper compensation for the same.

We are sir [&c.]

Jas. Livingston, Esqr.

Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed by the Chairman, and transmitted.