The committee to whom was referred the letter from Francis Lewis, Esqr. of the 27th of November last, and also the letter from Captain Samuel Tuder of the 2nd inst. reported certain resolutions, which being read by paragraphs, were amended and adopted, vizt:

Resolved, That Mr. Victor Bicker, Junr. be nominated lieutenant of marines for the ship Congress, and directed to enlist thirty marines for the ship Congress for the same term as the other Continental troops, whose duty it shall be during this winter to guard the ships Congress and Montgomery, and such other vessels and stores belonging to the Continent as may be laid up with them. That they be allowed the Continental bounty, pay and rations.

That Capt. Patrick Dennis be furnished with a copy of the letter from Francis Lewis Esqr. to the Honourable the Convention, and be requested to deliver over the Continental stores and rigging in his custody to the said Lieutenant Bicker, who is directed to sign duplicates of the inventory and receipt therefor, and transmit them to the Convention of this State, in order that one of them may be sent to the marine committee of Congress at Philadelphia and the other to remain with the Convention.

That the two Continental frigates at Poughkeepsie be secured in the manner directed by the resolution of the Committee of Safety, of the twenty-eighth of November, and that the other Continental and public vessels be laid up in the same place, if they can be there accomodated; if not, that the agents for the said ships make an immediate report thereof to the Convention of this State, and suggest some place where they can find a secure harbour for them.

That all convenient expedition should be used by the managers, Messrs. Tudor and Lawrence, together with the captains of the frigates, to get the same rigged and their cannon mounted by the spring, as in the opinion of the Committee, they may be of use in the defence of Hudson's river, which will most probably be exposed to the attempts of the enemy.

Resolved, That carriages for the guns be immediately begun by the carpenters, if they can be supplied with the seasoned stuff; and if not, that stuff be prepared for seasoning, on which work they may be employed till the Convention receive an answer to a letter written to the Honourable the Congress, on the subject of fortifying Hudson's river, and building floating batteries, &c. thereon.²

Resolved, That the managers take such measures as they conceive proper, for the plank and stores that are left at Poughkeepsie, and direct one of the inhabitants of the said place to take charge thereof.

Ordered, That the managers of the said ships be furnished with copies of the above resolutions; that a copy thereof be transmitted to Francis Lewis, Esqr. and that another copy be sent to Lieut. Victor Bicker.