The Secret Committee informed Congress, that the brig Olive Branch, William Bayly, master, was, by the procuration of Francis Lewis, laden at New York with 718 barrels of flour, on account of the United States, as will appear by bill of lading, signed 26 day of February, 1776, directed to be delivered to Mr. Samuel Carson, at St. Eustatia; that Captain Bayly, contrary to his orders, proceeded to Occoys, on the island of Hispaniola, and there put the cargo into the hands of Mons. Croix, who, by several letters, informed Mr. Carson that he should remit said Carson the proceeds of the flour to St. Eustatia; and, in a letter from said Carson, dated St. Eustatia, 30th November, is the following paragraph:— "I have not received one farthing on account of brig Olive Branch's cargo, and God knows when I will;" that Captain Bayly, after landing the flour at Occoys, made a voyage for Mons. St. Croix, to France, and back to Occoys, where the said Croix loaded the brig, and proceeded with her to this port, where they both are at this time, with the vessel, re-laden with provision, &c. and ready to depart for Occoys; that Captain Bayly pretends he has sold the brig to Mons. Croix, and has taken his single promissory note for payment; but, it is obvious, that they have been jointly trading on the public's capital, and defrauding both the public and the owners of the brig; that, with the proceeds of the cargo sold here, they have reladen the brig with provisions, &c. and have a residue of [£]2500 cash in their hands:

Resolved, That this matter be referred to the Secret Committee who are empowered to do therein what they shall judge to be just and right, and conducive to the public interest.