Resolved, That no officer in the Marine Service of this State, shall, while in this River take up or buy any Kind of materials or Stores, or sh_all make any repairs or alteration in his Vessell without an Order from this Board. And that all returns for necessaries wanting for any of the Vessells be examined and signed by the Captain.

The above resolve is sent to the Commodore [Thomas Seymour] and desired to furnish all the Captains of the Fleet with a Copy of it.

The following instructions were sent to Arthur Donaldson —

The Board having appointed you to superintend the Sinking of the Chevaux de Frizes in this River: You are desired immediately to provide 12 Men for that Service, and you are authorized to agree with them for such pay and provision as the nature of the Service requires. There are many materials belonging to that department which you are to collect, and make returns to this Board of what further may be necessary.

You are likewise to contract for and provide in convenient places, such a quantity of Stone as you may judge sufficient for sinking the Chevaux de Frizes, and the sooner this can be done the better.

For the sake of regularity, we think it necessary for you to employ a person to act in the capacity of Steward and Clerk (the wages allowed is 14 dollars P month) who shall give receipts for all the provisions he receives, shall superintend the delivery of them and keep lists of the men employed, which lists are to be returned to this Board.

At all times, when it can be done without inconvenience, we would have you apply to the Commissary of this State for Provisions and Rum, but when that cannot be done, you are at liberty to provide them yourself and at all times to allow such quantity as the Nature of your service requires.

Proper Vessells will be provided for you, and the commanding Officer of the Fleet directed to assist you with any reasonable number of Men you may want.

The Board will direct the places where the Chevaux de Frizes are to be sunk, and whenever any difficulty Occurs in the execution of your duty, will always be ready to give you their assistance.

As we consider this Service of very great importance to the State, we recommend it to you to pay particular attention to the duties of it, and to lose no time in providing those things that are necessary for the undertaking.