The Committee for Foreign Affairs reported the draught of a new commission for commanders of private ships of war, and a bond to be given by them, which were read and agreed to.

The form of the commission is as follows:

In Congress

The delegates of the United States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, to all unto whom these presents shall come, send greeting. Know Ye, That we have granted, and, by these presents, do grant, licence and authority to , mariner, commander of the , called the , of the burthen of tons or thereabouts, belonging to , mounting carriage guns, and navigated by men, to fit out and set forth the said , in a warlike manner, and by and with the said , and the crew thereof, by force of arms, to attack, subdue, and take all ships and other vessels whatsoever, carrying soldiers, arms, gun-powder, ammunition, provisions of any other contraband goods to any of the British armies or ships of war employed against these United States: And also to attack, seize, and take all ships or other vessels belonging to the inhabitants of Great Britain, or to any subject or subjects thereof, with their tackle, apparel, furniture and ladings, on the high seas, or between high and low water marks, (the ships or vessels, together with their cargoes, belonging to any inhabitant or inhabitants of Bermuda, Providence, and the Bahama Islands, and such other ships and vessels bringing persons with intent to settle and reside within any of the United States, or bringing arms, ammunition, or warlike stores ,to the said states, for the use thereof; which said ships or vessels you shall suffer to pass unmolested, the commanders thereof permitting a peaceable search, and giving satisfactory information of the contents of the ladings, and destination of the voyages, only excepted,) and the said ships or vessels so apprehended as aforesaid, and as prize taken, to carry into any port or harbour within the dominions of any neutral state willing to admit the same, or into any port within the said United States, in order that the courts there instituted to hear and determine causes civil and maritime, may proceed in due form to condemn the said captures, if they be adjudged lawful prize; or otherwise according to the usage in such cases at the port or in the state where the same shall be carried. The said having given bond with sufficient sureties, that nothing be done by the said or any of his officers, marines, or company thereof, contrary to, or inconsistent with the usage and customs of nations; and that he shall not exceed or transgress the powers and authorities contained in this commission. And we will and require all our officers whatsoever in the service of the United States, to give succour and assistance to the said in the premises. This commission shall continue in force until the Congress shall issue orders to the contrary. Dated at

Attest,