[Philadelphia] Monday, September 18, 1775
On motion made, Resolved, that a secret Committee be appointed to contract and agree for the importation and delivery of any quantities of gunpowder, not exceeding, in the whole five hundred tons.
That in case such a quantity of gunpowder cannot be obtained, then to contract for the importation of as much saltpetre with a proportionable quantity of sulphur, as with the powder they may procure will make up the quantity of five hundred tons.
That the said committee be impowered to procure forty brass field pieces, six pounders.
That the said Committee be empowered to contract for the importation and delivery of any number not exceeding twenty thousand good plain double bridled musquet locks.
That the said Committee be empowered to contract for the importation of ten thousand stand of good arms.
That the said Committee be enabled to draw orders on the continental treasurers for sufficient sums of money to defray the expence of such contracts.
That the sd Committee consist of nine, five of whom to be a quorum.
That the business be conducted with as much secresy as the nature of the service will possibly admit.
Resolved, That this Congress will to Morrow proceed to the election of the said Committee.