On motion made, Resolved, That the Secret Committee appointed to contract for the importation of arms, ammunition, &c. be empowered to export to the foreign, West Indies, on account and risque of the Continent, as much provision, or any other produce (except horned cattle, sheep, hogs, and poultry) as they may deem necessary for the importation of arms, ammunition, sulphur, and salt petre.

The Congress taking into consideration the report of the Committee to whom were referred the letters from the convention of New York and the state of that colony,

Resolved, That a commander with the rank of Colonel, be appointed to take the command of the fortifications or fortresses on the Highlands on Hudson's river.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the convention of New York, to empower him the said commander to call together and command two hundred men of the militia of Duchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties, and one Company of artillery from the city of New York, who shall be stationed in the high lands until relieved by the company of Artillery, directed by this Congress to be raised in the city of New York, and such other continental troops as may hereafter be directed to take possession of the same.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Convention of New York, if they have not already sent forward a sufficient number of cannon for the defence of the fortresses erecting in the highlands, that they immediately send forward to those fortresses so many of the cannon at King's bridge of the best quality and largest bore, as they may think necessary for that purpose.

On motion made, Resolved, That the bills of sale, for the vessels ordered to be bought, be made to the continental treasurers, or those who succeed them in that office, in trust nevertheless for the use of the Continent, or their representatives in Congress met.

Resolved, That the appointment of a commander of the fortresses at the highlands on Hudson's river be deferred till to Morrow morning.²

Mr. [Eliphalet] Dyer having, on account of his indisposition, excused himself from going to the northward, the Congress proceeded to the election of another when Mr. R[obert] R. Livingston was chosen.