[Philadelphia] Friday, November 17, 1775
A letter from General Washington [of November 8] . . . being taken into consideration,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed, to take into consideration so much of said letter as relates to the disposal of such vessels and cargoes belonging to the enemy, as shall fall into the hands of, or be taken by, the inhabitants of the United Colonies.
That the Committee consist of 7.
The members chosen, Mr. [George] Wythe, Mr. E[dward] Rutledge, Mr. J[ohn] Adams, Mr. W[illiam] Livingston, Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin, Mr. [James] Wilson, and Mr. [Thomas] Johnson.