Read also, a letter from Capt. Edward Blake, of this day's date,ーinclosing a certificate of the value, by appraisement, of six scooners, sunk on the bars of Hog-Island Creek, and the Marsh Channels, to obstruct the passage of ships of war thro' those channels, amounting to four thousand five hundred pounds.

Ordered, That Mr. President do issue his warrant for payment of the said sum of four thousand five hundred pounds, to Capt. Blake, in order to pay for said scooners.

And a warrant was issued accordingly.

Read a letter from Clement Lempriere, Esq; declining to take upon him the command of the ship [Prosper]to which he had been appointed by this Congress.