[Extract]

This Colony has now in the River fourteen armed Galleys, with near seven hundred men on board;² and we are informed by their Committee of Safety, which has sat daily for the last six months, that their expenses have amounted to more than fifty thousand pounds, which they expect to bear as a Colony charge. Should they alter their opinion, the expense of our Armed Vessels might then be urged for, with greater propriety; indeed we consider it a probable method to have them paid for, to get them into Continental service, but your Honor will remember, that, at the time they were applied for, they were reported to be unfit for the Eastern service.³ The Congress are now fitting out with all possible dispatch a number of armed Vessels, and though the Committee have engaged the number already ordered, yet it is our opinion, more especially Mr. Deane's, who attends that Board, that if the Minerva shall be judged staunch and fit for service, that she may be employed by the Congress. Wish your Honor to write on this subject in your next, as the season advances, and our fleet must sail soon. Capt. Whipple has joined them, this day, and is taken into Continental service. . . .⁴

The Naval Committee will be in want of seamen and marines: if therefore, the Briga in Colony service will, on refitting, bear a survey, and can be warranted sound and staunch for service, Mr. Deane thinks the Naval Committee would employ her to bring round Seamen and Stores to this place; but this must beresolved on immediately, as before hinted.⁵