At a meeting of the Governor and Council of Safety [Lebanon, Wednesday] the 28th day of February, 1776.
Voted, that Nathl Green and Company of the Colony of Rhode Island be permitted to purchase three cargoes of the produce of this Colony in such proportion (as to particulars) as his Honor the Governor shall direct, in order to be transported to the West Indies to purchase warlike stores in pursuance of a contract made between the said Green and Company and the Committee of Secrecy of the Continental Congress, for the benefit of the United Colonies: one of said cargoes to be shipped on board a brig in Norwich belonging to some gentlemen in the Colony of Rhode Island, and the other two cargoes to be shipped on bottoms to be taken up in this Colony.
Voted, That Capt. Ephraim Bill be and he is hereby appointed to repair to Saybrook and there inspect the building the Colony ship of war at Capt. [Uriah] Hayden's yard, and to do whatever is needful to promote the work in the best and most speedy manner. And the builders, riggers, blacksmiths and sail-makers &c. are hereby directed to consult him in their several branches of the work as shall be convenient for the service.
1. Hoadly, ed., Connecticut Records, XV, 246.