Col. [Alexander] McDougall informed the Congress that Capt, James Smith has the care and charge of the sloop or vessel which Capt. [Anthony] Rutgers and himself were directed by this Congress to purchase and arm. That Capt. Smith has had sundry disbursements in that matter, and also that wages are due to the men and mariners employed in and about the said sloop. That Capt. Smith has occasion for about £50 on account.

Ordered, That Peter V.B. Livingston, Esqr. as Treasurer of the Provincial Congress of this Colony, advance to Capt. James Smith the sum of £50, on account of wages for the seamen, mariners and marines belonging to the sloop Schuyler, now under his command, and the expenses and disbursements of the said James Smith for and on account of the said armed sloop, and her arms and appurtenances.

Information having been given to this Congress by several members, that the sentries placed near the wharves frequently fired at boats and sloops, with the inhabitants of this and the neighbouring Colonies, as they are going out and coming into the docks and slips, whereby the persons on board are in danger of losing their lives; that the masters of some of those very boats or sloops had obtained passes before they attempted to go out.

Information was also given to this Congress yesterday evening, and by some members this day, that all communication with, and the supplies of necessary provisions to, the ships of war, and Govr Tryon's ship; in the harbour or in the bays near this city, is interdicted; and Mr. [Isaac] Roosevelt informed the Congress that Col. [David] Waterbury has lately declared that the other United Colonies ought to crush this Colony of New-York; and that Mr. Isaac Sears had spoken of this Congress, and the general committee of the city of New-York, in the most harsh, disrespectful and abusive terms, many of which were mentioned by Mr. Roosevelt.

On motion of Mr. [Leonard] Gansevort,

Ordered, That Mr. [John Morin] Scott, Mr. [John Sloss] Hobart, and Mr. Gansevort be a committee to wait on Major-Genl. [Charles] Lee without delay, and request of him the reason of his interdicting the communication between this city and the ships of war and Govr Tryon's ship, in or near the harbour of this city; contrary to the resolves of this Congress; and also to request the occasion of the firing by the soldiery of this city on the inhabitants of this Colony, that are coming to and going out of the city. And

Ordered, That Mr. [Thomas] Smith, Col. [Abraham] Lott, and Mr. Roosevelt be a committee to inquire into, and take examinations on oath relative to the soldiers firing on the inhabitants in boats, and also as to the declarations of Col. Waterbury and Mr. Isaac Sears inimical to this Colony and its inhabitants.

Die Sabbati, 4 ho. P.M. March 2d, 1776.

The committee who attended on Major Genl. Lee returned and made a parol report; and they were requested to deliver their report in writing at the next meeting of Congress.