Mr.Nichs Low attended and informed the committee [sic Congress] that a vessel was arrived with about 1,500 lb. of gunpowder, consigned to him for sale.

Ordered, That Mr. [Joseph] Hallett and. Mr. [Thomas] Randall be a committee to agree with Mr.Low about the price of said powder, and purchase the same in behalf of this Congress.

Mr.Hallett and Mr. Randall reported that Mr.Low demanded £30 per cwt. for his powder, with permission to export produce at the rate of £40 for each hundred weight. The Congress directed Mr. Hallett and Mr. Randall to purchase the gunpowder as cheap as they can agree; but if Mr. Low should insist on £30 per cwt. for the purchase money, that he be allowed to export produce only to the same amount.

Die Mercurii 4 HO.P.M. March 6th, 1776.

Mr. [Robert] Benson (one of the Secretaries) informed Congress that he had waited on Genl. [Charles] Lee with the regulations fot supplying the ships of war and the Governor's ship with provisions. That Genl. Lee was pleased to give for answer, that he was to resign the command here to Lord Stirling this night, but that if he was to continue he would not consent to supply them with any provisions, as they were at open war with us; that he hoped Lord Sterling would be of the same opinion; that his instructions from Continental Congress were, to use every means in his power for the defence of the city.

In Provincial Congress, New-York, March 6th, 1776.

Gentlemen ー The bearer Major Wm. Malcolm, is going, by order of this Congress, to execute a commission of very great importance to the public service; the secrecy with which it is necessary this business should be conducted renders it altogether improper for him to carry the requisite assistance from hence; he will therefore call upon you for such assistance as he may want, which we beg you will afford him; And

We are, gentlemen [&c.]

By order.

To the Committees of Inspection and Observation in New-Jersey

New-York, 6th March, 1776.

Sir ー The Provincial Congress of this Colony having appointed us a committee to concert measures for carrying into execution their resolve of the 5th inst. for the dismantling the light-house at SandyHook; we, reposing especial trust and confidence in your abilities and zeal in the common cause, have made choice of you for the execution of that important enterprise. We enclose you a certified copy of the resolve for that purpose, and desire you will conform, as nearly as may be, to the strict letter thereof. You will please to call upon the committee of Middletown, or such other place in New-Jersey as you shall judge most proper, for the assistance you shall think necessary. Upon your arrival at Sandy Hook you will endeavour to take the glass out of the lantern, and save it if possible; but if you find this impracticable you will break all the glass. You will also endeavour to pump the oil out of the cisterns into casks and bring it off; but if you should be obstructed by the enemy, or not be able to procure casks, you will pump it out on the ground. In short you will use your best discretion to render the light-house entirely useless.

We are, sir [&c.]

Pierre Van Cortlandt,

Abm. P. Lott,

John Sloss Hobart,

To Major Malco[l]m