A Letter of Colonel [William] Grayson, command'g officer of the Forces at Hampton, dated the 8th, considered. Resolved, that this committee approve of the answer given to Capt. Hammond's verbal message. The sentiment of convention expressed in their Resolution of the 29th Dec. on a similar message from Capt. Bellen [Henry Bellew] to the Com'g officer at Norfolk, the committee would not think themselves at liberty to depart from if they did not approve them, w'ch is not the case. That friendly intercourse of affection and hospitality w'ch in times of Tranquility this colony hath been accustomed to interchange with the off's and seamen of the British navy cannot be continued at this time when we have every reason to be convinced their errand here is of a nature far from being friendly, w'ch makes it our indespensable duty to avoid by all means in our power their coming on shore upon any occasion, or being furnished with any necessaries w'ch may enable them to injure us.