Capt. [William] Mercier applied to the Committee of Safety for an order to take 25 water casks from the stores, for the use of a vessel purchased by the marine committee for an armed vessel. Thereupon

Ordered, That Capt. William Mercier have leave to take immediately twenty-five such water casks as he shall choose of those now in store, or yard, near Warren's wharf at Hudson's river, the same being for. public use for one of the Colony armed vessels.

The Chairman and Capt. [Anthony] Rutgers informed the Committee that, in pursuance of the direction of the Provincial Congress, of the [11th] day of March instant, they had purchased a sloop to be made an armed vessel for the defence of the trade of this and the neighbouring colonies; that they had agreed to pay the sum of £430 for the said sloop.

Ordered, That the Treasurer pay to Captain Anthony Rutgers the sum of four hundred and thirty pounds, to pay for the said vessel, and that the Treasurer take Mr. Rutgers' receipt for the same.

Abraham Lott, Esqr. agent victualler, and Thomas Horsefield, the brewer at Broeklyn ferry, at the door, were admitted. They stated the difficulties attending the sending on board beer to the ships of war, under the attendance of, and with, the port master only; as it happens at times that his other necessary engagements in his duty and going to the ships in the harbour, will not permit him to go at the hours they want his attendance. Mr. Lott and Mr. Horsefield withdrew.

The committee having considered of the said application, are of opinion and determine not to make any alterations in the mode fixed for supplying the ships, or either of them.

Mr. Horsefield was called in and informed of the determination of the committee.

John Murray at the door, was admitted. He requested a permission to send bread on board the ship Dutchess of Gordon. After having fully heard Mr. Murray, the Committee consented that Mr. Murray shall have a permit delivered to the port master., to send five hundred weight of bread on board the said ship, but that he shall not have any further permit until he produces an account of the provisions and stores on board of said ship, for ship's use.