[Williamsburg] Wednesday, 20th March, 1776.
The Comm'ee agree to take of Mr. William Holt the Sloop Providence, packett, with her rigging and apparel for so long a time as shall be thought proper to employ her at 15s. per day, to be appraised, and if taken by the Enemy while in public service, the appraisement to be repaid. If Samuel Simms agrees to serve on board her as pilot, 2s. 6d. p'r day to be added for his services and for prov's found him. Ordered, that Capt. Younghusband be directed to purchase 500 bushels of Coal from Warwick, and to put it on board one of his armed vessels with orders for her to come down as soon as possible to the College Landing with her officers and men.
1. Virginia State Papers, Vlll, 131.