[Philadelphia] Friday, March 22, 1776
A petition from Thorowgood Smith, and others, was presented to Congress, and read, setting forth, that they have procured a vessel, and raised money to fit her out as a privateer, in order to guard and cruize on the coast of Virginia, and praying that a commission be granted to William Shippen, to whom they propose to give the command of said vessel; and that the Congress will grant them a small quantity of powder, upon their making satisfaction for the same: Resolved, That a commission be granted to William Shippen, as captain of the above mentioned vessel, for the purposes aforesaid. Resolved, That Captain William Shippen be supplied with three hunred weight of powder by the Secret Committee, he paying for the same. The committee appointed to prepare a declaration pursuant to certain resolutions, 2 brought in a draught, which was read 3 The Congress took into consideration the declaration brought in by the Committee, and after debate, the further consideration thereof, was at the request of a colony, postponed till to morrow. Resolved, That the marine committee be empowered to dispose of the coal on board the Blue Mountain Valley, in such manner as they shall judge most for the benefit of the United Colonies.
