[New York] Die Mercurii, 4 ho. P.M. April 3d, 1776.
Mr. John Murray attending with a letter from Fen. Heath to this Committee, 2 wherein he informs the Committee that Mr. Murray had. applied to him for his approbation of the permit granted to Mr. Murray this m~rning, to go on board the Governor's ship; that by the said permit it appears that Mr. Murray is restricted only relative to the fortifications, and that he, the General, cannot consistent with his duty, consent to his going on board, unless under greater restrictions. 2
Thereupon a permission was given to Mr. Murray, in thewords following, to wit:
John Murray, of this city, merchant, attending, requested permission to go on board the ship Dutchess of Gordon, wherein Gpvr. Tryonresides, (withthe port master,) and to return.
Thereupon the said Jno Murray was solemnly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, that he will not communicate any information or intelligence whatever, to any pefson or persons on board any of the ships of war, th~ ship Dutchess of Gordon, the packet, or arty other vessel in this Colony under the care or direction of, or in connection with, a~y person on board either of the vessels above mentioned, relative to the fortifications erecting for the defence of this city and Colony,' nor carry on board o/dĀ°eliver to any person belonging to: any of the said ships or vessels any papers or writings relative thereto; and that he will 1?-ot communicate any intelligence of any kind, or enter into any conversation on any subject whatever, with any person on board of e~ther of the said vessels, but what relates to his own private business. . Ordered, That the said John Murray be, and he is hereby permitt~d to go on board the ship Dutchess of Gordon, (with the port-master) and to return. Michael Conner of the city of Philadelphia, merchant, agent for the owners of the brigantine Mary, bound from St. Christopher's to Cork, in Ireland, laden with rum, lately seized and now detained by Captain Parker of His Majesty's ship Phoenix, 3 applied to the Committee for a permission to go on board of the said ship Phoenix, to demand the said brigantine and cargo.
Thereupon the said Michael Conner was d4ly and solemnly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, that he will not communicate any information or intelligence whatever to any person or persons on board of any of the ships of war, the ship Dutchess of Gordon, the packet, or any other vessel in this Colony, relative to the fortifications erecting for the defence of this city and Colony, nor carry on board or deliver to any person belonging to any of said ships or vessels any papers or writings relative thereto; and that he will not communicate any intelligence of any kind or enter into any conversation on any subject whatever, with any person on board of either of said vessels but what relates to his own private business.
Ordered, That the said Michael Conner be permitted and he is hereby permited to go on board of the ship Phoenix, (with the port master,) and to return.