The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due, To John Avery, Junr for riding express from Commodore Hopkins and back, the sum of 40.7 dollars. Ordered, That the same be paid. Resolved, That the Marine Committee be instructed to recommend to the Congress, proper persons for commission officers for the frigates now building, and that the warrant officers be appointed by said committee; and that they fit the said frigates for the sea with all expedition: That the Marine Committee recommend to Congress proper persons to be agents for prizes in the several colonies: That a bounty of eight dollars be allowed by the public to the owner of every American vessel for every able seaman that he shall import into the United Colonies, over and above the number said vessel carried out; and that foreigners importing able seamen over and above the ship's company, and discharging them in the American ports, shall be entitled to the same bounty. Resolved, That the nomination or appointment of captains or commanders of continental vessels shall not establish rank, which is to be settled by Congress before commissions are granted. The Congress having proceeded to the election of captains for the two frigates building in Massachusetts bay, The ballots being taken, Jililliam John Manly and Isaac Cazneau were elected captains of the two frigates now building in Massachusetts bay. Resolved, That the Secret Committee be empowered to give orders for the arming and manning abroad any of the ships or vessels employed in the importation of cargoes for the continental account; the expences and charges of such armaments to be paid by the said Committee; they receiving for the public service, on the arrival of every vessel, all the arms, ammunition, and stores. Resolved, That the Secret Committee be empowered to import cargoes of salt on the continental account, in such ships or vessels as they employ to carry outward cargoes, and are obliged to insure on their return. Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to supply Mr.

[Thomas] Leaming with 200 lb. of powder, for the use of the militia of Cape May, he paying for the same.

Resolved, That the commanding officer at New York, be directed to order two companies of Colonel [Elias] Dayton's batallion to march to Cape May, there to remain till farther orders.