Mr. President acquainted the Council, that Mathew Floyd had last night been landed from the Cherokee, an armed ship; that he was immediately seized, and placed under the care of the militia guard; and that he had produced to him, a certificate of his detention on board said ship two days and two nights, signed by John Ferguson, commander of said ship, and dated on board, in Rebellion-Road, 7th December, 1775.

And the said certificate being read,

Ordered, That the said Floyd be brought before the Council immediately.

And being brought accordingly, he confirmed the report that had been made by Mr. [Benjamin L.] Marchant ー then proceeded to relate what he called the conversation that had passed between him and Lord William Campbell. Among other things, he declared that Lord William had directed him to "tell people in the back country to do every thing they can for the best advantage; that he did not desire any effusion of blood; but whatever they should do would meet with his consent." Being asked, what upon the whole he understood his Lordship, he answered: "To say the truth, he believed Lord William meant, that if they (his party) could obtain a good and beneficial peace, they should do so; if not, that they should make war." He added, upon being questioned, that he saw and conversed with Governor Martin of North-Carolina twice, who, upon being informed by him, that the insurgents in this colony were apprehensive that the inhabitants of Rowan and Mecklenburg Counties would come against them, told him, the said Floyd, there was no reason to fear them, for that they would soon find employment enough at home.

Ordered, That the said Matthew Floyd be re-delivered to the guard, and continue in their custody until further orders; that Major [Andrew] Williamson be wrote to, and made acquainted with every circumstance relative to said Floyd; and that the said Floyd be permitted to write by the same conveyance, submitting what he should write to the inspection of Mr. President.

Mr. William Price, contractor for victualling the king's ships, represented the great inconveniences and expenses he should be subject to, by supplying them with provisions in the manner prescribed by the late general committee; and prayed, that he might be permitted to furnish such provisions weekly instead of daily.

But after due consideration, it was

Resolved, That no permits be granted for supplying the kings ships of war with provisions, otherwise than from day to day, and in quantities sufficient for daily consumption. And that the contractor or contractors be desired to acquaint the captains of such ships, that if they continue to receive and detain slaves, the property of the inhabitants of this colony, even the supplies now permitted to be sent would be ordered to be discontinued.

Ordered, That the Secretary do notify the above resolve to the contractors.