[New York] Die Mercurii, 3 ho. P.M. Decr. 20th, 1775.
The Congress then took into consideration the necessity and advantage of a small armed vessel to be maintained in the East river or sound, to prevent persons inimical to the liberties of the American Colonies, supplying the Ministeral army and navy with provisions.
Ordered, That Col. [Alexander] McDougall and Capt. [Anthony] Rutgers be and hereby are appointed a committee to purchase a proper vessel for that purpose, and to have her properly armed and fitted out. And,
Ordered, That those gentlemen do not expend on the purchase and outfit of such vessel more than the sum of six hundred pounds.
1. New York Provincial Congress, I, 228.