Two letters from General Washington, 19 [18] and 21 December, enclosed a copy of a letter to general [William] Howe, and accompanied with a number of intercepted letters, being received and read,

Resolved, That they be referred to a committee of five.

The members chosen, Mr. [Thomas] Lynch, Mr. [William] Hooper, Mr. [George] Wythe, Mr. Silas Deane, and Mr. S[amuel] Adams.

A letter from General Washington, dated 14th December, being delivered by two strangers, was read. ²

Resolved, That the same be referred to the Secret Committee, who are directed to confer with the bearers, and pursue such measures as they may think proper for the interest of the United Colonies.

Resolved, That the contents of the intercepted letters this day read, and the steps which Congress may take in consequence of the said intelligence thereby given, be kept secret until further orders, excepting only that the delegates of Virginia and [South J Carolina have leave to send to their conventions, extracts of such parts of the letters, as they may think necessary for the welfare of their colonies. ³

The Committee on Captain [Simeon] Sellick's petition, brought in their report, which was read.