[Lebanon] Monday August 14, 1775
Mr [Benjamin] Huntington of the committee appointed for that purpose respecting a small armed vessel &c., reported, that having taken pains they are not able to find any suitable for the purpose, except one belonging to one Hancox &c. of Stonington, but not to be chartered but may be bought for £200, as the lowest sum &c., her sails and riggifig not fit for the service; and the question is, whether she shall be purchased, and was largely considered; and as the General Assembly have ordered vessels to be fitted out &c., the Council supposed themselves obliged to obey the order &c, and there seems no other way, and they judge the vessel cheap, and if and when needless she may be probably sold, perhaps without loss, and the hire saved &c. ー Are of opinion that said vessel or schooner called the Britania, be purchased for the Colony; and Benja. Huntington, Esqr Cap. Jno Deshon and Cap, Robt Niles, are appointed a committee to make said purchase at not exceeding £200 &c, and also to take care of and cause her to be rigged and fitted out with every necessary for said purpose, as soon as may be. And this Council do appoint Robert Niles of Norwich to be Captain and Commander of her. And said committee are also desired to look out and recommend proper persons for the other officers on board her and make report to the next meeting.
Voted, That Cap. Deshon be directed forthwith to put the cannon, small arms, pistols and every warlike implement now at N. London, suitable and proper for armed vessels, into proper order and condition for immediate use, and on receiving advice from Cap. [Giles] Hall, of the larger armed vessel fitting at Middletown, shall be at or near Saybrook ready to receive them, to send them to him there and deliver on board his brig. But if it shall appear there is not a sufficient quantity for both vessels, that they be properly proportioned between them.
Then the Council was dismissed or adjourned till Thursday next, [August 17] at 9 o'clock A.M.