[Watertown] Tuesday, February 6, 1776.
Joseph Palmer, Esq; brought down the report of the Commmittee on the Conduct of Col. [James] Cargill.
Read and recommitted, and Mr. [Joshua] Caldwell is appointed on said Committee in the Room of Col. [James] Freeman, absent.
Afternoon.
The Committee appointed to bring in a Resolve for building Ten armed Sloops, reported. Read and accepted.
Resolved, That there be built at the Public Expence of this Colony for the Defence of American Liberty, Ten Sloops of War, of One Hundred and Ten Tons, or Fifteen Tons each, suitable to carry from Fourteen to Sixteen Carriage Guns Six and Four Pounders, and that Capt. Batcheldor [Josiah Batchelder], Col. (Jerathmeel] Bowers and Mr.[Thomas] Durfey, be a Committee with such as the Hon. Board shall join, to provide Materials, and employ proper Persons to build said vessels as soon as may be, for the Purpose abovesaid, and that the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds be delivered to the said Committee, to enable them to proceed in building, rigging, and finishing said Vessels as soon as possible, and that each one of the Committee be accountable to the General Court of this Colony, when thereunto called by the said Court, for the Money he shall receive.