[Philadelphia] Thursday, June 19, 1777
A petition from Josiah Hewes, in behalf of Mr. Nicholas Brown, merchant, of Providence, owner of the sloop Lydia, was read, setting forth, that the said sloop was taken by a British man of war, and afterwards taken up adrift by Captain John Baldwin, in the schooner Wasp,and carried into Chingoteague inlet, where she was condemned, and sold, before it came to the knowledge of Mr. Brown; and, therefore, praying, that right and justice may be done to the owner, and a proportion of the value of the said vessel and cargo delivered to him.
Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the Marine Committee; and that they enquire into the facts, and do therein what they judge right; that in case the facts set forth are found true, they be instructed to relinquish to the owner, such share of the money arising from the sale of the said vessel and cargo, as belongs to the Continent.