Messrs. Leonard Lispenard, Isaac Roosevelt, and Jacobus VanZandt brought into Congress a contract by them made on behalf of this Congress with Joseph Hallett, Jr., for the importing of fifteen tons of gunpowder and fourteen hundred stand of arms, and for any quantity of saltpetre which he may import in lieu of the said gunpowder.

The said contract was read and approved of, and ordered to be filed.

The examination of Jacobus Stoutenburgh Jr. a messenger from Dutchess county, with relation to Peter Dop and his sloop, was taken and filed.

Ordered, That Colonel [John] Lasher be directed to furnish a sufficient detachment from his battalion to take and seize the sloop, and people on board, which is charged with having supplied necessaries for the use of the army and navy, and now lying at anchor near the Asia ship of war.

Ordered further, That Col. Lasher use his discretion with respect to the mode, time, and place of seizing the said sloop; and that the said sloop, when seized, be taken to some secure place up the river, and stripped of her sails, rudder, &c., and that such persons as shall be found on board, be immediately brought to this Congress by land.

Die Jovis, 4. ho. P.M. August 31, 1775

Linus King, Thomas Marston and Hamilton Young filed affidavits with respect to the brig Polly, bound to the West Indies, and also a list of her cargo, as is directed. also an affidavit of Bernard McDavit, the master of said brig Polly, as is directed by this Congress to be taken by the master.

Ordered, That the brig Polly, with her cargo now on board, be permitted to sail.

Archibald Mercer, filed a like affadavit, as owner of the sloop Greyhound, bound to Curracoa, with a list of her cargo; also the affidavit of William Montanye, master of said sloop Greyhound, as directed and required by this Congress.

Ordered, That the said sloop Greyhound with her cargo now on board, be permitted to sail.

John Murray filed such affidavit, as owner of the ship Peggy, bound to Falmouth, and laden with wheat, as is required to be taken by an owner.

Die Jovis 4 ho. P M, Aug. 31, 1775

A letter from Abraham Lott, Esq. agent-victualler for His Majesty's ships in this port, was read and filed; also an account of provisions supplied the ship Asia with, between the 27th of July and the 2d of August; also, an account of provisions required for the use of said ship. . . .

Ordered, That Abraham Lott, Esq. agent for victualling His Majesty's ships, be requested to attend this Congress to-morrow morning, and also to furnish this Congress with an estimate of the quantity of provisions the Ship Asia will require per week, and the number of men on board.