The Committee on the Treasury, to whom [was referred] a letter of the 25 February, from the Board of War and Ordnance, relative to the allowance of clerks for the said office, report, "that considering the unavoidable expences of the officers attending Congress, and that capable and confidential persons should be obtained for the purpose, they are of opinion,

"That seventy-five dollars a month be allowed to the clerks in the secretary's office; the same to the first clerks in the offices of the Board of Treasury, of War and Ordnance, and the Marine Board; and that sixty-five dollars a month be allowed to second clerks in the said offices:

"That Belcher P. Smith and John Thaxter, clerks in the secretary's office, receive the pay of seventy-five dollars from the 6th of February last:"

Resolved, That Congress agree to the said report. . . .¹

FOUR O'CLOCK, P.M.

Resolved, That the Marine Committee be instructed and directed, to revise the commission and instructions heretofore ordered to be given to the commanders of privateers and letters of marque and reprisal, and the resolutions heretofore passed, relative to captures by sea, and report such a form of a commission, and such instructions, as they judge proper and suitable to our present circumstances.