Resolved that the said Committee for fortifying the Harbour of Boston be hereby impower'd and directed immediately to procure and prepare, with every thing Necessary, such a Number of Fire Ships, and Rafts, as they may judge proper to annoy the Enemy's Ships, if they should again return to Boston Harbour. ー And the said Committee are also directed without delay to sink the Hulks, before order'd by this Court, in such Place, and in such Manner, as the said Committee shall think best. ー Whereas it has been usual in time of War to keep one or more Vessels to curise as Spies, and give Intelligence of the approach of an Enemy, and great advantages have accrued from the same; ー

And Whereas the great Dependance which this Colony has on the Militia thereof for Defence, renders it absolutely necessary, that timely advice should be given of the advance of the enemy, it is therefore

Resolved that Mr Speaker² Capt [Josiah] Batchelder, & Mr [Benjamin] Hall, be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to hire or purchase, and fit out at the Expence of this Colony two swift Sailing Vessels, not exceeding Forty Tons each, [to] cruize on the Coast of America, and give Intelligence of the Movements of the Enemy, and lay their Accounts for fixing out said Vessells before the General Court for allowance and when the said Vessells shall be ready to sail, the Committee of War is hereby impowered and directed to man, arm, victual, and give Orders for their Proceeding, which Orders the said Masters of said Vessells shall be obliged to observe and obey. ー