A petition from James M'Knight was presented to Congress and read.

The committee to whom the petition of P. Simons, was referred, having brought in their report, the same was taken into consideration: Whereupon,

Resolved, That it appears James M'Knight hath proceeded to the sale of the sloop Sally and her cargo, contrary to the mode prescribed, and without any authority from Congress:

That the resolution passed the 4th of April "empowering the committee of inspection and observation of the county of Burlington, to make sale of the sloop Sally and the cargo on board, and to pay one-half of the net proceeds to James M'Knight for salvage, and retain the other half for the owner or owners, " be set aside. b

Resolved, That it be an instruction to the Marine Committee, to procure an exact account of the number and weight of the cannon lately taken at [New] Providence.

Resolved, That it be an instruction to the committee to whom the instructions given by the Naval Committee to Commodore Hopkins were referred, to enquire how far Commodore Hopkins has complied with the said instructions, and if, upon enquiry, they shall find he has departed therefrom, to examine in to the occasion thereof.

Resolved, That the said committee have power to send for witnesses and papers.

That General Schuyler be informed, that Congress have in view these two great objects, the protection and assistance of our Canadian friends, and the retaining securing so much of that country as may prevent any communication between our enemies and the Indians: The means of effecting these purposes by fortifying proper posts, building armed vessels where most expedient, opening roads of communication or otherwise, are left to the determination of a council or councils of war, governing themselves by events and their knowledge of the country: