[Philadelphia] Tuesday, August 20, 1776
Information being given to Congress that the Crews of some of the American vessels have risen against their captains, and piratically seized the vessels, and that one of them being carried into England, the pirates have been publickly countenanced, and the vessel and cargo taken by administration, and sent to victual their fleet and army in America:
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to enquire into the circumstances of the captures, and report thereon:
The members chosen, Mr. [Benjamin] Franklin, Mr. [Robert] Morris, and Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson.
1. Ford, ed., JCC, 672, 692.