Saturday Morning,
[Fishkill] September 28th, 1776.
Captain Rogers being called in and examined, as to the condition of the sloop Montgomery, says, that the vessel is in good repair; that she wants nothing but provisions and a little gunpowder; that one of the prizes which he formerly took, to wit, a small Bermuda sloop, is at Rhode Island, as he hopes, by this time, condemned; that she had also on board some sails and rigging, taken from the other vessels of which he made captures; that he brought off a few things in a boat from Huntington, at the time he took Isaac Ketcham and Samuel Skidmore; that the latter was a person who had taken possession of a farm of a brother of Capt. Zeph. Platt; that he came to the Convention to request their directions how to dispose of the vessel, the Montgomery.
Resolved, That the vessel of war, the Montgomery, be continued in the service of this State.
That Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker and Mr. Zeph Platt, be a committee to give such instruction to Capt. Rogers, as they shall think proper, to enable him to proceed on a cruise with all possible expedition; and also that the said committee give such directions to Capt. Rogers relative to any prizes or prize goods, remaining on Nassau island, as they shall think proper.
A letter from Robert Yates, Esqr. chairman of the secret committee for obstructing the navigation of Hudson's river, was received and read, and is as follows, to wit:
Poughkeepsie, Wedy. 25th Septr. 1776.
Sir ー We have obtained 2 sloops, 2 brigs, and 2 large ships, for the purpose of obstructing the channel of Fort Washington; one of the sloops, the Clinton, heretofore purchased by the committee, we found here, the other we have ordered from Fort Montgomery; the two brigs are here also, one of which belongs to Malcom, Kip and Lott, the other is a New-England vessel, about 120 tons burthen, loaded with wheat, staves, and a considerable quantity of inch boards; the wheat and staves we have ordered to be stored, but send down the boards for public use. The ships are in Esopus creek, owners Messrs. Franklin; they are two very fine vessels, in the building of which much extraordinary pains have been taken, both as to timber and workmanship. On our going there, we ordered them to be hauled out, and expect they will proceed to Fort Washington this day. The tavo sloops, the Clinton and that from Fort Montgomery, we think are almost arrived by this time, as the Clinton sailed yesterday with a fair wind, and the other must have proceeded from the fort shortly after the Clinton's arrival there; and as to the brigs, we shall be able to despatch them to-day also. The Camden, Capt. Castle, with near 2,000 feet plank, and Capt. Donaldson with up- wards of 6,000 do. sailed yesterday also. The ships and brigs aforesaid, we are to have appraised by the time they are ready to set off from here, and we imagine the ships will run very high. Our stock of money is very low, and our contracts far exceeding the sum we were furnished with; the demands on this committee are frequent and urgent. Upon these considerations we hope the Convention will, by some means or other, furnish us with a further supply. We are, sir [&c.]
By order of the committee,
Robt. Yates, Chairm.
A letter from Mr. Samuel Tudor, one of the agents superintending the building of the Continental frigates at Poughkeepsie, was read, and is as follows, vizt:
Gentlemen ー Enclosed I send you General Schuyler's two letters of the 23d and 25th inst. with an order for more cordage; I am, on my own part, extremely anxious to serve, to the best of my abilities, each department, wherein the defence of our country is aimed at; but having this day received a letter from Mr. Van Zandt, (one of the commissioners for building the ships,) wherein he expresses his disapprobation of my sparing any of the materials belonging to the ships, without an express order from Congress or the commissioners. If I have hitherto erred, it is in judgment only, and with the advice of your Honourable House. This second demand from Genl. Schuyler coming to hand unexpectedly, and immediately after the receipt of Mr. Van Zandt's letter, has put me to a stand. An indemnification, or letter of approbation, from Congress, for our former proceedings, which you promissed to procure for us, I believe is the reason of the commissioners dis- approving our going further, (as that has not yet appeared either to them or us) ; if you have procured it, pray send it, as also your most candid advice to me in the premises. I am, gentlemen [&c.]
Saml. Tudor.
Poughkeepsie, 27th Sept. 1776.
Convention of the State of New-York.
Two letters from General Schuyler, signed by the one bearing date on the 23d, and other on the 25th instant, directed respectively to the superintendents of the Continental ships now building at Poughkeepsie, were read.
The General thereby applies to the superintendents for rigging out of the Continental stores at Poughkeepsie, to fit out some row gallies on Lake Champlain.
A list of the stores wanted for the said row gallies, was also enclosed in the said letters, which was likewise read.
A letter from Robert Yates and Gilbert Livingston, Esqrs. two of the committee for obstructing the navigation of Hudson's river, was received and read, and hereafter follows, vizt:
Poughkeepsie, Septr. 27th, 1776.
Sir ー The bearer hereof, Capt. John Hun, is come down with three batteaux from Genl. Schuyler, for cordage; Capt. Tudor, to whom he is directed, informs us that he cannot spare the quantity the General requires.
Out of one of the new ships belonging to Franklin, we have taken all the new cordage and stored it with Capt. Schenk. We acquaint you with this circumstance, that in case the Convention should judge it necessary, they may give directions to complete the remainder of the General's orders out of this store. We are, sir, [&c.].
Robt. Yates,
Gilbert Livingston.
Capt Schenk has the charge of the cordage, and if any orders are given they ought to be directed to him.
Ordered, That the said letters from Genl. Schuyler, and inventory of rigging wanted, the said letter of Capt. Samuel Tudor received this day, and the letter from Messrs. Yates and Livingston of the 27th instant, be committed to Mr. Gansevoort, Mr. Duane, and Mr. Cuyler,
