[Philadelphia] Tuesday, October 22, 1776
Resolved, That the Commissioners going to the Court of France be directed to procure from that Court, at the expence of these United States, either by purchase or loan, eight line of battle ships of 74 and 64 guns, well manned, and fitted in every respect for service; That as these ships may be useful in proportion to the quickness with which they reach North America, the Commissioners be directed to expedite this negotiation with all possible diligence.
The Secret Committee reported, that the cargo lately imported into
Portsmouth, in the brig Marquis of Kildare, Captain Palmer, consists of the following articles, viz. 5,000 lb of powder, 250 small arms, 100,000 flints, 4,000 yards of small canvass, 4 to 500 jackcoats, 100 knapsacks, 100 leggins, 80 large rugs, 2 bales of woollens, 1 bale of linens, and 10 tons of lead; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the powder, 100 small arms, 2,000 flints, part of the canvass, 80 rugs, and part of the lead, be applied by the continental agent for the use of the continental frigate Raleigh:
That 60,000 flints be sent to General Washington:
That 38,000 flints, 150 small arms, 100 knapsacks, 100 leggins, and 8 tons of lead, be sent to the northern army, under Generals Schuyler and Gates:
That the remainder of the small canvass be made into tents, and sent to the northern army:
That the jackets, if fit for soldiers, be sent to the northern army; if fit for sailors, to be distributed amongst the continental frigates at Portsmouth and Boston:
That two bales of woollens be made up into soldier's cloaths, for the northern army:
That the bale of linens, if fit for soldiers' shirts, or other purposes, for the army, to be made up, and sent to the northern army; if not suitable for public use, to be sold to the best advantage.
Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson having informed Congress that the state of his family will not permit him to accept the honour of going as their Commissioner to France, thereupon,
Resolved, That another be elected in his room.
The ballots being taken,
Arthur Lee Esqr was elected.
Resolved, That the Committee of Secret Correspondence be directed to acquaint him of his appointment, and that his powers and instructions are lodged in Paris. This to be kept secret.