The committee to whom Governor [William] Livingston's letter was ref erred, brought in a report, which was read:

The committee, to whom Governor Livingston's letter concerning some sailors in New Jersey was referred, beg leave to report, that they have taken into their consideration the unparalleled inhumanity and alarming tendency of a late act of parliament for obliging sailors taken on board American vessels to fight against their brethren and country; therefore,

Resolved, That the Sailors lately taken on board the Sloops Phoenix, the Sally, and the Mary, except such of them as belong to the United States, be immediately put on board some of the armed vessels of the United States, and compelled to fight against the Enemies of this country, and by thus executing the great and necessary law of retaliation, our Enemies may be induced to put a stop to a practice so dishonourable to human nature, and first taught the world by the british nation.

Resolved, that this resolution be extended to all Sailors hereafter taken on board british vessels.

That Robert Colefax, Richard Williams and Peleg Mansfield, natives of America be permitted to return to their families in New England.

Ordered, To lie on the table.

1. Worthington, C. Ford, et al., eds., Journals of the Continental Convess, I 774-1789 (Washington, 1904-1937), VI, 918, 919. Hereafter cited as Ford, ed., JCC