Resolved, That the Committee of Secret Correspondence be directed to inform the Commissioners at the Court of France, that Congress have received no advices concerning the proceedings of Portugal but what they have seen in the news papers, the authenticity of which may be doubtful. That Congress desire exact information from the Commissioners, whether any American vessels have been prohibited entering, or have been confiscated, in the dominions of Portugal, and on what principles.

That they be directed to remonstrate in the firmest tone with the Portuguese Ambassador on these subjects, so soon as they shall have well informed themselves of the facts above mentioned.

That the Commissioners be authorised to arm and fit for war any number of vessels not exceeding six, at the expence of the United States, to war upon British property, and that commissions and warrants be for this purpose sent to the Commissioners, provided the Commissioners be well satisfied this measure will not be disagreeable to the court of France.