Commanders of the Continental Ships-of-War permitted to search outward bound Vessels for Seamen

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Saturday, December 23, 1775.

At a meeting of the Committee of Safety: Present — Samuel Miles, Chairman, Daniel Roberdeau, Samuel

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Upon application of Captain Williams, for the payment of twenty-five Muskets, purchased by him for the use of his Company, in Colonel Bull' s, or First Pennsylvania Battalion in the service of the Colonies, by order of the Board, an Order was drawn for that purpose, on Messrs˙ Mease and Caldwell, for seventy-six pounds, twelve shillings and six pence, in his favour.

Robert Towers, Commissary, reports his having received the following Provincial Arms:

From the Officers of First Battalion, fifty-two Muskets, forty-eight Bayonets, forty-six Scabbards; from the Officers of Second Battalion, forty-nine Muskets, forty-three Bayonets, forty Scabbards; from Captain Willing, of Third Battalion, two Muskets, and one Bayonet.

Upon application of the Navy Committee of Congress, by order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver thirty-six pounds of Saltpetre, and one hundred Muskets and Bayonets to them, or their order.

Resolved, That Mr˙ Towers take the Powder belonging to the Armed Boats, as they come up to town, and put it into store, and deliver it to those whose tour of duty it is to go to their stations at Fort-Island.

Upon application from the Committee of Naval Affairs by Colonel Gadderden, that General Hopkins, of the Alfred, or any other Commander of the Continental ships of war, be permitted to search any outward-bound vessel for seamen, or others, belonging to any of the above vessels,

Resolved, That such permission be cheerfully granted, but this Committee recommend a discreet exercise of this power, so as to occasion as little delay as possible to the outward-bound vessels; and that an Officer, whose prudence may be depended on, may be sent on this service.

By order of the Board, Mr˙ Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver to Shawanese John, an Indian, disabled at Cobble-Hill, one pound of Gunpowder.