Committee to Make a List of the Empty Houses

v4:1122

3 ho˙ P˙ M˙, February 11, 1776.

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.

Present: Mr˙ Henry Oothoudt, Chairman, Mr˙ Scott, Mr˙ Tredwell, Mr˙ M˙ Graham, Mr˙ Sands, Colonel Brasher, Colonel McDougall.

A Member of the Committee mentioned that Major-General Lee had informed him that Troops were expected in town very speedily, and requested that Barracks or rooms should be provided for them.

The Committee are of opinion, that the placing of the

v4:1123

Thereupon, Ordered, That the following gentlemen, to wit: Victor Bicker, Francis Bassett, Nicholas Carmer, Isaac Marschalk, Anthony Abrams, Henry Roome, Jacobus Bogert, Francis Bassett, Petrus Byvanck, Evert Byvanck, and John Elliot, be requested to pass through the several Streets of the city, and make a list of the empty Houses in this city, and report the same to this Committee, as soon as possible.

Sundry of those gentlemen being sent for, attended, and on request, engaged to undertake that service. They agreed to meet for that purpose, to-morrow, at nine o' clock; and they are desired to take to their assistance any other prudent citizens whom they may think necessary, and find willing to assist them.

Colonel Ritzema, from Montreal, came to the Committee, and gave information of the present state of Canada, and the troops there.