Two Pilot-boats sent to cruize along the coast, to warn vessels

Resolution on Two Pilot-boats

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Resolved, That the two Pilot Boats lately taken into the publick service by the Council of Safety, be continued in the service, armed and manned as heretofore; and that they be employed in cruizing along the coast, to the northward of the Bar, to warn vessels against coming into the harbour of Charlestown, and to advise them to go into other ports or inlets in this Colony.

Ordered, That Mr˙ President be desired to write the necessary Letters upon this occasion, to Colonel Moultrie, and to the Commander of the said Boats.

The following Letters were accordingly written:

Letter to Colonel Moultrie

In Congress, Charlestown, November 4, 1775.

SIR: You are hereby ordered to send a detachment of nine privates and a sergeant on board the pilot boat commanded by Captain Joseph Vesey, and one other detachment of nine privates and a sergeant, on board the pilot boat commanded by Captain Thomas Smith, with their necessary arms and accoutrements. You will inform the troops employed in this service that during their continuance in it they will be entitled to receive double pay.

By order of the Congress:

WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON, President.

To Colonel Moultrie.

Letter to Captain Vesey

In Congress, Charlestown, November 4, 1775.

SIR: You are hereby requested to proceed with the pilot boat under your command, having on board a detachment of the troops, and cruize for ten days on the coast, to the northward of Charlestown bar, in order to speak with and warn all vessels bound for Charlestown, not to come over that bar, as the man-of-war is resolved to detain all such vessels as shall come within her reach; but that they do proceed to some other port or inlet in this Colony.

By order of the Congress:

WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON, President.

To Captain Joseph Vesey.

A like Letter was also written to Captain Thomas Smith, commander of the other pilot boat.