Whereas, some of the Students of Harvard College are in possession of Arms and Bayonets belonging to the Colony, which were sent them for the purpose of their obtaining skill in military discipline:

Voted, That they be and hereby are desired to cause the same to be delivered, as soon as may be, to Mr. William Hunt, of this place; and all other persons having in possession Arms or Military Stores, of any kind, belonging to the Colony as aforesaid, are also desired forthwith to deliver the same to the said Mr. William Hunt.

And whereas, the Surgeons of the Massachusetts Forces are in want of considerable quantities of Linen Rags, either coarse or fine:

Voted, That the female friends to America, in the neighbouring Counties, are hereby desired to send such quantities of Rags as they can spare, to the Selectmen of their respective Towns; and the Selectmen are desired to cause the same to be delivered at Cambridge, to Commissary Craigie, at the Hospital; and the expenses of transportation shall be paid by the Committee.

May 19, 1775.

Voted, That Captain John Lane have Enlisting Papers delivered him, for raising a Company of Indians at the Eastward.

The following Certificate was delivered Colonel Gerrish for the Provincial Congress:

“Colonel Samuel Gerrish having satisfied this Committee that his Regiment is full, we recommend to the Congress that said Regiment be commissioned accordingly.”

Ordered, That Mr. Newall proceed to Watertown, and lodge the ten Swivel-Guns he has under his care, at Edward Richardson’s, innholder, in said Watertown, it being recommended by General Ward.

The Committee of Correspondence of the Town of Northborough having sent a certain Ebenezer Cutler to this Committee for trial, upon complaint of his being an enemy to this Country; and this Committee not having authority to act in the case, as they apprehend, do refer the matter to Congress.

Col. Ebenezer Learned having satisfied this Committee that his Regiment is full, it was recommended to the Congress that said Regiment be commissioned accordingly.

The following Letter of Directions to the several Colonels, was forwarded, viz:

SIR: The necessity of completing the Colony Army, and the suspicions entertained by some of the officers who have been engaged in recruiting men, oblige us to request your immediate Return to this Committee of the number of men enlisted in your Regiment, with, the names of the Officers of said Regiment, as the Congress have urged for those Returns, that Commissions may be issued, and due subordination take place.

Voted, That Mr. John Wood, of Roxbury, be and hereby is appointed an Armourer for the Army.

Voted, That Mr. Dike, of Bridgewater, be and here-by is appointed an Armourer for the Army.

General Thomas was informed by Letter, that the Committee had appointed Messrs. Beman, Shaw, Wood, and Dike, as Armourers for the Forces posted at Roxbury, and was desired to acquaint the Committee if any further appointments were necessary.

Voted, That Doctor Church have an order for a Horse and Sulkey, and a single Horse, for his journey to Philadelphia, upon the Province account.

Whereas some persons have hinted that Samuel Barrett, Esquire, of Boston, has, in some instances, been unfriendly to his Country and the common cause of liberty, for which this Colony now suffers and bleeds; and as such suggestions may have a tendency to injure him, we have inquired into the conduct of the said Samuel Barrett, Esq., during the unnatural contest between Great Britain and the Colonies, and from his acts and explicit declarations, we have reason to think that he is friendly to the rights and liberties of this his native Country, and we recommend him accordingly.

May 20, 1775.

Voted, That Captain Edward How, Ebenezer Cutler, and Nicols, a black fellow, now under guard, be sent up to Congress for examination and trial, and Captain White is appointed to attend Congress with the above-named persons.

Voted, That the General be desired to furnish a Guard for the occasion.

Voted, That for the future no person having orders to impress Horses, shall impress the Horse of Deacon Timothy Winn, of Woburn, he and his horse being employed in the Colony service.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, as the contest now between Great Britain and the Colonies respects the liberties and privileges of the latter, which the Colonies are determined to maintain, that the admission of any persons as Soldiers into the Army now raising, but only such as are Freemen, will be inconsistent with the principles that are to be supported, and reflect dishonour on this Colony; and that no Slaves be admitted into this Army upon any consideration whatever.

Colonel Joseph Reed having satisfied this Committee that his Regiment is full, a Certificate was given him of the same; and it was recommended to the honourable the Provincial Congress that his Regiment might be commissioned accordingly.

Colonel Read had thirteen sets of. Regulations for the Army delivered him by order.

May 22, 1775.

Whereas it appears to this Committee that no immediate service renders it necessary that Riders should, be kept in pay at present: Therefore,

Voted, That all such Riders as have been employed by this Committee be, from this day, discharged from said service.

May 23, 1775.

This Committee find themselves much at a loss for a rule by which to determine when a Regiment may be said to be full, and beg leave to suggest to the honourable Congress, whether a certificate from the Muster-Master, relative to the premises, will not be a good rule for ascertaining when a Regiment is complete; and said Committee beg instructions in the matter.

BENJAMIN WHITE, Chairman.

Whereas, our enemies make frequent excursions to the Islands and Sea-Coasts, from whence they plunder Hay, Cattle, and Sheep, which not only greatly injures many individuals, but also the publick, and strengthens the hands of our enemies: Therefore,

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Honourable Congress to take take some effectual measure to secure the stock on the Islands and Sea-Coasts, to prevent its falling into the hands of our enemies.

Whereas, this Committee have taken into their most serious consideration the state of the New-England Army, proposed to be raised for the defence and security of the lives, liberties, and property of the Americans, and find that the several Colonies have not, collectively, raised more than twenty-four thousand five hundred men, whereas thirty thousand were supposed to be necessary; and the said Committee also find a considerable number of officers of Minute-men now at Head-Quarters, who, with their men, cannot find room for employment in the Army, upon the present establishment of this Colony; and as our enemies have determined to distress us upon our Sea-Coasts, by taking our vessels, with provisions, salt, molasses, &c., as well as by plundering our Islands and Coasts of live stock, which will require a greater number of men to guard said coasts than was at first estimated; and as said Army, or any part thereof, may be disbanded at any future time, when the publick safety will admit thereof; and as the publick military spirit runs high: it is, therefore,

Resolved, That the consideration of these premises be recommended to the honourable Congress; and that Colonel Palmer be directed to attend said Congress with this Resolve, in order to know whether they will make any addition to the present establishment.

May 24, 1775.

Voted, That the Commissary-General, be directed to supply John Carter and three others with Provisions, as Armourers and Coopers, now in the Province service.