Treasurer of this Congress, do immediately advance to Mr. Jacobus Van Zandt, the said sum of four hundred and ninety-six Pounds, to pay for the said Pilot-Boat named the Bishop of Llandaff.

A Letter from General Washington was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

“Camp at Cambridge, October 13, 1775.

“SIR: I am to thank you for your favour of the 4th inst., enclosing the advices from England of 26th July and 8th August. A few days ago, I apprized the Committee of New-York of the sailing of a small fleet from Boston, with artillery to bombard a Town. I did not then know that the Provincial Congress was sitting, or the advice would have been directed to them. I now, Sir, beg leave to acquaint you that the fleet then mentioned has been seen standing N. N. E., so that we apprehend it is destined against some Town on the coast of this Province, New-Hampshire, or perhaps to Quebeck.

“We have no occurrence in the camp worthy of notice. Both sides are making all preparation for winter.

“I am, with the most respectful regards to the Provincial Congress, Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

“The President of the Provincial Congress, New-York.”

A Letter from Samuel Bayard and William Bedlow, Commissioners at the Fortifications in the Highlands, bearing date the 15th instant, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

“Martelaer’s Rock, October 15, 1775.

“SIR: Since we have had cannon mounted and colours hoisted on this fortification, we thought it necessary for every vessel passing by in the daytime, instead of sending their boat on shore, to hail them to lower the peak of their mainsail, as a token of their being friendly. We are now to acquaint you that one Captain Robert North, passing by on this day, was hailed to lower his peak, which he refused to do. On being threatened with a shot, he replied, that was what he wanted. On this, we sent an armed boat on board of him, to bring him to, in order to inquire his reason for refusing to do the same which he that instant saw another sloop to do. On our boat’s boarding of him, he told the people therein, that he had a brace of pistols, and if that damned rascal, Captain Bayard, did not produce an order to him, from the Provincial Congress, for the request we made, he would blow his brains out; with many more unfriendly expressions. We beg, Sir, you will lay the above before the honourable Provincial Congress; and if our conduct herein meet with their approbation, you will please to signify the same unto us.

“We are, with respect, Sir, your humble servants,

“SAMUEL BAYARD,
“WILLIAM BEDLOW.

“To Nathaniel Woodhull, President of the Provincial Congress.”

A Letter from Messrs. Samuel Bayard and William Bedlow, two of the Commissioners of the Fortifications at the Highlands, bearing date on the 16th instant, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

“Hudson’s River, October 16, 1775.

“SIR: Yours, in Provincial Congress of the 12th inst., enclosing sundry resolutions of the Continental Congress, we yesterday received; and on consulting with Mr. Romans, the engineer, have made the several remarks therein, which we now send you enclosed. As soon as time will permit, we shall view the places recommended more strictly than we have had an opportunity to do at present. The engineer informs us he cannot give an estimate of the charge of a further work, that may be necessary at Pooploop’s Kill. We shall exert ourselves in forwarding the works carrying on here, and every other order the Provincial Congress may command. We beg leave to request you will communicate this, with the enclosed, unto the honourable Provincial Congress.

“We are, Sir, your very humble servants,

“SAMUEL BAYARD,
“WILLIAM BEDLOW.

“To Nathaniel Woodhull, President of the Provincial Congress.”

The Remarks of the Engineer and Commissioners at the Highlands were read and filed, and are in the words following, to wit:

“Highlands, October 16, 1775.

“Remarks in answer to the ’Report of a Committee appointed to take into consideration the Letters from NEW-YORK, and the plans for obstructing the navigation of HUDSON’S River.’

“If it be considered that the season when this work was undertaken was very far advanced, I think that we are in as forward a situation as can be wished for; and I make no doubt but the works begun will in three weeks’ time be of sufficient strength to stand the brunt of as large a ship of rank as can come here, and two or three small fry. Heavy cannon, such as of eighteen, twenty-four, and thirty-two pounds, seem to be all that is wanted. I think on Saturday next to be able to mount from twelve to eighteen cannon, eight of which, at least, might be heavy ones. We are in a miserable timber country; even fascines are with more difficulty got than stones. Of the last we have such plenty, that in four days one hundred and fifty perches of wall has been properly laid by twelve masons. We want more workmen, especially masons, and require a regulation prescribed to them, which it seems impossible to bring them under until they be properly officered and distributed, each division having its proper department allotted. It is not only the difficulty of getting timber, but we have fully experienced that the part of the work which is done in timber advances slower than the stone, by a degree beyond all comparison.

“A battery at Moore’s house seems, at present, to me entirely useless. I will examine further into this article.

“The point on the west side, above Verplanck’s Point, is too easy of access, and in the vicinity of many ill-disposed people; besides this, it can be of little use. But at poop-loop’s Kill, opposite to Anthony’s Nose, it is a very important pass: the river narrow, commanded a great way up and down, full of counter currents, and subject to almost constant fall winds; nor is there any anchorage at all, except close under the works to be erected. It is a very easy matter to establish posts for intelligence with the upper country and Connecticut; for the last, I intend to go in person, in about two or three weeks’ time. With those in the Jerseys I am not so perfectly acquainted; but if the country people are well affected, I know the roads admit of the most expeditious intelligence, and of our receiving the readiest assistance.

“I understand that it will be an easy matter to obstruct the navigation of the river, so as to confine it to twelve or fourteen feet; and in that case it remains large enough for our use, and, without new inventions and constructions, the enemy can then do us very little hurt.

“B. ROMANS, Engineer.”

“Highlands, October 16, 1775.

“We have considered the above remarks, and fully concur in opinion with the Engineer.

“SAMUEL BAYARD.
“WILLIAM BEDLOW.”

Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter and Remarks be made, to be sent to the Continental Congress.

The Order of the Day being read, the Congress proceeded to take into consideration the Report of the Committee on the 8th of June last, of a plan for the dissolution of this Congress, and the election of a new Provincial Congress for this Colony. The same was read; and being again read by paragraphs, and amended, on reading that part of the said Report which directs to choose such persons as they can confide in to represent them, &c., Colonel Hardenbergh moved, and was seconded by Major Williams, in the words following, to wit: “I move that elections for Delegates for the next Provincial Congress shall be by ballot, in the several Cities and Counties in this Colony.”

Whereupon, Mr. De Lancey moved, and was seconded by Mr. Clarkson, the Previous Question, whether the question on Colonel Hardenbergh’s motion should be now put; and the Previous Question being put, it was carried for the Previous Question, in the manner following, to wit: