frequently along side; and that he had also avoided, until the further order of the Congress, giving permits for the passage of coasters, and persons desirous of going into the Road, lest in one case, a seizure of the schooners should ensue, according to Captain Thornbrough's threat; and in the other, an improper correspondence might be carried on, prejudicial to the Colony, in the present critical situation of its affairs.

On motion, Resolved, That a Commissary of Stores be appointed, to provide and supply the Naval Armaments of this Colony with every requisite for that service, agreeable to order of Congress, or Council of Safety; and to give his necessary attendance upon the business of the said Congress or Council.

Ordered, That Colonel Motte, Dr. Oliphant, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Gibbes, and Captain Joiner, be a Committee to take a view of Charlestown; and to report, as soon as may be, what further works of defence are immediately necessary for its most effectual security against hostile attacks by ships of war.

Ordered, That Captain Stone and Mr. Rivers be desired to hire a sufficient number of negroes, to give all possible despatch to the completing the Redoubt erecting upon James Island, to the westward of Fort Johnson.

Ordered, That the Commissioners of the Colony Treasury do pay to the Commissioners appointed by the late Council of Safety for cutting lines of intrenchment across Charlestown Neck, any sum or sums, not exceeding in the whole the sum of five thousand Pounds, current money, for carrying the works, for which they were appointed, into execution.

Adjourned to five o'clock, in the evening.

In Congress, Friday evening, November 10, 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

The Committee to whom the Letter from the Committee at Little River was referred, reported.

Ordered, That the following answer be written to the said Committee:

In Congress, Charlestown, November 10, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 15th of September, directed to the Committee of Intelligence, was produced to the General Committee the 23d of that month; and enclosed are the minutes from the journals thereon, by which you will perceive that James Hamilton became a subscriber to the Association previous to your complaints against Daniel Robins being laid before the General Committee; therefore that part of your allegation could no longer subsist, on the principle we would wish to observe, of making forgiveness the consequence of repentance: other part of your charge against Robins seems not to have been much attended to, the General Committee viewing the matter as we now do, to have been wholly cognizable by your Committee.

And in answer to your last, of the 23d ult., directed to the General Committee, we mention, that observing your readiness to serve your country in other respects, and as it calls on you to be a District Committee, your resignation cannot be admitted. And we would now hint to you, if Robins behaves contumaciously, he is still in your power, clothed with authority, as you are, equal to other District or Parochial Committees.

The necessary attention will be paid to your application for a supply of gunpowder, and what money you have advanced for the publick will be repaid on application of either of your members.

Ordered, That the said Letter be engrossed, signed by Mr. President, and sent to the Little River Committee.

Ordered, That the Little River Committee be supplied with fifty pounds weight of Gunpowder, and a proportionable quantity of Lead.

Ordered, That the following Commission be issued to Captain Blake.

SOUTH-CAROLINA.

To EDWARD BLAKE, Esq.

You are hereby nominated and appointed Commissary of Stores for the Naval Department in this Colony; and you are to execute all orders you may receive from time to time from the Congress, or Council of Safety for the time being. This commission to continue during pleasure. Dated the 10th of November, 1775.

By order of Congress:

WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON, President.

On motion, Resolved, That all the Boats and Canoes employed in fishing, be obliged to pass Fort Johnson, and call at said Fort.

On motion, Resolved, That the Commander at Fort Johnson be, and he is hereby ordered, strictly to examine all Fishing and other Boats passing the said Fort, as well those who shall have permits as those of Fishermen, in order that no improper correspondence be carried on, which might prove injurious to the Colony in its present state.

On motion, Resolved, That John Morris, Esq., Comptroller of the Customs, on account of his present ill state of health, upon his parole not to go on board or have any intercourse with any of the King's Vessels, have leave to pass and repass to his Island, by permits, during the pleasure of this Congress, or authority derived from them.

Resolved, That the indulgence granted to Mr. Morris, shall not be drawn into precedent.

The Messenger who had in charge to deliver the Letter to Captain Thornbrough, reported the delivery thereof; and that Captain Thornbrough only said, "it is very well."

Resolved, That Mr. President be authorized and empowered to order such motions of the Troops as he shall think necessary to enable Captain Blake to sink certain Schooners in Hog Island channel.

Ordered, That the Secretary do proceed in reading the Journals of the late Council of Safety.

The said Journals were accordingly read to the 21st of August, inclusive, page 154.

Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning.

In Congress, Saturday, November 11, 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

And the Journal of yesterday was read.

Ordered, That the Ordnance Storekeeper and Powder Receiver, do forthwith deliver five hundred pounds weight of Gunpowder, and proper Cannon Ball in proportion, to the order of Captain Joseph Barrel, for the use of Lytttelton's bastion.

Ordered, That the same officer do likewise deliver to Captain Ezekiel Polk, thirteen pounds weight of Gunpowder, Lead in proportion, and three dozen Flints, for the use of his company of Volunteer Rangers.

On motion, Resolved, That Captain Edward Blake, Commissary of Stores for the Naval Department, be authorized and empowered, if he shall think it necessary, to purchase eight thousand pounds weight of Bread, for the use of the Naval Armament of this Colony. And that this Congress will make provision for the payment thereof.

Ordered, That the Secretary do proceed in reading the Journals of the late Council of Safely.

Upon receipt of a Letter from Captain John Purves, of the Rangers, dated Dorchester, November 10, 1775,

Ordered, That the reading of the Journals of the Council of Safety be postponed.

And Captain Purves's Letter being read,

Ordered, That the same be referred to a Committee of the following gentlemen, viz: Colonel Laurens, Colonel Bull, Col. Gervais, Dr. Oliphant, and Capt. John Huger.

Ordered, That the Committee on the state of the Colony do forthwith sit, and report their progress to-morrow.

Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning.

In Congress, Sunday: November 12, 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

And yesterday's Journal was read.

The Rev. Mr. Turquand, by desire of the Congress, performed divine service before them.

Captain Tufts, of the Colony Schooner Defence, who had been ordered to cover and protect the sinking of a number of Hulks, prepared for that purpose, on the bar of Hog Island Creek, so as to obstruct the passage of ships of war through the said creek, reported;