Die Mercurii, 10 ho. A.M., January 31, 1776.

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.

Present: Mr. Joseph Hallett, Chairman, Colonel Mc Dougall, Mr. Scott, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Brewster, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Sands, Mr. Clarke.

A Letter from Colonel James McClaughry, of Little-Britain, Ulster County, dated 23d instant, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit;

"Little-Britain, January 23, 1776.

"GENTLEMAN: I received a letter from the honorable the Provincial Congress. Bearing date the 16th October last, relative to fixing a place of rendezvous for the regiment finder my command, in case of an alarm; in consequence of which, I called together all the officers of my regiment, and have fixed the place of our rendezvous at New-Windsor, but find, on examination, that it is impossible the men can appear properly equipped, for want of ammunition; therefore, request that a small magazine be formed at the place of rendezvous, under the direction of such persons as you shall judge proper.

"I am, gentlemen, with much esteem, your most obedient and very humble servant,

"JAMES MCCLAUGHRY.

"To the Committee of Safety for the Province of New-York, in New-York.

"P. S. Should have answered the honourable Congress sooner of this matter, but did not receive their favour until the 24th ultimo."

A Letter from Judah Harlow, of the 26th instant, covering a Receipt or Certificate from Captain Daniel Denton, late Captain in the Third Regiment of the New-York Troops, and also the said Receipt or Certificate, certifying that the late Company of the said Daniel Denton had eaten three hundred and fifteen meals of victuals at the said Judah Harlow's, for which he had not been paid, were read. A Letter from Moses Gale, of the 27th instant, covering a Certificate of Daniel Denton, late Captain of the Third Regiment, dated 26th of August last, and also the said Certificate, certifying that the late Company of the said Daniel Denton had eaten one hundred and sixty-four meals of victuals at the house of the said Moses Gale, for which he had not been paid, were read.

The Committee are of opinion that, consistent with their late Resolution, and Letter to their Delegates, they ought not now to take up their time with, or interfere in, Ac counts. The Committee further conceive that they are not authorized by any Resolve of Continental or Provincial Congress to pay for billeting, at one shilling per meal, and therefore ordered that the said Letters and Certificates be returned to the owners by Mr. Brewster.

Mr. Nocholas applied for a Permit to lade the Brigantine New-York, on account of Mr. Isaac Governeur. Thereupon, a Permit was delivered to him, in the words following, to wit:

"In Committee of Safety, New-York, January 31, 1776.

The Brigantine New-York, Captain John Walker, Master, is hereby permitted to lade at this port with Provisions and Lumber

A Letter from the Delegates of this Colony at the Continental Congress was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

"Philadelphia, January 27, 1776.

"GENTLEMEN: The Congress this day received a letter from General Lee, apprising us of his intended march into New-York in obedience to orders from General Washington, favouring us, at the same time, with a copy of your letter to him on this subject.

"As we perceived it was General Lee's intention immediately to proceed to your city, and that you thought such a measure dangerous to the lives of the inhabitants, and in other respects unseasonable, we thought it our duty to apply for a Committee of Congress to examine into the expediency of the expedition, and to give such directions as, upon consulting you and the General, might appear most prudent and advisable.

"Colonel Harrison, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Allen, are in trusted with this important business, a choice which we approve, having the highest sentiments of their humanity, patriotism, and judgment. We are well satisfied that every mart of respect will be shown to them by your body, as well as by individuals, not only on account of their great merit, but because the employment in which they are now engaged immediately regards the safety and preservation of the Capital of our own Colony.

"We acknowledge the receipt of your favour, this day, respecting the scheme of protecting the navigation by cruisers, at the Continental expense. When you are made acquainted that this and other Colonies have engaged in a similar plan, at their own Provincial charge, you will perceive the proposition to be attended with difficulty as pro ceeding from us. The deputation from Congress will, however, give you an opportunity of representing the propriety of such a measure, as calculated to prevent the sup ply of provisions to the fleet and army employed for the enslaving these Colonies, and the necessity of stationing some of the Continental cruisers in the places you may suggest. This will bring on the inquiry where such vessels can most conveniently be had, and your purposes may be answered very effectually, as we are confident that every thing which they recommend will have the greatest weight with the Congress.

"The several matters communicated in your letter by Mr. Foster will be answered by that gentleman, when he returns, which will not be till the beginning of next week.

"We have the honour to be, with great respect, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servants,

"JAMES DUANE,

"WILLIAM FLOYD,

"HENRY WISNER.

"To the Honourable Committee of Safety, New-York."

A Letter from William Floyd and Henry Wisner, Esq., two of the Delegates at Congress, was also read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

"Philadelphia, January 27, 1776.

"GENTLEMEN: We send you by favour of the Commit tee who are going to New- York, twelve thousand five hundred dollars, for the raising a regiment destined (or Canada; the other is for Mr. Lewis, from the Marine Committee; which be pleased to deliver to him, and you will oblige your very humble servants,

"WILLIAM FLOYD,

"HENRY WISNER.

"To Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of Safely, New-York.

"P. S. Also, one hundred and twenty-nine and fourtenths dollars, to be disposed of by Mr. Lewis."

Ordered, That Mr. Scott and Colonel McDougall be a Committee to wait on the honourable Committee of the Continental Congress, and inform them that this Commit tee is ready to wait on them, to confer with them at such time and place as they may please to appoint.

Messrs. Scott and McDougall returned, and informed this Committee, that the gentlemen from the Continental Congress request a copy of General Lee's Letter, as soon as possible; and that as soon as they shall have heard from General Lee, they will inform this Committee of the time and place to confer with them. Messrs. Scott and McDougall further informed the Committee, [hat Philip Livingston, Esq., is ready to take care of the money brought for Francis Lewis, Esq., and has directions from Mr. Lewis for that purpose.

Thereupon, Ordered, That Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., as Treasurer of the Provincial Congress of this Colony, or his Deputy, wait on Colonel Harrison, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Allen, the Committee from the honourable Continental Congress, and receive from them twelve thousand five hundred dollars, sent from Continental Congress, for the Regiment to be raised for the service in Canada, and give those gentlemen a receipt for the same.

And Ordered, further, That the said Treasurer, or his Deputy, receive of those gentlemen the further sum of one hundred and twenty-nine and four-tenths dollars, and pay the same to Philip Livingston, Esq., on account of Francis Lewis, Esq., and take Mr. Livingston's receipt for the same.

And Ordered, That the Secretaries furnish a copy of General Lee's Letter to the Committee of Congress, with all possible despatch.

Ordered, That Jecamiah Allen get the Cannon near the