Chapter III: The Organization of the Marine Committee

The maritime interests of New England 79

Naval enterprise in Rhode Island 80

The naval situation in Congress, 1775-76 81

The Rhode Island instructions 81

The debate in Congress thereon 82

Postponement of action on instructions 83

Favorable action by Congress, December 11, 1775 85

Decision of Congress to build thirteen frigates 85

Appointment of the Marine Committee 86

The Marine Committee absorbs the Naval Committee 87

The organization and pay of the Marine Committee 87

Its chairmen 88

Other valuable members 90

Naval agents for building the Continental frigates 90

Prize agents 93

Continental agents 95

Aid rendered the Marine Committee 95

Navy Board at Philadelphia 96

Navy Board at Boston 97

Designations of the boards 99

The organization of the boards 100

The personnel of the boards 101

Salaries 102

Enumeration of the principal agents of

the Marine Committee 103

Minor agents 103