The Continental Congress opened its session in Philaselphia for the day and spent most of the morning attending to “war business”- referring a letter from General Washington to committee, payment for supplies, military matters, etc.

They then spent the remainder of this session establishing the rules of engagement for privateering and providing authority to the various leaders and committees of the colonies for the issuance of “letters of marque”.

Letters of marque were issued to commanders of boats providing them permission to attack British ships- both military and merchant. Rules were established for engagement and the distribution of valuable cargo seized at sea. This practice was a more civilized form of piracy, but with only an infant navy, this measure was deemed critical by the Continental Congress as war efforts intensified.

For Black Rock and other seaports along the coast, privateering became a common practice throughout the war. Among notable privateers who sailed out of Black Rock Harbor were Caleb Brewster and Samuel Smedley.

Once finished with this matter, Congress adjourned until 10:00 the next morning, April 4th, 1776.