Capt John Fiskー
The Brigantine Tyrannicide under your Command being properly Armed & Man'd, and in other respects fitted for a Cruise, You are hereby Ordered & dii-ected immediately to proceed to Sea, and Use your utmost Endeavours to protect the Sea Coast, and Trade of the united States, And you are also directed to exert yourself in making Captures of all Ships & other Vessels, Goods, Wares, & Merchandize belonging to the King of Great Britain, or any of his Subjects wherever residing, excepting only the Ships & Goods of the Inhabitants of Bermuda & the Bahama Islands. And you are directed not to Cruise farther to the Southard than Lattitude twelve North, nor farther East than Longitude [illegible] Degrees West from [London] nor farther West than the Sholes of Nantucket, At all times using necessary Precaution to prevent your Vessel from falling into the hands of the Enemyー
And whereas you have received a Commission Authorizing you to make Captures as aforesaid, and a set of Instructions have been delivered you for regulating your Conduct in that Matter, these Instructions you are hereby directed diligently to attend to, and if you are so fortunate as to make any Captures you are to Order them to make the first safe Harbour within the United States of America. And you are further Ordered not to expend Your Ammunition unnecessarily, and only in times of Action or firing Alarm, or Signall Guns.
In the Name & pr Order of Council
Council Chamber [Watertown] October 22d 1776
