Sir

I have undoubted intelligence that there are not any men of war at the Capes indeed as an evidence of it a large Ship is come up the Bay, I therefore think it highly proper that you proceed to sea immediately, and as you have now more men considerably than you had when I gave your last orders, I think proper to recall those and instead thereof you must Observe the following Instructions. —

You are first to make returns to the Board of Assistants of all the Stores in each department, that your Boatswain, Gunner and other officers may account for what is under their respective care and the same with provisions. Return also a compleat List of your Officers and men on board, but as I would wish you not to loose One Moments time in getting out to Sea these returns can be made out as you go down and may be Sent up from the Capes therefore you are to make the best of your way down the moment the Ice will permit, and I expect the Hornet and Fly will be in readiness to go down with you. If so you had best keep them Ahead to look out. Several Merchantmen will also go down with you, and you are to convoy them fairly off to Sea and keep with them for a few days if possible soon as you find yourself fairly out at sea, you will no doubt try the ships Sailing and I expect she will perform wonderfully in that way; you will of course exercise your Men at the great guns, and prepare them for action soon as possible.

The Marine Committee now at Baltimore have instructed Commodore Hopkins to fit out the two Continental Frigates Warren and Providence with all possible expedition, and to order them forwith to proceed on A Cruize upon the enemies ships of war that are interrupting the commerce of the United States from the Harbour of Newport to the Capes of Virginia and they are to take burn, Sink, and destroy all such of the enemies Vessels as they shall fall in with. ² These are the Instructions for those Ships and therefore I think they must be proper for you and for your encouragement in this service I must Observe that there are no Cruizing Ships an over Match for you except the two Deckers, for altho you think you have not seamen enough yet this is just their case, except the Roebuck there is none of them half manned, therefore you have only to avoid two Deckers or engaging when there is more than one in Sight. Any of their other single ships you need not fear, especially if you can persuade your men to board, remember what a glorious exploit it will be, to add one of their frigates or 20 Gun Ships to our Navy in A few days after you get out and if the Randolph has but Heels I think you can and will do it you will then get seamen plenty. Ifyour ships sails remarkably fast you may take libertys with them, If she does not be more cautious and try to find out her trim. I shall send a Copy of these Instructions to Congress and it is possible they may send fresh orders to you, which shall be lodged with Henry Fisher at Lewis Town, and the light House will be ordered to shew a large white sheet when they have any orders for you and find A frigate in sight.

Should any unfortunate accident befall you destroy these orders rather than let the enemy get them, and you will as opportunitys occur transmit us Accounts of your proceedings. Y ou'l observe that many merchant Vessels are expected in with valuable Stores to this port, therefore you'l Afford them All possible protection and had best keep in their tract as long as you can. —

I wish you would send me Signals by which you may be known, in case we should send out any of our Small Cruizers to look for you, also to deliver to the other frigates that may go from hence Rhode Island &c.³ You will be careful of the Randolph her Stores and Materials, kind to your Officers and Men, but observing Strict discipline, humane to your Prisoners, and send your prizes into safe ports With the best wishes for your Success I am Sir [&c.]