Capt: Andrew Marshal

You haveing the Command of the Ship Mifftin belonging to the United States of America now every way equipt for the Sea, It's my Orders you embrace the first Opportunity of Wind & Weather & proceed with said Ship to Chesepeak Bay in Virginia when (if please God) you arrive there apply to Mr J. H. Norton at Williamsburgh who Transacts Business for the Continent & deliver him my Letter ² & follow his Directions in takeing a Load of Tobacco or other Merchandize for some Port in France as he may order. You will be intituled not only to your wages (which is Ten pounds Law£ money P Month Dollars at Six shillings) but also to the Customary Priviledges of carrying staves or other Articles as is allowed other Masters at the Port you Load. Any reasonable Advances of money you may want will be supplied by that Gentleman as he is Agent for the Continent on your return from France, should you be ordered to any other Port on the Continent than this & there Discharged you will be allowed every Reasonable expence in getting home

Should it so happen that a great number of British Cruisers should be off the Capes of Virginia that might render it dangerous going in and can Obtain good Intelligence of much less risque to South Carolina you may in that case proceed to Charlestown in South Carolina aforesaid at which place on your arrival apply to Mess. Levinus Clarkson & John Dorsius Continental Agents & take a Load of Rice for France or follow their directions after shewing them these Orders — I now enjoin on you the stricktest care and good look out to prevent your falling into the Hands of our Enemies — Recommending also the utmost frugality & dispatch dureing your Voyage —

I am with wishing you Health & Prosperity [&c.]

PS. One Dollar P Day is also allow'd while in Port abroad

[Endorsed] I Acknowledge to have received a true Copy of the above & preceeding Orders, which I promise to Observe & follow

Andrew Marshall