You are hereby directed to take Command of the Batteries on Pierce's & Sevey's Islands and keep a constant Guard at each with your Company, taking Care to exercise them in the handling & management of Cannon & such other Exercises as you shall think necessary to make them Capable of doing their Duty at said Fortifications. You are not to suffer any Vessel to pass said Fortifications up the River without a Permit from the Committee of Safety of Portsmouth, except such Vessels as you are satisfied are only on a fair Trade. And if any armed Vessel shall attempt to pass without such permit, you are to prevent the Same by firing upon & destroying Such Vessel if necessary. But in all Cases where time will admit of taking the advice of the said Committee of Portsmouth, you are to do it, and not fire on any Vessel that shall come into the Harbour without their advice & Consent if you have Time to obtain the Same.