Sir
The Congress having received certain intelligence of the sailing of two north Country built Brigs of no force from England on the 11 of August last loaded with 6000 Stand of Arms and a large quantity of powder & other Stores for Quebec without a convoy: and it being of importance if possible to intercept them, I am directed by Congress to desire you with all possible expedition to dispatch the armed vessels of the Colony of Rhode island on this Service that the vessels you dispatch be Supplied with a Sufficient number of men, stores &c and particularly with oars: That you give the commander or commanders Such instructions as are necessary as also proper encouragement to the Marines & Seamen that shall be sent on this enterprize, which instructions &c are to be delivered to the commander or commanders Sealed up with orders not to open the same until out of sight of land on account of Secrecy
As there is also advice that a large quantity of Brass ordinance military stores & provisions are sending out to Boston, you are to give orders to seize all transports laden with ammunition cloathing or other stores for the use of the Ministerial Army or Navy in America; and that the said vessels with their cargoes when taken be secured in the most convenient places for the use of the Continent.
For the encouragement of the Men employed in this service I am ordered to inform you that the Congress have resolved that the Master, Officers and Seamen shall be entitled to one half of the value of the prizes by them taken, the wages they receive from the Colony notwithstanding.
The ships or vessels of War are to be on the Continental risque & pay during their being thus employed.
On this subject I have wrote to General Washington & desired him to dispatch one or More vessels from Massachusetts bay on this Service. I have the honour to be, &c
