Instructions for Captn Bowen.
Sir, His Excelly having determined to equip an armed Vessel out of Plymouth has impowered you to negotiate this Business, in which you are to observe the followg Directions.
1. You are to inquire for Captn Daniel Adams who went down a few Days ago to set the Carpenters at Work upon his Schooner ー you are to inquire in Plymouth what Character she has as a Sailor if not a good one take up one instead of her which can be well recommended if she is a Stranger in the Port & nothing said agst her proceed in fitting her out ー
2. Apply to the Gentlemen of the Committee to nominate proper Persons to appraise the Vessel ー the Appraisement when made to be sent to Head Quarters
3. The Hire of the Vessel to be agreed for with the Owner at a Sum not exceeding 5/Sterlg p Month ー P Ton the Owner to fit her up with Sails suitable for the Service particularly Topsails.
4. You are to endeavour to get Guns both Carriage & Swivel at Plymouth upon Loan if posssible ー their Value to be paid ー if left in the Service the General to pay for them ー
5. You are assoon as possible to send down formers & proper Directions for making Cartrdiges suitable for the Guns ー
6. Go by Water Town & apply to Col. [James] Warren to nominate a proper Person as Agent to procure Provisions for 1 Month for 50 Men & to manage such Prizes as may be sent in ー instructing him to give as early information as possible of all Captures & a List of the Cargo as far as he can do it from Papers. This Person when fixed upon by you to receive farther Instructions from Head Quarters & to receive the same Commission as other Agents at Salem & Marblehead for the like Services ー If Col. Warren is not at Water Town you must take the Advice of the Committee on this Business ー He is to be a Person of approved good Character & known Substance. ー All Agreements you make to be put in Writing
7. All Agreements made by you in this Service the General will ratify & confirm ー You are to let us know by the first good Oppy what Prospects you have of getting the Vessel ready ー & what Guns you can get
8. Keep a Journal of your Proceedings ー & an Accot of all your Expences to be rendered on your Return ー
Agent's Instructions [Camp at Cambridge] Oct. 13. 1775.
