You are hereby required and directed to proceed to Sea in his Majesty's Ship under your Command with all convenient Dispatch and cruize upon the Coast of the Provinces of Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire between Casco Bay and Cape Anne to protect his Majesty's faithful Subjects trading according to Law, and to distress and annoy the Rebels by all means in your Power according to the Orders herewith delivered. You are to anchor at Falmouth and in Piscatagua River, and, having given the publick Notice to the Inhabitants directed by my Order of Yesterday, You are to observe if any Fortifications are erecting, and having got what Intelligence you can of the Rebels proceedings act accordingly, as you shall think best for the King's Service. If you anchor at the Isle of Shoals you will probably pick up Refreshments for your People and Intelligence of what is doing at Portsmouth in New Hampshire.

And whereas Lieutt Mowat in the Canceaux armed Ship commands a small Expedition along the Coast within the limits of your Station, and whereon he is particularly employ'd from his thorough knowledge of the Coast and Harbours: In case of your meeting the Expedition you are to give Lieutt Mowat any Assistance he may want, but not take the Command, unless your interposition becomes absolutely necessary for the preservation or success of the whole, but by cruizing in the Offing cover the Expedition from unexpected Attacks of the Rebels by Sea. If nothing occasions your returning sooner you are to cruize a Month from this day and then return to Boston.

Given under my Hand on board his Majs Ship Preston at Boston the 15th October 1775.

By Command of the Admiral

G. Gefferina.