To Wm. Knight & Josh. Wentworth, Esqrs, Capts Peame, Thompson & Clapp:

It having been represented to this Committee, as necessary that a number of vessels should be properly moor'd above the Boom on Piscataqua River, in order to prevent the passage of the Enemy's ships up the River, We do therefore desire you, or any three of you to take a sufficient number of the meanest vessels you can easily find that will answer the purpose, and fix them in such places & in such a manner above the Boom as you shall judge best: Also to appraise each of said vessels and make return thereof with the names of the owners to this Committee, & to assure the owners of the vessels you shall so take, that in case they are destroyed in said service, they shall be paid for according to your appraisement.

By order of the Committee.