Lieutenant [Christopher] Mason, who now, commanded the Nautilus by Order, received directions of the accustomed kind to proceed to Sea and cruize in Boston Bay and about Cape Anne and Marblehead; to be careful not to be blown off; in bad Weather to anchor off Cat Island, in Cape Cod Harbour, Nantasket Road, or any Place he should think best, and put to Sea again as soon as Weather would permit, to sink, burn and destroy the Rebels, assist and protect all Vessels coming to Boston, and see them safe within the Lighthouse: and to remain on this Service till further Order.
The Renown was ordered to continue in Nantasket Road for the protection of every thing below, and in particular of Georges Island whereon was a Well of the best Water in the whole Harbour and from which all the Ships in Nantasket were supplied. And the Canceaux armed Ship was ordered to be surveyed, her Captain having reported her unfit to keep the Sea.