To Esek Hopkins Esquire
Commander in Chief of the Fleet of the United Colonies

Sir

The United Colonies directed by principles of just and necessary preservation against the oppressive and cruel System of the British Administration whose violent and hostile proceedings by Sea and land against these unoffending Colonies, have rendered it an indespensible duty to God, their Country and Posterity to prevent by all means in their Power the ravage, desolation and ruin that is intended to be fixed on North America ー As a part and a most important part of defence, the Continental Congress have judged it necessary to fit out several Armed Vessels which they have put under your Command having the strongest reliance on your Virtuous Attachment to the great cause of America and that by your Valour, Skill and diligence, seconded by the Officers and Men under your Command our unnatural Enemies may meet with all possible distress on the Sea ー For that purpose you are instructed with the utmost diligence to proceed with the said Fleet to Sea and if the Winds and Weather will possibly admit of it to proceed directly for Chessepeak Bay in Virginia and when nearly arrived there you will send forward a small swift sailing Vessel to gain intelligence of the Enemies Situation and Strength ー If by such intelligence you find they are not greatly superiour to your own you are immediately to Enter the said bay, search out and attack, take or destroy all the Naval force of our Enemies that you may find there ー If you should be so fortunate as to execute this business successfully in Virginia you are then to proceed immediately to the Southward and make yourself Master of such forces as the Enemy may have both in North and South Carolina in such manner as you may think prudent from the intelligence you shall receive; either by dividing your Fleet or keeping it together ー

Having compleated your Business in the Carolina's you are without delay to proceed Northward directly to Rhode Island, and attack, take and destroy all the Enemies Naval force that you may find there. You are also to seize and make prize of all such Transport Ships and other Vessels as may be found carrying Supplies of any kind, to or any way aiding or assisting our Enemies ー

You will dispose of all the Men you make prisoners in such manner as you may judge most safe for North America and will least Retard the Service you are upon ー If you should take any Ships or other Vessels that are fit to be Armed and Manned for the Service of the United Colonies you will make use of every method for procuring them to be thus equipped ー You will also appoint proper Officers for carrying this Matter into execution and to Command said Ships as soon as they can be made ready for the Sea ー For this purpose you will apply to the several Assemblies, Conventions and Committees of Safety and desire them in the name of Congress to aid and assist you by every way and means in their power for the execution of this whole Service ー

Notwithstanding these particular Orders, which 'tis hoped you will be able to execute, if bad Winds, or Stormy Weather, or any other unforseen accident or disaster disable you so to do You are then to follow such Courses as your best Judgment shall Suggest to you as most useful to the American Cause and to distress the Enemy by all means in your power ー

You are to consider these as your instructions until you shall receive further or other Orders from the Continental Congress or Committee of Congress appointed for such purpose

You are also authorized to draw on the Continental Treasurers wherever you may be for such Sums as are absolutely necessary for the use of the Fleet under your Command, and such drafts shall be duly honored ー

Given under our hands at Philadelphia, Jany 5th, 1776. ー

A true Copy p Saml Lyon Secy
to the Commr in Chief