To Andrew Caldwell, Gentleman:

We, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Commodore and Commander-in-chief of all Ships, Vessels, Boats, floating Batteries, Firerafts, and other Naval Armaments and Equipments now fitted, and that shall or may be fitted out, by this Province, for the Protection thereof, and of the Commerce of the River Delaware, against all hostile Enterprises and for the defence of American Liberty. You are, therefore, to take into your charge the whole Fleet of Ships, Vessels, Boats, floating Batteries, Fire Rafts, and other Naval Armaments and equipments made, and that shal be made, and fitted out by this Province, and carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Commodore and Commander-in-Chief by doing, &c.