Sir,

I do now deliver into your Custody and charge, and you are hereby Authorized and directed in behalf and on account of the Continental Congress to take charge of the ship Blue Mountain Valley lately commanded by Captain John Hamilton Demptser, and now lying at or near Elizabeth Town point in New Jersey with all her Cargoe and Stores, and the same to preserve & Secure in the best Manner you can untill further order from the Continental Congress, their General or Commander in chief in this province for the time being.

And you are in the most exact way in your power to see that the said Captain Dempsters private property on board said Ship and that of each of his Officers and Men be Secured and preserved until such further Order as aforesaid. I shall in the meantime, send on board and in the Neighbourhood of said Ship post such Guards as I find Necessary to preserve her from any Attempts that may be made on her. ー

In behalf of the Continental Congress of the United Colonies in America. ー