By his Excellency George Washington, Esqr Commander in chief of the Army of the United Colonies.

To William Burke, Esqr

By virtue of the powers & authorities to me given by the Honourable Continental Congress, I do hereby constitute & appoint you Captain and Commander of the Schooner Warren, now lying at Beverly Port, in the Service of the United Colonies of North America, To have, hold, exercise and enjoy the said office of Captain & Commander of the said Vessell, & to perform & execute all matters & things which to your said Office do or may of right belong or appertain untill farther Order shall be given herein by the Honourable Continental Congress, myself or any future Commander in Chief of said Army, Willing & commanding All Officers, Soldiers & persons whatsoever any way concerned to be obedient & Assisting to you in the due Execution of this Commission. Given under my Hand & Seal at Cambridge thi[s 1st] day of [February,] Anno Domini 1776

By His Excellencys command ー