You are hereby required and directed to take the Palliser Transport, Walter Waters Master, under your Convoy and proceed with her as soon as possible in his Majesty's Sloop under your Command to North Carolina, where having delivered the inclosed Dispatches to Governor [Josiah] Martin, and Capt. [Francis] Parry, you are forthwith to go to Charles Town, and deliver to Captain [Edward] Thornbrough of his Majesty's Sloop Tamer the Pacquet addressed to him. YOU are then to compleat your Provisions to four months and return with the Tamer to Cape Fear or otherwise as Captain Thornbrough shall direct. The Palliser Transport is to receive on board the Cannon and other Ordnance Stores at Fort Johnston. You are to give all the assistance in your power to that end, and in general to the Service she is going upon. And whereas I have ordered his Majestys Sloops Tamer and Cruizer to come to Boston as soon as possible, you are to remain stationed at North Carolina until further Orders, Using your best endeavours to give all the Protection and Assistance in your Power to his Majesty's Governor of that Colony and to all other his faithful Subjects.

You are to take, burn, sink and destroy all the pirate Vessels of whatever Construction armed or intended to be used against his Majesty's forces by Sea or Land. And whereas when Fort Johnston is dismantled, there will no longer be occasion for his Majesty's Sloop to be constantly at Anchor before it; And it being of very great consequence to his Majesty's Service that all the Ships of the Squadron should be cruizing on the Coast to prevent the Colonies having improper Communication with each other, and the Rebels from receiving Supplies of Ammunition. You are hereby required and directed, while the Season for cruizing continues not to remain in harbour longer than shall be absolutely necessary to victual and water, unless by special requisition from his Majestys Governor of any of the Colonies you may arrive at, and it also appears to you absolutely necessary and requisite for their safety and protection, or for any other publick Service.

And in case you shall be so fortunate as to seize a Vessel with Gunpowder, Arms and Ammunition, you are to come away with her to Rhode Island or Boston anchoring yourself with her. And whereas the Garrison here is in great want of Rice, should you meet a Vessel laden with that Article, whether she is in Breach of any Act of Parliament or not, you are to bring her straight to Boston.

You are to exert your best Endeavours on all Occasions for the good of the Service, and to punctually execute these and all other Orders and Directions you have already received.

Given under my hand on board his Majestys Ship Preston at Boston the 22d August 1775