Head Quarters, September 2, 1775.
You are hereby authorized and impowered to take up for the Service of the sd. Colonies so many Vessels as shall be necessary for the transporting a Body of Troops to be detached from this Army on a secret Expedition: Freight of such Vessels to be paid in such a Manner and at such a Rate as is indorsed hereon: And in Case of Loss or Damage to such Vessels or any of them such Loss or Damage to be compensated by the Publick according to an Estimation to be made before the sd. Vessels proceed to the above Service.
1. Fitzpatrick, ed., Writings of Washington, III, 470,471.