[Philadelphia] September 6th 1777
Sir
As soon as these Instructions get to hand you are to make immediate application to the proper persons to get your Vessel victualled and fitted for the Sea with all expedition. When this is done you are to proceed on a Voyage to some convenient port in France, and on your arrival there apply to the Agent, if any, in or near said port for such supplies as you may Stand in need of. You are at the same Time to give immediate notice by Letter to the Honorable Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, & Arthur Lee Esqrs or any of them at Paris, of your arrival, requesting their Instructions as to your future destination; which Instructions you are strictly to Obey as far as it shall be in your power. If however in the course of your voyage a favourable opportunity should offer of doing Service to the States by taking or destroying any of the enemys Ships, you are not [to] omit taking advantage of it, but may go out of your course to effect so good a purpose, in this we trust to your Zeal and discretion — you are to take particular notice that whilst on the Coast of France or in a french Port, you are as much as you conveniently can to keep your Guns covered and concealed and to make as little warlike appearance as possible. On your arrival in France send one of your Officers with the Letter you are to write to the Commissioners at Paris to prevent its falling into improper hands. We wish you a successful and happy voyage & are Sir [&c.] 2
1. Marine Committee Letter Book, 102, NA. On this date similar orders were issued to John Paul Jones, Papers CC (Letters and Papers of John Paul Jones, 1777-91), 168, I, 15-16, NA, and Elisha Hinman, PRO, Admiralty 1/310.
2. Thompson and Captain Hinman in the Alfred had sailed from Portsmouth in company on August 22 before these orders were written.