Sir

In our Orders of the 2d Instant we expressed a desire of seeing you here with the other Commanders of the Continental Ships at Providence; for reasons that have since taken place, we wish you now to remain at Providence, where we hope this will find you, and is to require immediately to equip fix and man the Ship Providence under your command, ready to proceed to sea on the shortest notice.² Every exertion is to be made for this purpose, and no delay admitted. We doubt not your Zeal and activity on this matter, and shall only add that the Board will be at Providence in a few days, and are Sir [&c.]