Captain John Barry
Sir

We have received your letter of the 8^th instant¹ and congratulate you on the successful commencement of your expedition and hope it will be attended with Similar advantages to the Public and Glory to the gallant Commander, brave officers & men concerned in it, throughout the whole course. The good Opinion you have of your Prize Schooner² has determined us to purchase her for a Cruizer, you will therefore obtain the consent of the Partys who took her, have her fairly valued, and take her at that evaluation for the public. She is to be called the Wasp, and asyou have represented her to be properly equipped in every particular for an Armed Vessel, you will see that she is officered & manned as soon as possible, take the command of her yourself or bestow it on some brave Active prudent officer. You will employ her there so long as you shall think prudent, but should you apprehend there will be danger of her falling into the hands of the enemy you will send her out of the Bay into Senepuxent, Chincoteague or any of the Inlets on the Coast, where you will be able to collect a full complement of Men if not well manned before—That done let her take such station off Cape Henlopen as to be able to descry the enemies Vessels coming in & going out of the Capes and to secure a Retreat should she fall in with any Vessels of Superior force. We observe that you have advised General Washington of your success, and expect you have furnished him with Inventories of what was on board your Prizes. Any articles which he may direct to be kept for the use of the Army you will retain having them properly valued and deliver them as he may direct. With regard to the general distribution of the Prize money it is our opinion it should be distributed according to the number of Men & Guns in each Boat concerned in the Capture. As to the distribution among the officers and Men in the Continental Boats (If no previous agreement had been entered into) it must be made agreeable to the Continental Regulations, but if those Regulations Should Appear not to be adapted to the peculiar circumstances of your expedition, we consent that you should enter into such agreement with your officers and Men as shall be most satisfactory to you & them. We approve of your consulting the Honorable Nicholas Vandyke Esq^r when necessary and would have you agreeable to your Instructions, put your Prize goods under his care or any other person you may think proper, and continue to pursue the main object of your expedition with all your usual vigour and activity. The Prisoners you have taken or shall take you will deliver to the commander of that Department of the main Army which may be most convenient to you. We thank you for the early intelligence of your success—your well known bravery and good conduct gives us Strong hopes of hearing from you often on Similar occasions With the best wishes for your Success We are [&c.]

P: S: Please to transmit to us an Inventory of the effects you have Captured. enclosed is Lieutenant Cokelys³ receipt for 50 Dollars which he will account with you for.