Sir

With the Brigantine Liberty under your Command you must embrace the first favourable Opportunity of going out to Sea, and proceed on your Voyage to Nantes which port must make if possible, on your Arrival there you'll wait on William Lee Esq^r Agent for the State of Virginia at that place to whom deliver all your dispatches he will secure and loose no time on discharging your Cargo, after this is done M^r. Lee will furnish you with a full Load of Goods to return with and as you are now Completely fitted with all things necessary, I hope your Disbursments in France will be low, I am sensible from your Former Conduct that due attention will be paid to the Interest of this State but as your Voyage is of very great Importance I cannot too warmly recommend your doubling your diligence and care, consider for you have been Acting amongst Friends where every assistance has been given, the next consideration of greater Concern. to wit your Launching into an Element filled with Enemies whose unrelenting Hands you have felt the Weight of, therefore avoid them, keeping always upon the defensive, your Situation as to Men & Arms will not admit of an attack, but if Attacked remember how much is at Stake, both as to the State, and your own affairs a safe Voyage will be a great step towards laying a foundation for your future Welfare in this Life¹ on your Voyage to Virginia I would have you by all means endeavour to effect comeing into some of the following places Viz. Chingoteague, Matompken, Matchapungo, Matchapreague² or Sand Shoal all of which are Inlets to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, but above all a preference should be give to Cape Henry Charles for reason I have personally Observed to you, the Idea of Ocracock & Carratuck frights me, they are places every person acquainted with them should avoid, but if particular Circumstances should make it necessary (of which you will be best able to judge) you much consult your own Safety and the Situation of y^r: Vessel & Cargo. that you may have a safe Voyage & speedy return is the wish of Your most Ob^t S^t.