Sir

you being appointed to command y^e Cutter² [blank] design'd for carrying Dispatches to y^e Commanders of any French Fleet or Vessells of War on y^e Coast of North America are hereby instructed & directed to proceed to Sea forthwith & shape your Course for the Capes of Virginia—you will use your best Judgement in Obtaining Intelligence & shou'd you fail of this on your Passage you will must are to proceed to Chesapeak Bay where it is supposd, the French Fleet intend to rendezvous by some late Intelligence y^e Councill have received from y^e Southward—You will be furnish'd with severall Copys of Letters receiv'd from D^r. Frankland and M^r: Adams in France one of which you will present to any french Commander you may meet with & having effected Business of your Appointment you will are directed to return immediately to y^e Port of Boston & make Report of your Doings