Sir

M^r. Wasson delivered me yesterday your Letter of the 3^d. instant— 

I do sincerely congratulate you on your success both first and last—Your conduct meets approbation. 

Your further directions and Orders are contained in the Resolve of myself and Council, and in my orders which are enclosed—and wish you success in your intended Cruize—I am respectfully [&c.] 

J—T—l

Cap^t. Sam^l. Smedley 

State of Connecticut 

By The Governor & Comman^r. in Chief

To Samuel Smedly Esq^r. Captain and Commandr. of the Ship Defence belonging to this State— 

You are hereby ordered, with all possible dispatch, to fit and clean the Ship under your Command, now lying in the Harbour of Boston—to take in such necessaries and provisions as are wanted for a cruize, and so soon as you have enlisted so many hands as you shall judge safe to proceed on a Cruize, immediately to proceed to Sea, from the Port of Boston and at your good discretion to cruize on these Coasts from s^d Port, and so on to the Southward, either off Newport, in the Sound, or off Sandy Hook, or elsewhere, and to fill your Compliment of men at such places, as to you shall seem most likely—on the best, reasonable, and customary terms— 

Inclosed is a Resolution of myself, and Council of Safety, whereby you are enabled to call on Sam^l. Elliot jun^r. Esq^r. Agent for this State, for all things necessary in the concerns of the Ship, and for cleansing and fitting her, and for provisions for your Cruise—¹ Given at Lebanon 6^th. Aug^t. AD 1778