[Extract]
Sir,

We desire that you may proceed with all expedition with the Schooner Widow Wadman¹ under your command to France & endeavour to make either Bordeaux or Nantes . . . . Above all we earnestly recommend your keeping a strick look out during the whole of your Voiage & not to suffer yourself to be taken by any Negligence of that sort—it is an undoubted fact that one half of the Vessels taken is in a great measure owing to the bad Conduct of the Captains—we make no doubt of your defending your vessell in a Spirited manner is case you are attacked by any thing Small—but as you have a very valuable [cargo] onboard² & as your Vessell has cost us an astonishing Sum of Money—we must therefore request you will avoid every vessell that has the Appearance of Force—& don't suffer yourself to be persuaded by any of your Crew to go in persuit of Vessels on the Supposition of their being Valuable Prises—& we beg you may Particularly attend to this during the whole of your Voiage³—wishing you a Safe return—We remain your assured Friends