Passi July 29th. 1778
Captain Read,
You will take on Board your Vessell1 such a Cargo, as you shall receive from Mr Schweighauser, out of such Merchandizes belonging to the Public as he has in his Hands.2 You will get loaded and to Sea with all possible dispatch and return to such part of America as you shall Judge safest. We propose to send Dispatches by You, which We shall forward in season, but dont wait, after you are ready to sail, for any dispatches from Us, without further Orders from Us.3 We are &c.
Copy, DNA, PCC, item 84, vol. 1, p. 167 (M247, roll 111). Addressed below close: “Captn. Read of the/Baltimore.”
1. Continental Navy packet Baltimore.
2. On the same day, the commissioners wrote Jean-Daniel Schweighauser informing him that they had instructed Read and Capt. Corbin Barnes of the Continental packet schooner Dispatch to apply to Schweighauser for cargoes and “necessary supplies.” DNA, PCC, item 84, vol. 1, p. 167 (M247, roll 111).
3. Baltimore sailed from Nantes the end of Sept. 1778. Pennsylvania Packet, 10 Dec. 1778.
