Philada Augt 16th 1776
Sir
You will find inclosed herein a Paper sent us by the Captn of a French Sloop that is now daily expected from Martinico with Arms and Ammunition Which we are very Anxious should be got safe in2 ー therefore we desire you to keep a good look out for her and if you fall in with her; make Such Signals as will make you known for a Friend ー She Mounts twelve Guns with Sixty Men. ー You'l Please to deliver this letter and it's enclosure to Captn Hallock who must hire a Pilot Boat and man her with an Officer & four or five men to Cruize about the Capes for this Sloop, Observing to make the Signal desired and give them the needful information to get Safe in here.
When the Wasp goes down She will Convey further Orders respecting this Matter Unless the Sloop Arrives Safe in the meantime ー We are Sir [&c.]
(Copy)
1. Papers CC (Letters of John Hancock, and Miscellaneous Papers), 58, 165, 169, NA.
2. Ibid., the paper contained the drawing of a flag, with these notations: Flagg of the Queen of Hungary Six Black carrs [bars] & Six Yellow Carrs [sic] The Capt of the Pilot Boat will put his Flagg in the Foremost head of a Pilot Boat ー Carefully Recommended to the Care of Mr Paul Siemen.
