Sir

The Sloop Independence of which you are appointed Commander being now laden, compleatly fitted, armed, victualled and manned, You are to proceed with said Sloop and Cargo for the Island of Martinico putting into Fort Royal or St Piers just as the winds and other circumstances point out for the best. On your arrival at either place you must enquire for Mr William Bingham our resident in that Island, should he be at the place where you put in, deliver to him the sundry dispatches now committed to your care, should he be at any other part of the Island you will send an express to inform him of your arrival, & that you have such dispatches which you are directed to deliver into his own hands. He will then repair to you immediately, and you must comply with his Orders by landing the Cargo wherever he may direct, You must also consult with him and be advised by Mr Bingham in all things that respects the Interest or honor of the united states in the concerns of their sloop under your command. If you put into Fort Royal and Mr Bingham is not there, you must wait on the general and inform him you belong to the United States of America, ask the liberty of the Port and protection during your stay there. If you put into St Piers and dont find Mr Bingham wait on the Governor and Intendant observing the same conduct. If Mr Bingham is present he will direct what you are to do on these points. You are to consider the French and all nations but Great Britain as the Friends of these United States and conduct yourself towards them accordingly and during your stay in any'French Ports be particularly attentive to the behavour and prudent conduct of your people. You ar'e to receive on board the Sloop any arms, ammunition or other goods Mr Bingham may order receive from him also his dispatches and then proceed back for this Port. You are to consider that we are anxious for you to make an expeditious voyage, notwithstanding which as you are well armed and manned and the Sloop sails fast, we do not forbid you chasing such Vessels either going or coming as you think may become your Prizes for this purpose you have a Commission, a book containing the Resolves of Congress respecting Prizes which you must strictly conform to, and a list of the Continental agents to some of whom you must Address any Prize you take. Should Mr Bingham find it necessary to detain you any time, and he and you should think it adviseable to make a short cruize during that Time, we do not forbid it, but take care not to fall into the enemys hands. It is an Object with us that you should pick up and bringhome with you as many Seamen as possible, the more the better, and you may enter all you get on the same pay and terms-as those you carry out.ー

You must sling our dispatches to Mr Bingham, and on your return, his to us, with a weight sufficient to sink them and always keep them ready to be thrown over board should you unfortunately be taken for you must not let these Packets fall into the enemies hands on any Account. You are to afford reliefe or assistance to any of the subjects of the united States that want it if in your power, unless proof should Appear that they are inimical to their Country and its cause. You are authorized to take, burn, Sink or destroy the Vessels and property of all British Subjects except those residing in Bermuda and New Providence, but we redommend humanity and politeness to be inseperable companions of the officers in the Continental Service. It is necessary you should be careful of the Sloop her materials and Stores, diligent in the discharge of your own duty and careful to make your officers and men perform theirs ー Strict in discipline but attentive to render the service agreeable to all concerned in it.

We expect you will be frugal in expences and on your return furnish us with duplicates of your Logbook and Journal giving also a Satisfactory Account of your voyage, and when you approach this Coast, keep a.good look out as you may expect many of the enemies Ships will be Cruizing for plunder. If you cannot get in here you may push for any of the Inlets or other place of safety the nearer to this the better. We are Sir.[&c.]