Sir

The assembly of New Hampshire and Massachusets having offered their assistance in equipping arming and manning the Frigate under your command² we have accepted their kind offers and hope in consequence thereof, you will soon be ready for sea, we expect the same will be the case with the Frigate commanded by Captain [Hector] McNeill³ of Massachusets and our design is that you should join Company soon as possible and cruise in consert.

We are informed the Millford Frigate now infests the Coast of those States and does much Injury to their commerce. It is our duty to prevent the continuance of this soon as we can, and as the two Frigates mentioned will be an overmatch for the Millford or any single Frigate of the enemy, you are to join Captain McNeill and go in search of that or any of the enemies Ships in those seas that you can cope with, and we hope in due Time that you have taken destroyed or drove off the said enemy. The Rank betwixt you and Captain McNeill is not yet established you are there-fore to act in concert and, consult each other in all things that relate to the good of the service, to the safety and preservation of your ships or to the Interest and honor of the United States of America. ー The Continental Agents in any State you put into will supply provisions or any necessarys that may be wanted ー to some of them you are to address your Prizes, and you must advise the Committee of your proceedings as opportunitys occur. You are also to furnish us in due Time with Copies of your Log Book and Journal, and advise us of any important intelligence that may come to your knowledge. With the best wishes for your success We are sir [&c.]⁴