[Watertown] Wednesday October 9th 1776.
Whereas the Armed Sloop Freedom Capt John Clouston belonging to this State, has had the misfortune to have her Mast split, and is thereby disabled from continuing on her cruize, and is now in the Harbor of Plymouth.ー
And Whereas it will be much for the advantage of this State, that the said Sloop should be altered into a Brig: and the Masts Sails, & Rigging of the Brig Rising Empire, belonging to this State lately condemned & now in said Harbor, are every way suitable for that purpose.ー
Ordered, that Ephraim Spooner Esqr of Plymouth be desired, and is hereby impowered in conjunction with Capt Clouston to see that the Masts, Sails, & Rigging belonging to the Brig Rising Empire be taken out of her, and forthwith applied to equip the said Sloop as a Brig. that she may be able as soon as possible to proceed on her Cruise.ー