Sir

You are directed to go onboard the Alfred and take the Command of her and go to Sea with her and the Hamden [Hampden] Captn [Hoysteed] Hacker, who will be directed to keep Company with you, and follow your directions ー You will form such Signals, and appoint such Rendezvous, as you think will best answer the end of keeping Companyー

You are to Take all british Vessels, and all Vessels bound to any port under the jurisdiction of the King of Great Britain, except Bermudas and New Providence ー You are with the Force under your Command, to endeavour all in your power to destroy all the Coal Vessels you may find at, or near the Coal Mines at the Island of Cape Breton, and do all in your power to Relieve a number of our Unfortunate brethern who are Prisoners, and employed in that cruel and hard Service ー When that is effected and the Weather will permit, you are to Cruise for Transports, and other Vessels bound to Canada, or go to Newfoundland and destroy as much of the Fishery as you possibly can; if you think the Season not too far advanced. And when you think the Season too Cold for that Station, you may Cruise as long as you well can for Transports bound from Great Britain to Newyork ー You may Send any Vessels into Port for Tryal, that you may think are acting detrimental to the Interest of the American States Such Vessels as you may Take, which you think are not worth your while, or may not be Convenient to send into Port, You may destroy (first taking the hands out)ー

My advice is when your Cruise is over, that you return in to some Port in New England in order for a Winters Expedition

You will send your Prizes in to such Ports in the United States of America as you judge you can get them in with most Safety ー You may if you please send a proper Person in a Prize, if you should take any one fit for that purpose to some Port in France; and there to sell her and Cargo, and purchase some small Armed Vessel, and with the Overplus money Lade onboard her such Goods as may answer best, for the Supply of the Navy or Army; first ballasting her with Sulphur ー You giving him Orders for that Purpose ー I am with Respect [&c.]