Sir

You are to go to Sea with the Hamden [Hampden] under your Command, in Company with the Alfred, and take and follow such directions as you may receive from time to time from Captn [John Paul] Jones respecting your Cruise ー If you should part with the Alfred by accident, you are to do all in your power to join her ー but should you not be able to join You are to cruise as long as you can in such Station, as you think will be most likely to intercept the Provision Vessels from Great Britain bound either to Canada or New yorkー

You may destroy any Ship or Ships which you cannot easily mann and send in to Port (first taking out the hands) ー You will send your Prizes in to such Ports as you judge you can with most Safety get them in to any of the United States of America