Capt Thomas Palmer

You haveing the Command of the Ship Betsey Frigate belonging to the United States of America now equipt for the Sea, are to embrace the first opportunity of Wind and weather and Proceed with Said Ship to Bourdeaux in France where when it shall please God you Arrive you'll Call on Mr Thomas Morris, Agent for the Am[e]rican States and to him Deliver Ship and Cargo and follow his further Direction, in Case Mr Morris is not there then wait on Messrs Saml and J. H. Delap and to them Deliver my letters, and follow their Direction the same as tho' Mr Morris was Present You'll take the greatest care and use every means to prevent the Ship's falling into the hands of the enemy, makeing all Dispatch and useing all frugality in your power -You are to have five pounds Stg P month Wages and Sixty pounds Sterling in lieu of all Commissions for doing the business I wish you Safe Voyage and Safe Return your Friend

[Endorsed] the above are my Orders which promise to follow —

P Thomas Palmer