[Extract]

. . . for Action, yet when we consider you will have Seamen & Marines sufficient to work the Ship, we think it much more for the public interest to risquc her out on these terms than to let her remain & be destroyed. You are therefore to repair on bd the Randolph Frigate of wch you are Commander and proceed with all possible dilligence to Sea. We shall not at this time prescribe to you where you are to Cruize nor form any plan whereby to distress our Enemies — the first Object is to get the Ship well manned and for this purpose you may Cruize where you think is the best Chance of meeting Merchantmen or Transports without Encountering Frigates &c we find by [expe] rience the Seamen taken in prizes are in General very [wi]lling to enter into our Service we think you will be able [in] this Manner to compleat your Number admitting [all] such as enter freely & induce them thereto show [the va]rious Encouragement given by Congress. When the [Ran]dolph is compleatly manned or that you esteem [yours]elf in a good Condition to make a good Fight you [will] return on this Coast, cruise for some of the Provi[sion] Vessels or Store Ships that will be coming from Europe [to New Y]ork & particularly keep a look out for the Galatea [Captain] Jourdan as we should be well pleased to see that [vessel] among the Number of your Prizes. You will send [as many of] your Prizes as you can spare Men to carry in to [any] safe port in these States addressing them to the Conti[nental] agents. we know your Humanity too well not to be [assur] ed that your Prisoners will meet with good Usage [Use well your officers and] all your people altho strict Discipline & good Command should prevail over the latter. We are willing to suppose the business now recommended may employ you for two or at most three Months after which you will put into some safe Port & let us hear from you, indeed you must write to us by every Opperty & if you gaine any Interesting Intelligence do not fail to communicate the same with the best Wishes for your Success we remain sir [your] servt by order of the Marine Comm

The Congress have adjourned to Balto and will be setting there.