To the Commanding Officer at Castle Island

You are hereby ordered not to suffer any Vessell to depart out of the Harbour of Boston unless the Commanding Officer of the Vessel departing produces a permit from the General Court or the Council, under the Signature of the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of this State; Excepting, Open Boats, or small Fishing Vessels, which you are hereby directed to permit to pass and Repass as has been usual & Customary without any Regular clearance or permit whatever, And you are also to permit to depart this Port 11 such Coasting Vessels as may Obtain a regular Clearance or permit from the Naval officer of the Port of Boston till further order of the Council.

And you are hereby further directed to hail all Vessels Entering this port Excepting Coasting Vessels and cause them to bring to unless you are satisfied they are friends, and in case a Flag of Truce should arrive you are to prevent such Flag of Truce from proceeding above the Castle & prevent any persons from going out of or on board such Vessels unless, such as are necessary to give proper Information, without the Order of the Council, and you are immediately upon the Arrival of such Flag to advise the Council thereof and in Case you are obliged to fire on any Vessel to bring her to you are not to demand any sum of money therefor, but to report the name of the Capt or Master with the name of the Vessel to this Council