Sir —

You are hereby directed to go onboard the Hamden [Hampden] and take Charge of her as Captain; and proceed on a Cruize as soon as you can get your Men onboard, and Cruize for Store Ships bound to the Army of his Britannick Majesty — If you take any Prizes which you may not think worth while to send into port, you are to first take the Men out, and then destroy such prizes and what Prizes you may take which you think worth Sending to port, I advise you to Send to Virginia or the Carolinas, directed to the Continental Agents and when you have Weaken'd your Brig So as not to be able to Cruize, you may put in to one of the ports where you Send your prizes — and get your men and Such Stores as you may Want, and then Cruize as before directed, as long as you can keep your Vessel in Order fitt for the Service —

You are to follow such Orders as you may receive from the honble Marine Board, or from me or any other of your Commanding Officers —

You are to acquaint Me, and the honbl Marine Board of your Circumstances by all Opportunitys, and apply to the Continental Agent for what Money or Stores you may Want for the Service — I am [&c.]