Sir

You are to return to Senepuxent ² and after sending up the Stores you brought thither in the Independence, you are immediately to proceed out to Sea on a Cruize off the Capes of Delaware, keeping out side of the British men of war and so distant from them as may be necessary for your own security. You are to Cruize in such places as may be most likely for you to meet or fall in with American Ships or Vessels bound into this Port, taking care when you chase any such as you take for Americans to shew them Continental Colours, & when you speak them inform them of the British Cruizers in the Mouth of Delaware and Chesapeake Bay, advising them to get into the Inlets or if la~ge ships to seek safety either in the Eastern or Southern States, you are to continue this Cruize for about three weeks some times to the Northward and some times to the Southward of Cape Henlopen and render every assistance and service in your power to such American Vessels as you fall in with during that time. We hope also that you may shew some good Prizes the way into some of the Inlets along the Coast, when this Cruize is finished you may put into any one of the said Inlets where you can with most convenience heave down the Sloop and send an Officer or an Express to inform us where you are, when you can be ready to Sail again, and what Stores and Provisions you will want for A three months Cruize when we shall send fresh orders and take measures for your being supplied. We are sir