State of		By his Excellency the Governor
Connecticut		To Timothy Parker Esquire Greeting

Reposing Special Trust and confidence in your Courage & good Conduct as well as in your Zeal, and firm attachment to the Interests of the United States of America & of this in particular, I have by and with the advice and consent of my Council of Safety appointed, and do hereby authorize and impower you to take the Charge and Command of the Armed Ship Oliver Cromwell belonging to this State as Captain, and you are hereby Ordered and directed to make Captures of all such Vessells on the high Seas or in the Harbour as are or shall be set forth by the Enemies of America for the Invasion of our property or the Destruction of our Trade Fishery or Liberty as well as of such Vessells as Shall by the Resolutions of the Continental Congress or by the Laws of this State be Liable to be taken and made Prizes by the Inhabitants of these States Observing such Orders as Shall from time to time be Given to you from the General Assembly, the Governor and Council of Safety or your Superior Officers and your Inferior Officers, and all others under your Command are hereby Commanded to yield due Obedience to you as their Captain and Commander according to the Rules and Discipline of the Naval Service of this state, This to Continue during the Pleasure of the General Assembly or the Gov^r: and Council of Safety appointed to Assist him in their Recess—¹

Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms in Lebanon on the sixth Day of December Annoque Domini 1777.