Navy Board Eastern department Boston January 3d. 1778
Sir
You are appointed first Lieutenant of the Continental Ship Boston Capt Samuel Tucker Commander who will Sail on a Cruise in less than three weeks—
You are therefore requested to repair immediatly (without delay) onboard and bring as many Sea men, & landsmen & marines with you as you possibly can—
We are your humble. Servts. in the name of Navy Board—
Wm. Vernon
L, RHi, George C. Mason, Reminiscences of Newport, vol. 5, p. 316 (Deluxe Inlaid Edition, 1901). Addressed at the foot: "Mr Willm. Barron/1st. Lieut. Ship Providence."
