To Samuel Tucker Esq^r Commander on board the
Ship Boston at Boston in State of Massachusetts Bay—
Sir

Feb 10 1778

As soon as these Instructions get to hand you are to get to Sea as soon as possible, When there you are to proceed on a Voyage to Some Convenient Port in France, and on your arrival there Apply to the Agent if any in or near said Port for such Supplys as you may stand in need of, you are at the same time to give immediate Notice by Letter to The Honorable Benjamin Franklyn John Adams and Arthur Lee Esq^rs. or any of them at Paris of your arrival, requesting their Instructions as to your future destination, which Instructions you are Strictly to Obey as far as it shall be in your power, If however in the Course of your Voyage a favourable oppertuni- ty should offer of doing Service to the States by taking or destroying any of the Enemys Ships you are not to omit taking advantage of it, but may go out of your Course to Effect so good a purpose, in this we trust to your Zeal and discretion—

You are to take particular Notice that whilst on the Coast of France, or in a French Port, you are as much as you Conveniently can to keep your Guns Covered and Concealed, and to make as little warlike appearance as possible—

On your Arrival in France Send one of your officers with the Letter you are to write to the Commissioners to prevent its falling into improper hands.—We are [&c.]

Navy Board Eastern departm^t.
Boston February 10^th. 1778