To Abraham Whipple esq^r. Commander of the Ship Providence
at Providence in the State of Rhode Island
Sir

As soon as these Instructions get to hand you are to get to Sea as soon as possible,¹ 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 Honble Benjamin Franklin Arthur Lee & John Adams Esq^r or any of them at Paris of your Arrival—Respecting 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 Cours of y^r Voyage a favourable Oppertunity should Offer of doing Service in the States by taking or destroying any of the Enemies Ships you are not to omit taking advantage of it. But may go out of y^r Course to effect so good a purpose In this we trust to y^r Zeal & Discrition, 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 appearances 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.]