New London March 4th 1778
Sir
You are Ordered to take Command of the Schooner Mifflin untill further Orders from the Honobl Continental Navy Board at Boston, you are to Rece. Orders from time to time from Dudley Saltonstal Esqr. Commander of the Continental Ship Trumbull Respecting the Ground you are to Cruise over, untill Such time as the Ship Trumbull is Got Safe out of the River. you are to Render Every Service in your Power to Captn. Saltonstal in assisting to get this Ship out. you Shall have a Commission as Lieutt. in the Continental Navy forwarded you from Boston as soon as I Return to the Board, Same date as the one taken from you by the Enemy.1 Call on Nathl. Shaw Junr. Esqr., Our agent for suplys that are Necessary,
Your Humbl. Servant Pr. Order the Board John Deshon
you will Observe Strict Discapline useing your Ship's Compy. and those whom the fortune of warr may throw into your hands with Generousaty and Tenderness. I wish you Success and am in behalf of the board your Humbl. Servt.
J. D.
"Papers of William Vernon and the Navy Board," 213. Addressed at the foot: "To Lieut. John How/N. London." The recipient is incorrectly identified as Lt. John How in the transcription published by the Rhode Island Historical Society.
1. Kerr lost his commission some time prior to 3 Dec. 1777. NDAR 10: 657. He commanded the Continental Navy sloop Schuyler, which was captured by H.M. sloop Falcon on 10 Dec. 1777. Kerr escaped just before his vessel was taken. NDAR 10: 699.
