By the Major Part of the Councill

Capt Jno Fisk

The Sloop Tirannicide under your Com[m]and being in All Respects Equiped in warlike manner, & being also well & properly man'd so as to Enable you to proceed on a Cruise,

You therefore are Directed Imediately to proceed on a Cruise not only against our unaturall Enemys, But Also for the Protection of the Trade of the united Colonys, and you are Directed not to Cruise farther East than the Island Sable on the Coast of Nova-Scotia, nor farther South than the Lattitude of 35 north, nor further West than the sholes of Nantucket, untill the further Order of this Board unless forced so to Do by stress of Weather, always using every necessary precaution to prevent the Sloop under your Command from falling into the hands of the Enemy.

And whereas you have Received a Commission by force of arms to At[t]ack seize & take on the high Seas all Ships & other vessells belonging to Inhabitants of Great Brittain, or others Infesting the sea Coast of this Continent, You are therefore Punctually to follow the Instructions already Delivered you for Regulating your Conduct in this matter and in all things Conduct your self Consistant with the trust Reposed in you.

Councill Chamber Watertown July 4. 1776 ー