Sir

You are hereby authorized and directed to repair to Providence. in Rhode Island and there view examine and inspect two frigates lately built & now lying at that place. You are to call on the respectable Committee of Gentlemen under whose direction they were built and are to be fitted; give them notice of your arrival and appointment to this service, require from them an Inventory of the Continental Stores provided for these Ships, and examine into the quality of the same compareing the said Stores with the Inventory to see that they agree, and you are to make report as soon as may be to this Committee of the State and condition of these Ships, as to the Strength, workmanship, beauty and other qualitys, also as to the quality and quantity of Stores, Number.of Men and Officers belonging to them and of their forwardness for the Sea; and all persons employed in the building or fitting of said Frigates are hereby required to aid and assist you if need there be in performing the service hereby enjoined you, and for so doing this shall be your Warrant.

Given under our hands at the Marine Office the day and year first above written.