State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations

To the Sheriff of the County of Providence or to his Lawful Deputy Greeting. —

Whereas I have received information from the Honble Esek Hopkins Esq ² Commodore & Commander in Chief of the Continental Fleet now within this State, that Robert Relf William Lenn, Phillip Gordon, William Seaner, Peter Cane, Pierce, J. Lem beck, Joseph Merre & divers others Seamen & Marines who have entered on Board & do now belong to The Continental Fleet under his said Command arc lurking about within the State aforesd And for the Purpose of their being taken up & sent on Board said Fleet the said Esek Hopkins Esq hath sent an Officer on Shore & requested that I would give all due Assistance for the taking Up & sending on Board all such Deserters & others. —

You are therefore in the Name of the Governor & Company of the State aforesd Commanded to give all Aid & Assistance to the Officer or Officers belonging to said Fleet in apprehending & securing all Persons or Persons belonging to or who have entered on Board any of the Ships in the Continental Service & who have not been duly discharged. And for your so doing this shall be your sufficient. Warrant. Given under my Hand & Seal this tenth day of December AD 1776. —

Providence, December 10 — 1776

[Endorsed]
By Vartu of this Preseps I went with the first Leftant of the Ship Providence Now Lying in this State and Took up fore or five of the within Named Parsons which he Carred on Bord with him
P Fees 3/ Pr Mee Mart Seamans Depy She[rif]f