Board of War,

Boston Jany 6th 1777 —

Sir

You being Master of the Schooner Boston Charter'd by the Board of War for a Voyage to the West-Indies, your Orders are to proceed direct for Point Peter in the Island of Guadaloupe where you are to dispose of your Cargo upon the best terms, & of your Vessel also (provided you can obtain not less than Six Hundred Pounds West India Currency [)], and invest the proceeds in the several Articles in the Schedule annex'd, giving the preference to those first mention'd.

If you should be so fortunate as to meet with Capt Tristram Coffin, in the service of the Board, you will ship your effects in such Vessel as he may have provided & come home with your Crew — But if you cannot upon enquiry hear of Capt Coffin you will endeavour to procure freight in some French, Dutch or even American Vessel, but if that cannot be done you must continue their till the Board send some Vessel to bring you & your effects home, of which you will receive due Notice. —

If you cannot purchase the Articles you want in Guadaloupe, you will take your Money or Bills and proceed for Martinico or Cape Francois, but be sure you take passage in a French Vessel: — If you cannot sell your Vessel you will take on board your own effects, purchase as much Salt as will serve to put your Vessel in a good Sett of Ballast, & come home, you are to make the first Harbour in this State or New-Hampshire, from whence you will give the earliest intelligence to the Board by Express — By order of the Board,

Good effective Fire Arms, with Bayonet if to be had — Gun Powder — 100 m. Flynts — Raven Duck — Ticklenburgs ²