Sir

On Receipt of this you will with all possible Dispatch Sail with your Crew on Bord the Brig Defence on a Cruise for three months on the High Seas against the Enemies of America and take seize and Make Captures of Such Vessells and their Cargoes within your power as by the Laws and Resolves of the Congress of the united States of america and Liable to be taken and held as Lawful Prize and them Send into this or such other of these States as you Judge may be Done with the greatest Sa£ety—and in Case your want of Health will not admit of your takeing the Command in Person for this Cruise you will Order Lt Smedley to Sail with the Command for the Cruise aforesaid with these orders —

Wishing you a Prosperous Cruise and Safe Return —

Given under my Hand in Middletown
the 11th Day of Jany Anno Dominic 1777

To Seth Harding Esqr of the
Brig Defence

A true Copey Test Samul Smedley