Capt Joseph Chapman,
Sir,

You being Master of our Ship Versailles now loaded and ready to Sail your orders are to proceed direct for Nantes in the Kingdom of France deliver your Letters to Messrs Jacques Gruel & Compy Merchts their, to whom you are consign'd, & follow their orders for your further proceedings —

As your Ship is to be sold, you with your Men are to take passage home in the Brig Penet Capt [Nicholas] Bartlett: if he should arrive safe, if not in any other Vessel Messrs Gruel & Compy may send this way —

If any of your Men will take their discharge in France, you may pay them off, giving them one Months advance pay should they insist upon it.

What Money you may want for the payment of your Men or other disbursements, Messrs Gruel & Compy will supply, but it is recommended to you to be as frugal as possible —

By order of the Board,
Sam Phps Savage Presit

[Endorsed] Boston Jany 27th 1777 I acknowledge the above to be a true Copy of the orders I have receiv'd from the Honorable Board of War & promise to obey the same —

Joseph Chapman