Sir

The Navy Board of this State having requested the assistance of the Continental Navy in defending the Cape May Channel in Delaware Bay so that the inward and outward bound Trade may not be totally obstructed by the enemies ships stationed at the mouth of said Bay.

The Brigantine Andrea Doria being now ready for service you are forthwith to proceed down the Cape May Channel and Co-operate with the two Gallies send down by the said Navy Board the Commanders of which will be instructed to Consult with and be directed by you in pursuing such measures as may be necessary to secure and defend the said Channel as well as in any attempt you may think it proper and prudent to make on such of the enemies Tenders and Vessels as you may judge your force equal to Cope with, and you will exert your utmost abilities and address, to take sink burn or otherwise destroy, any or all of their Cruizers you meet with. —

You will particularly attend to the business of protecting our Trade and procuring any American Vessels inward or outward bound to which you can extend protection or assistance. The Gallies of this state whilst acting in conjunction with you will be subject to your orders. They draw Little water and have heavy Canon in their Bows which induces us to think they might be very successfully employed in mollesting and galling the enemies larger Ships lying at Anchor in the Road or any part of the Bay especially by attacking them in the Night. They Gallies might run into shoal Water on the shoals nearest to where the ships anchored and take such a Station that the large ships could not get near them bring the Bow Guns to bear on the Enemy and keep up a Constant fireing until they obliged them to weigh Anchor or slip their Cables. Calm weather will be the best for this sort of business, because the enemies ships would remain unmanageable and the Gallies could Row and do what they pleased. If attacks of this kind are frequently made and with success they will get tired of Anchoring and prefer keeping the sea which will give our vessels a better chance of geting in and out We would like to have this plan attempted and think you would do well to go in one of the Gallies on the first occasion taking care not to disgust the Captain of her thereby, but you will be the better able to judge what can be done afterwards. When you find the service herein recommended does not require your particular attention, either by means of your taking or destroying the enemies Tenders or by their quitting the Station, you may then deem these orders to be fully complyed with and opening the others given you herewith proceed as therein directed. And as you have a valuable Cargo on board you will during this service be particularly attentive to the safety of the Andrea Doria and her Cargo, only exposing her to danger when you are sensible the true Interest or honor of America requires it. We are sir [&c.]