Sir/

As we have appointed you to the Command of the Sloop Providence of War, now at Providence in the State of Rhode Island, we expect your good conduct in this Station will be equal to the trust reposed in you, and that by a dilligent attention to your duty, every thing possible will be done for the benefit of your Country, which will recommend you to the esteem and future favours of this Committee. —

We now think proper to give you the following instructions which you are to Obey. —

You are to loose no time in proceeding to join your Vessel at Rhode Island, where you must exert yourself to have her fitted and Manned immediately ー When ready for the Sea, you are to proceed on a Cruize in such Lattitudes as will be most likely to fall in with, and intercept the Enemies Transport vessels coming to reinforce or Supply their Army at New York; and you are to use your true endeavour to take, Burn, Sink, or destroy as many of the Enemies vessels of every kind as it may be your good fortune to fall in with. —

The Prizes you may be lucky enough to take you will send into Such Ports of the United States as you Shall think will be Safest and most convenient. —

You are to continue this Cruize for two Months when you are to put into the most convenient Safe Port and apply to the Continental Agent there, with whom it is probable we will lodge fresh instructions for you — but should that not be the case ー you are to victual your Sloop for an other Cruize of the Same Space as the Present, and immediately proceed to Sea again taking these Instructions for your plan and conforming to them Strictly. When your provisions are expended return again into Some Safe port in these States ー advise us of your arrival and we will give you fresh orders.

You will loose no Opportunity to give us an Account of your proceedings and we depend much on your Vigilance and care in executing these orders —

It is expected from every Commander in our Navy that he use his Officers and People well, Still preserving Strict discipline and decorum, that prisoners be treated with humanity, and that great care be taken of the Ships their materials and Stores, all which we desire you will carefully observe —

Wishing you health and Success we remain Sir [&c.]

P:S: lnclosed you have signals whereby to Know American Vesslls of War —