Sir

You are directed in the Instructions in which these are inclosed to break the seal of this Letter on the 10th day of July next at that time we expect you will be cruizing near the Island of Hispaniola, and that agreeable to our former orders you will have the Randolph Frigate in good order and every way fit for Action. We have it in contemplation to Strike a Stroke against the British West India Trade that will be severely felt in the Pecuniary way, and that will at the same time if well executed give an eclat to our Navy that will be of infinite service to it we propose that you shall have a share in the execution of this plan and hope it may be a distinguished One'

You know that the largest and most valuable fleets of Jamaica Sugar Ships always depart from that Island about the 26th day of July under Convoy and that they pass through the Gulph on their way to England. Our design is to intercept this Fleet and take, sink, bum and destroy as many of them as possible, You are therefore to repair to the Island of Abacoa near New Providence which is the place we have appointed for the Randevouz of such Ships & Cruizers as we may find it in our power to order on this service and you must make it a point to be there on or before the 25th July that being the day we shall fix for every Ship or Vessel being at Abacoa.

When the fleet are collected at that place the Captains must com'pare Commissions and the Senior is to be deemed Commodore to whom the Inclosed Orders are addressed, every Captain in the fleet will be furnished with a Copy, and it is expected not only from the Captains but from every Officer in the fleet that they will use their most strenuous endeavours to effect this business in a Compleat and effectual manner and for this purpose it will be necessary to cultivate Harmony and good understanding with One Another. We also recommend it as a constant Object of your Attention to encourage the seamen and Petty officers which you take on board Prizes to enter our service and bring as many of them as possible into America

We doubt not you will signalize your Zeal upon this occasion and happy shall be at a future day to congratulate you on the Accomplishment of this enterprize. We are sir [&c.]