Whereas many Rebel armed Vessels inf est the Coast of America particularly about Providence, Rhode Island, Long Island, Long Island Sound, Mechias and the Bay of Fundy, who have already taken two of his Majestys Schooners and several Trading Vessels; And whereas there are undoubted preparations to put to Sea a Naval force to oppose his Majestys Arms, in the like rebellious manner as they have done by Land: You are therefore hereby required and directed to use every means in your power to take, burn, sink and destroy all and every Pirate or Rebel you meet in Arms whether on Shore or at Sea; And you are to do your utmost to lay waste and destroy every Town or Place from whence Pirates are fitted out, or shall presume to harbour or shelter them, together with all the Vessels of what kind soever therein; Protecting and defending all People who shall upon your Summons return to their Duty and give immediate Proofs of their Sencerity by aiding and assisting you to their utmost, or by otherwise taking an active part against his Majesty's Enemies. And you are to give Orders accordingly to the Captains and Commanders of his Majesty's Ship[s] and Vessels under your Command.
Given under my hand on board his Majs Ship Preston at Boston the 17 September 1775.