You will herewith receive three Dispatches for the Commanding Officers of his Majs Ships at Rhode Island and New York, And you are hereby required and directed to proceed in his Majesty's hired Sloop under your Command with all possible Expedition and deliver them.
Captain [James] Wallace will direct you whether it is safest to proceed through the Sound, or with out all, to New York: And as soon as you have received on board Captain [George] Vandeputs Letters for me you are to make the utmost Dispatch to Rhode Island again, where Captain Wallace will give you Letters for Boston and direct you to proceed on.
Avoid speaking with every thing except you are certain it is a Man of War, and always keep your Dispatches slung with a Weight, that in case you should unfortunately be taken, they may be thrown overboard, and not fall into the hands of Rebels.
You must be vigilant and attentive, and carefully commit to writing every thing that occurs during your Voyage, and deliver to me a fair Copy thereof upon your Return.
Given under my Hand on board his Majs Ship Preston at Boston the 24th Sepr 1775
To Mr Jacob Lobb Commander of his Majs Hired Sloop The Charlotte
