Sir ー You are desired forthwith to furnish the Brig Minerva under the command of Capt Giles Hall with men & all necessary Provisions and Warlike Stores for a Cruise of Six Months making use of Such Stores as may be on hand of the Property of the Colony, and Purchase such as may be wanting, Consulting with Capt Hall about the Same as far as will be needful and in Case you Cannot obtain a quantity of Ball for said Cruise that will be Sufficient in any other Way you may apply to Capt John Deshon and Capt Niles for Some of the Ball Provided for the Schooner Spy and let them Immediately Provide for the Spy from the furnaces. You Will Please to act with all Possible Dispatch in this Business without Delay

Dated at Lebanon Octr 7th 1775