You are hereby required and directed to proceed immediately in his Majs Sloop under your Command2 and cruize from Cape Anne to Cape Cod, keeping within the Bay of Boston as much as possible, to assist and protect the Transports and Artillery Vessels expected to arrive, whose Safety is of the utmost Consequence at this juncture to his Majesty's Service, and you are to take care to see every Vessel you meet with safe within the Light house.
You are to take, sink, burn and destroy all Pyrates and Rebels you meet with, and seize and bring to Boston all Merchant Ships and Vessels belonging to any of the Colonies either bound to or from the Continent. You are to remain on the Service fourteen days from the time of your sailing, and then anchor in Nantasket for further Orders.
Given under my Hand on board his Majs Ship Preston at Boston the 18 Novr 1775.
By Command of the Admiral G. Gefferina
