You are hereby required and directed to proceed in his Majs Ship under your Command without Loss of time to New York, where you are to remain until further Order, diligently employing yourself in carrying into Execution the several Orders and Instructions you are now under, and such others as you may hereafter receive, in the most effectual manner for the good of his Majs Service.

And whereas it might be highly dangerous while Ice is in the River to remain either in the Stream near the City or at the Wharves, you are to lie at Sandy Hook, or any other part of the River where you can be in safety until the Season will admit of your anchoring before the Town, which you are to do as soon as possible.

Given under my Hand on board his Majs Ship Preston at Boston 24 Novr 1775 ー

By Command of the Admiral G. Gefferina.