Whereas I have received intelligence that there is at Rogues Harbour (a Port to the Southward of Cape Charles) a Bermudian Sloop, which lately brought Gunpowder into this Country, for the Supply of the Rebels, and is now Lading with Flour. You are hereby required and directed to take the Roebuck's Tender under your command, and proceed in his Majesty's Sloop under your command off that place, and if it appears that there is not sufficient depth of Water for the Kingsfisher to go into the harbour, you are to send the Tender, assisted by your Boats, and use your best endeavour to take or destroy the Said Sloop and any Vessel you shall find in the harbour. As soon as this service is effected (which is only intended and desired to be performed in ー case oppertunity of fair weather should offer) you are most strictly enjoined to loss no time in proceeding to the mouth of the River Delaware, and use every Act and Stratagem in your power to obtain as many Pilots for that River as you possibly can, also as much information concerning the Fortifications and Machines which are placed to obstruct the Navigation to Philadelphia, as you may be able to Learn; and having to your utmost, executed this important Service, you are to Dispatch the Tender Back to Virginia, and give me an account of your proceedings. You are also to Seize and detain all American Vessels whatever and Send them to me for examination, likewise all other Vessels you may meet with who are attempting to carry on any commerce with America.

You are likewise to annoy the Rebels by every measure in your power, and to continue cruizing at the Mouth of the Delaware, untill another Ship can be sent to relieve you, or untill you may be obliged by unavoidable necessity to quit that Station, when you are to return here and join me at this place.

Given under my hand on board his Majesty's Ship the Roebuck off Norfolk in Virginia the 23d Febry 1776