By Hyde Parker, Junr. Esqr. Captain of His Majesty's ship Phoenix.
You are hereby required and directed to proceed to Boston with the ship Sally, under your command, calling at Rhode-Island, where you are to apply to the commanding officer of His Majesty's ships for convoy and a pilot. Should you be so unfortunate as to meet with any of the rebel cruizers and find no possibility of escaping, it is my positive directions that you do throw overboard all arms and ammunition, to prevent their falling into the hands of the rebels. Should there be any ship in sight that you suppose to be a man of war, you are to do your utmost to disable the ship by cutting her gears and lowering her lower yards down, in order to prevent the rebels from carrying her off.
Upon your arrival at Boston you are to report yourself to Admiral Shuldham, or the Commander-in-Chief for the time being.
You are also, during your passage, to use your utmost endeavours to keep company with the Harriott transport and the Francis sloop.
Given under my hand, on board His Majesty's ship Phoenix, off of the Narrows of Gravesend bay, this 29th February, 1776.
[Endorsed] Letter taken from the ship Sally (formerly belonging to Samuel Franklin, but was taken by the men of war at New York and sent to Boston) which was driven on-shore in a gale at Montauk on the 6th of March, and her crew, passengers and papers seized by the committee of Easthampton and sent to New York.
