By Captain Andrew Barkley of His Majesty's Ship Scarboro:

You are hereby required & directed to take upon you the Charge and Command of the Speedwell Sloop, loaded with Salt, taken by His Majys Ship under my command. You are to secure the hold and prevent Embezlement as much as possible ー You are to sail in Company with His Majesty's Ship under my Command to Boston, if you shou'd by any accident whatever part Company with me and the other Kings Ships I wou'd recommend for you to push for Rhode Island & put yourself under the direction of the Senior Officer of His Majys: Ships that may be there. ー You will obey the printed Instructions you will herewith receive & in Sailing keep as near the Scarborough as possibly you can.-Given under my hand on board the Scarborough at sea this 3d April 1776

And w Barkley

[In the margin] When I want to speak with you I will hoist a White pendant at the Starboard Mizen Topsail Yard Arin.