Sr

We having received certain advice by Timothy Brown directly from Newport, that all the men of war sailed from Newport this Morning, and left the packet in possession of Mr [Aaron] Lopeze's schooner lately taken from Jamaica, This is therefore to desire you to sail as early tomorrow morning as you can, and go down the bay till you are certain whether the ships are in Newport or not.² If they are not we advise your going out on the west side of Conannicutt, go round the Light house and run into Newport harbor and go directly alongside of Hackers Packet now in the hands of our Enemies and bring her directly to Providence. You'll order Capt [John] Grimes either to be beating down to Newport as you run in or to go out before you or any other way as you may think will be best to accomplish the taking said packet.

The Commission is inclosed Mr [Samuel] Ward could not alter it so well as to make a new one which he will do tomorrow, and shall be sent to Mr Rhodes Arnold with Capt. Grimes.

We are [&c.]

P.S. If the Ships should be in tomorrow, perhaps they may soon go out again & leave the Packet in possession of said schooner. therefore we hope you11 keep so good a lookout that you'll have possession of said Packet very soon.