In the Council of Safety,
[Charleston] Jan. [sic Feb.] 17th, 1776.
Sir ー You are to get the pilot-boat Hibernia of which you are commander, in readiness immediately for sea, and to go over the bar and cruize for friendly vessels bound into this port, and bring in such as you may speak to. There is a brigantine expected from Philadelphia, a particular account and description of which Capt. [Simon] Tufts will deliver you, and also a letter for the master, which we recommend to your attention. We need not repeat to you the necessity for extreme caution against decoys by men-of-war or their tenders. Deliver the inclosed to the commanding officers at Fort Johnson and Sullivan's Island, and you will be permitted to pass and repass without bringing to. We expect you will go to sea every morning, and come in towards evening or night when wind and weather will permit.
By order of the Council of Safety
Capt. Thos. Smith.
Henry Laurens, President.
[Enclosure]
In the Council of Safety,
17th Feb., 1776.
Sir ー
Capt Thomas Smith, of the Hibernia pilot boat, is ordered to go over the bar every day when the weather will permit. We desire you will give him signals to make from day to day to be renewed at proper times, in order to procure the speedy passage of the boat, without stopping each day and avoid imposition.
By order of the Council of Safety
Henry Laurens, President.
To the commanding officers
at Fort Johnson, and Haddrel's Point.