Whereas I have sent the Honble Capt [John] Tollemache in his Majesty's Sloop Scorpion to relieve the Cruizer and to be stationed untill further Orders at North Carolina, and whereas in the present weak State of his Majs. Sloops Tamer and Cruizer it is absolutely necessary they should come where they can be repaired and refitted with dispatch.

You are therefore directed and required to compleat your Provisions to four months as soon as possible and taking the Scorpion with you proceed to Cape Fear, where you will find the Palliser Transport Walter Waters Master. You are to give all the Assistance in your Power to the Service she is upon, And when she is ready to depart (and no time should be lost) You are to take her under your Convoy, and, ordering Captain [Francis] Parry of his Majs Sloop Cruizer to accompany you, repair with all convenient haste to Boston. In your way hither you are to seize all Vessels with Provisions, and as the Garrison at Boston is in great want of Rice, you are to bring a Vessel laden with that Article if one can be met with, whether she is navigating according to Law [or not]

Given under my Hand on board his Majs. Ship Preston at Boston the 22d August 1775.