Captain Saml Chew
Sir

The good recommendations we have had given of you as being well qualified for a Command in our Navy, has induced us to appoint you a Captain therein, in full faith that it will be your chief studdy to contribute all in your power to the Interest of the United States and the honor of their flag. We now think proper to direct that you repair immediately to New London where you are to take the command of the Brig Resistance lately purchased by Nath Shaw jr Esqr our Agent at that place. That Gentleman will assist you in fitting and manning that vessel, and we expect your best endeavours will be United with his to have this done with all possible expedition. We have directed our said Agent to make the Necessary advances of the Money that will be required in this business, and to put on board sufficient Provisions for a four Months Cruize therefore as soon as ready for the Sea you are to proceed immediately on a Cruize against the enemy, choosing such stations as you think will be most likely to intercept their Merchant or Transport ships, and you are to take sink, burn, or destroy, as many of their Vessels of every kind as may be in your power. The Prizes you may take you will send into the most convenient and safe Ports in these States addressed to the Continental Agents, and you may continue your Cruize so long as your Provisions will last and then return into the first safe Port you can make advising us of your Arrival and we will give you fresh Orders. You are to preserve strict discipline on board your Vessel, useing your people well; and you will treat any Prisoners you may take with humanity. Great care must be taken of the Brig her materials & Stores, Ob­ serving that you are to be. Accountable for every thing on board — therefore you will take care that your officers keep proper Accounts of their expenditures in their respective departments and see that no waste is made of any kind. You must make Monthly returns of the State of your Vessel while in Port, together with exact lists of every Person on board to the Navy Board at Boston or at· this place and recommending strict attention to these Orders we remain Sir

Your hble Servants

P:S: We send forward to Mr Deshon a sufficient number of blank Com­ missions and Warrants to be filled up with the Names of such persons as he may think proper to appoint your Officers. Should you be tempted by any Circumstances not known to us at present to continue your Cruize until your Provisions and Stores may be nearly expended, you may procure further supplies at such foreign Ports as may be convenient for .the purpose and we shall punctually pay your drafts.—