Gentlemen

You will find herein Sundry Resolves of Congress passed the14th instant the first relative to Captain John Roach and you'l be pleased to furnish him with a Copy thereof that he may do what is incumbent on him to do — another Copy will be sent to the Eastern Navy Board.

The second appoints John Paul Jones Esqr to Command the Ranger Ship of War — The Third empowers you Gentn to appoint the Lieutenants and other Necessary officers for this Ship and Colo [William] Whipple takes with him the Blank Commissions and warrants which you are to fill up with the Names of those you appoint and make return thereof to the Navy Board Copy whereof be pleased to send us also. We must also recommend that you make enquiry at Boston and Other places in your neighbourhood, if there are any Young Officers who have served with reputation in our Navy that deserve promotion and give such the preference in your appointments, as it will be a great encouragement to All our Officers when they find this practice is adopted and their merits attended to. We hope for your united endeavours to get the Ranger and Raleigh to Sea soon as possible and with much regard subscribe ourselves Gentlemen

Your most obedt servants