Gentlen

As there are now lying within your Department several Continental

Vessils of War, which if at Sea might do essential service, we are exceedingly anxious to have them out for these desirable purposes; and have strong hopes from your exertions, that they will not remain long inactive We know of no better way they can be employed, then in Cruizing, and now direct and Authorize you to send them out as fast as they can be got ready, directing the Commanders to such Lattitudes as you shall think, there will be the greatest chance of success in intercepting the Enemies Transports and Merchant Ships; and they are to Take burn, Sink or destroy as many of their Vessils of every kind as may be in their Power; The Prizes they may take are to be sent into the most convenient and safe Ports in these States, adressed to the Continental Agents.                                                                                                     

We shall leave you to judge of the Time for which each Vessil is to Cruize, and when they return into Port, you must again dispatch them with all Possible expedition on fresh Cruizes, always advising us of their Arrival, and the Time you think they will be ready for Sea, but they are not to be detained for any further Orders from us.

You are to instruct the Commanders that they are to be careful of the Ships their Stores and Materials, that they Support strict discipline on board their Vessils, but treat their People well. Prisoners are to be treated with humanity; and that they are to be accountable to you for the expenditure of everything on board their Ships, recommending to them a strict observance of frugality and Economy. We remain Gentlemen [&c.]

By Order Marine Board