Portsmouth 15th July 1777.
Sir
You being nominated as Lieutenant of Marines in the Service of these States, are hereby Authorized and directed forthwith to Enlist as many Able Bodied Men as possible to Serve in the Navy under my Command2 —You are to enter All the good Seamen who present themselves — as Sundry petty Warrant Officers will be Appointed from Among them.
I will shortly send you with hand Bills for your Government — and in the Meantime the men will be intitled to wages from the date of Entry — their reasonable Travelling expences will be Allowed— and a bounty of Forty Dollars for every Able Seaman will be Paid on their Appearance at the Ship. I am, Sir [&c.]
Jno. P. Jones
1. Miriam Lutcher Stark Library, UTL. A rough draft isin the Papers of John Paul Jones, 6603, LC.
2. Wallingsford's commission, dated 15 July 1777, is in Papers CC (Petitions Addressed to Congress, 1775-89), 42, VIII, 385, NA.
