Gentlemen

I this day received orders from the Minester of Marine at Paris, Notified me by the Comissary & Judge of Admiralty to depart this Port emediately and not to enter again on any Consideration — I was much Surprized to receive those orders without a line from you — I told them I would Sail the first fair Wind and am now Prepairing for Sea, as fast as Possible, but shall endeavour to gain time, to Receive your Orders, As I apprehand those orders will be very Strictly executed here, think it will be Neccessary to Send yours by the first Oppertunity, unless you Can prevail on the Minester to let us Wait you time, as I am now Permited and have Promised to Sail the first fair Wind, I hope you will order Me emediately to America — We Purpose Sending the Sloop Dolphin Round with a French Captain & Crew, as I dont think it Advisable to Send Capt Nicholson's Officers & Men round in her, as I am Creditably inform'd that there is 10 or 12 sail of Brittish Ships of Warr & Privatiers Cruizing off Nantes — If your orders are not already dispatch'd hope you will dispatch them, as Soon as Possible — Please give me all the News you have both from England and America, I Remain [&c.]