Nicholas Biddle Esq^r
Comm^r of the Randolph
Sir

As quickly after you receive this as your Ship can be provided for the Voyage, you are to proceed to france, and when there you are to be directed as to your fu­ture Cruize, and the disposal of your Prizes, by the Commissioners of the United States at Paris. For this purpose you are immediately on your arrival to send a trusty officer to acquaint the Commissioners of your arrival, and to receive their directions. Until you receive their answer it is left to your discretion and the intelligence you may collect of the enemies Cruizers, whether to remain at your Port of arrival, or make a short Cruize, and repair for the reception of their answer to any other port; taking care to inform the Commissioners of your determination on this point.

Whatever supplies of any kind you may want for the Ship in France you will apply for, either to the Commercial Agent in France or any correspondent of the Com­mercial Committee at the Port where you may be, or to the Commissioners at Paris

We would have you make as little shew as possible of being a Ship of Force, when you arrive, and during your stay in any Port of France; and let your stay in Port be as short as possible. It is not necessary to direct a person of your discretion to be very cautious of communicating to any person, either in America or in France, what is your destination or what your orders. If the Agents of the Commercial Committee of Congress should direct you to take on board Merchandize for France you are to follow such directions concerning this, and the delivery of the goods as you may receive from that Committee

We desire you will correspond with this Committee by every suitable opportu­nity. Wishing you health & success We are Sir y^r Friends & hble servants