Sir

The Brigantine Penet of which you are Commander being fixed out by Order of this State for a Voyage to France, You are hereby directed as soon as Wind & Weather permit to Sail & Proceed the directest Course for the Port of Nantes in the Kindom of France, or in Case upon your Arrival upon the Coast of France you should be pre­vented either by the Winds or by the Enemy from Proceeding directly for Nantes you are directed to Make the first Port you Can either in Spain or France, & there land M^r Jon^a Loring Austin¹ who goes Passenger with you & is charged with dispatches for the Commissioners from the United States of America in France,² & in such Case proceed from the Port you may first arrive at with all possible dispatch to Nantes and there follow such orders as may be given you by the Board of War for Your future procedure. We wish you a good Voyage & safe return