Sir,

You are hereby appointed Commander of our Prize the English Ship of War Drake.—You are to put Lieutenant Simpson under Arrest for disobedience of Orders.—¹ You are to keep Company with me and to pay punctual Attention to the Signals delivered herewith for your Government.—

You are to superintend the Navigation and defence of the Ship under your Command—and to support me as much as possible should we fall in with and engage any of the Enemies Ships.—

The honor of our Flagg is much concerned in the preservation of this Prize, therefore keep close by me and she shall not be given tamely up.—You will take your Station on Rangers Starboard Quarter at or about the distance of a Cables length—should bad weather or any Accident seperate you from the Ranger you are to make the best of your way to France and I recommend the Port of Brest to your preference

You will secure all the Books, Charts, Instruments, and Effects belonging to the deceased Captain² and Officers &^c:—for which this shall your Order.

Given on board the American Continental Ship of War Ranger, off Ushant this 7^th day of May 1778.—