Orders and Instructions for M^r Robert Edmunds Prize Master of the Brigantine Lord Grosvenor whereof William Tyler was late Master—

On board Contin Frigate Providence

Abraham Whipple Commd^r:

To M^r Rob^t Edmunds &c^a

You are as much as in your power lies to keep Company with the Ship Providence and by no means lose her if it can be avoided, but in Case it should so happen that you cannot keep up with the Ship you are then to make all possible Dispatch in proceeding for the port of Nantes in France, and upon your arrival make application to the Continental Agent there residing, and if you cannot make the Port of Nantes you are then to put into such other port in France as you may judge best, and make enquiry for and application to any Continental Agent there Residing.

These Orders are to be kept, and delivered to any Commanding Officer who may retake you if it should so happen—

Given under my hand

On board Ship Providence
This 24^th day May 1778