Passi July 16th. 1778.
Captain Whipple,
We have ordered Lieutenant Simpson, to whom the Command of the Ranger devolves, by the Destination of Captain Jones to another Service,1 to join you and obey your Orders, respecting his future Cruises and Voyage to America. We wish you to use all possible dispatch in getting to Sea with the Providence, Boston2 and Ranger.
You are to Use your utmost Endeavours, to take, burn, sink and destroy all Privateers of Jersey & Guernsey, and all other British Cruisers, within the Command of your Force, as you may have Opportunity. We are &ca
You are to leave all the Prisoners in such place and in the Custody of such persons as Mr. Schweighauser shall advise.3
Copy, DNA, PCC, item 84, vol. 1, p. 156 (M247, roll 111). Notation: “(Copy).”
1. See the commissioners to Simpson, this date, immediately above, and Capt. John Paul Jones to the commissioners, this date, immediately below.
2. Continental frigate Boston, commanded by Capt. Samuel Tucker.
3. Continental agent Jean-Daniel Schweighauser. Whipple’s prisoners arrived in Nantes on 31 July. See Schweighauser to Whipple, 31 July, below.