Sir

I have just Received Orders from Congress to Repair to Philadelphia immediately; and as I believe Captain Saltonstall & Capt Whipple are likewise Order'd to Philadelphia the Command of the Fleet devolves on you as oldest Officer ー Should be glad you take the most prudent Steps to Conduct the same in such Manner as will be most for the Publick good ー be carefue that you take no Steps with the Ships till further Orders from Congress ー

You are likewise to Transmit to me Immediately an Account of the State of your Brigs Stores, of every kind of Provisions, a List of the Effective and Non Effective Men, and in Short everything relative to the Vessel under your Command ー And likewise you will Order the other Commanders Capt.[John Paul] Jones & Capt [Hoysteed] Hacker to do the same, and you will Transmit the same with your own as soon as in your power

I am Your Friend

Providence June 20th 1776 ー