Commissions, this Day issued unto James Cocke Esqr Captain and Commander of the Raleigh, a Brigantine in the Service of this Commonwealth ー John Barret first lieutenant & Joel Sturdivant second Lieutenant; also John Calvert Captain & Commander of the Row Galley Norfolk's Revenge ー Argill Herbert first Lieutenant ー Robert Elam second Lieutenant & James Tennant Master.

Additional Instructions, to Captain James Cocke, of the Cruizer Brigg Raleigh were drafted, considered, approved of, ordered to be fairly transcribed, & a copy thereof delivered Captain Cocke and are as follows,

Sir,

You are to take both the Captains Barrons ² to Cruize with you; and you are directed at some convenient Time to send one or both of them to the Eastern Shore, with orders to bring the Gun powder lodged there & belonging to the Public, to such safe Place or Harbour on this Shore as you may direct; observing all possible care, Circumspection, & secrecy in conducting this business, so as to run as little Risque in transporting this Gun-powder over the Bay as possible.

Ordered that a Letter be written to the Commanding Officer on the Eastern Shore, desiring him to deliver to Captain James Cockes Order all the Powder under his care, belonging to the Public, except, so much of it, ashe may judge necessary for the use of the Troops & armed Vessels on that Shore; and that the said Commanding Officer be directed to lend every assistance in his power to execute that Business.

It being represented to this Board by Captain William Michell that his Company of Marines is very insufficiently armed; Ordered that fifty two Musquets & Bayonets be delivered to him from Mr. James Hunters Manufactory at Fredericksburg.