The Sloop Republick under Your Command being in all respects Equiptd in Warlike manner & being also well and properly maned So as to proceed on a Cruize, You therefore are Directed immediately to proceed on a Cruize not only against our unnaturall Enernys but also for the protection of the trade of the United States, and you are Directed to Range the Coast Laying between Cape Sables & Block Island and not farther South than Lattd 34 north, ー at the same time using all necessary precaution to prevent your vessel from falling into the hands of the Enemy
and whereas you have received a Commission by force of Armes to attack subdue and take all ships and other Vessels belonging to the inhabitants of Great Britain on the high Seas, under certain restrictions, you must punctually follow the instructions herewith delivered you for your Conduct respecting this matter. And you are fnrther Ordered not to fire your Powder away unnecessarily and only when in Action and firing Alarm or Signal Guns.2
In Council [Watertown] Angt 22d 1776
1. Mass. Arch., vol. 165, 137.
2. Under the same date is an order, apparently supplementing the above, which reads: "To Commander of the in the service of this State. You are hereby directed and com- mancletl to rcturn from your cruise with the Vessel uncler your command to the Harbor of Boston by the tenth day of September next, and there to wait for the farther Orders of the Council, " ibid., 139.
