Gentlemen

We expect the Continental frigates Hancock, Boston and Raleigh under your respective commands, are either now ready for the Sea, or shortly will be so. You are hereby directed to act in concert and Cruize together, for the following purposes, and on the following Stations. Your first object must be to inform yourselves in the best manner possible, if any of the British men of war are Cruizing in the bay of Boston or off the Coast of Massachusets, and all such you are to endeavour with your utmost force to take, sink, or destroy. Having effected this service you are to proceed together towards Rhode Island, and there make prize of or destroy any of the enemies Ships of war that may be found Cruizing off the Harbour or Coast of Rhode Island.

The Prizes you make are to be sent into the nearest Port. When you arrive at Rhode Island if Commodore Hopkins should not be already sailed on his Southern expedition, and the two frigates built in that State should not be ready for the Sea, in that case you are to join Commodore Hopkins, and proceed with him on the said expedition producing those orders to him to justify the measure ー But if the Rhode Island frigates should be ready for the sea there will be no occasion for you or either of you to go Southward. and you will then proceed taking with you any Continental Vessel that may be at Rhode Island and ready if Commodore Hopkins should be sailed before you come there, and proceed to Cruize against the enemies Ships & Vessels that may be found of[f] the Coast between the Harbour of Newport and the Banks of Newfoundland.

We have no doubt from your zeal and attachment to the cause of America, that you will execute this service with all possible dispatch and vigor, and so bid you heartily farewell.-