Sir

You are to proceed with the Continental Sloop Fly now under your command for the Coast of Shrewsberry, in New: Jersey and take such stations along the Jersey shore as will enable you to see every vessel that goes in or out of Sandy hook. We imagine there must be Transports, Store Ships and provision vessels daily arriving or expected to arrive at that place for supplying our enemies with provisions and other Stores, and the design of your present Cruize is to intercept as many of those Vessels and supplies as you possibly can

You have got or may get a good coasting Pilot so that you may run close in shore or into Toms River or any other River, Inlet or Harbour in the Jerseys when ever you are chased or endangered by Vessels of a superior force, therefore you will keep an especial good look out for all vessels inward or outward bound and whenever you discover any give chase, make prize of as many as possible, and as fast as you take 'em send them for this port, unless you hear men of war take station at, our Capes, and in that case send them into Toms River, Egg Harbour or any other safe place, and fast as your people arrive here we will send them or others over land to Tom's River or Shrewsberry from whence you can take them on board again, therefore you must keep this station and pursue this business as long as possible unless we send you other orders.

You must be careful not to let any british frigate get between you and the land, and then there's no danger for they cannot pursue you in shore, and they have no boats or Tenders that can take you, besides the Country people will assist in driving them off shore if they should attempt to follow you in. The Schooner Wasp commanded by Lieutenant [John] Baldwin goes round on the same Service you must act in Concert, Consult the best Stations and best method of Cruizing, and be sure to pursue your Object the taking of provision Vessels, Store Ships and Transports with the utmost vigor and vigillence, and altho we recommend your taking good care of your Vessel and people, yet we should deem it more praiseworthy in an officer to loose his vessel in a bold enterprize, than to loose a good Prize by too timid a Conduct. As fast as you make prisoners you may send them in the Jerseys, and deliver them to the Continental Officers to be sent here or confined in New Jersey, but if Seamen send them here unless they enter. Use your officers and men well, and do the same by your prisoners let us hear from you as often as necessary. Wishing you success We are sir [&c.]

Note. Similar Instructions to the foregoing were given Lt Baldwin Commanding the Schooner Wasp.—