Williamsburg Nov. 2d 1776
Sir
We have just receiv'd a letter from a member in Congress giving account of two arm'd Vessels cruising in the Capes of Virginia. you are therefore desir'd to reconoiter the coast often, and if you shou'd discover any arm'd Vessel acquaint this Board immediately. I am by order of the Naval Board [&c.]
Thomas Whiting 1st Comr
To Capt Richard or James Barron at Hampton2
1. Navy Board Letter Book, VSL.
2. Commanders respectively of the armed boats Patriot and Liberty.
