Sir
By J. P. J. &ca &ca
You are hereby appointed commander of our prize the Ship John and as she is Armed for War you are to keep company with me and observe and obey all future directions from me and all Signals made on board here
You receive herewith a copy of Signals for your Government and should we fall in with any of the Enemy's Ships of War you are to give me all possible Assistance. — Should you Unfortunately be Seperated from the Squadron you are to proceed with all possible dispatch to the Most convenient port within the United States of America '
I would Advise you to proceed through Nantucket Shoals to Rhode Island Your careful Attention to these things will Secure my regard and promote your own Intrest.
Given on board the Ship Alfred
Novr 25th 1776.
J. P. J.
To John P. Rathbun Esqr 2
Commr of the Ship John
N B your station in the Squadron is at the distance of two or three Cables lengths from the Alfreds Starboard Quarter — and you are at no time to leave that Station Without Orders.
The day and Night Signals will be made with or without a Gun. — Meeting again after Seperation — those to windward shall clew up their Main Topsail and spread an Ensign on the Main topmast Backstay from the Cross trees Downwards — and those to leeward shall Answer by Clewing up their Foretopsail and Spreading an Ensign on the fore topmast Backstay
