Capt Tristram Coffin,

Sir, The Board of War having purchas'd the ship Paris,² & her Cargo of which Ship you are Master; Your orders are to proceed direct for St Peters in the Island of Guadaloupe where you are to dispose of both Ship & Cargo for the most you can obtain, and invest the proceeds in the several Articles mention'd in the annex'd Schedule, or a proportion of each, giving the preference however to good effective Fire Arms, as it is probable they may be most wanted; —

If Military Stores are not to be procur'd at Guadaloupe you will proceed with your Money or Bills (but be sure in some French Vessel) for St Eustatia, Martinico, or Cape Francois, where you will make the necessary purchases, and if you could possibly Charter a small French Vessel to bring home your effects, you are to do it, — engaging to them that they shall be allow'd to purchase any produce this Country affords, and be entitled to every indulgence. —

The Vessel must be clear'd for Mi[c]quelon or St Peters, you will make the first Port or Harbour in this State, or New-Hampshire, that you can; —

The Board do not lay you under any Restrictions or Limitations as to the price of your Ship, or chartering Vessels, but submit the whole to your best Care, and Prudent Management — Should you find it impracticable to hire a French Vessel, you will then take your Passage; and bring home your effects in some small Vessel or Vessels we shall send after you, of which we shall give you due Notice; —

The Board consent to allow you five pr Cent Commissions on the Sales, and 2¼ pr Cent. on the Return of your Cargo. — Five pr Cent on the Sale & Return of the Sale of your Ship. — Six pounds pr Month, Ten Hogsds Privelidge out, and a customary priviledge home, in proportion to the Burthen of the Vessel you may come in. —

We would have you take the best Methods in your Power to leave the WestIndies by the 20th. Feby whether you hear from us or not. — We wish you a good Voyage —

By Order of the Board
J Warren, Presidt

[Endorsed] I acknowledge the above to be a true Copy of the Orders I have received from the Board of War & which I promise to follow

Newbury Port. 29th December 1776 Tristram Coffin

[annexed schedule]

Fire Arms, strong, plain, fit for Soldiers to carry an Ounce Ball if such are to be had
Powder
4 brass Field Pieces 3 or 4 Pounders
10 Tuns Lead
50m French Flints
Russia & Ravens Duck
Ticklinburgh
Cordage
Coarse Linnens
Coarse Cloths
Blankets

You will destroy your Papers if you find you must be taken