War Office Boston 2 Augst [17]77
Capt Isaac Bartlett
You being Master of the Sloop Republic now ready to sail, your Orders are to proceed direct for Martinico where you are to dispose of your Cargo for the most you can obtain, invest the Ntt proceeds in Molasses Rum & Cotton Coffee, Cocoa & come Home — As your Sloop is armed & you have a Letter of Marque you will have a Chance of taking prizes of which we consent to allow you & your Men one third part of the Ntt proceeds — Upon your Return you are to make the first port in this State or New Hampshire from whence you are to give the earliest Notice to the Board by Express — We wish you a good Voyage & are Your Friends
P order of the Board S A Otis Prest P T
[Endorsed] The above is a true Copy of my sailing Orders which I promise to observe & follow — Isaac Bartlett
1. Mass.Arch., vol. 151, Letters from the Board of War, 1776-1780, 425.
