February 15th. 1777
Sir1
I send down to you by the Muskeito sundry Packets for Captain Biddle of the Randolph frigate which is now a Cruizing on the Coast. You are to proceed down the Bay directly send on shore to the Light House and tell the Keeper of it whenever he discovers a frigate in the offing whilst you are in sight of the Light House to hoist or shew a large white sheet on sight of which the Randolph will stand in, another will not know what it means. You will keep Cruizing about the Capes in sight of the Light House until you deliver these despatches to Captain Biddle and take care every night to get under the Land to prevent being cut off by the enemy. When you see any frigate hoist your Continental Colours and you will know the Randolph by a White Jack at the fore top mast head and a Pendant over it, dont trust too near until you discover this Signal, and when you see it you will know the Randolph. Soon as you have delivered these despatches to Captain Biddle come up to the Cheveaux Defrize or some place where you can keep your men on board and inform me of your return.
I am Sir, Your very hble servant,
Robt. Morris V.P.
Letter book, Marine Committee Letter Book, Marine Committee Miscellaneous Papers, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
1 Warner was captain of the Continental sloop Fly.