April 8th. 1777
Sir
The Marine Commissioners having reported to this Board that the Frigate Delaware under your command is ready for Sea, you are hereby directed to proceed to Cruize for the enemies Transport and Provision Vessels that may be coming from Europe to New York, You will proceed so far to the Eastward and so far from the Coast as will be the least likely to fall in with the Enemies Ships of war until your men are well practiced and fitted to engage with strong ships. When that is the case you are then to draw nearer to the Coast of North America, and Cruise along the said Coast from Block Island to the Capes of Virginia doing your true endeavour to take, burn, Sink, or destroy as many of the enemies Ships and Vessels of every kind as you may have the good fortune to fall in with. The prizes you may be lucky enough to take you will send into such Ports of the United states as you shall think will be the safest from the informations you may receive, you are to pay due attention to the printed Instructions from the Navy Board. It is possible that we may think proper to give you fresh Orders which shall be lodged with Henry Fisher at Lewis Town, and the light House will be ordered to shew a large white sheet when they have such orders and find a frigate in sight Should any unfortunate accident befall you destroy these Orders rather than let the enemy get them, and you will as opportunities occur transmit us Accounts of your proceedings.
You will be careful of the Delaware, her Stores and materials, kind to your Officers and Men but observing strict discipline, and you are to pay due attention to the printed Instructions of the Navy Board. Inclosed you have Signals whereby you are to know American Vessels of war.
We are sir, Your hble servants
Letter book, Marine Committee Letter Book, Marine Committee Miscellaneous Papers, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.