York Town [c.15] May 1778
Gentlemen,
The Navy-board having been directed to keep two Packet-boats ready for your Orders, we now send to your Care very important Dispatches for France, which you are requested to give in Charge to a trusty Captain, to deliver with his own Hand to our Commissioners at Paris. Your wisdom will dictate pointed Orders for conveying the Packets without Injury, with Secresy & with Despatch; but, for sinking them in Case the Vessel should be unfortunately taken. We are respectfully Gentlemen
Your most humble Servants.
Richard Henry Lee
James Lovell
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Massachusetts Archives Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 1, 1762 - 1778, p. 407.