In Convention

The Delegates of the Province of Maryland to James Nicholson Esquire

We reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism Valour Conduct and Fidelity Do by these Presents constitute and appoint You to be Captain of the Ship called the Defence in the Service of this Province fitted out for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof and for the Defence of our Liberties, You are therefore carefully and diligently to dicsharge the Duty of Captain by doing and performing all Manner of things thereunto belonging according to the rules and Discipline of War the Usage of the Sea And the Instructions which may from time to time be given you ー

And We do strictly charge and require all Officers Seamen Marines & others Under your Command to be obedient to your Orders as Captain

And You are to observe and follow all such Orders and Directions which You shall receive fromthe Convention of Maryland or Council of Safety thereof in pursuance of the Trust reposed in You ー

This Commission to continue of Force until revoked by the Convention or Council of Safety of this Province

Given this [12] Day of [January] By Order of the Convention ²
Attest. 1776