Capt^n. James Briggs

Sir/ 

 With the Schooner Rattlesnake now under your Command, the Commissioners of the Navy Direct, that you do proceed with all possible Dispatch to the Island of S^t Croix, where you are to dispose of the Cargoe (Agreable to the Inclosed Invoice and bill of lading)¹ for the highest price you can Obtain, and after paying the Costomary port charges, and deducting five ⅌ Cent from the Sales for your Commission, you are to Invest the Balance of N^t. Proceeds in good high proof Rum of which you must be particularly Careful in the Choice; as Soon as the Cargoe is sold and the proceeds shipp'd you are to proceed with all possible dispatch for Charles Town, or some convenient Inlet in the State of South Carolina.² The Commissioners particularly recommend that you keep a good look out from the Masthead every hour in the day while at Sea, and by every means in your power avoid Speaking with any Vessel on either passage; and that you do Strictly Comply with all the Rules and Customs of the ports you may go into during the Voyage; that you take on board a Sufficient Quantity of Provissions and Stores of every kind to serve the Voyage, and that you avoid going into any Expences whatever on Account of the Vessel more than what you are absolutely Obliged to do—