It having been found necessary to alter the present Mode of permitting Persons and Effects to depart, and to prevent as much as possible People and Goods being carried away by Stealth at unusual times and Places, You are hereby required and directed to observe the following Regulations which are to take Place tomorrow Morning. Vizt
The Men of War lying nearest are forthwith to send their Boats and bring every small Vessel Fishing, and other Boats and Canoes, to the long Wharf, from whence they are always to sail in future and from no other place in Boston: Of course every fishing Boat, Market Boat and all other small Craft coming in are to be compelled to go to the Long wharf.
All Persons with their Effects leaving the Town are to embark at the Long wharf and at no other Place.
The General has appointed Mr John Fleming to examine all Chests, Trunks and Packages whatever, and to write his Name upon them when examined.
When Mr Fleming has marked the Packages as aforesaid he will certify the Number on the Permit which is also to contain the names of the Persons allow'd to depart. Captain [John] Robinson will then and not before sign the Permit.
No Persons or Effects to be suffered to go out but in the manner above prescribed and only between Sunrise and Sunset.
This Order is not meant to prevent the Men of War's Boats from landing at any part of the Town, nor the General's Vessels or Transports Boats from passing as they shall have Occasion; Nor the passing of the Ferry Boats as usual: but these and all other Vessels and Boats going out of the Harbour with my Pass are to be equally liable to be visited by the Men of War's Boats, who are respectively to be answerable for the punctual Observance of these Regulations so far as they concern the Navy.
Given under my Hand on board his Majs Ship Preston at Boston 15 May 1775
By Command of the Admiral G[eorge] Gefferina