In CONGRESS
The Delegates of the United Congress of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts
Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
The Counties of New Castle, Kent, and Suffix of Delaware, Maryland,
Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia
SAMUAL NICHOLAS ESQUIRE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We, reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valor,
Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these Presents constitute and appoint
you to be CAPTAIN OF MARINES--------------------in the service of the
Thirteen United Colonies of North America, turned out for the defense
of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof.
You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of
CAPTAIN OF MARINES by doing and performing all Mannor of Things
thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers,
Marines, and Seamen under your Command to be obedient to your orders
as CAPTAIN OF MARINES And you are to follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as
you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies,
or Committee of Congress for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in
Chief for the Time being of the Navy of the United Colonies, or any
other of your superior Officers according to the Rules and Dicipline
of War, the Usage of the Sea, and the Instructions herewith given you
in Pursuance of the Trust imposed in you. This Commision to continue
in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
By Order of the Congress
John HancockPresident
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