riffith, of the Nonsuch, senior officer of his Majesty's
ships and vessels at Rhode Island; and it will appear by the following
secret order, that he was kept at the most important point in advance.

(Secret.)
"By Walter Griffith, Esq. Commander of a division of his
Majesty's ships and vessels at Rhode Island.

"The employment of the galley under your command being necessary
in the Seakonnet Channel, with the intention to intercept any
armed vessels fitted by the rebels for putting to sea from the
harbours or creeks communicating therewith; but more
particularly to defeat any attempts they may propose for making
a descent in force, or attacking the post occupied by the king's
troops on the eastern shore of Rhode Island; you are therefore
to proceed to the aforesaid channel, and put yourself under the
command of the superior officer there, for those purposes
accordingly: but you are, nevertheless, at liberty to move the
galley (under the orders of the commanding officer there) from
time to time, to prevent the enemy from being able to ascertain
the position thereof, either for executing any meditated insult
on the galley, or to pass you unobserved during the night;
taking care, however, to keep as much as may be within such
limits, as will fully enable you to effect the principal object
of your appointment as aforesaid.

"It will become requisite for this end, to have your boats (or
other better-appointed craft, with which you can in future be
supplied), advanced at seasonable lines, both for the earlier
discovery of any ships or vessels attempting to pass your
station in the night, and preventing any other advantages
attempted by the enemy under cover thereof.

"The crews of the boats so directed should be prudently cautious
in boarding vessels of inconsiderable appearance, that they may
not be exposed to suffer by the treacherous practice of the
enemy in different modes to blow up and destroy your men; but a
suitable discretion will be no less requisite on your part,
that, in warning them of these hazards, they are not induced to
become remiss in their exertions in the essential services.

"If the enemy should attempt to pass your station with any ship
of apparent force, great attention will be requisite that you
may not be misled by such not improbable expeditions to draw you
from your station, and the