Philadelphia, June 24, 1777. 1p. Folio. To John Ashmead, Commander on Board [the Continental Brig] The 'Mercury,' indicating the procedures to be followed by Captains of Continental Vessels in the distribution of provisions to their command. Signed by Hopkinson as Chairman of the Continental Navy Board, and counter signed by John Nixon and John Wharton. Addressed on verso to John Ashmead (as above) with Hopkinson's autograph postscript, "We desire you would move your Brig down to the [?] at Fort Island & lay her there till further orders."