[Note:Tupper, who was of Fellows's Massachusetts regiment, was advanced to the rank of colonel and served throughout the war, being brevetted a brigadier general before his retirement. ]
Whereas Information has been given to me, that two Vessels, the one belonging to Holmes and the other to Coffin, both Persons of known Enmity to the United Colonies, 46 are now laying at Martha's Vineyard, intending to proceed to Boston with their Cargoes, for the Benefit and Refreshment of the ministerial Troops there. These are, therefore, to require you, to seize the said Vessels with their Cargoes, and secure them in the safest and nearest Port to this Camp for the use of the United Colonies; and all Persons, Friends of their Country and the Cause of America, are desired to aid and assist you in the said Enterprize, for which they shall be reasonably rewarded out of the said Vessels.
[Note:Benjamin M. Holmes and John Coffin were, probably, the individuals meant. ]
Given under my Hand at Head Quarters, Cambridge, October the twentieth, Annoq. Domini 1775.