Orders to the Detachment sent to Cape Anne

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Head-Quarters, August 16, 1775.

SIR: You are to proceed with the detachment of Riflemen under your command to Cape-Anne, where you are to endeavour, not only to protect the inhabitants from all attempts of the enemy, but to do your utmost to distress and annoy any detachment from the Ministerial Army that may be sent from Boston to plunder or destroy that settlement. Upon your march, and during your residence at Cape-Anne, as well as upon your march back to camp, you will observe strict discipline, and on no account suffer any under your command to pillage or maraud; upon your arrival at Cape-Anne you will despatch a messenger to acquaint the General with the state you find things in there, and you will frequently report to the General all extraordinary occurrences that may happen

I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

HORATIO GATES, Adj˙ General.