The Honorable, the Continental Congress, having lately passed a Resolve,
contained in the following words, to wit:—“That two persons be sent at
the expense of the Colonies to Nova Scotia, to inquire into the state of
that Colony, the disposition of the inhabitants towards the American
cause and the condition of the fortifications, dockyards, the quantity
of the warlike stores and the number of soldiers, sailors, and ships of
war there and to transmit the earliest intelligence to Gen. Washington.”
I do hereby constitute and appoint you the said Moses Child to be one of
the persons to undertake this business, and as the season is late and
this a work of great importance, I entreat and request that you will use
the utmost despatch, attention and fidelity in the execution of it. The
necessity of acting with a proper degree of caution and secrecy is too
apparent to need recommendation. You will keep an accurate account of
your expenses, and upon your return you will be rewarded in a suitable
manner for the fatigue of your journey and the service you render your
country by conducting and discharging the business with expedition and
fidelity. Given under my hand this 24th day of November, 1775.