"The delegates of the United colonies, to all under whom these presents shall come, send greetings. Know ye that we, by these presents do grant license and authority to Abraham Whipple, mariner, commander of the sloop Providence, to fit out and set out in a war like manner, and by force of arms, to attack, seize and take the ships belonging to the inhabitants of Great Britain on the high seas. By Order of the Congress, John Hancock, President."