The Delegates of the United Colonies of New Hamphire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia to
Thomas Polk Esquire Greeting
We reposing especial Trust and confidence in your patriotism, valour, Conduct and Fidelity, Do by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be Colonel of the fourth North Carolina Battalion in the army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Colonel—by doing and performing all manner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders as Colonel—and you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the army of the United States, or any other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress.