By Cristopher Atkins, Esq^r.
Commander of his Majesty's Ship Æolus.

You are hereby required a[n]d directed to repair on Board the Æolus Schonner¹ and there to take on you the command, and cruize off and amongst the Keys or the differents passages to wind ward or lee ward as you will sind [find] most convenient for intercepting and taking of vessels belonging to his Majesty's rebelious subjects in america taking care to avoid cruizing off the ports or approaching so near the coasts of any french, or spanish setlements as to give any unnecessarÿ umbrage or interruption to the subjects or trade of those Nations or any just-cause of complaint and on no pretence to put into the island of hispaniola.

Any ships or vessels you may take during the cruize you are to send to Port-Royal to be proceded against according to law.

When you schal have taken a prize you are to send me a Letter with-all the papers appertaining to her condemnation to be given immediately to the agent at Kingston to be proceded against.

Given under my hand on Board his Majesty's Ship Æolus in Port-Royal harbour this 4^th. day of january 1778.