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By James Young Esqr Vice Admiral of the Red &ca
You are hereby required and directed to proceed forthwith to sea in His Majesty's Ship Portland, under Your Command to the Latitude of 20° North, and Longitude from 58° to 61 ° West; and there Cruize to intercept and make Capture of any Privateers, Armed Vessels or Trading Vessels belonging to the American Rebels you can meet with, pursuant to the General Orders you have already received from me concerning them and should you fall in with any Convoy from England or Ireland &ca for these Islands and you think it necessary for their safety you are to accompany and Protect them so far as may be needful; and then return back to the abovenamed Latitude, extending the Longitude as you may obtain Intelligence, or order more effectually to annoy the Rebels: You are to continue on this Service 'till the 10th Day of March next, and then call at Prince Ruperts Bay Dominica, to compleat the Portlands Wood and Water; and afterwards return and join me in English Harbour Antigua. Should You happen to fall in (during your Cruize) with any of the American Squadron, coming to this Island to Clean and Refit you are to acquaint their Captains it is my directions that they call at Prince Ruperts Bay Dominica, and com pleat their Wood and Water before they proceed to this Island : for which this shall be Your order
Given &ca at English Harbour Antigua
the 8th February 1777.
By Command of the Admiral Geo Lawford
