[Admiralty Office] 9h September 1775.
Sir
In addition to the Orders you will receive, by this Conveyance, from my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty dated the 2d Instant, respecting the seizing and detaining of Ships and Vessels belonging to the Twelve Colonies thereinmentioned: I have it in command from their Lordships to acquaint you, that if it should be found unsafe to continue in the Ships and Vessels which may be seized and detained, in consequence of the said Order, the Men who belong to them; It is their Lordships direction that you order the respective Captains of His Majesty's Ships under your Command to complete their Complements, if they happen to be deficient, with as many of the said Men as may be necessary for that purpose, and to bear the remainder, or if their Complements happen to be complete, to bear the whole or as many of them as shall be judged proper, as Supernumeraries until further Order. I am &c
P: S:
(By the Phoenix)
1. PRO, Admiralty 2/550, 120.