My Lords

As it is necessary in the present Situation that every possible precaution should be used to prevent any Store Ships with Arms and Ammunition from being intercepted in their Passages to North America; I am commanded by The King to signify to your Lordships His Majesty's Pleasure that you do instruct the Commander of each of His Majesty's Ships now ready to sail to Boston or any other Port in North America, that in case he falls in at Sea with the Elizabeth Store Ship bound to Quebec he do take her under Convoy and see her safe into the River St Lawrence and if the Passage up the River becomes impracticable on Account of the Ice, in that Case to convoy her into Halifax before he proceeds to the place of his Destination. I am &ca