Whereas it is expedient for His Majesty's Service that Vice Adml Graves should return to England with the three Guardships named in the Margin; And Whereas we have thought fit that you should succeed him in the Command of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels employ'd and to be employ'd in North America (a List of which comes inclosed) You are hereby required and directed to repair, without loss of time, to Portsmouth, and hoisting your Flag on board His Majts Ship the Chatham proceed in her to Plymouth, where having received on board the Party of Marines mention'd in the Margin,² which you will apply for as soon as you arrive, you are to take the Orpheus under your command, & make the best of your way to Boston, or wherever else you may hear Vice Admiral Graves to be, and deliver to him the inclosed Pacquet containing Orders for his return to England.

On the Departure of Vice Adml Graves you are to take upon you the Command of the Squadron as aforesaid; and, if the three Guardships should not be in the way to return with him to England, you are to send Orders to such of them as may be left behind, to follow him home without delay, the Asia to repair to Spithead, the other[s] to Plymouth Sound, where they are to remain until further Order.

We send you herewith Copies of such Orders & Instructions as have been given to Vice Admiral Graves, during the time he has been invested with the Command in North America, And do hereby require and direct you to carry into Execution such of the said Orders & Instructions as have not already been fully executed. Given &c. the 29th Septr 1775.

[Endorsed] Sent to him in Town 1st Octor