My Lords,

Advices having been received from different parts of America, that the Inhabitants of the Colonies in general which are associated in Arms against The King are collecting and fitting out Armed Vessels, for effecting in various ways their Rebellious purposes; I am commanded ー to signify to your Lordships His Majesty's Pleasure that the Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships in No America be instructed that he do give the most positive Orders to the Captains of the sevl Ships under his Command to exert their utmost Endeavours to prevent such Preparations, & to bum & destroy every Vessel that shall appear to be fitted out from any of the Colonies with such traitorous Designs. I am &ca