Sir

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having by their order of this date, addressed to Vice Admiral Graves or the Commander in Chief for the time being of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North America, directed him to give the most positive orders to the Captains of the several Ships under his Command to burn and destroy every armed Vessel that shall appear to be fitted out by the Inhabitants of the Colonies in general which are associated in arms against the King; I am commanded by their Lordships to send you herewith a Copy of the said order for your information and guidance in case you shall happen to fall in with any the said Vessels in your passage to North America. I am &c

P:S: You will please to deliver the inclosed Packet containing the above orders to Vice Admiral Graves upon your arrival.
By Express at ½ past 5 o'Clock P.M.