You are hereby required and directed to proceed as soon as possible in his Majesty's Sloop under your Command to Liverpool in Nova Scotia, at which place I am credibly informed Vessels are expected to arrive from several parts of Europe with contraband and other Merchandize to be conveyed to the Rebel Army on the Continent. You are to use your utmost Endeavours to prevent such unlawful Commerce, strictly search all Vessels coming in and going out, carefully examine every Letter and take every precaution in your power to prevent the Rebels having any Communication with or obtaining Supplies of any sort from Liverpool. After you have compleated your Complement, you are to raise Seamen for his Majesty's Service by pressing, if Volunteers cannot be had; but you are not to impress Seamen that are Inhabitants of Nova Scotia. In case of your procuring 30 or more over and above your Complement, you are to bring them to Boston, otherwise you are to remain on this Service until further Order.

And whereas from Intelligence (Copy of which is inclosed) the Brig Liberty may be expected at Liverpool from Barcelona laden with Arms and Ammunition, you are to keep a very good Look out for her: Should you get intelligence of her being on the Coast or in any Harbour thereon, you are to proceed in quest of her, and if possible seize and bring her to Boston or Halifax, which shall be most convenient; but you are to be very careful to take out the Master, Mates and the greater part of the Crew, and put your Lieutenant on board her with as many Seamen and Marines as are capable of defending her, should she afterwards part Company. You are to be constantly on your Guard against a Surprize from the Enemy and to prevent desertion.

For all other Orders I refer you to my general and additional Orders of the 22d of last October.

Given under my hand on board his Majs Ship Preston
at Boston the 18 Decr 1775

By Command of the Admiral G. Gefferina.