Having represented to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the inconvenience that may arise to his Majesty's Ships and vessels proceeding to England from their several stations upon the requisition of any of the Governors of his Majesty's Colonies without order for so doing; And their Lordships having been pleased to Signify their directions to me thereupon, You are in pursuance thereof hereby required and directed at no time to proceed to England upon the requisition of the Governors of his Majesty's Colonies unless the Said Governor Certifies to you that the service is of a very pressing nature, 2 And that no vessel can be hired in which an officer may carry dispatches not safe to be trusted with the Master. Given under my hand on board His Majesty's Ship Preston at Boston the 25th December 1775.
Saml Graves.
By Command of the Admiral G. Gefferina
1. Hamond Papers, Orders received 1775-1776, UVL.
2. Apparently Graves still feared that the example set by Lord Dunmore in sending H.M. Schooner Magdalen to England without consulting him might be followed by other Royal Governors.