His Majesty having been pleased by his Order in council of the 23d August 1775, a copy of which is enclosed, to revoke and make void all and every licence which has been before that time granted for the exportation and carrying coastwise of Gunpowder or any Sort of arms and amunition, You are hereby required and directed to use your best endeavours to intercept Seize and bring into Port all Ships and vessels whatsoever having on board Gunpowder or any sort of Arms or Amunition bound to any part of North America or that shall be found on the Coasts thereof excepting however such Ships and Vessels as are employed by the Master General, Lieutenant General or Principal officers of the Ordnance, and also such whose Masters shall have obtained Leave or permission, in that behalf from his Majesty or His privy Council since the said 23d August. This order to continue in force until the 30th day of June 1776, unless duly countermanded before that time. Given under my hand on board his Majesty's Ship Preston at Boston the 25th December 1775.
Samuel Graves
By Command of the Admiral G. Gefferina
1. Hamond Papers, Orders received 1775-1776, UVL.