Advices having been received from different parts of America, that the Inhabitants of the Colonies in general which are in Arms against the King, are collecting & fitting out Armed Vessels for effecting in various way their rebellious purposes; You are hereby required and directed, in pursuance of His Majesty's Pleasure signified to Us by the Earl of Dartmouth one of His Principal Secretaries of State, in his Letter of the 22d Ulto to exert your utmost endeavors to prevent such preparations, and to burn & destroy every Vessel that shall appear to be fitted out from any of the Colonies with such traiterous designs.

Given &c 10th Novr 1775

Capt. Lutwidge ー Triton ー Spithead

By &c P. S.