My Lords

The King having signified His Majesty's pleasure that Seven Regiments of Infantry should hold themselves in readiness to embark on or about the first of December and to proceed to North America, in order to give countenance and protection to His Majesty's well affected Subjects Inhabitants of the Southern Provinces, and to assist in the suppression of Rebellion and restoration of legal Government there; I am commanded by the King to signify to your Lordships His Majesty's further Pleasure, that you do appoint such a number of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels and of such a rate to accompany this Armament, as your Lordships shall think proper, acquainting me at the same time, for His Majesty's Information, with the names of the Ships so appointed and also with the name of the Officer who is to have the Command of the whole. I am &ca