My Lords

Having received information that an American Vessel named the Betsy will fall down the River for Gravesend this Evening's Tide and proceed immediately from thence to the Downs having cleared out for Antigua, tho' really destined for North America, I am commanded by the King to signify to your Lordships His Majesty's Pleasure that you do direct the Commander of any of His Majesty's Ships at the Nore to employ a proper Officer to intercept the said Vessel upon her Passage to the Downs, and to search for, seize and transmit to me any Letters addressed to Persons in any part of North America.

[Endorsed] Drat to Lords of the Admiralty 11th December 1775.