[Admiralty Office] 11th Decr 1775
Sr
There being reasons to believe that a Ship supposed to be now on her passage from Quebec may have on board some Rebells who have been taken Prisoners in that Province; I am commanded by my Lords Commrs of the Admty to signify their direction to you in pursuance of the Kings pleasure signified to them by Ld Geo Germaine that you give Orders to the several Captains of His Majestys Ships & Vessels under your command immediately upon the arrival of any Ship or Vessel from Quebec to send a proper Officer on board her and in case any Rebell Prisoners Should be found in the Custody of the Master of such a Ship or Vessel to take them out of her & convey them on board the Ship of War. And in Case the Person having Custody of any such Prisoners should make any difficulty in delivering them up, in that case to detain the Vessel til His Majestys further Pleasure shall be known &c
G J DS
Vice Adml Sr Jas Douglas ー Portsmo Vice Adml Amherst Plymo ー
1. PRO, Admiralty 2/550, 403.