Having appointed you Captain of His Majts Ship Repulse at Chatham, which we have order'd to be fitted and stored at that place for a Voyage to North America, mann'd with Two hundred Men & victualled for six Months with all species of Provisions except Beer, of which she is to have as much as she can conveniently stow, and to be supplied with a proportion of Wine or Spirits for two Months in lieu of the Remainder; You are hereby required and directed, to use the utmost dispatch in getting her ready for the Sea accord1ngly, And then falling down to Blackstakes take in her Guns and Gunners Stores & proceed to the Nore for further Order.

Given &c. the 18th Decr 1775

By &c. G.J. DS.