Bristol at Spithead 24th Decembr 1775
Sir
I have received your Letter of the 23d inst with one Act of Parliament, prohibiting all Trade and intercourse with the Colonies therein mentioned, and one of the King's Proclamations appointing the distribution of the Prizes, that may be taken in consequence thereof; and also twenty more of the said Acts & Proclamations to be distributed among the Ships & Vessells under my command, and such other of His Majesty's Ships, as I may happen to fall in with ー I am Sir [&c.]