Gentn

I am commanded by my Lords Commrs of the Admty to signify their direction to you in consequence of what passed on your attendance upon them this Morning upon the Subject of providing Ships to serve as Armed Vessels in No America, to propose to them a method of taking up Ships for this Service, observing that if such Vessels as offer are capable of being Armed, it will not be necessary to pay regard to the nature of their construction, And that you are to give the preference to such Vessels as are not fit to be employed as. Transports which is a Service that must not be interfered with.

I have it farther in Command from their Lordships to recommend it to you to treat with the Owners of the Lord Howe & Bute Transports, in order to their being employed as Armed Vessels when the Troops they are at present ordered to Carry to Quebec are landed at some Port in No America &c