Sir,

A Paper of Intelligence having been transmitted to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty representing that two Ships, one to carry 34 Guns, & the other 30, with two single decked Brigantines to mount 16 Guns each, are fitting out at Philadelphia, and that they were to be joined by a 20 Gun Ship from Rhode Island, and to proceed to the Island of Ascension and cruize betwixt that, place & the Island of St Helena for the homeward bound East Indian Ships. ー My Lords immediately upon receipt thereof took into consideration the measures that would be the most adviseable not only for the intercepting the aforementioned Cruizers should they proceed into those parts, but to protect and defeat any attempts that may be made on the homeward bound East India Ships; and, in consequence of their own Opinion on the Subject, and of what has passed at several Meetings with the Chairman & Deputy Chairman of the East India Company, their Lordships have thought it expedient to appoint the two Frigates mentioned in the Margin for the Services aforementioned, and which they expect will be ready to proceed to the Island of St Helena in a few days. ²

I have their Lordships directions to add for the information of the Secret Committee, that the Captain of the Arethusa (after calling at Madeira & St Iago for refreshments) will be directed to make the best of his way to St Helena, and return from thence to England with such Ships under his Convoy, and at such time as the Governor, to whom he is to apply, shall signify to him will be the most convenient and effectual to the Service of the Company.

The Captain of the Thetis, after calling for refreshments as aforementioned will be directed to keep to the Eastward along the Coast of Guinea, 'til he is in a situation to enable him to fetch the Island of Ascension, where he is to proceed and cruize round the said Island so long as his Provisions and Water will allow; reserving sufficient to carry the Ship to St Helena, where he is then to make the best of his way, and from thence return to England under the like Orders as are described for the Arethusa.

Besides the said Frigates their Lordships have thought it further adviseable to send directions to the Captain of the Ship and Sloops named in the Margin, ³ which are at present stationed on the Coast of Africa, to proceed to the Island of Ascension, and cruize at and about it so long as their Water & Provisions will allow, in hopes if any American Cruizers shall be in those Seas, of their falling in with them. ー Having so done, the Pallas and Atalanta are to proceed to Jamaica agreable to former Orders, and, in case of falling in with any Homeward bound India Ships to take them under Convoy so far as their way lye together: The Captain of the Weazle being order'd to return immediately to England, he is, under the event of falling in with any of the said Ships, to take them under his Convoy 'til he shall arrive on the Coast.

The Chairman &Deputy Chairman having observed to my Lords that a Vessel is on the point of sailing with Advices from them to the Island of St Helena, I send you therefore a Pacquet directed to the Governor & Council of Cape Coast Castle, containing their Orders to the Captains of the Ship & Sloops on the Coast of Africa; and am to desire the same may be forwarded in her, together with an Order which is under a flying Seal from the African Committee to their Governor & Council at the Fort aforementioned, directing them to forward the Orders to His Majesty's Ships upon whatever part of the Coast they may happen to be when the same shall be received.

I send you also other Dispatches directed to the Captains of the aforesaid Ship & Sloops respectively, being Duplicates of those under Cover to the Governor & Council at Cape Coast Castle, which Duplicates the Officer commanding the East India Packet not having met with the King's Ships before, is to deliver to them in his way to St Helena, or Princes Island or St Thomas's, ー where it is hoped he cannot fail to find them; but it is not expected he should delay his Voyage by waiting for them at either Place. I am &ca

Peter Mitchell Esqr East India House.