Whereas his Excellency Major General [William] Howe has applied to me to appoint a Ship of his Majs Squadron to receive on Board Major General [Henry] Clinton and other Officers of the Army to proceed on a particular Service; and having his Majesty's Ship under your Command for that purpose;
You are hereby required and directed to receive Major General Clinton, his Retinue and Servants and such Officers as the General may desire, and you are to cause Cots to be made for them and Births built with Old Canvas and Deals, and to accommodate them in the best manner you can without prejudice to the Kings Service.
Given under my hand on board his Maj's Ship Preston at Boston 6 Janry 1776
Saml Graves
To Capt. Graeme of his Maj's Ship Mercury
1. Graves's Conduct, Appendix, 115, BM.
