As soon as Major General Clinton is embarked and ready to depart; You are hereby required and directed to repair with him in his Majesty's Ship under your command to New York where having remaind such time as the General thinks necessary for the service he is upon, you are to proceed with him to Virginia, or to any port or place along the continent that Major General Clinton shall find expedient for his Majesty's Service to touch at; And as the Success of the expedition will in a great measure depend upon the punctual and ready assistance of his Majesty's Ships; You are therefore hereby required and directed most heartily to grant every aid in your power of Men, Boats, and Stores, (without regard to any distinction of duties) to Major General Clinton and to all other his Majesty's Land officers in their intended operations against the Rebels. Your are to continue upon this service with Major General Clinton untill you receive contrary directions from myself or any other your Superior officer For all other orders I refer you to my General and additional Orders and Instructions.

Given under my hand on board His Majesty's Ship the Preston at Boston the 12th January 1776

To Captain Graeme commander of his Majesty's Ship
Mercury, or to the commander of the Said Ship for the time being

By command of the Admiral G. Gefferina

[Endorsed] Copy 19th Feby 1776 Attd A S Hamond