By the Viscount Howe Vice Admiral of the White and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Ships & Vessels Employ'd & to be Employed &c in No America —
Pursuant to the Instructions I have received from the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty, for the employment of his Majesty's Ship the Isis according to their further Intentions: You are hereby Authorised & requested to apply for, and in your future proceedings be gove[r]ned by the Directions you shall from time to time receive from me, or any other Chief Officer of the Division or Detachment of the Squadron under my Command wherein you may be hereafter placed—
You are to Comply with the several Signals and Instructions for the Government of the Squadron and establishment of a more uniform discipline in the Ships, which you will receive herewith untill further Orders.2
Given on board his Majesty's Ship Eagle off New York the 8th of June 1777
Howe
To The Honble Captn Wm Cornwallis Commander of his Majesty's Ship Isis By Command of the Vice Admiral Josh Davies
1. Captain William Cornwallis Papers, Order Book (January 12, 1777-May 20, 1778), NYHS.
2. The signals and instructions received by Captain Cornwallis, and routinely by other arriving commanding officers, were:
Distinguishing Signals respecting the Officers of the Navy
General Signals for the Officers of the Army to Repair on board the Admiral
Signals Respecting the Colonels or other Commanding Officers and Adjutants of Particular Regments
Instructions and Standing Orders for the Government and Discipline of the Ships of War [14 pages]
Additional Instructions respecting the Conduct of the Fleet preparative to, and in Action with the Enemy
Signals & Instructions for the Conduct of the Officers commanding Schooners or other Armed Vessels stationed to give Notice of any attempts of the Enemy during the Night
Signals & Instructions for the Out Guard boats and Others when on duty during the Night
Captain William Cornwallis Papers, Order Book (January 12, 1777-May 20, 1778), NYHS.
