(Having Authority from The Viscount Howe, Vice Admiral and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Fleet in North America &ca &ca &ca)

He Informs the Inhabitants of the several Towns, and of the Sea Coast on the Western Side of the Chesepeake that if They, in any manner Molest (either in their Persons or Propertys) the Inhabitants of the Eastern Shore; Who, may be disposed, to Return to Duty and Allegiance: They may expect to Feel the full Force and Weight of Retribution and Resentment from His Majesty's Forces. What that Armament and Force is, has been Manifestly Conspicuous to the full View of both Shores from one Extremity of the Chesepeake to the other.

'Tis Needless now to add, (but to such as are deluded by Erronious Account) That Mr Washington and His Army, have Abandoned this Country, and Fled before tµe General and the British Forces. In this Situation it Behoves such as are Concern'd, That, They, avoid every Act of Cruelty to their Bretheren, and it Behoves Me, to inform them of the Consequence in Case of a Refusal.

The Admiral and General (from Duty and Inclination) Have invariably Persever'd in the Mild and Merciful Intentions of His Majesty; nor has any Advantages gain'd, by our Forces at any Time, alter'd Their Sentiments. They are Ready and Willing to Receive, All Returning, Deluded Subjects to Favor and Protection, But 'tis expected Such, will Deserve, what They Desire, by an Exertion for (What must be) the Mutual Happiness and lnterest of both Countrys.

'Tis not the Passions but the Cool Reason of the Western Inhabitants This is Address'd to: To Protect the Unhappy and Suffering is the purport of it, and 'tis sincerly Hoped it will (as Candidly) be Consider'd and Attended to.

Not even an Idea of Restraint on the Gallys and Cruizers, (Hovering within the Shoals) is Meant, If the Vigilance and Activity of His Majesty's Officers does not Preserve this Convoy even from such lurking Insults, We Deserve not to be the Protectors of them.

To the Inhabitants on the
Western Side of the Chesepeake.