My Lords

In consequence of the Intelligence received that Orders have been given by the french Court for seizing or destroying all Ships and Vessels belonging to British Subjects, I am commanded to signify to Your Lordships His Majesty’s Pleasure that You send immediately Instructions to Admiral Keppel¹ to seize or destroy all Ships belonging to France or french Subjects which he may meet with, and that You give the like Orders to Vice Admiral Buckle² Commander in Chief of His Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Downs, and to the Commanders of His Majesty’s Ships and Vessels employed as Convoys or Cruizers on the Coast of Great Britain and Ireland; And it is His Majesty’s further Pleasure that Your Lordships should order Vessels to be prepared with all possible Dispatch to carry the same Instructions to the Commanders of His Majesty’s Fleets, Ships and Vessels on foreign Stations. I am &c