Sir,

I send you herewith the Secret Instructions which my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased to sign for your proceedings with the Sloop you command and the Discovery Sloop commanded by Captain [Charles] Clerke; But as Captain Clerke is not yet able to repair on board the Discovery, and it is of great consequence that you should yourself proceed to the Cape of Good Hope without delay, I have it in command from their Lordships to signify their direction to you to put to Sea with the first opportunity of wind and weather without the Discovery Sloop, leaving directions for her Commander (to be delivered to him on his arrival at Plymouth) to follow you to the Cape of Good Hope without a moment's loss of time; And as their Lordships do not wish that you should wait for him at the Cape any longer than you think it may be done with prudence, and without risking any inconvenience to the further progress of your Voyage, it is their Lordships farther direction that if you judge it proper to sail from the Cape before the Discovery arrives, you do, in that case, leave with a trusty person, to be delivered to her Commander upon his arrival, such Rendezvous, and Accounts of the Course you intend to steer, as you shall thinkmost likely to effect his speedy junction with you.

Their Lordships command me to add that a Copy of your Secret Instructions will be delivered to Capt Clerke before he sails from Plymouth, with directions to him to open them, and execute them as far as he is able, in case he should not, after using his utmost efforts, be able to join you according to the Rendezvous you will leave for him; but to deliver them to you unopened, in case he should join you.

I most heartily wish you a succesful Voyage;² and am &ca