Whereas it is intended that the Transport Vessels named in the Margin having onboard British Recruits for the Army under General Howe, and the Victualling Transports named in the inclosed List laden with Provisions for the use of the Fleet (all which Ships are at present at Spithead, or daily expected to arrive there) shall proceed to North America under Convoy of His Majesty's Ship under your Command; You are hereby required and directed to take the said Transports and Victuallers under your Convoy, and, when ready to put to Sea with them the first opportunity of Wind and Weather, and proceed with them to New York, where it is expected you will find Vice Admiral Lord Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North America; But if, upon your arrival at Sandy Hook, you should be informed his Lordship is not at New York, You are then to proceed to such place as you may learn he is r moved to, and, upon joining his Lordship, you are to put yourself under his Command and follow his orders for your futher proceedings.

And it being intended that the Victualling Transports named in the Margin shall also proceed under your Convoy, in case they arrive at Spithead before you are ready to sail, you are accordingly to take the said Victualling Transports under your Convoy in case they arrive in time and proceed as aforementioned, but not to wait for them.
If there are any other Storeships or Victuallers belonging to the Navy, Ordnance or Treasury Departments intended to join the Fleet under the command of Vice Admiral Lord Howe, or the army under the command of General Howe, or any other Vessels bound to North America that may be ready and willing to accompany you. You are also to take such Vessels under your Convoy, transmitting to us before you sail a List of the names of the several Ships and Vessels with the names of their Masters, and the nature of the landing they have on board Given &c the 23d of July 1776.
J. Buller Palmerston C: Spencer H: Palliser
By &c P:S: