I am Commanded by the King to signify to your Lordship His Majesty's Pleasure that you do direct the Board of Ordnance to provide such Armed Ships, for the Conveyance of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores to America, as their Lordships suggest to be the most suitable for the purpose in like manner as has been done by that Branch of His Majesty's Government, which has the Charge of Victualling the Army in America, taking especial Care that no Ship be employed in this Service that is not provided with at least 12 Carriage Guns 9 and 6 Pounders, and a Complement of Men equal in Number to Three to each Gun; That Accommodation be made for the Reception of a Party of Recruits; That She sail with Convoy, and that it be stipulated in the Charter Party, that two Naval Officers be received on board, who are to direct her Course, and regulate her Proceedings.2
1. PRO, Admiralty 1/4012.
2. Accompanying this letter is an undated memorandum entitled: "Extract of Contracts for Armed Ordnance Transports." It reads:
The Lord Townshend to be fitted to carry not less than Twenty 9 Pounders and 6 Six Pounder Carriage guns to have 3 Men to a Gun -
The Lord Amherst to be fitted in the same manner.
The Unity to be fitted to carry 2 ー 9 Pounders. 12 ー 6 Pounders ー 3 Men to a Gun
The Richmond to be fitted to carry 2 ー 9 Pounders & 10 ー 6 Pounders 3 Men to a Gun
Sixty Rounds of Powder & Shot allowed for each Gun.
Two Naval Officers to be received and accommodated on board each Ship who are to direct the Course of the Ships and Regulate the proceedings during the continuance of the said Ships in His Majesty's Service.
That in case the said Ships shall during their Continuance in His Majesty's Service be Attacked by any of the Rebel Cruizers or Pirates that the Masters, & Men shall to the utmost of their Power Aid and Assist in Working and Defending the Ships against such Rebell Cruizers or Pirates.
The Damage Sustained in Action to be paid for, and the Ships if Burnt, Taken or Destroyed, if shall appear to a Court Martial or upon any other Legal Examination that the Master & Men made the utmost Defence They were able, but not otherwise. -
