Vice Admiral [William] Parry Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships at the Leeward Islands was directed in pursuance of His Majesty's pleasure signified by the Earl of Rochford on the 26th to be particularly attentive to the illicit Trade carried on from St Eustatia & other Dutch Settlements to His Majesty's Colonies in America, and to direct the Captains & Commanders of the Ships & Vessels under his command to intercept & seize any British or Foreign Ships which might be found carrying on an illicit Trade and to have on board prohibited Goods, ー Merchandize or warlike Stores destined to the said Colonies; and to instruct the said Captains &c. to behave with the necessary moderation & prudence in the execution of it.
By a subsequent Order of the 27th of February, he was in pursuance of the King's further pleasure signified by Lord Rochford on the 24th told (and directed accordingly) that it was only intended that such Foreign Ships should be examined and seized as might be found hovering about His Majesty's Colonies in America or within 2 Leagues from the Land, and that they should not be seized on the high Seas at more than that distance unless upon some particular well founded Information of their having on board prohibited Goods & Merchandize or Warlike Stores destined for His Majesty's said Colonies. But that this Restriction was not to extend to Ships belonging to His Majesty's Subjects.
N.B
Like Orders were given to Vice Admiral [James] Young on the 15th of April 1775. previous to his going out to relieve Vice Admiral Parry.