Copy.
By the Viscount Howe, Vice Admiral of the White and
Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels
employed and to be employed &c in North America.
Whereas it has been judged expedient whilst the Season may still admit, to take every possible Advantage thereof, and to prosecute fresh Invasions on such Parts of the Coasts and Settlements of the King's rebellious Subjects, as they might by further Opportunity afforded be able to strengthen, and under such Protection continue their illegal Opposition to His Majesty's just Authority and Government with greater Effect; It has been determined in consequence to proceed with a sufficient Force in Troops and Ships of War for making a Descent on the Colony of Rhode Island, in view to take an established Possession of the Town and Port.
And whereas by the leave granted at the request of the Vice Admiral Lord Shuldham, for his Lordship to return to England by the earliest Conveyance, the Direction of the separate Service intended devolves in Succession upon You; You are therefore hereby authorised and directed to take under your Command and Conduct (in Conjunction with the Commodore Hotham, subordinate to You) the several Ships of War and Transports specified in the Lists annexed, and destined for that Service: the respective Commanders and Agents concerned having received suitable Notice thereof.
When the Land-Forces under the Command of the Lieutenant General Clinton have been embarked, and every Requisite provided for that Occasion; You are to proceed with the said Ships of War and Transports, as soon as the Wind and Weather will permit, to the Colony of Rhode Island; For making a Descent in such Manner, and on such Part or Parts thereof, as with the Concurrence of the Lieutenant General, or other the chief Commander-of the said Forces, is thought fit. Being further to render with the Ships of War and Seamen under your Command, every Assistance for promoting the Purpose of this Armament, on Requisition from the Lieutenant General, that your Means will admit; Or as You may otherwise in your Discretion and Judgment see cause from time to time separately to direct.
And as a further Object of your present Appointment will be, to prevent the rebellious Inhabitants of the said Colony and Parts adjacent in their Purpose, by the different Armed Vessels they have prepared, to make Capture of, and appropriate to their Use, the Ships and Effects of His Majesty's faithful Subjects; it is recommended to your particular Attention, as soon as the Progress of the Army in the Reduction of the Island will admit, by every possible Means to seize, burn or otherwise destroy, such Armed Vessels taking shelter in the Ports and Harbours thereof. And also with the Assistance (when it may be necessary) of such Land Forces as can be spared by the Lieutenant General, on your Application to that Effect, to recover from the Possession of the Rebels for being restored to their rightful Owners, such of their Ships and Cargoes as may now be detained in the Harbour of Providence, or other Harbours and Ports as before expressed.
Carysfort.
Greyhound.
Merlin Sloop.
And whereas the Ships named in the Margin are stationed off of the Port of Rhode Island, to prevent all Intercourse therewith, or the Escape of the Enemy's Ships from that Port; You are at liberty to employ them in any Manner you judge requisite for the Service You have in Charge.
You will please to make known to me, the Progress of your Operations on that Service, or any material Incident arises; and to accomodate the Lieutenant General with suitable Opportunities, by detaching One (or more) of the smaller Frigates attending upon the Fleet, when he shall have Occasion to correspond with the Commander in Chief of the Army.
You are to communicate to him the Contents of these Instructions and all the Information You may acquire relating to the Object of your present Appointment: And to co-operate with him in every Measure that he may propose for the Benefit of the King's Service, as you are able, in all other Respects. And in case of your Inability to direct the Conduct of such separate Services as aforesaid, these Authorities and Instructions are to remain in equal Force with the Officer on whom the chief Command of the Squadron may from time to time devolve.
Given onboard His Majesty's Ship the Eagle off New York the twenty third day of November 1776
To The Commodore Sir Peter Parker, hereby appointed to command a Squadron of His Majesty's Ships intended for a separate Service; Or the Officer on whom the chief Command thereof, for the time being, may devolve.
By Command of the Vice Admiral Josh Davis.
[Endorsed] In Lord Howe's Lre of 25 Nov 1776
