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Whereas from the lateness of the Season it has been thought unadvisable to put to Sea with the whole number of Transports appointed for the Service expressed in your Instructions of the 23d Instant; And the separating of them into two Divisions being deemed inexpedient for the purpose of their Destination: You are therefore at Liberty, notwithstanding the Tenor of those Instructions, to make such Disposition of the several Ships of War and Transports under your Command, as, upon consulting and advising with the Lieutenant General, You shall find most convenient; so that the whole of the Transports (the Grand Duke of Russia excepted) may pass through the Sound under the Conduct of Commodore Hotham, with such Frigates of your Squadron as you shall appropriate for that Part of the Service. Being to proceed yourself with the rest of the Ships of War, and the Transport last named, by Sandy Hook and to the Southward of Long Island; Thence to join the other Transports conducted as aforesaid, at such Rendezvous as, with the Concurrence of the Lieutenant General, You shall see fit to appoint.
Given onboard His Majesty's Ship the Eagle off New York the 25th day of November 1776.
By Command of the Vice Admiral Jos: Davies.
[Endorsed] In Lord Howe's Letter 25 Novr 1776
