By &c.

Whereas we intend that the Ship you command shall proceed forthwith to the Island of St Helena to Convoy from thence to England the East India Company's homeward bound Ships; You are hereby required and directed the moment you have completed her Provisions and Stores agreeable to our Order of the 26th Instant and Wind & Weather will permit to put to Sea and make the best of your way in her to that Island.

And Whereas you will receive herewith a pacquet from the East India Company addressed to the Governor of St Helena, and a Letter to yourself, containing some cautions and Signals necessary for your observance on making that Island and before you proceed into the Road, whereby you may make yourself known there as a Friend, you are to observe those cautions and signals, and on your arrival to deliver to the Governor or Lieutenant Governor the abovementioned Pacquet agreeable to its address.

You are to continue at St Helena til it shall be represented to you by the Governor that it may be a proper time for proceeding homeward with the Company's Ships which may be there, and then taking them under your Convoy, make the best of your way (consistent with their security) with them to England; taking care, before you leave St Helena, to give a Copy of the Signals you will receive herewith to the Commanders of each of the said Ships for their information and Guidance; And on your arrival in England you are to see those Ships up the Channel as far as Spithead where you are to remain until you receive further orders; sending Us an Account of your arrival and proceedings.

You are to be particularly attentive to the Ships which may be under your Convoy; keeping them together by every means in your power, And on no Account leaving them upon pretence of their not sailing fast enough to keep Company with you, as we expect that in the course of your Voyage you accommodate your progress to the worst sailing Ship amongst them.

You are at the same time to take all possible care and to give the Commanders of the said Ships such Orders and directions as you shall judge most likely to prevent them from seperating from you til you make the Signal for that purpose; And in case (notwithstanding these precau~ tions) any of them shall part Company with you or disobey your Orders, You are to transmit to our Secretary a List of their Names with the Circumstances attending such separation or disobedience; that the East India Company may have full information of it, and take such measures thereupon as they shall judge necessary. Given &c the 28th February 1777.

Captn Graham ー Thetis ー Plymouth
By &c
PS.