By &c.

So soon as the Ship you command shall have been fumigated & be in other respects in a proper condition for the Sea, You are hereby required & directed to proceed with the very first opportunity of Wind & Weather off the Island of Madeira, & diligently to cruize off that Island for the protection of the Trade of His Majesty's Subjects, & to look out for, & to use your utmost endeavours to take or destroy, any Privatiers or other Ships or Vessels belonging to the Rebellious Colonies of North America which may be found in those parts.

You are to continue upon this Service for the Space of three Weeks after your arrival off Madeira, at the expiration of which time you are to repair to that Island to recruit your Provisions & ',water, and having so done (in which you are to use the utmost dispatch) make the best of your way back to Spithead, & remain there until you receive further Order, Given &c. the 2d of May 1777.

Captn Marshall, Arethusa, Spithead
By &c. 
PS