Whereas by our Commission dated this Day We have appointed you Commander in Chief of His Majts Ships & Vessels employed and to be employed at&: about the Island of Newfoundland the Islands of Madelaine & Anticosti and upon the Coast of Labiador from the River St John to the entrance of Hudson's Straits and intending you shall proceed thither in His Majestys Ship the Romney; You are hereby required & directed-to proceed to Portsmouth & hoist-your Flag on board the said Ship, & taking her, and the Cygnet Sloop under your Command (their Captains being directed to follow your Orders) 2 hold yourself in constant readiness for Sailing Given &c 28th February 1776 To John Montagu Esqr Vice Adml of the Blue &c &c
Sandwich Lisburne H Penton
By &c PS
1. PRO, Admiralty 2/100, 456.
2. Ibid., 455. Captain G. Keith Elphinston, Romney at Portsmouth and Captain Elliot Salter of the Cygnet at Spithead were issued similar orders this date.
