Whereas the West India Merchants have requested, as the Trade from the Sugar Islands will be constantly sailing from thence to Europe between the 25th of this Month & the 1st of August, that such directions may be given as will be effectual to protect their Ships in their present defenceless State, against any attempts which may be made on them by Cruizers fitted out by His Majesty's rebellious Subjects in North America; And whereas we have sent .Orders to the Commanders in Chief of His Majesty's Ships at Jamaica & the Leeward Islands to appoint Convoys to see the said Trade, at their stated Times of sailing, a certain distance clear of the islands agreable to the request of the said Merchants, and are desirous that every other step should be taken to protect their Ships from any such attempts; You are therefore hererby required and directed to give Orders to the Commanders of such Ships or Vessels of your Squadron as may be appointed to protect the Fishery on the Grand Bank of Newfoundland to stretch occasionally to the outer edge of that Bank to look out for and secure the Trade of His Majts Subjects passing that way, and to endeavour to take or destroy any of the aforesaid Cruizers which may be found in those parts; And, you are to take care, during the Fishing Season, to keep one or more of the Ships or Sloops of your Squadron (if it can be done without neglecting the more material Objects entrusted to your Care) constantly cruizing on the Grand Bank, as well for the above Service, as for the protection of the Ships employed on the Fishery Given &c. the 23d March 1776. Sandwich Lisburne H. Palliser By &c G.J. D.S.