Whereas the Transport Vessels, having on board the Two Hessian Regiments named in the l\1argin 2 with 154 Men belonging to the Regiment de Knyphausen and some other Persons under the Orders of Major General [Werner von] Mirbach, may be hourly expected at Spithead, being the remainder of those Troops which were intended to have composed the 1st Embarkation under the command of Lieutenant General Heister And whereas we intend that the Ship you command shall convoy the said Troops to the Place of their destination You are therefore hereby required and directed to hold yourself in constant readiness for sailing, and, the Moment they shall arrive at Spithead, and be in readiness to proceed, you are to take the Transport Vessels having them on board (a List of which will be delivered to you by the agent who has the care of them, and who will be directed to follow yotit orders) together with any Storeships, Victuallers or other Ships or Vessels bound to North America and ready to sail, which may be at Spithead, and then putting to Sea with the very first opportunity of Wind and Weather, proceed with them down Channel, and when you get twenty Leagues to the Westward of the Lizard, you are to open the inclosed sealed [*] Packet and put in execution the Orders you will find therein contained for your further proceedings. Given &c the 21st May 1776.
J:Buller Lisburne H. Palliser
*vide Secret Order Book
By&c P:S:
By a Messenger next day at ½ p. 10. pm.
