Whereas we have received Information that a Rebel Privatier from Boston called the [American] Tartar commanded by John Grimes mounting 24. Guns and having on board about 100. Men attacked and took on the 28th ult. about 16 or 17. Leagues E.N.E. of the Naze of Nor­way a Ship belonging to Whitby called the Thomas and Elizabeth bound from Petersburg to Leith with Deals & Iron, which they after­wards scuttled and burnt; that they also attacked & took, about 5. or 6. Leagues off the Lewis's, the Ship Nautilus bound from Greenland to Liverpool with Whale bone & Blubber, and, after plundering her of such things as they stood in need of, sent her to America, And that, after putting the Masters & some of the Crews belonging to those Ships on board another Ship which they had. also taken called the Peggy, off, or near Leith, that the said Privatier sailed away due North; You are hereby required and directed to proceed and cruize in the Ship you command, without a Moment's loss of time, between the Naze of Nor­way & Jutts Reef (instead of your former Station) for the Protection of the Trade of His Majts Subjects and to use your best endeavours to take, or destroy, the abovemention'd Privatier, or any other Shps or Vessels belonging to the Rebellious Colonies of North America, which you may be able to come up with; And, having continued upon this Station until the 26th inst, you are to repair to Elsineur for the homeward bound Trade agreable to our Orders to you of the 31st of last Month. Given &c. the 6th Augt 1777.

By &c. P.S.