Sir,

During the Absence of the Army from the Town it is to be apprehended that the Enemy may endeavour to make a diversion and attempt by incendiarys to set fire to the Transports at the Wharfs.

You will therefore please to inform the Agents acting under your orders, that it is my earnest desire that they pay a most particular attention to the Regulations established within their districts, to see that the Pumps and Buckets of each Ship are in good Order, that the Guard is properly kept by the Masters in Rotation, and that it is understood by them to be not a matter of form only, but a business of the utmost Consequence. I am [&c.]