So soon as the Provisions & Stores of the Ship you command shall be completed agreable to our other Order to you of this date,¹ you are hereby required & directed to put to Sea in the Ship you command, without a moments loss of time & to proceed and cruize between Cape Pinas & Cape Machacaca for the protection of the Trade of His Maj^ts. Subjects & diligently to look out for, and to use your best endeavours to take or destroy Privatiers or other Ships or Vessels belonging to the Rebellious Colonies of North America; And in case you shall receive information, which can be depended upon that any such Privatiers are cruizing in parts continguous to, tho'not within the abovemention’d Station, you are at liberty to proceed in quest of them, taking care to return to the said Station when you have taken, destroyed or driven them away, or shall be thoroughly satisfied that none such are there.

You are to continue, upon the said Station for the space of one Month after your arrival thereupon, and then make the best of your way to Plymouth & remain there until you receive further Order; sending Us an Account of your arrival & proceedings. Given &c. the 22^d. Oct^r. 1777.—

By &^c. P.S.