By &c

Whereas His most Christian Majesty hath ordered the two Merchant Ships named in the Margin¹ lately taken by an American Privatier on their Passage from Jamaica & carried into Nantz to be restored to the Owners who have applied to Us for a Convoy to bring them in safety to England & informed Us that they are nearly ready to sail; And Whereas we think fit that the Ship you command accompanied by His Maj^ts Ship the Thetis now at Plymouth shall perform that Service & have ordered each of them to be supplied with a Pilot properly qualified for the Coast of France,You are hereby required & directed to proceed without a moments loss of time off Plymouth Sound & taking the Thetis under your command (her Commander being directed to follow your Orders) put to Sea again with the very first opportunity of wind &Weather & proceed with her & the Ship you command with all possible expedition to S^t Nazier Road in the Entrance of the River Loire where you are to enquire for the said two Merchant Ships & taking them under your Convoy see them in safety as far as Spithead at which place you are to remain until you receive further orders sending Us an account of your arrival & proceedings Given &c 24^th Nov^r. 1777

By &c PS.