By &ca. &ca.
You are hereby ordered and directed to take the four Vessels named in the Margin1 under your Convoy, and to proceed with them down the River Delaware the first favorable opportunity, giving them all possible Assistance in passing the Obstructions in the River, as well as protection from the Enemy in case of their meeting with any accident by the way. When you shall have arrived at the Capes, You are to deliver the enclosed Orders2 to Lieutenant Whitworth3 Commanding the Stanley Armed Brig (who is to take Charge of the Convoy) and then proceed with all possible expedition to New York, where you are to deliver the enclosed Dispatches4 to Commodore Hotham and follow his Orders for your further proceedings.—
Given &c [on board the Roebuck at Philadelphia] the 20th January 1778.
A S Hamond.
LB, ViU, Hamond Papers, Orders Issued (1778-1780), pp. 10-11. Addressed below close: "Capt. H. Bellew/Liverpool—"
1. "Dispencer Pacquet. Ship Catherine. Alert Schooner. Brig George."
2. Marginal notation: "Vid Pas."
3. Lt. Richard Whitworth, commanding H.M. armed brigantine Stanley.
4. Marginal notation: 'Vid Letters Pas. 4 & 5."
