By &C
Whereas the Three Transports named in the Margin,1 the former having on board British, & the others Hessian, Recruits for the army under the command of Sr William Howe in No. America are now at Spithead under Orders to proceed to Cork where the said Troops are to be distributed amongst the Storeships taking in Provisions for the said army; And whereas we intend that they shall proceed to that place under Convoy of the Ship you command,2 You are hereby required & directed to take them under your Convoy & putting to Sea with the very first opportunity of Wind & Weather proceed with them to Cork accordingly, And having seen them in safety to that Place, You are to open the enclosed Sealed Pacquet &carry into execution the Orders3 you will find contained therein for your further proceedings. Given &C 12th Jany 1778
Sandwich H Penton H Palliser
By &c PS
LB, UkLPR, Adm. 2/104, fols. 86-87. Addressed at foot: "Capt Roddam—Cornwall—Spithead."
1. "Wm & Mary Preston Resolution."
2. H.M.S. Cornwall (74 guns).
3. Not identified, but on 14 Jan., the Lords Commissioners instructed Roddam, as senior captain at Portsmouth, to convene several courts-martial. Ibid., fol. 89.
