(Copy)
Whereas the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have directed me to appoint Convoys to the homeward bound Trade from these Islands: You are hereby required and drected to Compleat the Victualing &c of His Majesty's Ship Argo under your Command to three Months, and proceed to Basseterre at the Island of St Christophers; and make known to all such Merchant Vessels as are bound to Great Britain or Ireland that you are appointed to Convoy them: and direct the Masters of said Vessels to put themselves under your Command; and obey such Orders & directions as they may receive from you; and to take the utmost care they do not loose Company with his Majesty's Ship Argo under your Command. You are to Sail from St Christopher's the 1st day of August with all such Merchant Vessels as are then ready, and on no account to remain longer there. You are to proceed with said Convoy on their way to Europe One hundred and twenty Leagues clear of the Island of Anguilla, and are then to open the Secret Orders you will receive herewith for your farther proceedings, and are Strictly to comply therewith for which they shall be your Order.
Given under my Hand on board the Portland
in English Harbour Antigua, the 27 July 1776
[Enclosure]
Secret Order
Whereas I have directed you by my Order of this date to take charge of the homeward Trade from these Islands and Convoy them from St Christophers on their way to Europe 120 Leagues clear of the Island of Anguilla, and then have recourse to these Secret Orders for your farther proceedings.
You are hereby farther required and directed to proceed with said Convoy as far to the Northward as the Latitude of 38° .0'.. North, and are then at liberty to leave said Convoy to proceed on their respective Voyages; making the best of your way with His Majesty's Ship Argo under your Command to Spithead, and on your arrival there are to acquaint the Secretary of the Admiralty therewith, sending Him a List of all such Vessels as came under your Convoy; and also the publick Letters you will receive from me; for which this shall be your Order.
Given under my Hand on board the Portland;
in English Harbour Antigua, the 27 July 1776. ー
Jams Young
