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Pursuant to my Lords Commissioners of the Admtys direction,
You are carefully to avoid Cruizing off the Ports, or approaching so near the Coasts of the French & Spanish Possessions within the Limits of your Station, as to give any unnecessary umbrage or interruption to the Subjects or Trade of those Nations, or any just cause of Complaint which you are likewise to direct Lieutenant [James] Cotes to pay particular attention to for which this shall be your orders.ー
Given under my Hand onboard His Maj Ship Antelope
in Port Royal Harbour Jamaica this 29th August 1776
[Endorsed] NB Captain Douglas receiv'd with the above order, the Kings Instructions, relative to such Captures as should be made in concequence of the late Act pass'd for prohibiting all Trade & Commerce with the Rebellious Colonies & directed to pay particular attention thereto.