By James Young Esqr Vice Admiral of
the Red &ca &ca &ca
Whereas I have received repeated Complaints from the Masters of Sundry Victualling Transports, now lying in St Johns Harbour, who are employed in Government Service to carry Provisions to the Kings Army in North America that their Seamen are enticed to leave them and enter on board the Vessels called Privateers illegally fitted out from this Island to Cruize and make Capture of Vessels on the High Seas without Commission or any Lawful Authority so to do; by which said Transports are greatly distressed for want of Men to refit their Vessels for Sea, in order to proceed on their Voyages with the Kings Stores they have on board for the use of his Army in America.
You are hereby required and directed to proceed immediately to St Johns Road Antigua, with His Majesty's Sloop Shark under your Command; and having Moored her in Safety are to use your utmost Endeavours to put an immediate Stop to the disorders complained of; by taking on board His Majesty's Sloop Shark, all such Seamen as the Masters of any of the Transports may inform You have left their respective Ships and Entered on board any of the a:bovementioned Armed Vessels: and you are to keep them on board the Shark 'till the Transports they belonged to are ready to proceed on their Voyage, and then return them on board their proper Ships. You are also to see that the Masters of said Transports make no delay in getting their Ships ready for Sea and acquaint me with their proceedings Weekly You are likewise hereby directed to protect and Guard from any Insult of the Rebels all such Merchant Ships as may be lying in St Johns Road and are to examine with Your Boats all Ships and Vessels that may come into, or Sail from said Road or Harbour, and make Report to me as often as may be needful in the Form given You herewith, for which this shall be your Order.
Given &ca at English Harbour 6th February 1777.