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By James Young Esqr Vice Admiral of the Red &ca

You are hereby required and. directed forthwith to proceed in his Majesty's Sloop Beaver, under Your Command, to the Road at the Island of St Christophers, and there Compleat the Beavers Water; and the moment that is done proceed and Cruize among the Leeward Charibbee Islands Vizt off St Eustatia St Martins, St Bartholomew, and St Croix, and use Your best endeavours to intercept and make Capture of all Ships and Vessels belonging to, or owned by any of the Inhabitants of the associated Colonies in North America, now in Rebellion and of all other Ships and Vessels belonging to, or owned by any of the Inhabitants of the Associated Colonies in North America, now in Rebellion; and of all other Ships and Vessels whatsoever, that You may meet with either going to Trade, or coming from Trading, with any of the aforesaid Associated Colonies; taking care Strictly to Comply with the General Orders you have already received from me concerning them.

And Whereas I have received Information that several Arm'd Vessels and Privateers belonging to the said Rebellious American Colonies are now Cruizing in these Seas, to annoy and make Capture of the Trading Vessels and property of his Majesty's Loyal and Faithful S~bjects: You are hereby directed to use Your utmost Endeavours to take, sink, burn, or otherwise destroy all such Armed Vessels and Privateers belonging to the Rebels, as you can meet with at Sea; but are not to attack them in the Bays, Harbours, or Roads of any of the Islands belonging to the European Powers in Amity wth Great Brittain whilst under the protection of their Forts: You are to remain on this Service 'till the Expiration of six Weeks, and then (having Compleated the Beavers Water) return and join me in English Harbour Antigua; for which this shall be Your order

Given &ca at English Harbour Antigua
the 8th February 1777.

By Command of the Admiral Geo Lawford