Whereas we think fit that two Vessels shall be purchased for His Majesty to be employed under your command capable of carrying at least 12 Guns and 90 Men each; You are hereby required and directed to cause two of the best Vessels you can procure to be purchased for His Majesty accordingly upon the best and cheapest terms you can; directing the Naval Officer at Jamaica to draw upon the Navy Board for the Expence attending the same.

And whereas we intend that the said two Vessels shall be Stork. register'd on the List of the Royal Navy by the Names mentioned Ostrich. in the Margin, and that they shall be commanded by Masters and Commanders, you are to call them by those Names, and to appoint Captains with the Rank of Masters & Commanders, also Lieutenants and such other Officers as are allowed Sloops bearmg the before mention'd Complement of Men accordingly.

You are to cause the said Vessels to be mann'd, arm'd, fitted, victualled and Stored in a proper manner for the Service on which they are to be employed, and to direct the several accounting Officers to take charge of, and Indent for the Provisions Stores and Ordnance that may be supplied to them, that they may account for the same according to the Rules of the Navy.

As the manning these Vessels from the King's Ships may prove inconvenient to the Service, you are to take the most adviseable means you can to prevent such inconvenience, calling on the Merchants &c settled at Jamaica to give all the assistance in their power towards procuring the Men wanted for them, in which it is expected they will be the more ready to comply, the Vessels being to be employed for their protection. Given &c the 5th February 1777.
Clark Gayton Esqr
Vice Admiral of the White
&c &c at Jamaica
By &c PS.²