[Admiralty Office] 11 Feby 1777
Sir
Having communicated to my Lords Commrs of the Admty your Letter of the 7 Inst informing them of the diseased Condition of the Rebel Prisoners on board the Belleisle & of most of them being over run with Vermin for want of Cloaths to Shift themselves; I am commanded by their Lordships to signify their direction to you, to cause those that are diseased to be sent on shore to the Hospital, taking care that they are guarded so as to prevent their making their escape, and such of them as are in want of Cloaths or Bedding, to be furnish'd with a Bed, a Jacket & two Shirts or such of those Articles, or any others that may be absolutely necessary for keeping them clean & wholesome, transmitting an Account of the Particulars issued to them respectively, that orders may be given for the same to be allowed on the Ships Books I am &ca
P S
Vice Adml Amherst, at Plymouth
1. PRO, Admiralty 2/554, 19.