By &c

Whereas we intend that His Majesty's Ships and Vessels named in the List hereunto annex'd (together with the Surprize already gone to Newfoundland, and the Sloops and armed Vessels which you left there last Year) shall be employed under your command in protecting the Fisheries of His Majesty's Subjects at, and about that Island, during the present Year, and have directed their Commanders to follow your Orders for their further Proceedings; You are hereby required and directed to take the said Ships and Vessels under your Command accordingly and employ them in such manner as you shall judge most proper for the protection of the beforementioned Fisheries, agreeable to the Instructions you have already received, and such others as you may receive from Us, for that purpose. Given &c the 20th February 1777.

To John Montagu Esqr
Vice Admiral of the White, and Commander
in Chief of His Majty's Ships and Vessels, employed,
and to be employed, at, and about the Island of
Newfoundland, the Islands of Madelaine and
Anticosti; and upon the Coast of Labrador, from
the River St John, to the Entrance of Hudson's Straits.
in Town. By &c PS.