By &c.
You are hereby required and directed to put to Sea in the Ship you command, with the first Opportunity of Wind & Weather and proceed and cruize between Ushant and Cape Finisterre for the protection of the Trade of His Majesty's Subjects and diligently to look out for, and upon falling in with, to use your best endeavours to take or destroy any Privatiers or other Ships or Vessels belonging to the Rebellious Colonies of North America.
You are to continue upon the above Station for 3 Weeks after passing the Latitude of Ushant; and then return, without loss of time to Spithead; and remain there until you receive further Order. Given &c the 21st February 1777.
Sandwich. J Buller. Palmerston.
Sir Richd Bickerton, Terrible, Spithead. By &c PS.
1. PRO, Admiralty 2/ 102, 300-01.
