Sir

Having communicated to my Lords Commrs of the Admty your Letter of the 2nd inst desiring to know, for your future guidance whether, if any American Merchants Vessels shou'd be brought into Plymouth, as .Prizes, you are to cause their Crews to be entered as part of the. Complements of the Ships under your Command & their Masters to be put on shore agreeable to the Act of Parliament passed in the last session, or whether you are to cause the said Masters & Crews to be kept in safe custody as Prisoners; I am in return commanded by their Lordships to signify their direction to you to acquaint me, when any arrive for their Lordships information & directions before you dispose of them I am &c

Vice Adml Amherst at Plymouth