Whereas we have order'd the Commanding Officers of His Majesty's Ship, Sloop and Armed Vessel named in the Margin (the two first of which are at, and the latter on her way to Spithead) to put themselves under your command and follow your orders for their farther proceedings; You are hereby required and directed to take them under your command accordingly.
And Whereas We think fit that you shall proceed forthwith to New York, taking under your Convoy the Transports and Storeships mentioned in the annexed List, and also any other Ships or Vessels, which may be in readiness to proceed thither or to Halifax in Nova Scotia, You are hereby further required and directed to make enquiry for the said Transports and Storeships, and also for such other Ships or Vessels as are abovementioned, and then putting to Sea with the very first opportunity of wind and Weather make the best of your way, consistent with their Security, to New York where you are to deliver the inclosed pacquet to Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Howe Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North America, and putting yourself under his Lordship's command follow his Orders for your further proceedings.
You are to be very attentive to the Ships and Vessels which proceed under your Convoy, and more particularly to the Lord Townsend, Howe and Friendship, keeping them together by every means in your power, And, on no account leaving them upon pretence of their not sailing fast enough to keep company with you, as we expect that, in the course of your voyage you accomodate your progress to the worst sailing Ship amongst them.
You are at the same time to take all possible care, and to give the Commanders of the said Ships and Vessels, such orders and directions as you shall judge most likely, to prevent them from seperating from you; And, in case (notwithstanding these precautions) any of them shall part company with you orcdisobey your orders, You are to transmit to our Secretary a List of their Names, with the circumstances attending such seperation or disobedience, that such measures may be taken thereupon as shall be judged necessary. Given &c the 18th March 1777.