My Lords,

Orders having been given to provide the Cloathing for His Majesty's Troops serving under General Sir William Howe & to be in readiness for shipping by the 20th of July next, for the Freight of which 750 Tons will be necessary, I am commanded by the King to signify to Your Lordships, His Majesty's Pleasure, that you do direct the Navy Board to engage Transports for its Conveyance, capable of being sufficiently armed to make a good Defence, against any Rebel Cruizers it may be expected they might meet with in case of Separation from the Convoy they shall be appointed to sail with, and also of accommodating at least Fifty of His Majesty's Troops on board of each for their greater Security.

I am also to signify to your Lordships His Majesty's further Pleasure, that you do direct the Navy Board to provide Transports for the Conveyance of about 350 Recruits to the said Army, which will be in readiness to embark at Chatham on the 25th of this Month. I am &ca