Sir Captain Squire in the Otter being arrived from his Cruize, I think it necessary to acquaint you that I am going to proceed in the Roebuck to the River Delaware; It was my intention that the Liverpool under your command should have accompanied me thither had I not lately been under the necessity of sending one of my Squadron to Boston; But from the earnest request made to me by his Excellency the Earl of Dunmore, and considering the present state of this Colony, I think it absolutely necessary that two Ships at least should remain here for its defence, and for the protection of the Governor and his Majesty's loyal and obedient Subjects of this Province, who have taken Shelter on board Ships now lying off Norfolk: It is therefore my desire that you take the Otter under your command and afford every protection and assistance in your power to his Excellency the Governor, to His Majesty's subjects in the Fleet at Norfolk, and to the entrenchment lately made there; Using at the same time every means that may occur to you of annoying and distroying the Rebels, and acting in every respect to the people of this Province as well as the other Twelve united Colonies, as to an enemy in time of open War.

And as I expect the Kingsfisher or some reinforcement, will very Shortly arrive here, You are in that case immediately to join me in the River Delaware, leaving Orders with the Senior officer to cooperate with and give every possible protection to Lord Dunmore and the Friends of Government on board the Fleet at Norfolk.

I desire you will employ the Tenders most diligently in order to prevent any supplies whatever from getting to the Rebels, and once in Ten days to send one of them round to me with an account of your proceedings, and any intelligence that may be necessary to communicate to me.

You are also to use your endeavours to procure Pilots for any part of the Coast of America in order to Supply them to any Ships that may be in want of them, which, you are to bear on Supernumerary List for Victuals untill you have an opportunity of sending them to me. I am &c