(a Copy) General} No 13 Whereas I have received Information that sundry Vessels from the West India Islands, Laden with Gunpowder, and Military Stores for North America, pass under French Colours, and Papers, and have onboard them a Nominal French Master, pretending likewise to be bound to the Islands of St Pierre and Miquelon, (on the Coast of Newfoundland) thinking to pass for French Vessels and to elude the Vigilance of our Cruizers, and thereby Cover the property of the Rebels.
You are hereby required and directed carefully to Examine all Vessels you may fall in with answering the aforegoing description, and should you, on a strict and diligent search, (which is to be made with Decency and without insult) find such Lading of Gunpowder, and Military Stores on board them; You are to Seize them forthwith, and bring or send them to me to English harbour Antigua, to be proceeded against-according to Law; for which this shall be your Order.
Given under my Hand at English Harbour, Antigua the 31st March 1776. To The Respective Captains of His Majesty's Ships Portland, Experiment, Argo, Hind, Lynx, and Pomona.
