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On board the Elizabeth Ordnance Storeship Cowes Feby 16: 1776 Honourable Sirs I beg leave to acquaint your honours that pursuant to Instructions I received from the Respective Officers of the Ordnance at Portsmouth dated the 26 Jany a Copy of which I have Inclosed you and have followed the same as far as Wind and Weather would Permit. I further beg leave to acquaint you that this day I have received further directions (a Copy of which I have Inclosed you likewise) from Lieutt William Cummings Agent for Transports. Pursuant to Orders from the honorable the Commissioners of the Navy: said Orders directs me to put myself under the directions of Mr Samuel Rober.ts and follow such orders as he shall deliver me for my Proceedings: I beg leave to acquaint your Honours, that Contrary to the Orders I first received from the Respective Officers of the Ord 0 nance at Portsmouth, I am now to Proceed to Cork and on my arrival at the said Port to put myself under the Convoy of His Majesty's Ship Greyhound and with her Proceed In:imediately to Boston where on my arrival to deliver such Ordnance Stores I have on board the Elizabeth to Major General [William] How[e] or such Person as he shall appoint to Receive the same. have acquainted the Respective Officers of the Ordnance at Portsmouth herewith ー who have directed me to acquaint your Honours with the Particulars, and as the said Orders are so contrary to each o~her and in two different Departments therefore beg your Honours will be so good to send my final Instructions for my Proceedings as soon as convenient to the Respective