Whereas Captn [Henry] Duncan Commr of His Majts Ship the Eagle fitting for the reception of Vice Adml Lord Howe, hath desired, as the great resort of Officers upon Duty to Flag Ships unavoidably occassions a very considerable expence fo their Officers, that she may be supplied, on her arrival at Portsmouth, With six or seven Hundred Gallons of Port Wine in lieu of a proportionable quantity of Rum which she is at present order'd to receive, And whereas we think fit to comply with his request, You are hereby required and directed to cause the Eagle to be supplied with that quantity of Port Wine, instead of Rum, on her arrival at Portsmouth accordingly, provided there is sufficient Wine in Store at that Port to enable you to do it. Given &c. the 7th. of March 1776

J.Buller Palmerston H. Palliser

By &c. P.S