Whereas we.intend that the Ship you command shall proceed to North America with the Transport Ships which are to carry thither .the two Highland Regiments under Orders to embark in the River Clyde; .2 You are hereby required and directed to make enquiry for the said Ships, the Names of which will be given you by Lieut [John] Henry at Greenqck who .is appointed Agent to them; And, so soon as those Regiments shall be embarked
(which it is hoped will be the 15th. inst) You are to take the Ships having them on board under your Convoy, And, in pursuance of the Kings pleasure signified to Us by Lord George Germain one of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, in his Letter of the lt. inst. to put to Sea with the first Opportunity of Wind and Weather & proceed with them, without a Moments loss of time, to Boston in New England; and, if upon your arrival in that Harbour you shall be informed that General Howe and Vice Admiral Shuldham with the Land and Sea Forces under their command, are removed from thence, you are to follow them with the said Transports & Troops to such place as they may be removed to, or to proceed according to such directions as may have been left, for that purpose, by the said Vice Admiral or the Commander in Chief, for the time being of His Majesty's Ships & Vessels ~n North America; whose Orders you are to follow for your further proceedmgs.
Given &c. the 4th April 1776. Sandwich ]:Buller H. Penton By &c. G;J. DS.
