It having been represented to the King that a resolution has been taken in the Congress of Delegates from the Twelve associated Colonies assembled at Philadelphia that after a certain Day all Exportation from the said Colonies to Great Britain, Ireland and the West Indies shall be discontinued ² and there being great reason to suspect that the Ships & Vessels belonging to those Colonies & hitherto employed in those Channels of commerce, many of which Ships are of large burthen may be fitted out for the purpose of supporting the unnatural rebellion now carrying on; you are in pursuance of His Majestys Pleasure signified to Us by the Earl of Dartmouth one of His Majestys Principal Secretaries of State in his Letter of the 12th of September, last, hereby required & directed in case you find any Ships or Vessels which come within the above description in any of the Ports or Harbours you may visit within the said Colonies to take away their Masts & Rudders or otherwise so disable such Ships & Vessels that they may not be fitted & employed for the purpose abovementioned.

Given &c 7th November 1775