Sr

My Lords Commrs of the Admty having received various Intelligence of Vessels employed in carrying on an illicit Trade from the British Colonies in North America to Cadiz & other Ports in Spain I am commanded by their Lordships to send you Copies thereof and to signify their direction to you to give orders to the Captains of the Ships under your command to keep a good look out for vessels that may be so employed, And in case of falling in with any of them to seize them agreable to the orders you have received from their Lordships for that purpose &c

(forwarded by the Navy Board)