Gentn

Lord George Germain, one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State having acquainted us by his Letter of the 21st inst that as the issue of the present Campaign in North America cannot be known here in time to prepare for the operation of another, if another shall become necessary, His Majesty has come to a Resolution of making every preparation for the further prosecution of the War that depends upon this Country, so early that in case the Rebellion is not subdued this Campaign, the next may open the moment the Season will admit; and his Lordship having at the sametime signifyed His Majts Pleasure that Ships be provided of sufficient strength to defend themselves against any of the Rebel Cruizers, for the conveyance of 3,000 Tons of Tents, Camp Equipage, and other Stores to North America, and that they be in readiness to receive the same by the end of December, it be­ing His Majts express Command that the whole should be assembled at Spithead in readiness to sail from thence under Convoy on the 1st day of February — We are to acquaint you that it was in obedience to His Majts said pleasure that we directed you to purchase the four or five Ships of 600 Tons or upwards mentioned in our Order of the 22d inst and that those Ships are intended to be appointed to this Service, and as it is apprehended a larger quantity of tonnage will be wanted for the said Service; We do hereby desire & direct you to purchase Six Ships of the description abovementioned, letting us from time to time [know] when you purchase them, & when they will be ready to receive Men, and proposing what Number & Nature of Guns, and Complement of Men it may be proper to establish upon them. We are [&c.]

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