Captn [Christopher] Atkins of the Aceton was directed in pursuance of the King's pleasure signified by [William Legge] the Earl of Dartm mouth on the 28th ult. to proceed immediately with the Maria Ordnance Storeship to Virginia & then repair to South Carolina with Instructions similar to those given to Vice Admiral [Samuel] Graves on the 6th of last Month, to prevent any Commerce unless with Great Britain &c to search every Ship or Vessel going into or out of the Ports and to seize and detain them upon discovery of contraband Trade & to cause it to be publickly signified &c. &c.

Captn Atkins was at the same time directed in case he found the Tamer Sloop at South Carolina to dispatch her away to Georgia & to give her her Commander similar Orders for his proceedings there unless he should learn that Vice Admiral Graves had already provided for that Service.

N B. The Acteon having run ashore and received damage soon after she sailed was obliged to put back to Portsmouth to be repair'd, And the Liverpoole Captn [Henry] Bellew, was order'd to supply her place.

Vice Admiral Graves acquainted that as it appeared by the disposition of his Squadron that only one Frigate was station'd at Halifax for the protection of the Magazines there and as the place was become the only one on the Continent of America where the Ships of his Squadron could be refitted or repaired, or from whence they could receive any Supply of Stores, it was of the utmost importance to His Majesty's Service that the Yard & Magazines there should be secured against any attack from the Rebels, And it was therefore earnestly recommended to him to concert with General Gage the most effectual Measures to be taken for that purpose, Understanding that the General would have received His Majesty's Commands on that head.