Whereas we intend the Ship you command, accompanied with the Ships & Sloops named in the Margin,¹ shall proceed to the West Indies with such Trade bound thither, as shall arrive at Spithead, when the Wind shall have been fair for bringing Ships from the Downes for the space of 48. hours after the receipt hereof; You are, therefore, hereby required and directed to take the said Ships & Sloops under your command (their Commanders being directed to obey your Orders) & such Trade as shall be assembled at the time abovemention'd under your convoy; and, putting to Sea with the very first opportunity of Wind & Weather, proceed with them towards the places of their destination, And, having seen such as may be bound to Barbadoes in safety to that Island, you are to dispatch the Aurora & Deal Castle to Tobago & Grenada with such as may be bound thither; directing their commanders, after they have seen them in safety to the respective places of their destination, to cruize about those Islands (the former off Tobago the latter off Grenada) for the protection of the Trade of His Maj'^ts. Subjects, & to use their best endeavours to take, or destroy Privatiers or other Ships or Vessels belonging to the Rebellious Colonies of North America; continuing on that Service until they shall be relieved by other Cruizers from Vice Adm^l. Young or the Commander in Chief for the time being of His Maj'^ts. Ships at Barbadoes the Leeward Islands &c. with whom they are to correspond by all convenient opportunities, following his Orders for their further proceedings; And to whom you are to cause the inclosed Packet to be delivered, or safely conveyed, by the first opportunity which may present itself after your arrival within the Limits of his Station. 

Having dispatched the Aurora & Deal Castle as above directed you are, in the Ship you command accompanied by the two Sloops, to proceed towards Antigua with the Trade bound to that & the neighbouring Islands, And, having seen those bound to Antigua, in safety thither, & the others as far as your way & theirs may lie together, make the best of your way to Jamaica with such as may be bound to that Island and the Florida's; directing the Commander of the Hound, when you reach the East end of that Island, to see the Trade bound to the North side of it, in safety to the Ports of their destination, and then to follow you to Port Royal, where, upon your arrival, you are to put yourself under the command of Vice Adm^l. Gayton, or the Commanding Officer for the time being of His Maj'^ts. Ships & Vessels at that Island; And, delivering to him the inclosed Packet, follow his Orders for your further proceedings. 

You are to be very attentive to the Ships and Vessels which proceed under your convoy &c. (same as to Capt^n. Moore of the Exeter P.)² Given &c. the 30^th. October 1777.

By &c. P.S.