Having ordered the Stores of the Ship you command to be completed to a proper proportion for Channel Service and her Provisions for four Months with all Species except Beer of which she is to have as much as she can conveniently stow & to be supplied with a proportion of Spirits for one Month in lieu of the remainder, you are hereby required and directed to use the utmost dispatch (so far as the same may depend upon you) in getting on board such an additional quantity of Stores & Provisions as may be necessary for those purposes; & then put to Sea, with the very first opportunity of Wind &Weather, & proceed & cruize, from five to twenty Leagues North from Cape Finisterre, for the protection of the Trade of His Maj^ts. Subjects & diligently to look out for, and to use your best endeavour to take, or destroy, Privatiers, or other Ships or Vessels belonging to the Rebellious Colonies of North America.

You are to continue upon the abovemention'd Station & Service for the Space of one Month after you make Cape Finisterre, & then make the best of your way to Spithead, & remain there until you receive further Order; sending Us an Account of your arrival & proceedings. Given &c 12 Nov^r. 1777.

Capt^n. Varlo, Bedford, Plymouth

By &c. P.S.