By &c

You are hereby required & directed to put to Sea in the Ship you command without a moments loss of time & proceed & Cruize between Ushant & Cape Clear for the protection of the Trade of His Majestys Subjects & diligently to look out for &C to use your best endeavours to take or destroy any Privatiers or other Ships or Vessels belonging to the Rebellious Colonies of N^o. America.

You are to continue upon the above Station for one Month after passing Ushant & then return to Plymouth Sound & remain there until you receive further order; sending Us an account of your arrival & proceedings. Given &c 15^th. Dec^r. 1777

Capt. Graves—Conqueror		Plymo.
"     Sawyer—Boyne
"     Bowyer—Burford
By &c PS		By Express at 9 P.M.