By Andrew Snape Hamond Esq^re. Captain of His Majestys Ship the Roebuck, and Senior Officer of the Squadron stationed in the River Delaware.

Whereas you have represented to me that the Crew of His Majesty's Ship, under your Command, suffer very much by the Weather at this inclement Season for want of suitable Cloathing and there is not a sufficient Assortment of Navy Slops in the Squadron to answer their necessary demands. You are therefore hereby authorised and required to cause the Purser of His Majestys Ship under your Command to purchase such Slops as may be requisite for the Use of the Ships Company; taking care the same is done at as easy a Rate as possible, and that they are good and fit for the purpose.

The Purser will be also to procure proper Vouchers for the Slops he may so purchase, and the Prices paid by him for the different Articles, are to be Charged against the Men receiving any thereof, upon the Ships Books, in a distinct Column, under the head of purchased Slops—

Given onboard the Roebuck at Philadelphia the 1^st January 1778.