By &c. &c.

The very Sickly state of the Ships under my Orders here, rendering it absolutely necessary notwithstanding the very high Price of fresh Provisions that they should be accomodated therewith once a Week for the better re-establishing the Men's Health. You are hereby required and directed to Purchase from time to time a sufficient Quantity of Fresh Beef to Serve in lieu of Salt Beef one day in the Week onboard the several Ships & Vessels under my Directions until further Order, on the best terms you can for the Crown; drawing Bills for the Amount on the Commissioners of the Victualing, and taking such Vouchers as are required.

Given &c. [on board the Roebuck at Philadelphia] 1^st January 1778.