By &c.
Whereas we have received Intelligence that the Raleigh of 32. Guns, & three other Privatiers from 20 to 24 Guns, are now cruizing between Scilly & the Ramhead; that they have taken one Ship & sent her into France; & that they give out that they intend to intercept the West India homeward bound Fleet; your Lordship is hereby required and directed, in case His Majts. Ship the Boyne should return to Plymouth before the expiration of her present Cruize, to order Captn. Drake, who is appointed her Commander, to proceed with her to Sea again, without a moment's loss of time, and to cruize between Scilly & Ushant, looking out very diligently for, and using his best endeavours to take, or destroy, the beforementioned, or any other Privatiers or Ships or Vessels belonging to the Rebellious Colonies of North America which he may be able to come up with; and to return, at the expiration of one Month after his first arrival upon the aforesaid Station, to Plymouth for further Orders; sending Us an Account of his arrival & proceedings. Given &c. the 3d. Jany. 1778.
Sandwich J Buller H. Palliser
By &c G. J. D.S.
LB, UkLPR, Adm. 2/104, pp. 9-10. Addressed at foot: "To/The Rt. Hble Lord Shuldham/Vice Adml. of the Blue &c &c./Plymouth." Notation: "By Express at 1/2 past 8. P.M."
