By &c.

Whereas His Majesty's Ship & Sloop named in the Margin¹ are appointed Convoy to the Trade bound to the West Indies which was to have been ready to sail from Cork about the middle of last Month; And whereas we intend that the Ship you command² shall accompany the said Convoy as far as the Latitude of 40º..00" N^o. for their greater security; You are hereby required & directed in case they are not sailed when this comes to your hands, to put to Sea with them the Moment Wind &Weather will permit, & to see them in safety til' they get into that Latitude accordingly (the Commanders of the abovemention'd Ship & Sloop being directed to obey your Orders during the time you and they shall continue together); And then leaving them to pursue their Voyage, make the best of your way in the Ship you command to Plymouth sound, and remain there until you receive further Order; sending Us an Account of your arrival and proceedings.

You are to be particularly careful to the Ships & Vessels of the abovemention'd Convoy; using your best endeavours to secure them from the Privatiers belonging to the Rebellious Colonies of North America, and to take or destroy any such Privatiers, or other Ships or Vessels belonging to those Colonies, which you may fall in, or be able to come up with, without exposing the said Convoy to danger by chasing too far from them. Given &c the 6^th. January 1778.

By &c. G. J.³