By the Honble. Geo. Keith Elphinstone, Captain of His Majesty's Ship the Perseus. 

You are required to continue in His Majesty's Ship under your command¹ off this Bar until the return of the Perseus, using your endeavours to prevent any Rebel vessels from entering the river, as also to be attentive to Nassau Inlet; but in such event detach three careful officers and forty men for the defence of the Dreadnought and Thunderer galleys and repair on board the Germaine yourself for the direction of the whole.² 

Send a boat once in 24 hours to the Bluff to communicate with the officer posted there,³ and the officer so sent is to bring the report of the vessels from the commander of the Germaine,⁴ as the Carpenter of the Perseus is ordered to inspect the above-mentioned galleys, you will furnish him with such assistance as may be required.⁵ You are to employ the Fortune schooner in watering the Otter with all speed.