(A Copy)
Whereas the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have directed me to appoint Convoys to the homeward bound Trade from these Islands; You are hereby required and directed to Compleat the Victualing &c of his Majesty's Ship Portland under your Command to three Months, and proceed to Basseterre at the Island of St Christophers, and make known to all such Merchant Vessels as are bound to Great Britain or Ireland, that you are appointed to Convoy them; and direct the Masters'of said Vessels to put themselves under your Command and obey such Orders and directions as they may receive from you, and to take the utmost care they do not loose Company with His Majesty's Ship Portland under your Command, you are to Sail from St Christophers the 8th June with all such Merchant Vessels as are then ready, and on no Account to remain.longer there; You are to proceed with said Convoy on their way to Europe Eighty Leagues clear of the Island of Anguilla, and are then to open the Secret Orders you will receive herewith, for your farther proceedings, and are Strictly to Comply therewith, for which this shall be your Order.
Given under my Hand at English Harbour
Antigua the 30th May 1776
[Enclosure]
Secret Order.
Whereas I have directed You by my Order of this date, to take charge of the homeward bound Trade from these Islands, and Convoy them from St Christophers on their way to Europe, 80. Leagues clear of the Island of Anguilla, and then have recourse to these Secret Orders for Your farther proceedings.
You are hereby farther required and directed to proceed with said Convoy, until You are 120. Leagues clear of the Island of Anguilla; and then leave them to proceed on their Voyage, transmitting a List of all the Vessels which came under your Convoy to the Secretary of the Admiralty, and deliver me a Copy of the same when you return. You are afterwards to Cruize near such places as you think the most likely to meet with American Vessels; all which You are to take as Prize, agreeable to former Orders: taking care to return to Prince Ruperts Bay Dominica to compleat the Portlands Wood & Water so as to join me at English Harbour Antigua by the 20th July next, for which this shall be your Order.
Given under my Hand at English Harbour
Antigua the 30th May 1776.
Jams Young
