You are hereby required and directed to put to Sea in his Majs Ship under your Command with all convenient dispatch and proceeding forthwith to New York, you are to anchor if possible before the City.
On your Arrival you are to consult with his Majesty's Lieutt Governor of that Province in what manner you can best assist, by the means of the Kings Ship you command, towards supporting the legal Authority of Government, protecting and securing the Kings Stores and the Safety of his Majesty's faithful Subjects in the Province of New York; and you are accordingly to cooperate with the Lieutt Governor and afford him every Assistance in your Power for the above purposes.
You are to take Captain [James] Montagu of his Majesty's Sloop Kingsfisher under your Command and employ him and the said Sloop in the best manner you can for the Kings Service.
And whereas I have received undoubted Accounts that great part of the City of New York adopt the measures of the Rebels of this Province, and have threatened to seize all the Kings Stores, If they have not already done it; You are therefore to endeavour by all means possible to preserve the Cannon, Arms and Ammunition, and either by taking them on board the Kings Ships or in any other Vessel prevent their being illegally carried away.
You are to remain upon that Station until further Order. For all other Orders I refer you to my general Orders and Instructions which you will receive herewith.
Given &c May 1st 1775
