(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 Hind under your Command to three Months; and proceed to Basseterre at the Island of St Christopher's, and make known to all 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 Hind under your Command; You are to Sail from St Christopher's the 7th July 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 one hundred 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 1st July 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 Christopher's on their way to Europe 100 Leagues clear of the Island of Anguilla, and thence have recourse to these Secret Orders for your farther proceedings.

You are hereby farther required and directed to proceed with said Convoy as far to the Northward as the Latitude of 27° No and then leave them to proceed of their Voyage; transmitting a List of all Vessels which come under your Convoy to the Secretary of the Admiralty, and deliver me a Copy of the same when you return, after performing the above Service, You are to proceed forthwith to English Harbour Antigua, Speaking all Vessels you may fall in with on your passage, and taking as Prizes all American Vessels, agreeable to former Orders, for which this shall be your Order:

Given under my Hand at English
Harbour Antigua the 1st July 1776.
Jam^s Young.