By Andrew Snape Hamond Esqr
The great number of familys inhabiting Vessels, ill provided with all Sorts of materials, that have ever since the destroying of the Town of Norfolk put themselves under the protection of His Majesty's Ships, have been found to be so great an inconvenience to his Majesty's Service that it is become absolutely necessary that they should be sent to a place of Security. You are therefore hereby required and directed to take all Such Vessels under your care and protection, giving them the Necessary Sailing instructions and proceed with them to the Port of St Augustine, using your best endeavors to prevent any of them from falling into the hands of the Enemy, when after having Seen them safe over the Bar, you are to return without loss of time to your Station and Cruize between the Capes of Virginia to annoy the Enemy by every means in your power.
Given under my hand on board his majesty's Ship the Roebuck in Potomac River Virginia the 31st July 1776.
A S Hamond
1. Hamond, Orders issued, 1776-1777, UVL.