(Copy)

You are hereby required and directed to proceed immediately with his Majesty's Ship Portland, under your Command to Prince Ruperts Bay, Dominica, and there use all possible dispatch to compleat the Portlands Wood and Water; as soon as that Service is performed you are to proceed off the Island Curassau [Curaçao]; and Cruize about that and the adjacent Islands for three Weeks; and are to use your best endeavours to intercept and make Capture of all Ships and Vessels belonging to or Owned by any of the Inhabitants of the associated Colonies of North America now in Rebellion; and of all other Ships and Vessels whatsoever that you may meet with, either going to Trade, or coming from Trading with any of the aforesaid associated Colonies taking care strictly to comply with the General Orders you have received from me concerning them; And whereas I have received Information, that several Armed Vessels, and Privateers belonging to the said Rebellious American Colonies are now Cruizing in these Seas to annoy and make Capture of the Trading Vessels and Property of his Majesty's Loyal and Faithful Subjects, you are therefore directed to use your utmost endeavours to take, sink, burn, or otherwise destroy all such Armed Vessels and Privateers, belonging to the Rebels as you can meet with at Sea, but are not to attack them in the Bays Harbours, or Roads of any of the Islands belonging to the European powers in amity with Great Britain, while under protection of their Pcirts; after the expiration of your Cruize you are to return and join me in English harbour Antigua bringing with you such Prizes as you may have taken: For which this shall be your Order

Given &ca the 8th Decemr 1776.

By Command of the Admiral. G. L.

[Endorsed] No 4 Copies of Orders given to the Seaford, Pelican, & Portland. In Vice Admiral Young's Letter 9th Decemr 1776