Whitehall, September 5th, 1775.
As it is of great consequence to His Majesty's service in the present state of affairs in North America that His Majesty's Ships of War stationed there should not be employed in any other services than those to which they are appointed by the Admiral I am commanded by the King to send to you his Majesty's pleasure that you do not take upon you to send to England any such Ships that may be stationed within the Limits of your Government with any Dispatches unless such Dispatches are of the most pressing nature and no vessel can be otherwise procured in which an Officer may be sent home with them.
I am directed by the Earl of Dartmouth to inclose to you His Majesty's Proclamation of the 23rd of last month for suppressing Rebellion and sedition which you will cause to be made publick in such manner as has been usual on the like occasions.