, (their captains being
directed to follow your orders,) and putting to sea with them
and the Crescent, the moment the wind and weather will permit,
proceed and cruise between the latitudes of 49 deg. and 50 deg. 30'
north, and from sixty to one hundred leagues to the westward of
the Scilly Islands, for the protection of the trade of his
Majesty's subjects, and the annoyance of the enemy, taking all
possible care of the above-mentioned frigates; and diligently
looking out for, and using your best endeavours to fall in with,
the homeward-bound convoys from Jamaica and the Leeward Islands,
which are daily expected, and which are to be the principal
objects of your attention.

In case of falling in with either of the said convoys, you are
to see, or cause to be seen, such of the merchant ships or
vessels as may be bound to Ireland, or into the Bristol Channel,
as far as may be necessary for their security, and those bound
into the English Channel, as far as the Start; and, having so
done, return with the frigates under your command to the
above-mentioned station, to look out for the other convoy; and,
having met with it, to see, or cause to be seen, such of the
merchant vessels as may be bound to Ireland, and into the
Bristol Channel, as before directed, and to see those bound up
the English Channel off their respective ports, as high as
Spithead, where you are to remain until further orders, sending
to our secretary an account of your arrival and proceedings.

You are to continue on the above-mentioned service until the
20th of next month, unless you shall have fallen in with both
the said convoys sooner; when you are to make the best of your
way to Spithead, and remain there as above directed.

Given under our hands, this 18th day of July 1793.
CHATHAM,
J. SMYTH,
CHs. S. PYBUS.

To James Saumarez, Esq. &c.
By command of their lordships.
P. STEPHENS.

Captain Saumarez received at the same time information of the number
of ships expected from the different islands in both the convoys, took
the Concorde and Thames under his command, and sailed from Spithead on
the 26th of July 1793.

Next to the command of a fleet, that of a squadron of frigates was at
this period of the war considered the most important, and it could not
but be highly gratifying to Captain Saumarez to find himself selected
again for such a d