We understand by your letter of 28 November that the RAINBOW privateer, lately taken by the MEDWAY and brought into Portsmouth, is a ship of about 345 tons and may be refitted as a 5th Rate for about £1200. You are directed to buy the ship on the best terms you can to serve as a man-of-war and to fit her out for Channel service. You are to solicit the Lords of the Treasury for money to buy her and to report your opinion as to what number of men and number and nature of guns will be proper to establish her. In reply to the other part of your letter about the victualling ship WILLIAM & ELIZABETH, Richard Tregian, Master, which was left behind when Rear Admiral Nevill sailed to the Straits and is now at Plymouth, she is to continue there until further order. You are to have the owners prosecuted for breach of their charter party.