Sir Cloudesley Shovell has by a late letter from the Downs given an account that the Provisions on board the Ships there are now very short and the complaints of the Seamen are very great, by reason of the scarcity of Butter, Cheese and Oatmeal, which occasions their falling ill of the Scurvy.
We are sending an extract of his letter, and also a List of the Ships which are now in the Downs, and direct you forthwith to give Orders to the Victualling Commissioners that they cause the said ships to be victualled in the same manner as is expressed against their names, to be done with all dispatch.
You are to direct them to make provision of such Specie as are most wanted, such as Bread, Beer and Peas etc; and use their utmost care to to provide a timely supply of Provisions for the whole Fleet.