We are informed by Vice Admiral Aylmer in the Downs that that the Fireship JOSEPH needs refitting. We have given Orders for her to proceed to Portsmouth if there is any Convoy bound there, otherwise she should come to the Nore. In case she proceeds to Portsmouth we direct you to cause her to be cleaned and refitted, and furnished with the same quantity of Provisions as the Ships of the main Fleet.
If she comes to the Nore opine where where she should be ordered to be cleaned and refitted.
We have ordered the Commander of the ESSEX Prize to proceed to Dover to clean if this can be done in five or six days, and her Provisions completed to six weeks or two months at whole allowance.