Understand from our evening meeting yesterday that there are men at present belonging to the NEWCASTLE and GUERNSEY, now refitting at Woolwich, (which by reason of the time these ships will be fitted in) ought to be (for saving of charges) otherwise disposed of.
Ask whether these men are fit to be turned over into other ships, or should be paid off.
Direct you to hire immediately four ships ( in the place of fourth Rates) fitting for Convoys for the Newfoundland ships, also that you provide and hire (according to the former Project) as many ships as will complete the West Indies Squadron to Ten sail, including one of the third rates designed for that service, besides the two Fireships.