Catalogue description Philip Stephens. It is of utmost importance that every precaution should be taken to...

Philip Stephens. It is of utmost importance that every precaution should be taken to prevent any clothing of the Regiments in North America falling into rebel hands. Lord George Germain has stated that ships carrying clothing should be sufficiently manned and armed to defect against rebel cruisers, in case of separation from the convoy. The storeships for this service are Mellish for Quebec, Catherine and Richmond for General Howe's Army and the Newcastle Jane for Halifax which are fitted with six 3-pounders and four swivels and gunpowder, and have cabins and victualling for 20 soldiers. Ask whether the guns are sufficient, as if they are not considered suitable, others could not be procured in time. They have loaded most of the clothing and will be ready to sail from Deptford by the 15th.