In-letters and orders received by the Navy Board
You are directed to have four or five fireships, either owned by their Majesties or hired merchant ships proper for that service, fitted out at Portsmouth. Upon advice received of the motions of the enemy's fleet, there is a probability of speedy action and you are to make all possible provision of sails, cordage and other stores for ships (particularly at Portsmouth) that may come in disabled and to inform us of this.