The Keith Papers

12. Admiralty to Keith

The Rt. Hon. Lord Hobart, one of H.M. Principal Secretaries of State, having acquainted us that information has been received that the Batavian Republic has been called upon by the French Government to furnish a considerable number of boats and vessels with a view to the execution of a plan of invasion against this country, and signified to us H.M. pleasure that instructions should forthwith be given for the purpose of bringing into port all hoys and fishing boats belonging to the French and Batavian Republics, or to the citizens either, and to detain the crews of such vessels until further orders; you are hereby required and directed to give immediate orders to the Captains and Commanders of H.M. ships and vessels under your command to seize and bring into port all French and Batavian fishing boats, hoys and vessels of every description employed in fisheries they may happen to fall in with.

Given 18 June, 1803.

ST. VINCENT, P. STEPHENS, T. TROUBRIDGE.