the Bay of Naples should be immediately blockaded, to prevent the
French forces in those places from getting any supplies of corn or
other articles by sea; and it being expedient that an officer of
your distinguished merit and abilities should command the blockade,
in order to render it the more effectual--
"You are hereby required and directed to take under your command,
the ships named in the margin--[Minotaur, Zealous, Swiftsure,
Seahorse, Perseus bomb, and El Corso sloop]--embarking on board
them the Governor of Procida, and two hundred troops, as also such
officers as are ordered by his Sicilian Majesty to embark with
them, and proceed to the Bay of Naples. And it being necessary that
the squadron employed on this service should have some safe
anchorage, the more effectually to carry on the said blockade, and
the Island of Procida affording the anchorage desired, you will do
your endeavours to seize and get possession of the said Island of
Procida, if possible, and reinstate the governor in the command
thereof, and using every means in your power to conciliate the
affections of the loyal part of the inhabitants; and, also, of
those of the islands of Ischia and Capri; and, if possible, bring
them to their former allegiance: and, also, to communicate with the
loyal inhabitants of Naples, as much as in your power, and by every
opportunity; but, by no means, to fire upon the city, without
farther orders from me, or circumstances render it necessary to
fire on some parts of it, in case of the loyal taking arms against
the French. And you will use every effort to prevent all supplies
of corn, or other articles, from entering the city and ports in
the Bay of Naples; and also of Gaietta and it's vicinity, and
along the Roman coast to Civita Vecchia: and, as it is said, the
Ponzo Islands continue in their allegiance to his Sicilian Majesty,
you will direct that all protection and assistance may be given to
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