Amsterdam, 2 May. According to a Royal decision dated Brussels 27 April was since 10 May every three weeks a Dutch frigate or another warship waiting off Duins for Dutch merchant ships which wanted an escort to the northern and western harbours of France and Spain as far as Gibraltar. Ships coming back from the Mediterranean towards Gibraltar could be escorted homewards by one ships of the squadron commanded by rear admiral Ruijsch. All Dutch officers were ordered to take care of French and Spanish privateers and immediately to aid ships flying Dutch colours even if not escorted. The Dutch warships were to depart regularly even without merchant ships to be escorted but still cruising in the most fairways. The crown ordered also that none ships were to be escorted with war stores, victuals of what so ever cargo on board which France or Spain considered to be contraband. The Dutch navy officers were also ordered that when a harbour was found blockaded they would suggest the masters of the ships they escorted to go to the next not blockaded harbour.
