The Virginia Gazette

The first disposition for the fleet at Spithead, by which the whole was to be ranged into one line, being found too extensive and incommodious withal, the flag officers have delivered out the following disposition, by which the ships are formed into two lines, and so placed that those in the second line will be opposite to the intervals or opening in the first, and the whole will appear but as one line to persons approaching from Portsmouth. The two lines are at three cables length asunder, and the several ships in each line at two cables length from each other. Those ships which are to be dressed or adorned with a profusion of colours, are here marked with an asterisk, the ships of the admirals with a cross, and the royal residence (where the lords of the admiralty will also be) with a dagger [†].

North line of capital ships. Reasonable, Boyne, Somerset, Worcester, † Barfleur, Asia, St. Albans, Egmont, Resolution, * Kent. South line of capital ships. * Albion, * Dublin†, Torbay, Lenox, * Royal Oak, Centaur, Terrible, Triumph, * Ocean†, Marlborough. Lines of frigates and sloops. Thames, Orpheus, Cerberus.

Portsmouth, June 17. This morning three companies of the royal regiment of artillery from Woolwich marched into this place; they are quartered in different parts of the town, and came on purpose to exercise the guns on the fortifications, during his Majesty's stay here.
When his Majesty goes afloat, the admirals and captains, in their twelve oared boats, are to row in the following order.

Vice Admiral Pye.

Lords of the Admiralty.

KING.

R. Ad. Spry.

Com. of the navy.

L. Edgecombe.

The captains of this division two and two, according to seniority.

When the royal standard appears without Blockhouse Point, the whole fleet is to man their yards; and when Admiral Pye makes a certain signal, all the ships are to salute with 21 guns; so soon as the King's standard is hoisted on board the Barfleur, 21 guns more are to be fired from each ship; and when his Majesty proceeds either in his yacht or barge through the fleet, and passes the ships in review, each ship, as he approaches her, is to give three cheers and fire 21 guns. His Majesty is to be conducted back by the boats in the same order as he came.

The second day, during the first salute, the ships appointed to dress are to display their colours, so that as soon as the smoke disperses they will be seen in full parade. After the King is on board and saluted, the frigates, upon a signal, are instantly to get under sail, pass under the stern of the Barfleur, lower their topsails, and salute with 21 guns. His Majesty returns as he came. The third day the same will be repeated, and Lord Edgecombe's whole squadron is to get under sail and go off to Plymouth; and when the King goes on shore each captain is to wear the pendant of his proper division upon a staff at the head of his ten oared barge.

It is said that no part of the royal family will accompany his Majesty to Portsmouth.