naval order, signed by Nelson giving directions and instructions to a portion of the Fleet concerning the naval operations off the French coast given on board the Medusa off Boulougne, 2 August 1801.

Transcribed this reads
NELSON’S DIRECTIVE
You are hereby required and directed / take under your command the / vessels named in the margin, and / proceed immediately and take your / station to the Westward of Point Portet / towards Etaples for the purpose of / preventing any of the Enemy’s Ships / or vessels from passing along Shore / should any of them endeavour so / to do you are to use every / exertion in your power to take / or destroy them.

Given on board the Medusa / off Boulonge 2nd Augt 1801 / Nelson Bronte / To Jonas Rose Esqr. / Captain of His Majesty’s / Ship Jamaica / By Command and of the Vice Admiral / Thos Wallis

[In the margin are the names of the ships]
Gannet [a gun vessel which was unsuccessful in an encounter with the enemy off Etaples 15-16 the August 1801]
Mariner [a 12 gun brig, launched 4 April 1801]
Mallard [a 12 gun brig which ran aground in 1804]
Nile [a hired armed cutter]
Teazer [a 12 gun brig, launched 1 August 1801]
Plumper [a 12 gun brig]

NB | The fire power of a 12-gun brig consisted of 2 long guns in the chase position, and 10 carronades, 5 per side. The carronade replaced the heavier cannon between mid-18th to mid-19th century