New York, 4th September, 1775.
[Extract]
You doubtless have by this time heard that the Asia Ship of War, Ct [George] Vandeput, has fired eight and twenty cannon, besides grape and cannister shot, into our City in consequence of our People's moving some cannon from off the Battery by virtue of an order from the P[rovincial] Congress. Our People returned the salute with their musquetry, by which means one of their People was killed and (as we supposed) several others were wounded. Three of our People were wounded, none killed. But how will you be surprised when I inform you that our pusillanimous Congress, notwithstanding these daring Insults, have been driven by their fears to a compromise, and have promised to supply the ship as usual with provisions. But we have more virtue out of Doors, than in the Cabinet. The People, roused by a just sense of their Injuries, have burnt two long boats that were seen coming from the Man of War, and yesterday had the pleasure of taking a large sloop with twelve Tories on board, who were supplying one of the Transports with provisions for Boston. The scene was really diverting, and our taking her with so much ease rather Providential. ー A very heavy gale came on Saturday evening [September 2] which lasted till Sunday morning at ten o'clock, about which time the sloop parted her cables, and the wind blowing hard up the River, after several fruitless attempts to reach the Asia, she bore away before it. Our People immediately pursued her in small boats. The Asia's tender with about 70 marines besides seamen pursued her. But Vandeput, seeing us mounting some twelve pounders upon two sloops and manning them very strong, guessed at our Intentions and prudently hove out a signal for the Tender's return, which to our great mortification she instantly obeyed. After a ten miles chase they came up with the Boat, and altho' every man on board was doubly armed, took her without exchanging a single shot. When they got her to the shore, it being very wet and cold, their compassion induced them to set her on fire, by way of warming the Passengers Fingers.
