New York 9th of Sept. 1775
[Extract]
Will you do me the favour to contradict a paragraph in Mr. Holt's paper, in which he says that the man of war had stopped several vessels with provisions, and that we had set our own price upon whatsoever we chose to take?2 The truth is, that we have not taken or bought any sort of provisions from any vessel, except three hundred oysters which I bought yesterday, and for which I gave the owner two shillings more than what he told me was the market price. The transport has, I believe, got a few fowls and ducks for their sea stock, not being able to procure any from the shore; but I am well assured, that whatever price was asked for them, was paid, and that the officer in the transport has receipts for whatever few things he has bought. I should not have taken notice of this, as I scarcely suppose any one who knows me would believe it; but I think it would be blame-worthy in any one not to contradict any such report, which, if credited, might serve to inflame.
1. New York Gazette, September 18, 1775. Mr. Hugh Gaine, the printer, was asked to insert it "with a view to correct a paragraph in Mr. Holt's last week's Journal." Lott was a contractor for supplying British ships.
2. New York Journal, September 7, 1775.
