Sir

The 22d of last Month Mr Lobb delivered me your two Letters Octr 9 with the Extract of two Letters therein mentioned from Governor Tryon. When I mentioned that I could not at present determine upon the propriety of your Conduct in firing upon those who were stealing the Guns, and had killed one of your People,² I did not mean to condemn what you had done, but wished that by some vigorous effort you could have compelled the City to return the Guns they had so scandalously permitted to be taken away, and perhaps with a Design to disgrace the King's Officers immediately on the Spot. Upon reconsidering the matter I am happy nothing more was done; the Action though extremely impudent and provoking was certainly not of sufficient turpitude to occasion the destruction of the City, especially at that Juncture when you was unprovided with Instructions how to act in such Cases.

I am extremely pleased your firing upon the Battery did not occasion those restraints we expected; and I hope to whatever Cause the Quiet of the City may be attributed they will yet have the Wisdom speedily to return to their Duty, and no longer suffer their present delusion to operate to their Ruin. I heartily wish you may seize some of the Ringleaders.

I send back the Viper to you; Captain [Samuel] Graves carries with him Shirts, Frocks, Trowsers, Shoes, and the Rope you have desired.

I approve of your detaining and disposal of the Viper. The intention of a Sloop with you is to be employed in the most effectual manner for the good of the Kings Service; And it was certainly right not to trust the Mails in the Charlotte,³ when by tarrying a few days they might go with so much greater Safety in the Viper.

General Gage was sailed for England when your Letter arrived vindicating yourself against the Complaint of Lieutt Campbell, which indeed I had done before, but I shewed it to General [William] Howe, and you may rest assured we are perfectly satisfied with your Representation of the Matter and that Mr Campbells Complaint was without Reason.⁴

The several Intelligencies contained in your Letter are very satisfactory, and I beg you will accept my thanks for the Communication of them. I am &c

Capt. Vandeput Asia New York