[New York] Die Mercurii, 9 ho. A.M., August 2, 1775
A Letter from John Dennis, Chairman of the Committee of New Brunswick, in answer to the Letter of the Committee of Safety of the 21st ult., was read, and is in the words following, to wit:
[John Dennis's letter of July 27, 1775.]
Mr. [Isaac] Low moved that this Congress make a Resolution in the words following, to wit:
In Provincial Congress, August 2, 1775
Whereas it appeared to the Committee of Safety, appointed by this Congress during their late recess, that a Boat belonging to His Majesty's Ship Asia, was with- out any provocation attacked, and most wantonly destroyed: And whereas, the Corporation of this City had, under the sanction of the said Committee, ordered another Barge to be built, in order to replace the Barge so destroyed as aforesaid: And whereas, this Congress had approved of that and the other conduct of their said Committee, and voted them their thanks for their faithful services: And whereas, notwithstanding, some disorderly and evil disposed persons did, in the night, destroy and render useless the said Barge, so ordered to be built as aforesaid, by sawing it in pieces: And whereas, the Corporation have since formally applied to this Congress for their direction in the premises:
Resolved, That the perpetrators of the said act are guilty of a high offense and insult against this Congress and the Colony they represent, as endeavouring to contravene the true intent and meaning of their appointment. That they are base violators of the Association subscribed by this Congress, and by them recommended to the adoption of their constituents.
In order, therefore, that the sense of this Congress may be fully known relative to such outrageous acts,
Resolved, That this Resolution be immediately made public, not doubting but that the good inhabitants of this Colony will dully assist and support this Congress in detecting, convicting, and bringing to condign punishment all such factious offenders, as disturbers of the public peace and enemies of their County.
Mr. Low's motion was seconded by Mr. Walton. After some time spent in consideration thereof,
Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed till Friday morning next.