New York 7th Aug. 1775
[Extract]
On the 13th ultimo a Boat belonging to His Majesty's Ship of War the Asia (the only Kings Ship now in this Harbour) under the command of Captn [George] Vandeput was seized and set on Fire by the Mob. The Mayor and Corporation took up the Matter as a high misdemeanor, & attempted a discovery of the perpetrators of an outrage so manifestly contrary to the general sense and inclination of the Citizens. At the same time they engaged to Captain Vandeput an immediate restitution, and in that were supported by both the City Committee & Provincial Congress. The Boat when partly finished has since in the night been secretly cut in Pieces. An other Boat I am told is to be built, and I hear it is to be secured against any attempts to destroy it.
The Kings Stores have been frequently broke in upon, and some carried away.
1. O'Callaghan, ed., Colonial New York, VIII, 597.