[Philadelphia, January 7, 1776] 2
The Asia and Phenix are stil in New York ー Their fast are on shore ー their nettings open ー and appear in Perfect security ー The Asia lies opposite Pecks slip ー and the Phoenix a hundred yards below My Friend arrived there from thence last night at 12 o'Clock You have seen the Kings speech ー The Parliament address is ten times more violent ー A schooner with dainties for Genl [William] Howe at Boston is cast away and all his Poultry spoiled ー a fine Chesshire Cheese a Compliment from [George Vandeput] to him cased on Lead betrayed the intention of the Voyage ー it was directed "From Capt Vandeput to General Howe" 3
I shall thank you for an exact return of the Officers and Men onboard each ship with the date of the Commissions ー Warrants &c ー The Resolution of Congress 4 I have dd to Capt [John] Hazard 5 last Evening and the Warrants for the Columbus He brings with him also the Standard ー 6
Your most Obedient &c
T Matlack
It is said an Inserrection has happened among the Tories in South Carolina ー North Carolina marched a thousand men to their assistance and it is quelled we expect without considerable Loss ー North Carolina do themselves honour by their Spirit ー
1. Hopkins Papers, RIHS. First page missing.
2. The date is approximated from the contents of the letter.
3. The sloop Polly and Ann. On January 17, 1776, the Monmouth, New Jersey, Committee reported that she stranded lately on Manasquan Beach with a cargo of provisions for the troops in Boston. New York Journal, February 1, 1776.
4. The resolution of January 6, 1776, covering the distribution of prize money.
5. Hazard, in the sloop Providence, seems to have joined the fleet at Fort Island, sailing from Philadelphia on or about January 7.
6. The Standard was the famous Rattlesnake Flag.
