New York Feb'ry the 17th 1767 ー [sic 1776]
Sir ー
I think it my duty to inform you that the Phoenix and Governor Tryons Ship are already out of the harbour and that the Asia is under sail ー They most probably have had intelligence of the danger which threatens their Comrade the Mercury and General [Henry] Clinton from your Fleet, and are saild with an intention of attacking it ー as it may be thought prudent to apprize your Fleet of the circumstances I must repeat that I thought it My duty to send an express on the Subject The Asia ran aground opposite the exchange as the tides are low We were in hopes she woud not have been able to have got off this Flood, in these hopes We are preparing Cartridges for some pieces of Cannon, (which is not here from want of method a very short operation) and flatter'd ourselves that We shoud have been able to have destroyd or much damag'd her ー but She is now unfortunately afloat. I am. Sir [&c.]
Charles Lee
1. Papers CC (Letters from General Officers), 158, I, 21-22, NA.