[Stonington] Wednesday [August 30, 1775] 11 o'clock forenoon.
(Copy)
Sir The Tenders under your Command before your coming in fired on the Town without any Provocation from the people here when some few Musket shot was unadvertently returned. ー We know not how Matters are represented to you, we mean to do what is consistent with Honour. We are a Naked Town with a distress'd parcel of Women and Children and at the Mercy of the Fire from the Ships and Tenders. ー We trust were matters rightly represented you would desist firing on the Town.ー
I am Sir [&c.]
Oliver Smith Major
1. PRO, Admiralty 1/485, LC Transcript.